Induction of apoptosis by benz[f] indole-4.9-dione analog in human lung cancer cells through p53-dependent mechanism

A synthetic naphthoquinone alkaloid. 2-amino-3-ethoxycarbonyl-l-methyl pyrolo (3,2-b) naphtho-4,9-dione (compound 1), showed a potent cytotoxicity in a panel of cancer cell lines with an IC50 ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 microgram/mL. Prompted by a potent cytotoxic activity, the mechanism action study was performed with cultured A549 of human lung cancer cells. Flow cytometric G2-M cell cycle arrest and microscopic investigation was also characterized with apoptotic morphological features. (omitted)