Disintegrins from the Venom of Vipera ammodytes ammodytes Efficiently Inhibit Migration of Breast Cancer Cells

Acta Chim Slov. 2017 Sep;64(3):555-559. doi: 10.17344/acsi.2016.2924.

Abstract

Integrins are plasma membrane proteins, whose dysfunction frequently results in cancer pathology, and therefore they represent important targets of anti-tumour therapy. Snake venoms are a rich source of disintegrins (Dis), proteins that specifically bind integrins and thus interfere with their functions. In an attempt to discover new molecules for treatment of breast cancer, the major type of cancer in women, we isolated a dimeric Dis (Vaa-Dis) from the venom of the nosehorned viper. By cell viability testing we demonstrated that 50 nM and higher concentrations of Vaa-Dis were toxic to highly invasive human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MDA-MB-231. Wound-healing assay revealed that already at one order of magnitude lower concentrations Vaa-Dis efficiently inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell migration. This exposed a promising anti-metastatic potential of Vaa-Dis and a good perspective of these natural snake venom proteins for further research and development towards the application in breast cancer treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Cell Movement / drug effects*
  • Disintegrins / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Viper Venoms / chemistry*
  • Viperidae

Substances

  • Disintegrins
  • Viper Venoms