VALD-3, a Schiff base ligand synthesized from o-vanillin derivatives, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells by inhibiting the Wnt/?-catenin pathway

Abstract Schiff base compounds and their metal complexes have become important synthetic organic drugs due to extensive biological activities, which include anticancer, antibacterial antiviral effects. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic apoptotic effects of VALD-3, a ligand synthesized from o-vanillin derivatives, on human breast cancer cells possible underlying mechanisms. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)-test was used observe proliferation MCF-7 MDA-MB-231 induced by VALD-3. Flow cytometry analysis showed that VALD-3 triggered cell cycle arrest apoptosis cells. Western blot revealed upregulated pro-apoptotic proteins (Bad Bax), downregulated anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, survivin XIAP) increased expression cleaved caspase-3, caspase-8, Cyto-c PARP. also regulated Wnt/?-catenin signaling pathway in cells, inhibiting activation downstream molecules. By xenografting into nude mice, found significantly suppressed tumor growth while showing low toxicity against major organs. addition, survival can prolong time mice ( P = 0.036). This study is first show induces suppressing signaling, indicating it could be potential drug for treatment cancer.