Apoptosis of breast cancer cells: Modulation of genes for glycoconjugate biosynthesis and targeted drug delivery

Subhash Basu*, Rui Ma, Joseph R. Moskal, Manju Basu, Sipra Banerjee

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Evidence indicates that blood group-related Lewis (Le) antigens (glycosphingolipids: GSLs and Glycoproteins: GPs) are tumor-associated cell surface molecules. The Lea, Leb, LeX, LeY, and their sialosyl-derivatives, all N-acetylglucosaminyl-containing glycoconjugate antigens, are overexpressed on the surfaces of breast, colon, and ovarian cancer cells during metastasis. A few inhibitors of GSLs (l-/d-PPMP) and DNA (cisplatin) biosynthesis, betulinic acid (a herbal origin of a triterpenoid used for cancer treatment in China), melphalan, and disialosylgangliosides (GD3 and GD1b) induced apoptosis (intrinsic mitochondrial or extrinsic receptor-mediated pathways) in human breast (SKBR-3, MCF-7, and MDA-468) and colon (Colo-205) cells. These chemicals are suggested to be potential anticancer drugs. In this review, we try to compare our recent observations with reported observations from many other laboratories. We discuss the induction of apoptosis in breast and other cancer cells by various new chemicals. We also discuss the biosynthesis and regulation of GSLs in nonapoptotic and apoptotic cancer cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBiochemical Roles of Eukaryotic Cell Surface Macromolecules
Subtitle of host publication2011 ISCSM Proceedings
EditorsPerumana Sudhakaran, Avadhesha Surolia, Avadhesha Surolia
Pages233-255
Number of pages23
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 17 2012

Publication series

NameAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Volume749
ISSN (Print)0065-2598

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Apoptosis of breast cancer cells: Modulation of genes for glycoconjugate biosynthesis and targeted drug delivery'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this