Fig 2: Ectopic PKD2 expression is not sufficient to restore cancer cell viability after treatment with cold plasma. Cancer cells were transduced with a PKD2 expression (PKD2 o.e.) or empty vector (e.v.). After selection with antibiotic, lysates of transduced cancer cells were prepared and SDS-PAGE was conducted with PKD2 antibody. ß-actin was used as loading control. (B,C) MDA-MB-231 breast and SW480 colon cancer cells (e.v. as well as PKD2 o.e.) were treated with plasma (60 s) and/or 50 nM PU-H71, and cell viability was determined at 24 h.

Fig 3: Cleavage of HSP90 and degradation of PKD2 following cold plasma treatment is associated with cancer cell death. Physical plasma treatment- generated ROS is followed by HSP90 cleavage and subsequent destabilization and degradation of PKD2. While PKD2 degradation plays an important role in cancer cell death, additional essential molecules such as STK33, also contribute to the apoptotic event. Furthermore, pre-treatment of cancer cells with subliminal doses of HSP90 inhibitor followed by cold plasma treatment boosts cell death in human cancer.