Pyropheophorbide-α methyl ester-mediated photodynamic therapy triggers pyroptosis in osteosarcoma cells via the

Qiu Huang1, Yong Tao2, Ye Zhang2

  • 1Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Municipal Health Commission Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Regeneration and Translational Medicine, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China; Orthopaedic Research Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, 400016, China; Department of Orthopaedics, People's Hospital of Leshan, Leshan, Sichuan, 614000, China.

Abstract

Insights

Pyropheophorbide-α methyl ester-mediated photodynamic therapy (MPPa-PDT) induces pyroptosis in osteosarcoma cells. This cell death pathway, involving mitochondrial damage and ROS/caspase-3/GSDME signaling, enhances apoptosis and offers a potential cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Pyropheophorbide-α methyl ester-mediated photodynamic therapy (MPPa-PDT) is explored for solid tumor treatment, including osteosarcoma.
  • Pyroptosis, a pro-inflammatory cell death, is gaining attention for its immunomodulatory cancer research potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism and role of MPPa-PDT-induced pyroptosis in osteosarcoma cells.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathways involved in MPPa-PDT-induced cell death.

Main Methods:

  • Osteosarcoma cells (143b, HOS) were treated with MPPa and irradiated.
  • Assessed cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MtΔψ), and protein levels via Western blotting.
  • Examined cellular ultrastructure using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

  • MPPa-PDT inhibited osteosarcoma cell activity and induced pyroptosis, characterized by mitochondrial damage, ROS aggregation, and activation of Caspase-3 and GSDME.
  • Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Si caspase-3, or Si GSDME partially reversed MPPa-PDT-induced pyroptosis and cell death.
  • MPPa-PDT induced pyroptosis, with effects partially reversed by Si GSDME and Si Caspase-3, suggesting their involvement.

Conclusions:

  • MPPa-PDT effectively induces pyroptosis in osteosarcoma cells, augmenting apoptotic processes.
  • Mitochondrial damage and the ROS/caspase-3/GSDME pathway are identified as key mechanisms driving MPPa-PDT-induced pyroptosis.
  • This study highlights MPPa-PDT as a potential therapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma via pyroptosis induction.

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