CeReS-18, a novel cell surface sialoglycopeptide, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a calcium-sensitive manner

Very few growth inhibitors have been identified whichcan inhibit the proliferation of a broad spectrumof human breast cancer cell lines. CeReS-18, anovel cell surface sialoglycopeptide growth inhibitor, can reversiblyinhibit the proliferation of both estrogen receptor positive(MCF-7) and negative (BT-20) human breast cancer celllines. In addition, at concentrations above those requiredfor the reversible inhibition of cell proliferation, CeReS-18can also induce cell death in MCF-7 cells.Changes in nuclear and cytoplasmic morphology, characteristic ofapoptosis, were detected in MCF-7 cells treated witha cytotoxic concentration of CeReS-18, and internucleosomal DNAcleavage was also observed. The sensitivity of MCF-7and BT-20 cells to the biological properties ofCeReS-18 could be influenced by altering the calciumconcentration in the extracellular growth medium, such thatwhen the calcium concentration in the environment wasdecreased, an increased sensitivity to CeReS-18-induced growth inhibitionand cytotoxicity were observed. The addition of thecalcium chelating agent EGTA to MCF-7 cells, culturedin a normal calcium environment, could mimic theincreased sensitivity to the biological effects of CeReS-18observed under reduced calcium conditions.