Disulfiram suppresses invasive ability of osteosarcoma cells via the inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression

J Biochem Mol Biol. 2007 Nov 30;40(6):1069-76. doi: 10.5483/bmbrep.2007.40.6.1069.

Abstract

Cancer cells, characterized by local invasion and distant metastasis, are very much dependent on the extracellular matrix. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been implicated in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. In this study, we reported the effects of disulfiram, a clinically used anti-alcoholism drug, on tumor invasion suppression, as well as its effects on the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human osteosarcoma cells (U2OS). Disulfiram has been used for alcohol aversion therapy. However, recent reports have shown that disulfiram may have potential in the treatment of human cancers. Herewith, we showed that the anti-tumor effects of disulfiram, in an invasion assay using U2OS cells and that disulfiram has a type IV collagenase inhibitory activity that inhibits expression of genes and proteins responsible for both cell and non-cell mediated invasion on pathways. In conclusion, disulfiram inhibited expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and it regulated the invasion of human osteosarcoma cells. These observations raise the possibility of disulfiram being used clinical for the inhibition of cancer invasion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Disulfiram / pharmacology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / genetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / genetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / prevention & control
  • Osteosarcoma / drug therapy*
  • Osteosarcoma / enzymology
  • Osteosarcoma / genetics
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / drug effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • DNA Primers
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
  • MMP2 protein, human
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
  • Disulfiram