A 1,10-phenanthroline derivative selectively targeting telomeric G-quadruplex induces cytoprotective autophagy, causing apoptosis of gastric cancer cells

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of compound 13d to induce autophagy and to promote apoptosis of tumor cells and its interaction mechanism. Materials and

Using CCK-8 assay, transwell assay, fluorescence resonance energy transfer melting analysis (FRET), transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry assay, immunofluorescence assay, Western blot analysis, and wound healing assay. Key findings: The

Our findings demonstrate that compound 13d as a telomeric G-quadruplex ligand induces Telomere dysfunction, DNA damage response, autophagy, and apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by blocking the Akt/m-TOR signaling pathway.