Berberine induces cell death in human hepatoma cells in vitro by downregulating CD147
Qian Hou1, Xu Tang, Hanqiang Liu
1Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
Abstract:
The isoquinoline plant alkaloid berberine has anti-tumor effects on a variety of carcinoma cells, mainly through inhibition of cell proliferation, apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. However, the mechanisms underlying its role in tumor progression are unknown. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in berberine-induced cell death in human hepatoma carcinoma cell (HCC) lines HepG2 and SMMC7721. Our results showed that berberine inhibited tumor cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and induced cell death via apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, berberine treatment significantly inhibited CD147 expression by HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of CD147 protein markedly reduced berberine-induced cell death. Our data provide the first experimental evidence that berberine induces cell death in HCC cells via downregulation of CD147 and suggest a new mechanism to explain its anti-tumor effects.
Insights
Berberine, a plant alkaloid, kills liver cancer cells by triggering apoptosis and autophagy. It also reduces CD147 expression, a key factor in cancer cell survival, revealing a novel anti-tumor mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Berberine exhibits anti-tumor properties in various cancer cells.
- The precise molecular mechanisms of berberine's anti-cancer effects, particularly in liver cancer, remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of berberine-induced cell death in human hepatoma carcinoma (HCC) cell lines.
- To explore the role of CD147 in mediating berberine's anti-tumor effects.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of HepG2 and SMMC7721 HCC cell lines with berberine.
- Assessment of cell viability, apoptosis, and autophagy.
- Analysis of CD147 expression levels and its impact on cell death.
Main Results:
- Berberine inhibited HCC cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- Berberine induced cell death through apoptosis and autophagy.
- Berberine downregulated CD147 expression in HCC cells, and CD147 overexpression reduced berberine-induced cell death.
Conclusions:
- Berberine induces cell death in human hepatoma carcinoma cells via apoptosis and autophagy.
- Downregulation of CD147 is a key mechanism through which berberine exerts its anti-tumor effects in HCC.
- These findings suggest a novel therapeutic strategy targeting CD147 for liver cancer treatment.
