A monastrol-derived compound, LaSOM 63, inhibits ecto-5'nucleotidase/CD73 activity and induces apoptotic cell death of glioma cell lines

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most malignant type of glioma. Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (ecto-5'NT), a glioma-overexpressed enzyme can induce a protective effect on tumor cells. Monastrol, a kinesin spindle protein-specific inhibitor, is reported to be an interesting prototype for cancer therapy. We describe the effect of LaSOM 63, a monastrol derivative, on ecto-5'NT activity and on glioma cell survival.Glioma cells were treated with LaSOM 63 and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), trypan blue assay (viability), flow cytometry (cell cycle/cell death) and malachite green method for ecto-5'NT activity were carried out.Treatment with LaSOM 63 reduces glioma cell viability and cell growth. In contrast to monastrol, LaSOM 63 did not cause glioma cell-cycle arrest, but inhibited ecto-5'NT enzyme activity. Furthermore, this compound induces apoptotic death of C6 and U138 glioma cells.LaSOM 63 may be useful for in vivo experiments on the treatment of GBM.