Ebselen sensitizes glioblastoma cells to Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNFα)-induced apoptosis through two distinct pathways involving NF-κB downregulation and Fas-mediated formation of death inducing signaling complex

Abstract

Resistance to tumor necrosis factor (TNFα)-induced apoptosis in various cancer cells has been attributed to the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. Ebselen (2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3[2H]one) - a selenoorganic compound is known to prevent TNFα-mediated NF-κB activity. As glioblastoma are resistant to the cytotoxic effect of TNFα, we investigated the potential of Ebselen in sensitizing glioma cells to TNFα-induced apoptosis. Although treatment with Ebselen reduced viability of glioma cells, cotreatment with TNFα enhanced apoptosis further through alteration of TNFα-mediated signaling pathways. Sensitization of TNFα activated glioma cells to apoptosis by Ebselen involved 2 pathways: (i) abrogation of TNFα induced NF-κB activation and (ii) induction of Fas-associated death inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation. Ebselen inhibited the prosurvival pathway mediated by NF-κB by altering the association of TNF receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2) with TNFα receptor associated death domain (TRADD) in the TNFR1-TRADD-TRAF2 complex - an interaction crucial for mediating NF-κB activity. Ebselen also induced the formation of DISC involving Fas, Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and active caspase 8 to transduce apoptotic signals in situations where NF-κB function was inhibited. Cotreatment with Ebselen and TNFα induced G2/M phase arrest in cell cycle and modulated the expression of molecules involved in cell cycle progression. These results raise the possibility of overcoming resistance to TNFα-induced apoptosis by cotreatment with organoselenium Ebselen as a strategy to kill glioma cells. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.