New paper in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (2024)

14 10 2024

Check out latest research in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry! Dr. M. Cybularczyk-Cecotka, MSc W. Witkowski, and Prof. G. Litwinienko, along with collaborators from the University of Rzeszów and the Medical University of Lublin, synthesized and tested novel fisetin derivatives against ER-positive proliferating and senescent breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Mitochondria in cancer cells often undergo metabolic reprogramming, making them key targets for treatment. This study developed a mitochondria-targeted fisetin derivative and tested its anticancer effects on estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. Mito-fisetin disrupted mitochondrial function, induced stress, and triggered cell death, particularly in senescent cancer cells, which were more sensitive than actively growing ones. It activates proteins like AMPK while reducing others like AKT and HSP90, suggesting potential for targeting drug-resistant, aged cancer cells.