PTEN-regulated AKT/FoxO3a/Bim signaling contributes to Human cell glioblastoma apoptosis by platinum-maurocalcin conjugate.

A previous report has shown that a chimera between a platinum complexing agent (1) and the cell penetrating peptide maurocalcin, synthesized with D-amino acids, (DMCa), termed Pt-1-DMCa, is a highly successful anticancer compound that works by targeting the intracellular redox system in glioblastoma (GBM) cells. However, the detailed cellular mechanism whereby the conjugate specifically kills tumor cells remains unclear. Herein, we show that Pt-1-DMCa induces apoptosis in Human U87 GBM cells through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent modulation of the PI3K/AKT/FoxO3a signalling pathway.