AGS-30, an andrographolide derivative, suppresses tumor angiogenesis and growth in vitro and in vivo

Poor bioavailability and limited efficacy are challenges associated with using andrographolide as a therapeutic agent. We recently synthesized AGS-30, a new andrographolide derivative, in our laboratory. In this study we investigated the potential anti-tumor effect of AGS-30 and the underlying mechanisms, particularly those related to angiogenesis. Results from our in vitro experiments showed that AGS-30 exerted anti-angiogenic effects by inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation. Phosphorylation and activation of angiogenesis-related signaling molecules (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] receptor 2, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, mechanistic target of rapamycin [mTOR], protein kinase B [Akt], and p38) were markedly reduced by AGS-30. Meanwhile, AGS-30 potently inhibited cell proliferation and phosphorylation of cell survival-related proteins (e.g., Akt, mTOR, and ERK1/2) and decreased the expression of VEGF in HT-29 colon cancer cells. AGS-30 blocked microvessel sprouting in a rat aortic ring model and blood vessel formation in zebrafish embryos and a mouse Matrigel plug model. Additionally, AGS-30 suppressed tumor growth and angiogenesis in HT-29 colon cancer cell xenografts in nude mice. These effects were not observed when same concentration of andrographolide, the parent compound of AGS-30, was used. Thus, AGS-30 exerted a strong antitumor effect by inhibiting tumor cell growth and angiogenesis and is a candidate compound for the treatment of cancer.