Abstract |
Apoptosis is involved in the action of several (and perhaps all) cancer-chemotherapeutic agents. Prodigiosins, a family of natural red pigments characterized by a common pyrrolylpyrromethene skeleton, are produced by various bacteria. Three members of the prodigiosin family, viz. prodigiosin (PG), undecylprodigiosin (UP) and cycloprodigiosin hydrochloride ( cPrG.HCl), have immunosuppressive properties and apoptotic effects on cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Their cytotoxic effect is attributed to the presence of the C-6 methoxy substituent. The A- pyrrole ring plays a key role in both the copper nuclease activity and the cytotoxicity of prodigiosins. Here, we have reviewed the pharmacological activity of PG and related compounds, including novel synthetic PG-derivatives with lower toxicity. The mechanism of action for these molecules is a current topic in biomedicine. The molecular targets of prodigiosins are also discussed.
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Authors | Beatriz Montaner, Ricardo Pérez-Tomás |
Journal | Current cancer drug targets
(Curr Cancer Drug Targets)
Vol. 3
Issue 1
Pg. 57-65
(Feb 2003)
ISSN: 1568-0096 [Print] Netherlands |
PMID | 12570661
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Prodigiosin
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Topics |
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents
(chemistry, pharmacology)
- Apoptosis
(drug effects)
- Cell Cycle
(drug effects)
- Cell Survival
(drug effects)
- Humans
- Prodigiosin
(chemistry, pharmacology)
- Signal Transduction
(drug effects)
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