methyl spongoate

Methyl spongoate (MESP) is a marine-derived steroid that has been investigated as a potential therapeutic lead for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It demonstrates potent cytotoxic activity against various HCC cell lines, including those exhibiting multidrug resistance, as its efficacy is not affected by common drug transporters like P-glycoprotein. The primary mechanism of action for MESP is the inhibition of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. This inhibition results in the downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and the upregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), thereby inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis. MESP does not appear to interact with estrogen or androgen signaling, nor does it interfere with cell cycle progression, microtubules, or topoisomerases.

Other names

methyl spongoateMESP