Identification of a Raloxifene Analog That Promotes AhR-Mediated Apoptosis in Cancer Cells.

TitleIdentification of a Raloxifene Analog That Promotes AhR-Mediated Apoptosis in Cancer Cells.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsJang, HSang, Pearce, MC, O'Donnell, EF, Nguyen, BDuc, Truong, L, Mueller, MJ, Bisson, WH, Kerkvliet, NI, Tanguay, RL, Kolluri, S
JournalBiology (Basel)
Volume6
Issue4
Date Published2017 Dec 01
ISSN2079-7737
Abstract

We previously reported that raloxifene, an estrogen receptor modulator, is also a ligand for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Raloxifene induces apoptosis in estrogen receptor-negative human cancer cells through the AhR. We performed structure-activity studies with seven raloxifene analogs to better understand the structural requirements of raloxifene for induction of AhR-mediated transcriptional activity and apoptosis. We identified Y134 as a raloxifene analog that activates AhR-mediated transcriptional activity and induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human triple negative breast cancer cells. Suppression of AhR expression strongly reduced apoptosis induced by Y134, indicating the requirement of AhR for Y134-induced apoptosis. Y134 also induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells without having an effect on cell cycle regulation. Toxicity testing on zebrafish embryos revealed that Y134 has a significantly better safety profile than raloxifene. Our studies also identified an analog of raloxifene that acts as a partial antagonist of the AhR, and is capable of inhibiting AhR agonist-induced transcriptional activity. We conclude that Y134 is a promising raloxifene analog for further optimization as an anti-cancer agent targeting the AhR.

DOI10.3390/biology6040041
Alternate JournalBiology (Basel)
PubMed ID29194351
PubMed Central IDPMC5745446
Grant ListR01 ES016651 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
T32 ES007060 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States