Abstract

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a transcription factor with a critical role in promoting inflammation and cell survival, is constitutively activated in estrogen-receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer and is considered a potential therapeutic target for this type of neoplasia. We have previously demonstrated that cyclopentenone prostaglandins are potent inhibitors of NF-κB activation by inflammatory cytokines, mitogens, and viral infection, via direct binding and modification of the β subunit of the IκB kinase complex (IKK). Herein, we describe the NF-κB-dependent anticancer activity of natural and synthetic cyclopentenone IKK inhibitors. We demonstrate that the natural cyclopentenone 15-deoxy-Δ^12,14prostaglandin J₂ (15d-PGJ₂) is a potent inhibitor of constitutive IκB-kinase and NF-κB activities in chemotherapy-resistant ER-negative breast cancer cells. 15d-PGJ₂-induced inhibition of NF-κB function is rapidly followed by down-regulation of NF-κB-dependent antiapoptotic proteins cIAPs 1/2, Bcl-X_L, and cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein, leading to caspase activation and induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cells resistant to treatment with paclitaxel and doxorubicin. We then demonstrate that the cyclopentenone ring structure is responsible for these activities, and we identify a new synthetic cyclopentenone derivative, 3-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-5-(E)-iso-propylmethylenecyclopent-2-enone (CTC-35), as a potent NF-κB inhibitor with proapoptotic activity in ER-negative breast cancer cells. The results open new perspectives in the search for novel proapoptotic molecules effective in the treatment of cancers presenting aberrant NF-κB regulation.