The FGFR Inhibitor NVP-BGJ398 Induces NSCLC Cell Death by Activating Caspase-dependent Pathways as well as Caspase-independent Apoptosis

Anticancer Res. 2015 Nov;35(11):5873-9.

Abstract

Background: Fibroblast growth factor receptors are expressed in diverse cell types. They play a critical role in tumor development. Their activation promotes cell-cycle progression, angiogenesis, and cell survival by induction/suppression of the expression of proteins involved.

Materials and methods: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells (line H1581) were treated with NVP-BGJ398 to evaluate effects on growth by western blot, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide assay and cell-cycle analysis.

Results: NVP-BGJ398 induced cell death in H1581 cells by activating caspase-dependent mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial pathways. Caspase-independent apoptosis was also activated. Cells were found to be arrested in the G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, the expression of the tumor-suppressor gene programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) was up-regulated with suppression of angiopoietin 2 (ANG2). This represents an additional mechanism by which NVP-BGJ389 inhibits tumor growth.

Conclusion: Various pathways induce apoptosis in NSCLC cells by employing NVP-BGJ398. These data reflect the potential of cancer treatment utilizing small FGFR inhibitors.

Keywords: ANG2; NVP-BGJ398; PDCD4; Small molecule FGFR1 inhibitor; caspases.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology*
  • Caspases / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Phenylurea Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology*
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Phenylurea Compounds
  • Pyrimidines
  • infigratinib
  • FGFR1 protein, human
  • Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1
  • Caspases