Salinomycin sensitizes cancer cells to the effects of doxorubicin and etoposide treatment by increasing DNA damage and reducing p21 protein.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Salinomycin (Sal) has recently been shown to inhibit various cancer stem cells. Here, we investigated whether Sal could sensitize cancer cells to the effects of doxorubicin (DOX) or etoposide (ETO).

Experimental approach

Using the Comet assay, immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis, we assessed the ability of Sal to increase DNA breakage. We performed a cell proliferation assay to determine cell viability, cellular detachment, increased pre-G1 region, Annexin V staining and TUNEL assay to measure the ability of Sal to increase apoptosis.

Key results

Sal increased DNA breakage and phosphorylated levels of p53 and H2AX. Sal also induced the formation of DNA foci with pH2AX and 53BP1. Furthermore, Sal increased the sensitivity of cancer cell

SUBMITTER: Kim JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3041264 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature