Abstract C001: Investigating anti-cancer compounds and the mechanism activated to induce cell death

Abstract We aim to identify anti-cancer compounds that exhibit high selectivity for cancer cell lines and that may have minimal cytotoxicity to non-cancerous cells. Our approach in these experiments involves drug screening of novel compounds to find the mechanism of action in the cells. To assess cytotoxicity, we utilize the Differential Nuclear Staining (DNS) assay which uses two nuclear staining dyes detected via a bioimager across a wide range of hematological and solid tumor cell lines. Through these drug screening methods, five novel compounds have shown strong cytotoxicity across multiple cell lines, primarily hematological cell lines, while exhibiting a high Selective Cytotoxicity Index (SCI) value, which indicates a preference to cancer cells over normal cells. A total of seven novel compounds are currently in evaluation. To have a better understanding in the mechanism of action of these compounds, additional studies in breast and other solid tumor cells lines are being conducted. Further flow cytometry assays (Annexin V FITC, ROS, JC-1, Caspase-3/7) will be conducted to identify whether these cancer cell lines are dying via apoptosis. In addition, RNA Sequencing and other confirmatory biochemical assays will be conducted to investigate transcriptomic effects. Results from the compounds suggest that their anti-cancer activity may be effective in disrupting cell proliferation by exclusively targeting cancer cells. Our findings support the development of more targeted therapies that could improve patient outcomes. Citation Format: Allison E. Elias. Investigating anti-cancer compounds and the mechanism activated to induce cell death [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2025 Oct 22-26; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2025;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr C001.