apoptosis in cancer cells
For the first time, researchers have synthesized compounds that induce rapid apoptosis in leukemic cells.
The team synthesized several members of the family of dimeric nuphar alkaloids, which are compounds previously isolated from the yellow pond lily.
These structurally complex molecules have proven capable of inducing apoptosis in human leukemia cell lines faster than any other small molecule tested to date.
The researchers were also able to synthesize some related structures that they predict might exist in nature but have not yet been found.
Their work is published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
“We anticipate that these compounds will serve as useful tools for dissecting an important, but as yet undefined, step in the regulation of apoptosis,” said study author Jimmy Wu, PhD, of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire.
The research also provides a means to a steady supply of the active compounds for further study.
Preliminary biological tests conducted by Alan Eastman, PhD, also of Dartmouth College, suggest the compounds, both the naturally occurring ones and those predicted to exist in nature, are capable of inducing extremely rapid apoptosis in leukemic cells.
“Studies to clarify the biological mechanism by which they operate are ongoing,” Dr Wu said.
He noted that there have been 2 reports that attempt to explain the molecules’ mechanism of action. But these are incomplete, and more research is required to fully reveal how these compounds work.
“A better understanding of the biological basis of how the dimeric nuphar alkaloids can so rapidly induce cell death may lead to novel points of intervention for the design of prospective therapeutics,” Dr Wu concluded.
