Cytotoxicity assay with ring-opened analogues of ipomoeassin F

Abstract

Cytotoxicity assays are an important lab procedure in which the toxicity effects of a substance are measured and observed. Cellular death can occur via apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, or cessation of proliferation. Understanding the cytotoxicity of a drug gives researchers an understanding of if it has desired effects as a therapeutic target. Ipomoeassin F, from the Morning Glory flower, is a known inhibitor of the Sec61 translocon, causing cellular death. Analogs of Ipomoeassin F have a varying degree of effectiveness in translocon inhibition so cytotoxicity assays using MDA-MB-231 were used to find concentrations that resulted in 50% cellular death (IC50). The standard procedure and protocol established for cytotoxicity assays in this lab can be used to determine the toxicity effects of almost any future compounds sought to be tested. Cytotoxicity assays were established to help this lab and other labs test chemicals on cancerous cells. Ipomoeassin F was used as a positive control because it is a proven treatment for breast cancer. Established assays allow for a high degree of accuracy and repeatability.