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The novel EZH2 inhibitor, GSK126, suppresses cell migration and angiogenesis via down-regulating VEGF-A

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Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the effects and mechanisms of GSK126, a novel inhibitor of histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homologue 2, on cancer cell migration.

Methods

Gastric cancer cell line MGC803 and human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 were treated with GSK126 at three doses. Transwell and wound healing assays were conducted to detect cell migration. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells tube formation assay and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay were performed to assess the effects of GSK126 on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, respectively. The mRNA level of VEGF-A was detected by quantitative PCR, and the protein levels of VEGF-A were detected both by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Epi-fluorescent intensity was obtained by in vivo imaging.

Results

GSK126 inhibited cell migration in both MGC803 and A549 in a dose-dependent manner, as revealed by transwell and wound healing assays. The effects of GSK 126 were similar to those of gefitinib at the same doses. Moreover, GSK126 at doses of 20 and 50 µM inhibited angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. GSK126 reduced both the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-A in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, in vivo imaging assay revealed that GSK126 at 200 mg/kg significantly inhibited cancer cell migration.

Conclusions

GSK126 inhibits cell migration and angiogenesis in solid tumor cell lines through down-regulation of VEGF-A expression. Thus, it may be considered as a novel anticancer drug candidate for solid tumor.

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Acknowledgments

Research reported in this publication was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (LY12H16005 to YPY) and the Health and Family Planning Commission of Zhejiang Province (2015 KYA148 to F Z).

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    Authors and Affiliations

    1. Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, 50 Huzhou Rd, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China

      Ya-Tian Chen, Feng Zhu & Ling-Hui Zeng

    2. Taizhou Cancer Hospital, Wenling, 317500, Zhejiang, China

      Wei-Ren Lin, Rong-Biao Ying & You-Ping Yang

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    1. Ya-Tian Chen
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    Correspondence to Ling-Hui Zeng.

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    Human and animal rights statement

    All animal experiments were performed in accordance with guidelines approved by Zhejiang University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

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    You-Ping Yang and Ling-Hui Zeng have contributed equally to this article.

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    Chen, YT., Zhu, F., Lin, WR. et al. The novel EZH2 inhibitor, GSK126, suppresses cell migration and angiogenesis via down-regulating VEGF-A. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 77, 757–765 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-016-2990-1

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-016-2990-1

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