In the present study, we investigated antiproliferative activity of seven newly synthesized chalcone derivatives. Among tested compounds, (2 E)-3-(acridin-9-yl)-1-(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (1C) was the most potent with IC50 = 4.1 μmol/L in human colorectal HCT116 cells and was selected for further studies. Inhibition of cell proliferation was associated with cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and dysregulation of α, α1 and β5 tubulins. Moreover, 1C caused disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential and increased number of cells with sub G0/G1 DNA content which is considered as marker of apoptosis. Apoptosis was confirmed by annexin V/PI and AO/PI staining. Furthermore, we found increased concentration of cytochrome c, Smac/Diablo and increased caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity, cleavage of PARP as well as activation of DNA repair mechanisms in 1C-treated HCT116 cancer cells. Moreover this chalcone derivative up-regulated proapoptotic Bax expression and down-regulated antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression. Additionally, 1C treatment led to modulation of MAPKs and Akt signalling pathways. In conclusion, our data showed ability of 1C to suppress cancel cell growth and provide the rationale for further in vivo study.
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