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Exploring the in vivo anti-cancer potential of Neosetophomone B in leukemic cells using a zebrafish xenograft model
Shilpa Kuttikrishnan1, Maram Hasan2, Kirti S Prabhu3
1Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, 3050, Qatar; College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
Abstract:
Neosetophomone B (NSP-B) is a unique meroterpenoid fungal secondary metabolite that has previously demonstrated promising anti-cancer properties against various cancer cell lines in vitro. However, its in vivo anti-cancer potential remaines unexplored. To fill this gap in our knowledge, we tested NSP-B's in vivo anti-cancer activity using a zebrafish model, an organism that has gained significant traction in biomedical research due to its genetic similarities with humans and its transparent nature, allowing real-time tumor growth observation. For our experiments, we employed the K562-injected zebrafish xenograft model. Upon treating these zebrafish with NSP-B, we observed a marked reduction in the size and number of tumor xenografts. Delving deeper, our analyses indicated that NSP-B curtailed tumor growth and proliferation of leukemic grafted xenograft within the zebrafish. These results show that NSP-B possesses potent in vivo anti-cancer properties, making it a potential novel therapeutic agent for addressing hematological malignancies.
Insights
Neosetophomone B (NSP-B), a fungal compound, effectively reduced tumor growth and proliferation in zebrafish models. This study highlights NSP-B
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Neosetophomone B (NSP-B) is a fungal meroterpenoid secondary metabolite.
- NSP-B has shown in vitro anti-cancer activity against various cancer cell lines.
- The in vivo anti-cancer potential of NSP-B remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo anti-cancer properties of Neosetophomone B (NSP-B).
- To evaluate NSP-B's efficacy in a zebrafish xenograft model for hematological malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a K562-injected zebrafish xenograft model.
- Administered Neosetophomone B (NSP-B) to the zebrafish.
- Observed and quantified tumor xenograft size and number in real-time.
Main Results:
- Neosetophomone B (NSP-B) treatment significantly reduced tumor xenograft size and number.
- NSP-B demonstrated potent inhibition of leukemic xenograft growth and proliferation in vivo.
- Zebrafish model allowed for real-time observation of anti-cancer effects.
Conclusions:
- Neosetophomone B (NSP-B) exhibits significant in vivo anti-cancer activity.
- NSP-B shows promise as a novel therapeutic agent for hematological malignancies.
- The zebrafish model is a valuable tool for studying in vivo anti-cancer drug efficacy.

