RTA-408 induces JNK-dependent apoptosis and autophagy in breast cancer cells. (PubMed, Oncol Lett)
Cell viability was quantified using a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay and apoptosis was evaluated by the Muse® Annexin V & Dead Cell assay based on Annexin V and 7-amino-actinomycin D staining; the expression levels of JNK, p38, ERK, beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), p62/sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were assessed by western blotting. Pharmacological inhibition with SP600125 attenuated JNK phosphorylation, reduced apoptotic responses and diminished autophagy-associated marker accumulation, supporting the notion that JNK signaling contributes, at least in part, to these effects. These findings indicate that RTA-408 exerts nanomolar antiproliferative activity in both hormone receptor-positive and triple-negative BC cells through a JNK-dependent mechanism that simultaneously engages apoptosis and autophagy, supporting further in vivo and translational investigation.