ICG-001

ICG-001 has no effect on the related reporter construct, FOPFLASH, which contains mutated TCF sites. After treatment with 25μM of ICG-001 for 8 hours, SW480 cell reduces the steady-state levels of Survivin and Cyclin D1 RNA and protein, both of which can be up-regulated by β-catenin. ICG-001 selectively induces apoptosis in transformed cells but not in normal colon cells, reduces in vitro growth of colon carcinoma cells. ^[1] ICG-001, can phenotypically rescue normal nerve growth factor (NGF) -induced neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth in the presenilin-1 mutant cells, emphasizing the importance of the TCF/β-catenin signaling pathway on neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation. ^[2] A recent study demonstrates that 5μM ICG-001 inhibits leptin-induced EMT, invasion and tumorsphere formation in MCF7 cells. ^[3]

1. Prior to starting the assay, prepare the Apo-ONE Caspase-3/7 Reagent, and mix thoroughly. 2. For best results, empirical determination of the optimal cell number, apoptosis induction treatment and incubation period for the cell culture system may be necessary. 3. Use identical cell numbers and volumes for the assay and the negative control samples. 4. Do not mix Apo-ONE Caspase-3/7 Reagent and samples by manual pipetting. Mixing in this manner is unnecessary and may create bubbles that interfere with fluorescence readings or cross-contaminate the samples. Gentle mixing may be performed using a plate shaker. 5. Total incubation time for the assay depends upon the amount of caspase- 3/7 present in the sample. 6. The Apo-ONE Caspase-3/7 Reagent is formulated to mediate cellular lysis and support optimal caspase-3/7 activity. In rare instances, the reagent does not affect complete lysis of cultured cells. In such cases, lysis is enhanced by a freeze-thaw cycle. For best results, freeze at -70 °C, then thaw at room temperature. After equilibration, mix to homogeneity and incubate until measurable fluorescence is achieved

Administration of a water-soluble analog of ICG-001 for 9 weeks reduces the formation of colon and small intestinal polyps by 42% as effectively as the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent Sulindac, which has consistently demonstrated efficacy in this model. No overt toxicity is detected throughout the course of treatment. In the SW620 nude mouse xenograft model of tumor regression, 150 mg/kg, i.v. of analog demonstrates a dramatic reduction in tumor volume over the 19-day course of treatment, with no mortality or weight loss. ^[1] ICG-001 (5 mg/kg per day) significantly inhibits beta-catenin signaling and attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice, while concurrently preserving the epithelium. ^[4]