Cytotoxicity of psammaplin A from a two-sponge association may correlate with the inhibition of DNA replication

• Main Authors: You Song, Yoon Hyun, Park Jang-Su, Kim Dong-Kyoo, Ryu Seung, Ahn Eun-Young, Jiang Yahong, Lee Burm-Jong, Lee Dong, Jung Jee H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2004-09-01
• Series: BMC Cancer
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2407/4/70

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>SV40 DNA replication system is a very useful tool to understand the mechanism of replication, which is a tightly regulated process. Many environmental and cellular factors can induce cell cycle arrest or apoptosis by inhibiting DNA replication. In the course of our search for bioactive metabolites from the marine sponges, psammaplin A was found to have some anticancer properties, the possible mechanism of which was studied.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) to count living RAW264.7 cells by combining 2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (WST-8) and 1-methoxy-phenazine methosulfate (1-methoxy-PMS). The effect of psammaplin A on DNA replication was carried out in SV40 DNA replication system <it>in vitro</it>. The activities of topoisomerase I and polymerase α-primase were measured by the relaxation of superhelical plasmid DNA and the incorporation of [³H]dTTP to the template respectively. The ssDNA binding activity of RPA was assessed by Gel Mobility Shift Assay (GMSA).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We have found that psammaplin A delivers significant cytotoxic activity against the RAW264.7 cell line. It was also found that psammaplin A could substantially inhibit SV40 DNA replication <it>in vitro</it>, in which polymerase α-primase is one of its main targets.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Taken together, we suggest that psammaplin A-induced cytotoxicity may correlate with its inhibition on DNA replication. Psammaplin A has the potential to be developed as an anticancer drug.</p>