Cathepsin-K inhibition enhances anti-cancerous activity within oral squamous cell carcinoma cells: Uncloaking the potency of new K21 formulation

Exp Cell Res. 2023 Sep 1;430(1):113687. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113687. Epub 2023 Jun 23.

Abstract

Background: The ability of cancer cells to be invasive and metastasize depend on several factors, of which the action of protease activity takes center stage in disease progression.

Purpose/objective: To analyze function of new K21 molecule in the invasive process of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell line.

Materials & methods: The Fusobacterium (ATCC 23726) streaks were made, and pellets were resuspended in Cal27 (ATCC CRL-2095) OSCC cell line spheroid cell microplate. Cells were seeded and Lysotracker staining performed for CathepsinK red channel. Cell and morphology were evaluated using Transmission Electron microscopy. Thiobarbituric acid assay was performed. OSCC was analyzed for Mic60. Raman spectra were collected from the cancer cell line. L929 dermal fibroblast cells were used for Scratch Assay. ELISA muti arrays were used for cytokines and matrix molecules. Internalization ability of fibroblast cells were also analyzed. Structure of K21 as a surfactant molecule with best docked poses were presented.

Results: Decrease in lysosomal staining was observed after 15 and 30 min of 0.1% treatment. Tumor clusters were associated with cell membrane destruction in K21 primed cells. There was functional silencing of Mic60 via K21, especially with 1% concentration with reduced cell migration and invasiveness. Raman intensity differences were seen at 700 cm-1, 1200 cm-1 and 1600 cm-1 regions. EVs were detected within presence of fibroblast cells amongst K21 groups. Wound area and wound closure showed the progress of wound healing.

Conclusion: Over expression of CatK can be reduced by a newly developed targeted K21 based drug delivery system leading to reduced migration and adhesion of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. The K21 drug formulation can have great potential for cancer therapies due to targeting and cytotoxicity effects.

Keywords: Cancer; Cathepsin K; Lysotracker; Oral cancer; Staining; k21.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / pathology
  • Cathepsin K
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms*
  • Humans
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

Substances

  • Cathepsin K