Abemaciclib induces G1 arrest and lysosomal dysfunction in canine melanoma cells: synergistic effects with

Se-Hoon Kim1, Jun-Yeol Choi1, Yoon-Ho Suh1

  • 1Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Abemaciclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, effectively treats canine melanoma by halting cell cycle progression and disrupting lysosomal function. Combination therapy with fenbendazole shows synergistic antitumor effects, offering a promising new treatment strategy for canine melanoma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Abemaciclib is a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor approved for human breast cancer.
  • Canine melanoma exhibits CDK4/6 copy number gains and cell cycle dysregulation, suggesting potential sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibitors.
  • The efficacy of abemaciclib in canine cancers remains largely uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antitumor effects of abemaciclib in canine melanoma.
  • To investigate the underlying mechanisms of abemaciclib's action, including cell cycle effects and autophagy.
  • To assess the potential synergistic effects of abemaciclib in combination with fenbendazole.

Main Methods:

  • Abemaciclib's effects on canine melanoma cell lines were assessed using cell viability, migration, and cell cycle assays.
  • Gene and protein expression related to the cell cycle was analyzed via RT-PCR and western blotting.
  • Autophagy, lysosomal function, and synergistic effects with fenbendazole were evaluated using various assays, including in vivo xenograft models.

Main Results:

  • Abemaciclib induced G1 cell cycle arrest and altered cell cycle-related gene/protein expression in canine melanoma cells.
  • Abemaciclib activated autophagy and caused vacuolization, indicating disrupted lysosomal function.
  • Combination therapy with fenbendazole demonstrated synergistic cytotoxicity and suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • Abemaciclib exhibits significant antitumor activity in canine melanoma by inducing cell cycle arrest and impairing lysosomal function.
  • The combination of abemaciclib and fenbendazole presents a potential synergistic therapeutic strategy for canine melanoma.