Open AccessA novel copper complex induces paraptosis in colon cancer cells via the activation of ER stress signalling
Author(s) -
Gandin Valentina,
Pellei Maura,
Tisato Francesco,
Porchia Marina,
Santini Carlo,
Marzano Cristina
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01292.x
Subject(s) - unfolded protein response , apoptosis , cancer cell , programmed cell death , oxaliplatin , signal transduction , cisplatin , proteasome , microbiology and biotechnology , endoplasmic reticulum , cancer research , colorectal cancer , viability assay , biology , chemistry , cancer , biochemistry , chemotherapy , genetics
Platinum anticancer drugs have been used for three decades despite their serious side effects and the emerging of resistance phenomena. Recently, a phosphine copper(I) complex, [Cu(thp) 4 ][PF 6 ] (CP), gained special attention because of its strong antiproliferative effects. CP killed human colon cancer cells more efficiently than cisplatin and oxaliplatin and it overcame platinum drug resistance. CP preferentially reduced cancer cell viability whereas non‐tumour cells were poorly affected. Colon cancer cells died via a programmed cell death whose transduction pathways were characterized by the absence of hallmarks of apoptosis. The inhibition of 26S proteasome activities induced by CP caused intracellular accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins and the functional suppression of the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway thus triggering endoplasmic reticulum stress. These data, providing a mechanistic characterization of CP‐induced cancer cell death, shed light on the signaling pathways involved in paraptosis thus offering a new tool to overcome apoptosis‐resistance in colon cancer cells.