3PO as a Selective Inhibitor of 6-Phosphofructo-2-Kinase/Fructose-2,6-Biphosphatase 3 in A375 Human Melanoma Cells

Background/Aim: The occurrence of BRAF(V600E) mutation causes an up-regulation of the B-raf kinase activity leading to the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1 alpha) - the promoter of the 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) enzyme. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of the (2E)-3-(3-Pyridinyl)-1-(4-pyridinyl)-2-propen-1-one (3PO), as an inhibitor of PFKFB3, on human melanoma cells (A375) with endogenous BRAF(V600E) mutation. Materials and Methods: A375 cells were exposed to different concentrations of 3PO and the following tests were performed: docking, cytotoxicity assay, iminunocytochemistry staining glucose uptake, clonogenic assay, holotomography imaging, and flow cytometry. Results: Our studies revealed that 3PO presents a dose-dependent and time-independent cytotoxic effect and promotes apoptosis of A375 cells. Furthermore, the obtained data indicate that 3PO induces cell cycle arrest in G1/0 and glucose uptake reduction. Conclusion: Taking all together, our research demonstrated a here should be proapoptotic and antiproliferative effect of 3PO on A375 human melanoma cells.