Connexin-43 enhances tumor suppressing activity of artesunate via gap junction-dependent as well as independent pathways in human breast cancer cells.

ABSTRACT: The gap junction (GJ) protein connexin-43 (Cx43) is considered as a tumour suppressor protein for its role in reversing the phenotype of the cancer cells. In this study, we exploited the antitumor property of Cx43 in conjunction with the artesunate (ART), a plant-based active anti-malarial compound. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by ART resulted in DNA damage, which in turn led to DNA damage response by activation of DNA damage repair proteins. GJ deficient MCF-7 cells transfected with Cx43 gene showed an increased sensitivity towards dose-dependent ART treatment and required a significantly lower dose of ART to attain its IC₅₀, as compared to parental cells. This would ultimately result in reduced dose-dependent side effects of ART. The Co-culture experiments invol

SUBMITTER: Raza A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5548912 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature