Anti-AKT1 (E40) Antibody (A25954)

BACKGROUND:

The 90-kDa heat shock protein HSP90AA1 is critical for the stability of several proteins that are important for tumor progression and thus, is a promising target for cancer therapy. Selenosemicarbazone metal complexes have been shown to possess anticancer activity through an unknown molecular mechanism.

METHODS:

The MTT assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and fluorescent microscopy were used to analyze the mechanism of the anti-cancer activity of the selenosemicarbazone metal complexes. Additionally, RNA-seq was applied to identify transcriptional gene changes, and in turn, the signaling pathways involved in the process of 2-24a/Cu-induced cell death. Last, the expression of HSP90AA1, HSPA1A, PIM1, and AKT proteins in 2-24a/Cu-treated cells were investigated by western blot analysis.

RESULTS:

A novel selenosemicarbazone copper complex (2-24a/Cu) efficiently induced G2/M arrest and was cytotoxic in cancer cells. 2-24a/Cu significantly induced oxidative stress in cancer cells. Interestingly, although RNA-seq revealed that the transcription of HSP90AA1 was increased in 2-24a/Cu-treated cells, western blotting showed that the expression of HSP90AA1 protein was significantly decreased in these cells. Furthermore, down-regulation of HSP90AA1 led to the degradation of its client proteins (PIM1 and AKT1), which are also cancer therapy targets.

CONCLUSION:

Our results showed that 2-24a/Cu efficiently generates oxidative stress and down-regulates HSP90AA1 and its client proteins (PIM1, AKT1) in U2os and HeLa cells. These results demonstrate the potential application of this novel copper complex in cancer therapy.

BACKGROUND:

Tao-Hong-Si-Wu decoction (THSWD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been used for centuries in the treatment of Chinese patients with chronic liver disease. Recently, THSWD has been reported to alter vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced angiogenesis, raising the possibility that in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties; THSWD might also inhibit hepatic blood flow associated fibrosis.

AIM:

To document the effects of THSWD on hepatic necroinflammatory disease activity, fibrosis and VEGF signaling in a murine model of chronic liver disease.

METHODS:

Sixty adult mice were equally divided into six study groups. Five groups were exposed to subcutaneous carbon tetrachloride (0.1 ml/10 g BW) for six weeks. Three of the five groups were treated with different concentrations of THSWD (4.25, 8.50, 17.00 g/kg), one with 0.1mg/kg of Colchicine (positive control), and one with physiologic saline (negative control). Mice in the sixth group were not exposed to CCl4 and remained untreated (healthy controls). Liver enzymes/function tests, hyaluronic acid and laminin levels were measured in serum, and hepatic histology, VEGF, Flt-1 and kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR), Akt and phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) expression were documented in liver tissue at the end of treatment.

RESULTS:

Hepatic necroinflammatory disease activity and fibrosis were significantly attenuated in THSWD treated mice in a dose dependent manner. These beneficial results were similar and often exceeded those achieved with Colchicine. In addition, VEGF, Flt-1, KDR, Akt and pAkt mRNA and protein expression were reduced in TSHWD treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this animal model of chronic liver disease, THSWD decreased hepatic necroinflammatory disease and fibrosis. Inhibition of VEGF expression and downstream signaling were associated with these findings. Further studies with this and other TCMs as treatment for chronic liver disease are warranted.

Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.