T-type Calcium Channel Blocker, NNC 55-0396, Suppress Cell Proliferation and Promote Apoptosis in SNU-1 Gastric Cancer Cells

Abstract

Accumulating evidence reports that T-type calcium channels play crucial roles in tumor formation and development. However, the roles of inhibiting calcium channels in tumor cells with various inhibitors in tumor progression remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of NNC 55-0396, a T-type calcium channel inhibitor, against SNU-1 gastric cancer cells. Cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of NNC 55-0396 were evaluated by the XTT assay and flow cytometry. The results showed that NNC 55-0396 had concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in SNU-1 cells and its the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was calculated as 4.17 µM. The results of the Annexin V experiments also showed that this inhibitor significantly increased apoptosis in SNU-1 cells. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that NNC 55-0396 induces cytotoxic effects by increasing apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. However, further research is required for its use as a possible therapeutic agent in the treatment of gastric cancer.