POTENTIAL PROTEASOME-INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF COMMONLY USED DRUGS: AN IN VITRO REPURPOSING STUDY
UPB SCIENTIFIC BULLETIN, SERIES B: CHEMISTRY AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, vol.88, no.1, pp.203-214, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 88 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Journal Name: UPB SCIENTIFIC BULLETIN, SERIES B: CHEMISTRY AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Compendex
- Page Numbers: pp.203-214
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Identifying novel or repurposed proteasome inhibitors offers a promising strategy for cancer therapy, especially given the toxicity of bortezomib. This study screened fourteen commonly used drugs, including anticancer agents, plant extracts, and antifungals, in MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and MCF10A cell lines. Tamoxifen, docetaxel, and ketoconazole showed notable cytotoxicity, with tamoxifen exhibiting selective proteasome inhibition. EGCG confirmed assay reliability, while ATP measurements suggested metabolic interference may affect proteasome function. Interestingly, tamoxifen and cisplatin increased proteasome activity in specific contexts. These findings support drug repurposing as a route to safer, more targeted proteasome inhibitors in cancer treatment.