Erufosine mediated regulation of apoptotic, cell cycle and cell survival genes in breast cancer cells

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a common cancer in females worldwide with continuously growing incidence over the decades. Novel compounds are needed to treat breast cancer effectively. Erufosine, a synthetic lipid, is a promising anticancer agent that acts on cell membranes to induce antitumor effects and interfere with lipid homeostasis leading to toxic effects.

Methods: Toxic effects of erufosine on human breast cancer cell lines were determined by MTT dye assay. Cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) were cultured and treated with erufosine for 24-72 h. Expressional changes in apoptosis (BCL2), cell cycle (CDKN1A) and cell survival (MYB) related genes were determined by real-time PCRs.

Results: The compound induced cytotoxic effects in the cells in concentration dependent format. Both cancer cell lines were found sensitive towards the exposure with erufosine. Selected genes were de-regulated by the compound in cell specific format. Cell cycle inhibitor gene (CDKN1A) was up-regulated while cell survival (MYB) was down-regulated in the cells. Apoptosis (BCL2) gene showed a variable response in the two cell lines.   

Conclusion: Erufosine induces cell death in breast cancer cells and de-regulate the associated genes. Erufosine mediated observed functional and molecular changes in breast cancer cells highlight its antineoplastic potential.