Aplidin induces JNK-dependent apoptosis in human breast cancer cells via alteration of glutathione homeostasis, Rac1 GTPase activation, and MKP-1 phosphatase downregulation.

Aplidin® is an antitumor agent in phase II clinical trials that induces apoptosis through the sustained activation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). We report that Aplidin® alters glutathione homeostasis increasing the ratio of oxidized to reduced forms (GSSG/GSH). Aplidin® generates reactive oxygen species and disrupts the mitochondrial membrane potential. Exogenous GSH inhibits these effects and also JNK activation and cell death. We found two mechanisms by which Aplidin® activates JNK: rapid activation of Rac1 small GTPase and downregulation of MKP-1 phosphatase. Rac1 activation was diminished by GSH and enhanced by L-buthionine (SR)-sulfoximine, which inhibits GSH synthesis. Downregulation of Rac1 by transfection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes or the use of a specific Rac1 inhibitor decreased Aplidin®-induced JNK activation and cytotoxicity. Our results show that Aplidin® induces apoptosis by increasing the GSSG/GSH ratio, a necessary step for induction of oxidative stress and sustained JNK activation through Rac1 activation and MKP-1 downregulation.