Targeting ERK1/2 activation and proliferation in human primary schwannoma cells with MEK1/2 inhibitor AZD6244.

Sylwia Ammoun, Natalia Ristic, Cordula Matthies, David A. Hilton, C. Oliver Hanemann*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Deficiency of the tumor suppressor merlin leads to the development of multiple tumors of the nervous system, such as schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas. Due to the benign character of these tumors, classical chemotherapy is ineffective. Current therapies, surgery, and radiosurgery are local and quite invasive, thus new systemic treatments are required. We have previously described the Raf/mitogen-activated kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway activation and its role in schwannoma growth. Here, we targeted MEK1/2 known as a convergence point for multiple cascades towards ERK1/2 activation and cell proliferation, using MEK1/2 inhibitor AZD6244 (ARRY-142886; Astra Zeneca). We show that AZD6244 at low concentration completely abolished platelet-derived growth factor-DD-mediated ERK1/2 activation and cell proliferation in human primary schwannoma cells. Moreover, this drug was not toxic for either schwannoma or Schwann cells and has been reported to be safe with tolerable side effects. Thus, AZD6244 can be considered as a drug candidate for schwannoma treatment.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)141-146
Number of pages0
JournalNeurobiol Dis
Volume37
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2010

Keywords

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Bromodeoxyuridine
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells
  • Cultured
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Immunoblotting
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • MAP Kinase Kinase 2
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3
  • Neurilemmoma
  • Phosphorylation
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
  • Schwann Cells

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