Induction of apoptosis by 4-(3-(tert-butylamino)imidazo[1,2-α]pyridine-2-yl) benzoic acid in breast cancer cells via upregulation of PTEN

Oncol Res. 2013;21(1):1-13. doi: 10.3727/096504013X13786659070190.

Abstract

We have previously reported that 4-(3-(tert-butylamino)imidazo[1,2-α]pyridine-2-yl)benzoic acid, a bicyclic N-fused aminoimidazoles derivative (BNFA-D), possesses anticancer potentiality against breast and kidney cancer cells with minimal toxicities to corresponding normal cells. Here, we explored the mechanism of action of BNFA-D in breast cancer cells using multiple cell-based assays such as MTT, DAPI, FACS, Western blot, and immunoprecipitation. BNFA-D caused apoptosis by upregulating PTEN leading to inhibition of Wnt/TCF signaling cascade and arresting S phase in breast cancer cells. Expression levels of β-catenin, cyclin D1, C-MYC, and phospho-AKT (Ser(473)) decreased with simultaneous increase in the levels of GSK3β, CK1, and PTEN in BNFA-D-treated MCF-7 cells. Interestingly, silencing of PTEN in breast cancer cells reversed the phenomenon of Wnt/TCF signaling cascade inhibition after BNFA-D treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Benzoates / pharmacology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Cell Growth Processes / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / metabolism
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / pharmacology
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / genetics
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / metabolism*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
  • Pyridines / pharmacology
  • TCF Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transfection
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / drug effects

Substances

  • Benzoates
  • Imidazoles
  • Pyridines
  • TCF Transcription Factors
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • GSK3B protein, human
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase
  • PTEN protein, human