Benzamil-induced cytotoxicity in non-small cell lung cancer is associated with mitochondrial damage, mitochondrial elongation, and altered XIAP signaling.
Despite newly introduced treatment options, the 5-year survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains below 20%, indicating a remaining need for new treatment strategies. Benzamil (BZ) has demonstrated inhibitory effects on brain tumors and osteosarcoma; however, its effects on NSCLC cells remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential anti-cancer effects of BZ in a panel of NSCLC cell lines. Compared to cells with EGFR L858R/T790M double mutations (H1975), BZ induced greater cytotoxicity in EGFR wild-type (A549, H1299, H292) and EGFR ex19del (PC9) cells. Mechanistically, BZ treatment was associated with inhibition of Akt, ERK1/2, and Stat3 signaling and increased mitochondrial damage. It was also associated with reduced Drp1 and Fis1 expression. Moreover, BZ induced release of cytochrome c, Smac/Diablo, and HtrA2/Omi from mitochondria. Additionally, BZ enhanced osimertinib-induced cytotoxicity in EGFR-mutant cells, and it suppressed H1975-derived cancer spheres. These findings support a proposed model in which BZ-induced mitochondrial damage is accompanied by the release of cytochrome c, Smac/Diablo, and HtrA2/Omi. These changes were accompanied by caspase activation and cell line-dependent alterations in XIAP expression, consistent with their potential contribution to apoptosis in NSCLC cells.
Authors
Chien Chien, Chen Chen, Lo Lo, Fang Fang, Tsai Tsai, Liu Liu, Hsu Hsu, Chang Chang, Lou Lou, Yin Yin, Cheng Cheng, Yu Yu, Su Su
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