Violacein improves vemurafenib response in melanoma spheroids

Autor(es)

Aires-Lopes, Beatriz ; Justo, Giselle Zenker ; Cordeiro, Helon Guimaraes ; Duran, N. ; Azevedo-Martins, Jordana Maria ; Halder, Carmen Verissima Ferreira

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH; v. N/A, p. 4-pg., 2023-08-02.

Resumo

Chemotherapy resistance is one of the main challenges in melanoma treatment. Violacein, a natural pigment produced by Chromobacterium violaceum, induces apoptosis in a variety of tumours, including melanoma. Here, we used BRAF-mutated melanoma spheroids to test the potential of violacein as a sensitizer of cellular viability and levels of the proteins p62 and fatty acid synthase (FASN). Importantly, violacein in combination with vemurafenib (ViVe) was able to interfere with spheroid survival at subtoxic concentrations. The results demonstrated that the ViVe protocol triggered cell death assessed by calcein and ethidium homodimer dyes. Accordingly, melanoma cells in 2D systems also showed a higher apoptosis rate when treated with ViVe. In the current study, we show evidence that ViVe downregulates crucial mediators like FASN, which partially explains how it acts as a sensitizer and ultimately improves the effectiveness of vemurafenib against melanoma cells. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 20/12828-7 - Marcadores da autofagia e da síntese de ácidos graxos: rastreamento da resposta dos esferoides de melanoma ao esquema terapêutico Drug Holiday
• Beneficiário: Beatriz Aires Lopes
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Iniciação Científica