Research conducted by researchers Hoti, Rüstem and Dalmızrak from Near East University has explored the potential of avermectin B1a, a member of the avermectin family, as a novel microtubule-targeting agent for cancer therapy. The study focused on investigating the anti-cancer activities of avermectin B1a using the HCT-116 colon cancer cell line.
The research employed various assays to evaluate the efficacy of avermectin B1a against cancer cells. The MTT assay revealed significant anti-proliferative activity, with an IC50 value of 30 µM, indicating its ability to inhibit cancer cell growth. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that avermectin B1a induced apoptosis in HCT-116 cells, suggesting its potential as an apoptosis-inducing agent in cancer treatment.
Moreover, the study investigated the impact of avermectin B1a on cell migration and tubulin polymerization. It was found that avermectin B1a substantially diminished the migration capacity of HCT-116 cells, indicating its potential to impede cancer cell metastasis. Furthermore, avermectin B1a was observed to promote tubulin polymerization, suggesting its ability to disrupt microtubule dynamics crucial for cancer cell division.
In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that avermectin B1a exhibits significant anti-cancer activity against colon cancer cells. Its ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, diminish cell migration, and promote tubulin polymerization highlights its potential as a promising microtubule-targeting agent for the development of future anticancer drugs. This research underscores the importance of exploring naturally derived molecules like avermectin B1a for their therapeutic potential in combating cancer, offering new avenues for drug discovery and development in oncology.
More Information:
https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/45/8/395
