Generation of Rho-0 Cells using MDA-MB-231 Cell Line and Measurement of Drug Cytotoxicity

Abstract

The ATP generation via Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system located in the inner membrane of mitochondria, is regulated by the coordinated interaction between nucleus and mitochondria. In the same context, mitochondrial-depleted cell (Rho-0) can be a helpful approach to study the mitochondrial metabolism, mitochondrial role in various cellular processes such as apoptosis, mitochondrial role in various mitochondrial related disorders and cancer. To generate Rho-0 cells, EtBr mediated mtDNA depletion was done and verified by agarose gel electrophoresis. % cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured after 24 hr treatment with 3 drugs, ?-amanitin, Doxorubicin and DCA in both parental MDA-MB-231 and Rho-0 cells. Reduced cell death and ROS production was observed in Rho-0 cells indicating the resistance against apoptosis in Rho-0 cells and demonstrating the possible role of mitochondria in intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. MMP was observed to be maintained in Rho-0 cells indicating the role of nuclear genome in the maintenance of MMP.