2'-Hydroxy-4-methylsulfonylchalcone enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells

Anticancer Drugs. 2015 Jan;26(1):74-84. doi: 10.1097/CAD.0000000000000163.

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the most common malignant cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Previously, we have shown that 2'-hydroxy-4-methylsulfonylchalcone (RG003) induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and DU145. Although tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising anticancer agent, some cancer cells are resistant to TRAIL treatment. PC-3 and LNCaP prostatic cancer cell lines have been reported to be resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Here, we show for the first time that RG003 overcomes TRAIL resistance in prostate cancer cells. RG003 can enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis through DR5 upregulation and downregulation of Bcl-2, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) survival pathways. When used in combined treatment, RG003 and TRAIL amplified TRAIL-induced activation of apoptosis effectors and particularly activation of caspase-8 and the executioner caspase-3, leading to increased poly-ADP-ribose polymerase cleavage and DNA fragmentation in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, we showed that RG003 reduced COX-2 expression in cells. Previously, we showed that COX-2 was involved in resistance to an apoptosis mechanism; then, its inhibition by RG003 could render cells more sensitive to TRAIL treatment. We showed that nuclear factor-κB activation was inhibited after RG003 treatment. This inhibition was correlated with reduction in COX-2 expression and induction of apoptosis. Overall, we conclude, for the first time, that RG003 can enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells. The significance of our in-vitro study with RG003 and TRAIL combined is very encouraging, suggesting the relevance of testing this combined treatment in xenograft animal models.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Chalcones / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Drug Synergism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Sulfones / pharmacology*
  • TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand / pharmacology*
  • Transcription Factor AP-1 / metabolism

Substances

  • 2'-hydroxy-4-methylsulfonylchalcone
  • 4'-chloro-2'-hydroxy-4-methylsulfonylchalcone
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Chalcones
  • NF-kappa B
  • Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
  • Sulfones
  • TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
  • Transcription Factor AP-1