The apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of Neosetophomone B in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibition

Abstract

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Protein Kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signalling pathway is pivotal in various cancers, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL), a particularly aggressive type of leukaemia. This study investigates the effects of Neosetophomone B (NSP-B), a meroterpenoid fungal metabolite, on T-ALL cell lines, focusing on its anti-cancer mechanisms and therapeutic potential. NSP-B significantly inhibited the proliferation of T-ALL cells by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and promoting caspase-dependent apoptosis. Additionally, NSP-B led to the dephosphorylation and subsequent inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, a critical pathway in cell survival and growth. Molecular docking studies revealed a strong binding affinity of NSP-B to the active site of AKT, primarily involving key residues crucial for its activity. Interestingly, NSP-B treatment also induced apoptosis and significantly reduced proliferation in phytohemagglutinin-activated primary human CD3⁺ T cells, accompanied by a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Importantly, NSP-B did not affect normal primary T cells, indicating a degree of selectivity in its action, targeting only T-ALL cells and activated T cells. In conclusion, our findings highlight the potential of NSP-B as a novel therapeutic agent for T-ALL, specifically targeting the aberrantly activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and being selective in action. These results provide a strong basis for further investigation into NSP-B's anti-cancer properties and potential application in T-ALL clinical therapies.