Novel Xanthone Derivatives Impair Growth and Invasiveness of Colon Cancer Cells In Vitro

Natural xanthones are a large group of compounds from which promising anticancer properties could be further developed by chemical modifications. This study aimed to investigate the influence of four novel xanthone derivatives based on a naturally occurring xanthone skeleton on the invasiveness of colon cancer cells in vitro. First, the concentrations required to inhibit growth of three colorectal cancer cell lines to 50% (GI(50)) of all the studied compounds, as well as the natural xanthones used as a reference (gambogic acid and alpha-mangostin), have been established (MTS reduction test). Next, the assays determining several aspects of the GI(25) xanthones influence on colorectal cancer cells, including cytotoxicity, migration and invasion potential, interaction with extracellular matrix and endothelial cells, as well as expression of selected invasiveness related genes have been performed. Our results demonstrate that these novel xanthone derivatives impair colorectal cancer proliferation, motility, adhesion to extracellular matrix and to endothelial cells, and also induce apoptosis and cell death. Moreover, their activity is comparable to cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, used as reference compounds. Conducted research indicates our compounds for further research and development as novel drugs in colorectal cancer treatment.