Screening of Natural Product Library for the Discovery of Novel Leukemia Therapeutics

Abstract

KAYLA HANCHER, DEANNA SCHMITT, and JOSEPH HORZEMPA. Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV 26074. Screening of a Natural Product Library for the Discovery of Novel Leukemia Therapeutics 

Leukemia is the leading cause of death in children. The discovery of effective cancer therapies is imperative to combat this deadly disease. The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) has comprised a library of over 4,000 organic extracts derived from plants, fungi, marine, and algae species with potential anti-cancer properties. In partnership with NCNPR, we have developed a rapid and effective method for screening large quantities of these organic compounds for anti-cancer efficacy against THP-1 cells (a monocytic leukemia cell line). A microtiter-based AlamarBlue Assay was used to identify extracts that reduced the viability of the THP-1 cells.  For this assay, THP-1 cells were treated with an extract from the NCNPR library and were incubated at 37˚C, 5% CO₂ for 24 hours. Subsequently, resazurin was added and incubated for an additional 24 hours.  Change to a red color was an indicator of viability.  Cells treated with extracts that produced little to no color change were identified as leads.  Lead extracts will be further evaluated for toxicity to non-cancer cells.