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Published on: October 9, 2016
A synthetic molecule targeting STAT3 against human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Li-Yuan Bai1,2, Eman M E Dokla3, Po-Chen Chu4
1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), one of the most common cancers in Taiwan, needs new therapeutic agents and treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-proliferative activity of {N-[3-chloro-4-[5-[3-[[[4-[(cyclopropylcarbonyl)-amino]3-(trifluoromethyl)phenylamino]carbonyl]amino]phenyl]-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]phenyl]-3-pyridine-carboxamide} (COC), a synthetic molecule, in OSCC cells. COC exhibits potent tumor-suppressive efficacy with IC50 values of 195 nM and 204 nM toward SCC2095 and SCC4 OSCC cells, respectively. Our data revealed that COC caused caspase-dependent apoptosis and downregulated the MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, COC modulated the levels of E-cadherin and β-catenin and inhibited migration. COC also decreased p-STAT3 levels, and the overexpression of STAT3 partially attenuated COC-induced cytotoxicity. Therefore, our findings suggest the use of COC as a new approach to oral cancer treatment.
Insights
A synthetic molecule, N-[3-chloro-4-[5-[3-[[[4-[(cyclopropylcarbonyl)-amino]3-(trifluoromethyl)phenylamino]carbonyl]amino]phenyl]-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]phenyl]-3-pyridine-carboxamide (COC), shows potent anti-proliferative activity against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). COC induces apoptosis and inhibits migration, suggesting its potential as a novel oral cancer therapeutic.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent cancer in Taiwan requiring novel therapeutic strategies.
- Existing treatments for OSCC have limitations, necessitating the development of new agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-proliferative effects of the synthetic molecule N-[3-chloro-4-[5-[3-[[[4-[(cyclopropylcarbonyl)-amino]3-(trifluoromethyl)phenylamino]carbonyl]amino]phenyl]-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]phenyl]-3-pyridine-carboxamide (COC) on OSCC cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying COC's anti-cancer activity in OSCC.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of COC's anti-proliferative activity using IC50 values in OSCC cell lines (SCC2095 and SCC4).
- Analysis of apoptosis induction via caspase activation.
- Evaluation of signaling pathway modulation, including MAPK and STAT3.
- Assessment of effects on cell migration and expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin.
Main Results:
- COC demonstrated significant tumor-suppressive efficacy with low nanomolar IC50 values in OSCC cells.
- COC induced caspase-dependent apoptosis and downregulated the MAPK signaling pathway.
- COC modulated E-cadherin and β-catenin levels, inhibited cell migration, and decreased p-STAT3 levels.
- STAT3 overexpression partially counteracted COC's cytotoxic effects.
Conclusions:
- The synthetic molecule COC exhibits potent anti-proliferative and tumor-suppressive properties against OSCC.
- COC exerts its effects through induction of apoptosis, modulation of key signaling pathways (MAPK, STAT3), and inhibition of cell migration.
- COC represents a promising novel therapeutic agent for oral cancer treatment.
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