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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Quantitative Analysis of Autophagy using Advanced 3D Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: May 3, 2013
[Autophagy of prostate cancer PC-3 cells under the induction of oridonin]
Li-hong Ye1, Yong-liang Chen, Shui-xiang Tao
1Shaoxin Central Hospital, Shaoxin 312030, China. LLH7966@126.com
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of oridonin (ORI)-induced autophagy in prostate cancer PC-3 cells.
Methods:
The PC-3 cells cultured in vitro were treated with ORI. The inhibitory ratio of oridonin In PC-3 cells was assayed by MTT. The ultrastructural cellular changes were observed under light microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). AO staining was used to observe the acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs). The level of MAP1-LC3 was detected by Western blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) used to detect the level of mRNA of beclin 1.
Results:
After oridonin treatment, the proliferation of PC-3 cells was inhibited significantly in a concentration and time-dependent manner. The SEM examination revealed cellular shrinkage and the disappearance of surface microvilli after ORI treatment. And on the TEM examination, the nuclei exhibited chromatin condensation and the appearance of a large number of autophagosome with double-membrane structure in cytoplasm. AO staining showed the existence of AVOs. Simultaneously, the expressions of autophagy-related proteins, MAP-LC3 and the mRNA level of beclin 1 were elevated by ORI. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA reversed the elevation of beclin 1 mRNA.
Conclusion:
The growth of PC-3 cells is inhibited. And cellular is induced by oridonin with a potential anti-tumor effect.
Insights
Oridonin (ORI) inhibits prostate cancer PC-3 cell growth by inducing autophagy. This natural compound triggers cellular self-degradation pathways, showing potential as an anti-tumor agent.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Oncology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Oridonin, a compound derived from Rabdosia rubescens, has demonstrated cytotoxic effects in various cancer cell lines.
- Understanding the precise mechanisms underlying oridonin's anti-cancer activity is crucial for its clinical development.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the mechanism by which oridonin (ORI) induces autophagy in prostate cancer PC-3 cells.
- To investigate the morphological and molecular changes associated with oridonin treatment in PC-3 cells.
- To assess the role of autophagy in oridonin-mediated anti-cancer effects.
Summary:
- Oridonin treatment significantly inhibited PC-3 cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- Morphological analysis revealed cellular shrinkage and the formation of autophagosomes, indicative of autophagy.
- Oridonin upregulated the expression of autophagy-related proteins (MAP1-LC3) and mRNA (beclin 1), which was reversed by the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA.
Impact:
- This study reveals that oridonin induces autophagy in prostate cancer cells, contributing to its anti-tumor effects.
- The findings suggest that oridonin holds potential as a therapeutic agent for prostate cancer.
- Further research into oridonin's anti-cancer mechanisms could pave the way for novel treatment strategies.
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