Memo1 reduces copper-mediated reactive oxygen species in breast cancer cells
Journal article, 2023

The mediator of ERBB2-driven cell motility protein 1, Memo1, plays important roles in cancer signaling pathways. We recently reported Memo1 to coordinate reduced copper ions and protect them from reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in vitro. We here assess if this Memo1 activity is at play in breast cancer cells. Copper additions to MDA-MB-231 cells promoted cell death, and this toxicity was exaggerated when Memo1 expression was reduced by silencing RNA. Using three different commercial ROS probes, we revealed that copper additions increased intracellular ROS levels, and these were further elevated when Memo1 expression was silenced. We propose that, in addition to other functions, Memo1 protects cancer cells from unwanted copper-mediated redox reactions. This may be a required safety mechanism in cancer cells as they have a high demand for copper.

Copper

Fluorescence

Breast cancer

Reactive oxygen species

MDA-MB-231 cells

Memo1

Author

Xiaolu Zhang

Chalmers, Life Sciences, Chemical Biology

Gulshan Rameshrao Walke

Chalmers, Life Sciences, Chemical Biology

Pernilla Wittung Stafshede

Chalmers, Life Sciences, Chemical Biology

Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry

0162-0134 (ISSN) 18733344 (eISSN)

Vol. 247 112335

Subject Categories

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Cell and Molecular Biology

Medical Biotechnology (with a focus on Cell Biology (including Stem Cell Biology), Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry or Biopharmacy)

Cancer and Oncology

DOI

10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112335

PubMed

37487298

More information

Latest update

8/4/2023 5