Triptolide Induces Apoptosis by Disrupting the Lysosomal Membrane in MCF 7 Cells
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Reginald Halaby
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2024 9:45 AM
End Date
26-4-2024 10:44 AM
Description
Breast cancer is the second deadliest cancer among women in the United States and the deadliest neoplasm in women worldwide. Most conventional cancer treatment protocols are nonspecific, namely killing tumor cells as well as healthy cells. Triptolide (TPL) is a woody vine widely distributed in Eastern and Southern China whose bioactive component is Triptergium Wilfordii Hook F. Our lab has previously shown that triptolide induces lysosomal-mediated apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that triptolide is a lysosomotropic agent using immunocytochemistry and acridine orange staining in MCF-7 cells. We observe the subcellular localization of the lysosomal enzyme, cathepsin B, in the cytosol of experimental cells. The disruption of the lysosomal membrane was also detected in experimental cells. Our study provides a mechanism that may be used to develop novel breast cancer therapies that target lysosomes to kill resistant breast cancer cells.
Triptolide Induces Apoptosis by Disrupting the Lysosomal Membrane in MCF 7 Cells
Breast cancer is the second deadliest cancer among women in the United States and the deadliest neoplasm in women worldwide. Most conventional cancer treatment protocols are nonspecific, namely killing tumor cells as well as healthy cells. Triptolide (TPL) is a woody vine widely distributed in Eastern and Southern China whose bioactive component is Triptergium Wilfordii Hook F. Our lab has previously shown that triptolide induces lysosomal-mediated apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that triptolide is a lysosomotropic agent using immunocytochemistry and acridine orange staining in MCF-7 cells. We observe the subcellular localization of the lysosomal enzyme, cathepsin B, in the cytosol of experimental cells. The disruption of the lysosomal membrane was also detected in experimental cells. Our study provides a mechanism that may be used to develop novel breast cancer therapies that target lysosomes to kill resistant breast cancer cells.