Small molecular weight polyfluoroalkyl phosphonates induce ROS-mediated cytotoxicity in glioblastoma cells: a molecular mechanism study.

ABSTRACT: Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumour with limited treatment options and poor patient survival, largely due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricting effective drug delivery. In this study, we focused on two small molecular weight polyfluoroalkyl phosphonates, ZOT₅-1-Me and ZOT₅-1-Et, designed to permeate the BBB. Comprehensive in vitro analyses using U-87 MG cells and a panel of glioma cell lines revealed that both compounds exhibit potent cytostatic and cytotoxic activities. Mechanistically, they induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, triggering both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways via caspase-dependent and caspase-independent mechanisms. Additionally, ZOT₅-1-Me and ZOT₅-1-Et induced DNA damage, including sing

SUBMITTER: Wolodkiewicz P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12592489 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature