Calpeptin prevents angiopoietin-1-induced proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells

Objective: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Most lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The overall survival of NSCLC patients with advanced stage or metastatic lesions remains very poor. Therefore, the development of novel treatments for NCSLC is clinically needed. Previous studies reported a relationship between calpain, a calcium-dependent intracellular cysteine protease, and tumorigenesis. In the present study, we examined the preventive effects of calpeptin, a calpain inhibitor, on the growth of A549 NSCLC cells. Methods: We determined whether calpeptin exerted inhibitory effects on the proliferation of A549 cells. Results: Calpeptin inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells. It also prevented 1) the expression of angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and Tie-2 mRNA and 2) Ang-1-induced proliferation in A549 cells, which may be the mechanisms responsible for the preventive effects of calpeptin on A549 cell growth. Conclusions: These results suggest the clinical use of calpeptin for the treatment of NSCLC.