Orobol, 3'-hydroxy-genistein, suppresses the development and regrowth of cutaneous SCC

Eunmiri Roh1, Jong-Eun Kim2, Tianshun Zhang3

  • 1Department of Cosmetic Science, Kwangju Women's University, Gwangju 62396, Republic of Korea.

Biochemical Pharmacology
|January 19, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Orol, a T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) inhibitor, effectively prevents and treats skin cancer (cSCC) development and regrowth in mouse models. Intermittent dosing shows promise for long-term management of cSCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Chronic solar ultraviolet (UV) exposure is a primary risk factor for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
  • T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) is overexpressed in actinic keratosis (AK) and cSCC, suggesting its role in skin carcinogenesis.
  • Targeting TOPK activity presents a potential therapeutic strategy for cSCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of orobol, a novel TOPK inhibitor, in preventing and treating cSCC.
  • To evaluate orobol's potential for managing cSCC regrowth, particularly with intermittent dosing strategies.
  • To assess the impact of orobol on oncogenic protein levels in UV-exposed human skin.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies demonstrating orobol's direct binding to TOPK and inhibition of its kinase activity.
  • Assessment of orobol's effect on anchorage-independent colony formation in SCC12 cells.
  • Establishment of mouse models (prevention, therapeutic, and intermittent dosing) using chronic solar-simulated light (SSL)-irradiated SKH-1 hairless mice.

Main Results:

  • Orol directly inhibits TOPK kinase activity in an ATP-independent manner and reduces SCC12 cell colony formation.
  • Early orobol treatment attenuated SSL-induced cSCC development, and therapeutic administration showed efficacy post-tumor formation.
  • Intermittent orobol dosing effectively reduced tumor regrowth after treatment discontinuation, and oncogenic protein levels were decreased in SSL-stimulated human skin.

Conclusions:

  • Orol demonstrates significant potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing and treating cSCC.
  • The intermittent dosing strategy suggests orobol's utility for long-term cSCC management and preventing recurrence.
  • Orol represents a promising clinical approach targeting TOPK for cSCC prevention and treatment.

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