Antitumor activity of G-quadruplex-interactive agent TMPyP4 with photodynamic therapy in ovarian carcinoma cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by the cationic porphyrin, 5,10,15,20-tetra-(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphine (TMPyP(4)), on an ovarian carcinoma cell line and the underlying mechanisms by which TMPyP(4)-PDT exerts its actions. The analysis of cell viability, hematoxylin and eosin staining and flow cytometric apoptosis assays revealed that TMPyP(4)-PDT potently suppressed the growth of the A2780 cells in a laser energy- and dose-dependent manner. Mechanically, it was observed that TMPyP(4)-PDT suppressed the proliferation and motility of the A2780 cells. In addition, the expression levels of minichromosome maintenance protein-2 (MCM2) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX) were detected by western blot analysis. The results indicated that the TMPyP(4)-PDT-induced apoptosis and antimetastatic activity in the A2780 cells was accompanied by the inhibition of the expression of MCM2 and CA-IX. Therefore, TMPyP(4)-PDT may represent a potential therapeutic method for the treatment of ovarian carcinoma.