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Experimental Hematology & Oncology
Published in: Experimental Hematology & Oncology 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Phenethyl isothiocyanate and paclitaxel synergistically enhanced apoptosis and alpha-tubulin hyperacetylation in breast cancer cells

Authors: Shundong Cang, Yuehua Ma, Jen-wei Chiao, Delong Liu

Published in: Experimental Hematology & Oncology | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Combination of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and paclitaxel (taxol) has been shown to work synergistically to increase apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cells. In this report, we further explored the mechanisms for the synergistic activity of PEITC and taxol in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 (MB) breast cancer cell lines. By Western blotting analysis, treatment of MCF7 cells with both PEITC and taxol led to a 10.4-fold and 5.96-fold increase in specific acetylation of alpha-tubulin over single agent PEITC and taxol, respectively. This synergistic effect on acetylation of alpha-tubulin was also seen in MB cells. The combination of PEITC and taxol also reduced expressions of cell cycle regulator Cdk1, and anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2, enhanced expression of Bax and cleavage of PARP proteins. In conclusion, this study provided biochemical evidence for the mechanism of synergistic effect between the epigenetic agent PEITC and the chemotherapeutic agent taxol.
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Metadata
Title
Phenethyl isothiocyanate and paclitaxel synergistically enhanced apoptosis and alpha-tubulin hyperacetylation in breast cancer cells
Authors
Shundong Cang
Yuehua Ma
Jen-wei Chiao
Delong Liu
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Experimental Hematology & Oncology / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 2162-3619
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/2162-3619-3-5

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