Functional metabolomics uncovers metabolic alterations associated to severe oxidative stress in MCF7 breast cancer cells exposed to ascididemin.

Abstract

Marine natural products are a source of promising agents for cancer treatment. However, there is a need to improve the evaluation of their mechanism of action in tumors. Metabolomics of the response to anti-tumor agents is a tool to reveal candidate biomarkers and metabolic targets. We used two-dimensional high-resolution magic angle spinning proton-NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics to investigate the response of MCF7 breast cancer cells to ascididemin, a marine alkaloid and lead molecule for anti-cancer treatment. Ascididemin induced severe oxidative stress and apoptosis within 48 h of exposure. Thirty-three metabolites were quantified. Metabolic response involved downregulation of glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and phospholipid metabolism alterations. Candidate metabolic biomarkers of the response of breast cancer cells to ascididemin were proposed including citrate, gluconate, polyunsaturated fatty acids, glycerophospho-choline and -ethanolamine. In addition, candidate metabolic targets were identified. Overall, the response to Asc could be related to severe oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Authors: Daniel Morvan
• Journal: Marine drugs (Mar Drugs) Vol. 11 Issue 10 Pg. 3846-60 (Oct 11 2013) ISSN: 1660-3397 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 24152560 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Alkaloids
• Antineoplastic Agents
• Phenanthrolines
• Quinolines
• ascididemin

Topics

• Alkaloids (pharmacology)
• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacology)
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Female
• Humans
• MCF-7 Cells
• Metabolome (drug effects)
• Metabolomics (methods)
• Oxidative Stress (drug effects)
• Phenanthrolines (pharmacology)
• Quinolines (pharmacology)