Identifying Cellular Stress-Related mRNA Changes Induced by Novel Xanthone Derivatives in Ovarian Cancer Cells In

Jakub Rech1, Dorota Żelaszczyk2, Henryk Marona2

  • 1Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland.

Pharmaceutics
|July 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Novel xanthone derivatives show promise for ovarian cancer treatment. These compounds demonstrated potential anticancer effects and altered cellular stress responses in preclinical studies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

  • Ovarian cancer presents a significant challenge in oncology with high mortality rates, particularly in advanced stages.
  • Current treatments like chemotherapy and surgery have limitations, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
  • This research explores novel xanthone derivatives incorporating a morpholine ring to enhance anticancer efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the potential of novel xanthone derivatives as therapeutic agents for ovarian cancer.
  • To assess the in silico toxicity and ADME properties of these compounds.
  • To investigate the impact of these derivatives on cellular stress-related genes in ovarian cancer cell lines.

Main Methods:

  • In silico analysis using ProTox III and SwissADME for toxicity and ADME profiling.
  • Quantitative PCR (qPCR) to analyze gene expression changes in ovarian cancer cell lines (TOV-21G, SKOV-3).
  • Treatment of cell lines with synthesized xanthone derivatives to observe molecular responses.

Main Results:

  • In silico studies predicted favorable gastrointestinal absorption and blood-brain barrier permeability for the derivatives.
  • Compounds displayed varied toxicity and metabolic profiles.
  • qPCR analysis indicated significant modulation of genes involved in antioxidant defense, molecular chaperoning, and xenobiotic metabolism.

Conclusions:

  • Novel xanthone derivatives exhibit potential as candidates for ovarian cancer therapy.
  • These compounds may offer enhanced therapeutic efficacy and strategies to overcome drug resistance.
  • Further investigation is required to fully understand the mechanisms of action and optimize treatment strategies.

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