Targetting αvβ3 and α5β1 integrins with Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich. seed oil.

In the present study, the effect of Ecbalium elaterium seed oil on adhesion, migration and proliferation of human brain cancer cell line (U87) was determined. Treatment of U87 cell line with the seed oil resulted in strong inhibition of their adhesion to fibrinogen (Fg), fibronectin (Fn). It also reduced their migration and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner without being cytotoxic. Concomitantly, by using Matrigel™ assays, the oil significantly inhibited angiogenesis. The anti- tumor effect of the oil is specifically mediated by αvβ3 and α5β1 integrins. The presence of integrin antagonists in seed oil from E. elaterium could be used for the development of anticancer drugs with targeted "multi-modal" therapies combining anti-adhesif, antiproliferative, antimetastasic and anti-angiogenic, approaches.