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Natural Chemical From Sea Sponges Induces Death In Cancer Cells Via Unusual Pathway

Date:
August 29, 2008
Source:
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Summary:
A chemical called candidaspongiolide (CAN) inhibits protein synthesis but also kills cancer cells by triggering caspase 12-dependent programmed cell death, according to an article in the Aug. 26 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
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A chemical called candidaspongiolide (CAN) inhibits protein synthesis but also kills cancer cells by triggering caspase 12-dependent programmed cell death, according to an article in the Aug. 26 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Previous reports showed that CAN preferentially killed glioma and melanoma cells in vitro, but its mechanism of action was unknown.

In the current study, Giovanni Melillo, M.D., of the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Md., and colleagues used molecular and cell assays to uncover the mechanism by which CAN kills cancer cells in vitro.

CAN halts protein synthesis in both normal and cancer cells but does not kill normal cells at dosages that trigger cell death in the malignant cells. CAN induces cell death by activating caspase 12 by an unusual biochemical pathway.

The investigators conclude that further tests with CAN are warranted in vitro and in animal models.


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Materials provided by Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Trisciuoglio et al. Induction of Apoptosis in Human Cancer Cells by Candidaspongiolide, a Novel Sponge Polyketide. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2008; DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djn239

Cite This Page:

Journal of the National Cancer Institute. "Natural Chemical From Sea Sponges Induces Death In Cancer Cells Via Unusual Pathway." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 29 August 2008. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827223119.htm>.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute. (2008, August 29). Natural Chemical From Sea Sponges Induces Death In Cancer Cells Via Unusual Pathway. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 11, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827223119.htm
Journal of the National Cancer Institute. "Natural Chemical From Sea Sponges Induces Death In Cancer Cells Via Unusual Pathway." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827223119.htm (accessed October 11, 2024).

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