Discovery of a novel small molecule, 1-ethoxy-3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-propanol, that induces apoptosis in A549 human lung cancer cells.

Abstract

A novel small molecule, 1-ethoxy-3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-propanol (EOD), was synthesized in our laboratory. Previously, we reported pharmacological properties of EOD, triggering apoptosis in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Here, we further investigated the effects of EOD on the growth of A549 human lung cancer cells. EOD treatment induced apoptosis in A549 cells via up-regulating the expression of P53 protein, blocking cell cycle partly at G1 phase, and ultimately activating caspase-3. In contrast, caspase-8 might be irrelevant to EOD-triggered apoptosis. This study indicated that EOD might be a potential chemopreventive agent for lung cancer. The work would encourage us to add more novel compounds to our 'library' of small molecules derived through modern synthetic organic chemistry, and would drive us to determine the proteins that the compounds target.

• Authors: Ai-Ying Du, Bao-Xiang Zhao, De-Ling Yin, Shang-Li Zhang, Jun-Ying Miao
• Journal: Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry (Bioorg Med Chem) Vol. 13 Issue 13 Pg. 4176-83 (Jul 01 2005) ISSN: 0968-0896 [Print] England
• PMID: 15886004 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• 1-ethoxy-3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-propanol
• Chromatin
• Propanols
• Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
• CASP3 protein, human
• CASP8 protein, human
• Caspase 3
• Caspase 8
• Caspases
• Safrole

Topics

• Apoptosis (drug effects)
• Caspase 3
• Caspase 8
• Caspases (metabolism)
• Chromatin (metabolism)
• Endothelial Cells (cytology, drug effects)
• G1 Phase (drug effects)
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy, metabolism, pathology)
• Propanols
• Safrole (analogs & derivatives, pharmacology)
• Tumor Cells, Cultured
• Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 (metabolism)
• Umbilical Veins (cytology, drug effects)