Erufosine alters the genes associated with G2/M Phase of cell cycle in cancers: Molecular evidence from gene expression analysis

Abstract

Background: Erufosine is a novel alkyl-phospholipid with promising anticancer activity. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of erufosine on breast and colorectal cancer cells, with a focus on cell cycle regulation related genes.

Methods: Breast (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7) and colorectal cancer (SW480, SW620) cells were treated with erufosine, and cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Afterwards, the cell lines were exposed to IC₂₅, IC₅₀, and IC₇₅ concentrations of the test compound for 48 hours. qRT-PCR was used to examine expression changes in G2/M phase-related genes including CCNA2, CCNB1 and CDKN3. Fold differences were calculated by using Livak method between the groups.

Results: Erufosine exhibited potent cytotoxicity at micro-molar concentrations in the cell lines. In MDA-MB-231 cells, erufosine induced concentration-dependent downregulation of all three G2/M genes. MCF-7 cells showed minimal induction at low concentrations, followed by marked inhibition at higher concentrations. In colorectal cancer cell lines, erufosine consistently inhibited the three selected genes at all applied concentrations.

Conclusions: Erufosine induces cytotoxic effects and alterations in G2/M phase related genes in breast and colorectal cancer cells. This study provides molecular evidence for the cell cycle related effects of erufosine and supports its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for cancers, particularly for metastatic phases of disease.