Vactosertib potently improves anti-tumor properties of 5-FU for colon cancer

BackgroundSeveral studies have shown that the TGF-beta signaling pathway plays a critical role in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis. The aim of the current study is to investigate the therapeutic potential of Vactosertib (EW-7197), a selective inhibitor of TGF-beta receptor type I, either alone or in combination with the standard first-line chemotherapeutic treatment, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), in CRC progression in both cellular and animal models.MethodsReal-Time PCR, Zymography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) tissue staining, and Flow cytometry techniques were applied to determine the anti-tumor properties of this novel TGF-beta inhibitor in in vitro (CT-26 cell line) and in vivo (inbred BALB/C mice) samples.ResultsOur findings showed that Vactosertib decreased cell proliferation and induced spheroid shrinkage. Moreover, this inhibitor suppressed the cell cycle and its administration either alone or in combination with 5-FU induced apoptosis by regulating the expression of p53 and BAX proteins. It also improved 5-FU anti-cancer effects by decreasing the tumor volume and weight, increasing tumor necrosis, and regulating tumor fibrosis and inflammation in an animal model. Vactosertib also enhanced the inhibitory effect of 5-FU on invasive behavior of CRC cells by upregulating the expression of E-cadherin and inhibiting MMP-9 enzymatic activity.ConclusionThis study demonstrating the potent anti-tumor effects of Vactosertib against CRC progression. Our results clearly suggest that this inhibitor could be a promising agent reducing CRC tumor progression when administered either alone or in combination with standard treatment in CRC patients.

Automated summary

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of a selective inhibitor of TGF-beta receptor type I, called Vactosertib, in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. The results demonstrate that Vactosertib inhibits cell proliferation, induces cell apoptosis, and enhances the anticancer effects of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in CRC. Furthermore, Vactosertib also suppresses invasive behavior of CRC cells by upregulating E-cadherin expression and inhibiting MMP-9 enzymatic activity.