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Bioinformatics study and cytotoxicity of several curcumin analogues in ovarian cancer
Retno Murwanti1,2, Ritmaleni3,2, Navista Sri Octa Ujiantari3,2
1Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia.
Abstract:
Ovarian cancer ranks as Indonesia's third-leading cause of cancer-related death, emphasising the need for innovative treatments. This study combined bioinformatics, molecular docking, and experimental assays to tackle this challenge. We identified 166 ovarian cancer-related genes, with MYC standing out as a key target. Analysis of MYC mutations revealed prevalent alterations, though no significant survival differences were observed in patients with or without the mutations. Molecular docking pinpointed compound B155 as a promising MYC inhibitor. A preliminary cytotoxicity assay revealed compound B155's notable activity, with an 87.19 % inhibition of cell viability at 50 μM. Most of the other curcumin analogues only caused more than 50 % inhibition at the same concentration. This result suggests alternative mechanisms of action, possibly antioxidant effects, warranting further exploration. In summary, this study unveiled MYC as a prime target for ovarian cancer treatment, with curcumin analogues like B155 showing potential. Nonetheless, the complex factors affecting cytotoxicity underscore the need for deeper investigation into these compounds' mechanisms in ovarian cancer cells.
Insights
This study identifies MYC as a key gene for ovarian cancer treatment. Compound B155 shows promise as a MYC inhibitor, with potential for developing new ovarian cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Ovarian cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality in Indonesia.
- There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Identifying key molecular targets is essential for advancing ovarian cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potential therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer.
- To evaluate novel compounds as inhibitors of identified targets.
- To explore the mechanisms of action for potential drug candidates.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify ovarian cancer-related genes.
- Molecular docking simulations to predict compound-target interactions.
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays to assess compound efficacy.
Main Results:
- MYC was identified as a key gene in ovarian cancer, with prevalent mutations found.
- Molecular docking identified compound B155 as a potential MYC inhibitor.
- Compound B155 demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cells (87.19% inhibition at 50 μM).
- Other curcumin analogues showed varied efficacy, suggesting diverse mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- MYC is a promising therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
- Compound B155, a curcumin analogue, exhibits potential as an ovarian cancer therapeutic agent.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action of these compounds in ovarian cancer cells.
