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Cancer Cell International
Published in: Cancer Cell International 1/2003

Open Access 01-12-2003 | Primary research

Styrylpyrone Derivative (SPD) induces apoptosis in a caspase-7-dependent manner in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7

Authors: Alvin Teck Chien Lee, Hawariah Lope Pihie Azimahtol, Ann Na Tan

Published in: Cancer Cell International | Issue 1/2003

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Abstract

Background

Styrylpyrone derivative (SPD) is a plant-derived pharmacologically active compound extracted from Goniothalamus sp. Previously, we have reported that SPD inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells by inducing apoptotic cell death, while having minimal effects on non-malignant cells. Here, we attempt to further elucidate the mode of action of SPD.

Results

We found that the intrinsic apoptotic pathway was invoked, with the accumulation of cytosolic cytochrome c and processing of the initiator caspase-9. Cleaved products of procaspase-8 were not detected. Next, the executioner caspase-7 was cleaved and activated in response to SPD treatment. To confirm that apoptosis was induced following caspase-7 activation, the caspase inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO was used. Pre-incubation of cells with this inhibitor reversed apoptosis levels and caspase-7 activity in SPD-treated cells to untreated levels.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest SPD as a potent antiproliferative agent on MCF-7 cells by inducing apoptosis in a caspase-7-dependent manner.
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Metadata
Title
Styrylpyrone Derivative (SPD) induces apoptosis in a caspase-7-dependent manner in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7
Authors
Alvin Teck Chien Lee
Hawariah Lope Pihie Azimahtol
Ann Na Tan
Publication date
01-12-2003
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Cancer Cell International / Issue 1/2003
Electronic ISSN: 1475-2867
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2867-3-16

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