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Pasireotide induces proteins related to autophagy in cancer cells

Madan Sigdel1, Saikat Fakir1, Md Matiur Rahman Sarker1

  • 1School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA.

Endocrine
|July 10, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pasireotide (PAS), a synthetic somatostatin analog, was found to increase autophagy-related proteins in cancer cells. These findings suggest PAS may exert beneficial effects in cancer by modulating autophagy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Autophagy is a cellular process involved in maintaining homeostasis.
  • Dysregulation of autophagy is implicated in various cancers.
  • Synthetic somatostatin analogs (SSAs) are used in cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if Pasireotide (PAS), an SSA, influences autophagy-related proteins in cancer cells.
  • To explore the potential role of autophagy in the anti-cancer effects of PAS.

Main Methods:

  • Human cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-468 and HeLa) were treated with PAS or a vehicle control.
  • Cells were analyzed at different time points (8, 24, and 32 hours).
  • Western blot analysis was used to quantify changes in autophagy-related protein expression.

Main Results:

  • PAS treatment significantly increased the expression of autophagy-related proteins ATG-3, ATG-7, and Beclin-1.
  • These effects were observed in both MDA-MB-468 and HeLa cancer cell lines.
  • The induction of these proteins suggests PAS impacts the autophagic pathway.

Conclusions:

  • The study indicates that Pasireotide (PAS) can induce autophagy-related proteins in cancer cells.
  • Autophagy modulation may be a key mechanism underlying the anti-cancer effects of PAS.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms involved.
Keywords:
Neuroendocrine tumorsOncologySomatostatinSynthetic somatostatin analogs

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