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Hypoxia potentiates the cytotoxic effect of piperlongumine in pheochromocytoma models

Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors that activates a plethora of pathways, resulting in proliferation and resistance of cancer cells to radio- and chemotherapy. Pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PHEOs/PGLs) with mutations in the gene coding for the subunit B of succinate dehydrogenase (SDHB) are the most aggressive forms of the disease, which is partially due to their pseudohypoxic character, metabolic abnormalities, and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. We investigated the effect of piperlongumine (PL), a natural product with cytotoxic properties restricted to cancer cells by significantly increasing intracellular ROS levels, on PHEO cells. Here we report for the first time that PL mediates PHEO cell death by activating both apoptosis and necroptosis in vitro and in vivo. This effect is magnified in hypoxic conditions, making PL a promising potential candidate for use as a therapeutic option for patients with PHEO/PGL, including those with SDHB mutations.

Related Products

Cat.No. Product Name Information
S7551 Piperlongumine Piperlongumine (PPLGM, Piplartine), a natural alkaloid from Piper longum L., increases the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and selectively kills cancer cells. It is a direct TrxR1 inhibitor with suppressive activity against gastric cancer and a novel inhibitor of CRM1; also an inhibitor of PI3K/Akt/mTOR in human breast cancer cells.

Related Targets

CRM1 ROS