Cancer Cell Specific Induction of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by Small Molecular Found in the Serum

Abstract

The main goal of this Ph.D. project was to provide a mechanism for apoptosis induction elicited by a mixture containing amino acids, monosaccharides, nucleobases, etc. We demonstrated that a defined mixture of small molecules selectively induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling cascade in cancer cells, which leads to the activation of a pro-apoptotic transcription program. We have revealed a novel miRNA mediated feedback mechanism of the transcriptional upregulation of certain UPR signaling components. In addition, we have identified several new molecules found in the serum capable of enhancing the effect of the AM (“active mixture”) which have substantial cancer cell growth inhibitory effect when applied in a mixture.