ADPB Sensitivity in Breast Cancer is Correlated with LAT1 Expression: An in vitro Study of a Novel Theranostic

Kharisma Perdani Kusumahstuti1,2,3, Holis Abdul Holik4, Muhammad Hasan Bashari5

  • 1Doctoral Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.

Abstract

Insights

A novel agent, (S)-2-amino-4-(3,5-dichlorophenyl) butanoic acid (ADPB), shows potential as a targeted breast cancer therapy by inhibiting L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1). Its efficacy correlates with LAT1 expression levels in cancer cells.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally.
  • Current chemotherapies lack specificity, leading to toxicity in normal cells.
  • L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is overexpressed in various cancers, including breast cancer, making it a potential therapeutic target.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of a new LAT1 inhibitor, (S)-2-amino-4-(3,5-dichlorophenyl) butanoic acid (ADPB), in three distinct breast cancer cell lines.
  • To determine if LAT1 expression levels influence ADPB's effectiveness in inhibiting cancer cell viability.
  • To explore ADPB as a potential targeted therapy with reduced harm to normal cells.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized RT-qPCR to quantify LAT1 mRNA expression across MCF-7, HCC1954, and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines.
  • Determined IC50 values using MTT assays after exposing cells to varying concentrations of ADPB (0-160 µM) for 72 hours.
  • Conducted three independent replication tests to ensure the reliability of the results.

Main Results:

  • ADPB demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in cancer cell viability across all tested cell lines.
  • MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative) cells were most sensitive to ADPB (IC50 = 118.1 µM), followed by HCC-1954 (HER2+) (IC50 = 126.2 µM), and MCF-7 (luminal A) (IC50 = 127.3 µM).
  • An inverse correlation was observed between LAT1 expression levels and IC50 values, indicating higher LAT1 expression leads to greater sensitivity to ADPB.

Conclusions:

  • ADPB exhibits predominantly cytostatic effects in breast cancer cell lines.
  • Cellular sensitivity to ADPB is significantly associated with LAT1 expression levels.
  • ADPB represents a promising agent for targeted therapy in LAT1-expressing breast cancers.