BH3-only proteins Mcl-1 and Bim as well as endonuclease G are targeted in spongistatin 1-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

Spongistatin 1, a marine experimental substance with chemotherapeutic potential, induces apoptosis and inhibits clonogenic survival of MCF-7 cells. Regarding the apoptotic signaling pathways of spongistatin 1, we present two major facts. Firstly, spongistatin 1-induced cell death, mainly caspase-independent, involves the proapoptotic proteins apoptosis-inducing factor and endonuclease G. Both proteins translocate from mitochondria to the nucleus and contribute to spongistatin 1-mediated apoptosis as shown via gene silencing. Secondly, spongistatin 1 acts as a tubulin depolymerizing agent and is able to free the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bim from its sequestration both by the microtubular complex and by the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1. Silencing of Bim by small interfering RNA leads to a diminished translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor and endonuclease G to the nucleus and subsequently reduces apoptosis rate. Thus, we identified Bim as an important factor upstream of mitochondria executing a central role in the caspase-independent apoptotic signaling pathway induced by spongistatin 1. Taken together, spongistatin 1 is both a valuable tool for the characterization of apoptotic pathways and a promising experimental anticancer drug.