Naja sumatranavenom cytotoxin,sumaCTX exhibits concentration-dependent cytotoxicity via caspase-activated mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis without transitioning to necrosis

The mechanism ofsuma-cytotoxin (sumaCTX)-induced cytotoxicity is poorly understood, especially in the transition of cell death pattern. This study examines its cytotoxicity, caspase-3/7 activity, mitochondrial functions, and occurrence of apoptosis. ThesumaCTX triggered cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells before 24 h, with activation of caspase-3/7 and mitochondrial depolarization, followed by a substantial percentage of AV(+)apoptotic cells. The absence of HMGB1 suggested apoptosis was the profound cell death independent of its membrane perturbing effect, without transitioning into necrosis. Its cytotoxicity was a concentration-dependent but not time-dependent process. The findings provide valuable insight into mechanisms ofsumaCTX-induced cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells.

Automated summary

The study found that sumaCTX induces cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells, leading to apoptosis rather than necrosis, and its cytotoxicity is a concentration-dependent process.