L-glutamine Schiff base copper complex as a proteasome inhibitor and an apoptosis inducer in human cancer cells

  • Authors:
    • Yan Xiao
    • Caifeng Bi
    • Yuhua Fan
    • Cindy Cui
    • Xia Zhang
    • Q. Ping Dou
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: November 1, 2008     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo_00000096
  • Pages: 1073-1079
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Abstract

Interest in the use of metallic compounds for cancer treatment has been increasing since the discovery of cisplatin. Clinical studies suggest the use of proteasome inhibitors as potential novel anticancer agents. L-glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body, and has been shown to play a regulatory role in several cellular processes, including metabolism, degradation, redox potential and cellular integrity. Although glutamine is reported to play a role in the regulation of apoptosis, the effect of glutamine copper complex on tumor cells and the involved molecular mechanism have not been investigated. Here, for the first time, we report that a newly synthesized L-glutamine-containing copper complex has proteasome-inhibitory activity in human breast cancer and leukemia cells. The inhibition of the tumor proteasomal activity results in the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and ubiquitinated form of IκB-α, a natural proteasome substrate, followed by induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, this glutamine Schiff base copper complex selectively inhibits the proteasomal activity and induces cell death in cultured breast cancer cells, but not normal, immortalized breast cells. Our data suggest that glutamine Schiff base copper complexes have a potential use for to be used in cancer treatment and prevention.

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November 2008
Volume 33 Issue 5

Print ISSN: 1019-6439
Online ISSN:1791-2423

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Spandidos Publications style
Xiao Y, Bi C, Fan Y, Cui C, Zhang X and Dou QP: L-glutamine Schiff base copper complex as a proteasome inhibitor and an apoptosis inducer in human cancer cells. Int J Oncol 33: 1073-1079, 2008
APA
Xiao, Y., Bi, C., Fan, Y., Cui, C., Zhang, X., & Dou, Q.P. (2008). L-glutamine Schiff base copper complex as a proteasome inhibitor and an apoptosis inducer in human cancer cells. International Journal of Oncology, 33, 1073-1079. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo_00000096
MLA
Xiao, Y., Bi, C., Fan, Y., Cui, C., Zhang, X., Dou, Q. P."L-glutamine Schiff base copper complex as a proteasome inhibitor and an apoptosis inducer in human cancer cells". International Journal of Oncology 33.5 (2008): 1073-1079.
Chicago
Xiao, Y., Bi, C., Fan, Y., Cui, C., Zhang, X., Dou, Q. P."L-glutamine Schiff base copper complex as a proteasome inhibitor and an apoptosis inducer in human cancer cells". International Journal of Oncology 33, no. 5 (2008): 1073-1079. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo_00000096