The novel EZH2 inhibitor, GSK126, suppresses cell migration and angiogenesis via down-regulating VEGF-A

Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2016 Apr;77(4):757-65. doi: 10.1007/s00280-016-2990-1. Epub 2016 Feb 22.

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the effects and mechanisms of GSK126, a novel inhibitor of histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homologue 2, on cancer cell migration.

Methods: Gastric cancer cell line MGC803 and human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 were treated with GSK126 at three doses. Transwell and wound healing assays were conducted to detect cell migration. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells tube formation assay and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay were performed to assess the effects of GSK126 on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, respectively. The mRNA level of VEGF-A was detected by quantitative PCR, and the protein levels of VEGF-A were detected both by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Epi-fluorescent intensity was obtained by in vivo imaging.

Results: GSK126 inhibited cell migration in both MGC803 and A549 in a dose-dependent manner, as revealed by transwell and wound healing assays. The effects of GSK 126 were similar to those of gefitinib at the same doses. Moreover, GSK126 at doses of 20 and 50 µM inhibited angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. GSK126 reduced both the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-A in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, in vivo imaging assay revealed that GSK126 at 200 mg/kg significantly inhibited cancer cell migration.

Conclusions: GSK126 inhibits cell migration and angiogenesis in solid tumor cell lines through down-regulation of VEGF-A expression. Thus, it may be considered as a novel anticancer drug candidate for solid tumor.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; EZH2; GSK126; Migration; VEGF-A.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Chick Embryo
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
  • Humans
  • Indoles / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / prevention & control
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Pyridones / pharmacology*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • GSK-2816126
  • Indoles
  • Pyridones
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • EZH2 protein, human
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2