Docetaxel-induced apoptosis in melanoma cells is dependent on activation of caspase-2

Abstract

Taxanes have a broad spectrum of activity against various human cancers, including melanoma. In this study, we have examined the molecular mechanism of docetaxelinduced apoptosis of human melanoma. We report that docetaxel induced varying degrees of apoptosis in a panel of melanoma cell lines but not in normal fibroblasts.

Anti-cancer Properties of a Sesquiterpene Lactone-bearing Fraction from Artemisia khorassanica

“…A375 cells (NCBI# C136) and human skin fibroblast-like HFFF2 cells (NCBI# C163) were purchased from the National Cell Bank of Iran (NCBI, Tehran). Origin and characteristics of these lines have been reported previously (Zhang et al, 1999;Wua et al, 2005;Mhaidat et al, 2007).…”

Caspase-2 is required for cell death induced by cytoskeletal disruption

“…In support of this, an independent study has shown that docetaxel-induced apoptosis is dependent on caspase-2 activation (Mhaidat et al, 2007). Paclitaxel (Pacl) is a member of the Taxanes family and has a similar mode of action to docetaxel, in that it functions as a microtubule-stabilizing agent (Mhaidat et al, 2007). In contrast, Vinc acts to depolymerize microtubule filaments, whereas cyto D inhibits polymerization of actin filaments and has been shown to activate p53-dependent death (Bhalla, 2003).…”

“…In support of this, an independent study has shown that docetaxel-induced apoptosis is dependent on caspase-2 activation (Mhaidat et al, 2007). Paclitaxel (Pacl) is a member of the Taxanes family and has a similar mode of action to docetaxel, in that it functions as a microtubule-stabilizing agent (Mhaidat et al, 2007).…”

“…In the case of Bid, caspase-2 can directly cleave full-length Bid to activated tBid (Guo et al, 2002;Bonzon et al, 2006). Caspase-2 activation has been implicated in apoptosis in response to a range of signals, including DNA damage, withdrawal of trophic support, heat shock, treatment with chemotherapeutic agents and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (Kumar, 1995;Troy et al, 2001;Lassus et al, 2002;Panaretakis et al, 2005;Shin et al, 2005;Bonzon et al, 2006;Yeung et al, 2006;Mhaidat et al, 2007). Caspase-2 has also been shown to associate with CD95 DISC and is activated within this complex but seems not to be essential for CD95-mediated cell death (Lavrik et al, 2006).…”

Novel Hydrophilic Taxane Analogues inhibit Growth of Cancer Cells

“…Somehow, taxanes have been found to be not cell specific with not all concentrations displaying similar effects on microtubules dynamics (Schiff et al, 1979;Schiff and Horwitz, 1980;Jordan et al, 1993;Derry et al, 1995;Jordan et al, 1996;Jordan and Wilson, 1998;Yvon et al, 1999) relating to unsimilar cytotoxic, anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on various cancer cell lines namely breast, lung, ovary, prostate, hepatic, melanocyte and leukemic (Jordan et al, 1993;Jordan et al, 1996;Ferlini et al, 1998;Nehmé et al, 2001;Geng et al, 2003;Wang et al, 2005;Mahaffey et al, 2007;Mhaidat et al, 2007;Ichite et al, 2009;Kang et al, 2010). Though killing of malignant cells is the main aim for all researchers, scientists, cancer physicians and pharmaceutical companies; however, there are still many hedges and thorns to be overcome in order to attain a successful and irreproachable cancer therapy.…”