Synthetic Beta-Lactam Antibiotic as a Selective Breast Cancer Cell Apoptosis Inducer: Significance in Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Abstract
Activation of the cellular apoptotic program is a current strategy for the prevention and treatment of human cancer, including breast cancer. Because of the ease of synthesis and structural manipulation, small molecules with apoptosis-inducing ability have great potential to be developed into chemotherapeutic drugs. The beta-lactam antibiotics have for the past 60 years played an essential role in treating bacterial infections without causing toxic side effects in the host. The authors hypothesized that active N-thiolated beta-lactams can target a tumor-specific protein or proteins and selectively induce apoptosis in human breast cancer cells, but not in normal cells. In this summary report, they have designed and synthesized a number of beta-lactams with selected C3 ring substituents, and evaluated the potencies of these synthetic beta-lactams to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. They also are investigating whether these N-thiolated beta-lactams can induce apoptosis selectively in breast tumor vs. normal breast cells. They will study the biochemical target of these N-thiolated beta-lactams by synthesizing and using labeled compounds. Their proposed studies should provide strong support for proof-of-concept of the potential use of these N-thiolated beta-lactams in breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA435305
Entities
People
- Q. P. Dou
Organizations
- Wayne State University