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Updated: Jul 5, 2025
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Anticancer Effect of Theranekron® on Androgen-Dependent Prostate Cancer Cells
Yalçın Erzurumlu1, Hatice Kübra Doğan2, Deniz Çataklı3
1Süleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Isparta, Türkiye.
Objectives:
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health problem in men worldwide. Although there are numerous treatment choices for PCa, acquired resistance limits treatment success. Therefore, there is a need for new approaches as powerful resources for use in alternative or supportive therapeutic strategies for anticancer therapeutics. Theranekron® is a commercially available alcoholic extract of Tarantula cubensis. Recent studies have shown the potent anticancer effect of theranekron in human tumors, including PCa. Herein, we comparatively examined the antiproliferative activity of theranekron and its biochemical action on androgenic signaling and cell cycle-related cyclin proteins in androgen-dependent PCa cells, LNCaP, VCaP, and 22Rv1.
Materials And Methods:
Human androgen-dependent PCa cells, LNCaP (CRL-1740TM), 22Rv1 (CRL-2505TM), and VCaP (CRL-2876TM) were used to evaluate the effect of theranekron in vitro. The impact of theranekron on cell viability was evaluated using a WST-1-based viability test. Its impact on AR, cyclin A2, cyclin B1, and cyclin E1 was examined by immunoblotting. To test the anti-malignant effect of theranekron on 3D tumor formation of PCa cells, soft agar assay was used.
Results:
Our results indicated that theranekron treatment significantly reduced the viability of PCa cells. It remarkably decreased the protein levels of AR, cyclin A2, cyclin B1, and cyclin E1 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Theranekron administration strongly limited the 3D tumor formation of LNCaP, 22Rv1, and VCaP cells.
Conclusion:
Our findings strongly suggest that theranekron may offer potent therapeutic efficacy against androgen-dependent PCa cells. Moreover, it may be a potent component for preventing acquired resistance to chemotherapeutics.
Insights
Theranekron, a spider venom extract, shows potent anticancer effects against prostate cancer (PCa) cells by reducing viability and inhibiting key proteins. This natural compound may offer new therapeutic strategies for PCa and overcome treatment resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Prostate cancer (PCa) poses a significant global health challenge for men.
- Acquired resistance to existing treatments limits therapeutic success in PCa.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial for managing PCa and overcoming resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiproliferative activity of Theranekron, an extract of Tarantula cubensis, against androgen-dependent PCa cells.
- To examine the biochemical effects of Theranekron on androgen signaling and cell cycle proteins.
- To evaluate Theranekron's potential as an alternative or supportive therapeutic agent for PCa.
Main Methods:
- Utilized human androgen-dependent PCa cell lines (LNCaP, VCaP, 22Rv1) for in vitro studies.
- Assessed cell viability using a WST-1-based assay.
- Examined protein levels of androgen receptor (AR), cyclin A2, cyclin B1, and cyclin E1 via immunoblotting.
- Evaluated anti-malignant effects on 3D tumor formation using a soft agar assay.
Main Results:
- Theranekron significantly reduced the viability of PCa cells in a dose-dependent manner.
- Theranekron markedly decreased protein levels of AR, cyclin A2, cyclin B1, and cyclin E1.
- Theranekron strongly inhibited the 3D tumor formation of LNCaP, 22Rv1, and VCaP cells.
Conclusions:
- Theranekron demonstrates potent therapeutic efficacy against androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells.
- Theranekron may serve as a valuable agent in preventing acquired resistance to chemotherapeutics.
- These findings support Theranekron's potential in novel anticancer therapeutic strategies for PCa.
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