Cell cycle-related signaling pathways modulated by peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligands in colorectal cancer cells

The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) has been implicated in growth control of various tumor models. PBR-specific ligands induced both apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in colorectal cancers. While the molecular mechanisms of PBR ligand-induced apoptosis have been addressed, the signaling pathways leading to cell cycle arrest are still unknown. Using cDNA array technology, we identified the signaling molecules involved in cell cycle arrest induced by the PBR ligands FGIN–1–27 and PK 11195. Differential gene expression was confirmed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR or Western blot analysis of gene products.…