KAN0438757: a novel PFKFB3 inhibitor that induces programmed cell death and suppresses cell migration in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells .

Aim. PFKFB3 is glycolytic activators that is overexpressed in human lung cancer and plays a crucial role in multiple cellular functions including programmed cell death. Despite the many small molecules described as PFKFB3 inhibitors, some of them have shown disappointing results in vitro and in vivo. On the other hand KAN0438757, selective and potent, small molecule inhibitor has been developed. However, the effects of KAN0438757, in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells remain unknown. Herein, we sought to decipher the effect of KAN0438757 on proliferation, migration, DNA damage, and programmed cell death in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. Methods. The effects of KAN0438757 on cell viability, proliferation, DNA damage, migration, apoptosis, and autophagy in in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells was tested by WST-1, real-time cell analysis, comet assay, wound-healing migration test, and MMP/JC-1 and AO/ER dual staining assays as well as western blot analysis. Results. Our results revealed that KAN0438757 significantly suppressed the viability and proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells and inhibited migration of A549 cells. More importantly, KAN0438757 caused DNA damage and triggered apoptosis and this was accompanied by the up-regulation of cleaved PARP in A549 cells. Furthermore, treatment with KAN0438757 resulted in increased LC3 II and Beclin1, which indicated that KAN0438757 stimulated autophagy. Conclusions. Overall, targeting PFKFB3 with KAN0438757 may be a promising effective treatment approach, requiring further in vitro and in vivo evaluation of KAN0438757 as a therapy in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells.