Anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor NVP-TAE684 suppresses the proliferation of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells

Hong Quan Duong, Van Thai Than, Huyen Trang Nguyen, Phuong Thoa Nguyen, Huyen Trang Ha Thi, Thi Ngoc Ha Bui, Vu Phuong Linh Dang, Thi Thanh Dinh, Kyu Sic You, The Hung Dang, Yeon Sun Seong

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4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is known to be an important therapeutic target in various types of cancer. NVP-TAE684, a well-known inhibitor of ALK, was revealed to exert antitumor effects in several different malignan- cies. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for these antitumor effects in cancer cells, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells, remain unknown. In the present study, NVP-TAE684 was investigated for its antitumor effects towards pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. MTT assay, western blot analysis, flow cytometry, caspase-3/7 activity assay and Trypan blue exclusion assay were used and it was revealed that NVP-TAE684 suppressed the proliferation of seven human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines (AsPC-1, Panc-1, MIA PaCa-2, Capan-1, CFPAC-1, Colo-357 and BxPC-3), and significantly increased G2/M arrest and apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, NVP-TAE684 inhibited the phosphorylation of ALK at Y1604, as well as that of downstream mediators such as AKT (S473) and ERK1/2 (Y202/T204). Notably, knocking down ALK with siRNAs also decreased prolifera- tion and promoted G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of ALK with NVP-TAE684 or siRNA synergisti- cally enhanced gemcitabine-induced cell death by inducing apoptosis. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that NVP-TAE684 exerted its antitumor effects by inducing G2/M arrest and apoptosis via the inhibition of the ALK signaling pathway, and suggests its potential use as an antitumor agent against pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Original languageEnglish
Article number28
JournalOncology Reports
Volume45
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - 18 Feb 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor
  • Apoptotic cell death
  • Cell cycle arrest
  • NVP-TAE684
  • Pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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