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Article
Farnesylthiosalicylic Acid Induces Caspase Activation and Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cells
Cell Death & Differentiation
  • Samson Amos, Cedarville University
  • G. T. Redpath
  • G. Polar
  • R. McPheson
  • D. Schiff
  • I. M. Hussaini
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2006
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.cdd.4401783
PubMed ID
16239932
Abstract

Primary glioblastomas (GBMs) commonly overexpress the oncogene epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which leads to increased Ras activity. FTA, a novel Ras inhibitor, produced both time- and dose-dependent caspase-mediated apoptosis in GBM cell lines. EGFR-mediated increase in 3H-thymidine uptake was inhibited by FTA. FACS analysis was performed to determine the percent of apoptotic cells. The sub-Go population of GBM cells was increased from 4.5 to 13.8% (control) to over 45–53.6% in FTA-treated cells within 24 h. Furthermore, FTA also increased the activities of both caspase-3 and -9, and PARP cleavage. Treatment of GBMs with FTA before or after EGF addition to the cultures blocked phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). FTA also significantly reduced the amount of EGF-induced Ras-GTP as reflected by a decrease in the level of Ras bound to Raf-RBD-GST. This study demonstrates that inhibition of Ras methylation may provide a therapeutic target for the treatment of GBMs overexpressing EGFR.

Keywords
  • Glioblastoma,
  • farnesylthiosalicylic acid,
  • apoptosis,
  • epidermal growth factor receptor,
  • Ras,
  • caspase
Citation Information
Samson Amos, G. T. Redpath, G. Polar, R. McPheson, et al.. "Farnesylthiosalicylic Acid Induces Caspase Activation and Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cells" Cell Death & Differentiation Vol. 13 Iss. 4 (2006) p. 642 - 651 ISSN: 1350-9047
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/samson_amos/21/