4EGI-1

4EGI-1 disrupts the eIF4F complex and inhibits Cap-dependent translation in vitro. 4EGI-1 has proapoptotic activity in Jurkat cells, and potently inhibits cell growth with IC50 of approximately 6 μM in A549 lung cancer cells. ^[1] 4EGI-1 augments TRAIL-induced apoptosis through induction of DR5 and down-regulation of c-FLIP, independent of inhibition of cap-dependent protein translation in human lung cancer cells. ^[2] In addition, 4EGI-1, restores sensitivity to ABT-737 apoptosis through cap-dependent and -independent mechanisms in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. ^[3]

Cell viability is measured by treatment of Jurkat cells with compound for 24 h and by determination of intracellular ATP using the CellTiterGlo assay. For measurement of apoptotic DNA fragmentation, cells are treated for 24 h with 60 μM EGI-1 or 6.65 μM camptothecin in the presence or absence of 100 mM zVAD-FMK, a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor. After fixation and staining with PI, cellular DNA content is determined by FACS analysis in a FACS Calibur machine. Nuclear morphology after 24 h EG1-1 treatment is visualized by staining of cells with Hoechst dye and fluorescence microscopy. For the A549 lung cancer cells, cell growth in the presence of 4EGI-1 is determined using the SRB staining method.