Macrocyclic peptides decrease c-Myc protein levels and reduce prostate cancer cell growth.

The oncoprotein c-Myc is often overexpressed in cancer cells, and the stability of this protein has major significance in deciding the fate of a cell. Thus, targeting c-Myc levels is an attractive approach for developing therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. In this study, we report the anti-cancer activity of the macrocyclic peptides [D-Trp]CJ-15,208 (cyclo[Phe-D-Pro-Phe-D-Trp]) and the natural product CJ-15,208 (cyclo[Phe-D-Pro-Phe-Trp]).

Prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 mediates renal cell carcinoma intravasation and metastasis.

Treatment options for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are limited. In this study, we investigated impact of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor 4 (EP4) on RCC metastasis. We found that knockdown of EP4 in two RCC cell lines, ACHN and SN12C, does not affect xenograft tumor take or growth rate in mice, but reduces metastasis by decreasing tumor intravasation.

βArrestin1 regulates the guanine nucleotide exchange factor RasGRF2 expression and the small GTPase Rac-mediated formation of membrane protrusion and cell motility.

βArrestin proteins shuttle between the cytosol and nucleus and have been shown to regulate G protein-coupled receptor signaling, actin remodeling, and gene expression. Here, we tested the hypothesis that βarrestin1 regulates actin remodeling and cell migration through the small GTPase Rac. Depletion of βarrestin1 promotes Rac activation, leading to the formation of multipolar protrusions and increased cell circularity, and overexpression of a dominant negative form of Rac reverses these morphological changes.

Inhibition of invasion and experimental metastasis of murine melanoma cells by Ipomoea obscura (L.) is mediated through the down-regulation of inflammatory mediators and matrix-metalloproteinases.

In this study, we tested the anti-metastatic activity of Ipomoea obscura extract and elucidated its underlying mechanisms by in vitro system using B16F-10 melanoma cells and in vivo experimental lung metastasis model. I. obscura suppressed proliferation, invasion and migration of highly metastatic B16F-10 melanoma cells in vitro.

Induction of apoptosis by sulforaphane in highly metastatic B16F-10 melanoma cells.

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a naturally occurring isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc. SFN has received a great deal of attention because of its ability to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in several tumor cell lines. Previously, we have demonstrated that SFN inhibits the metastasis of B16F-10 melanoma cells in both in vivo and in vitro models.

Harmine activates intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis in B16F-10 melanoma.

Background: Harmine is a beta-carboline alkaloid from the plant Peganum harmala. Previous studies found that harmine inhibited metastasis of B16F-10 melanoma cells. This study aims to elucidate the role of harmine in apoptosis of B16F-10 cells.