J Dent Hyg Sci.  2024 Dec;24(4):359-366. 10.17135/jdhs.2024.24.4.359.

Reversine Induces Apoptosis of FaDu Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells

• Jung SY

• KMID: 2563395
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17135/jdhs.2024.24.4.359

Abstract

Background
Hypopharyngeal carcinoma is an aggressive subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, characterized by poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies. Reversine, a 2,6-disubstituted purine derivative, exhibits anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation in various cancers.
Methods
FaDu hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells were treated with reversine at concentrations of Control, 15 μM, and 30 μM. Cell viability was assessed using MTT and live/dead assays. Apoptotic features were analyzed by hematoxylin & eosin and DAPI staining, and DNA fragmentation assays. Immunoblotting was performed to evaluate caspase-3 and poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) activation.
Results
Reversine significantly reduced the viability of FaDu cells in a dose-dependent manner. Morphological changes, nuclear fragmentation, and DNA laddering confirmed apoptosis. Immunoblotting revealed increased levels of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP, indicating the activation of the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways.
Conclusion
Reversine effectively inhibited FaDu cell viability and induced apoptosis through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, and represents a potential novel therapeutic agent for hypopharyngeal carcinoma. This study highlights a unique focus on subpharyngeal cancer, overcoming therapeutic resistance, and suggests its potential as an anticancer agent by targeting dual cell death pathways.

Keyword

Apoptosis; Caspase-3; FaDu; Hypopharyngeal carcinoma; 2-(4-morpholinoanilino)-6-cyclohexylaminopurine