Apoptotic effect of imatinib on human colon adenocarcinoma cells: Influence on actin cytoskeleton organization and cell migration

Imatinib mesylate (STI571) is the first member of a new class of agents that act by inhibiting specific tyrosine kinases, rather than killing all rapidly dividing cells. This drug is usually used in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. It was recognized to inhibit activity of kinases such as Bcr/Abl, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and c-kit. These proteins play important roles in cell growth, motility, and survival. Therefore, studies on the biological effects of imatinib on different cellular models are very important. Human colon adenocarcinoma LS180 cell line was used in the studies presented. Cells were exposed to 0.1–100 μM imatinib for 24 and 48 h. Dose-dependent decreases in cell viability and morphological changes were observed. Moreover, the apoptotic effect of imatinib (10 μM, 50 μM) after 24 h of exposure was demonstrated as evaluated by translocation of phosphatidylserine to external membrane leaflet and by increased activity of caspase-3. Special attention was focused on imatinib influence on actin cytoskeleton organization and migration ability of LS180 cells. Distinct alterations in actin cytoskeleton architecture occurred in response to drug treatment, accompanied by appearance of filamentous actin aggregates and decrease in actin polymerization state. These changes were correlated with remarkable decrease in cell migration capacity. In summary, our data clearly demonstrate that imatinib induces apoptosis and inhibits human colon adenocarcinoma cell migration. Therefore, this drug may have potential in colon cancer therapy in the future.