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Osthole induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis in lung cancer A549 cells by modulating PI3K/Akt pathway

Xiaoman Xu1, Yi Zhang, Dan Qu

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, PR China.

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research : CR
|March 31, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Osthole effectively inhibits human lung cancer A549 cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. This natural compound shows promise for lung cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.
  • Novel therapeutic agents are urgently needed to improve treatment outcomes.
  • Osthole, a natural coumarin, has demonstrated potential anti-cancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of Osthole on human lung cancer A549 cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Osthole's anti-cancer activity.

Main Methods:

  • Human lung cancer A549 cells were treated with varying concentrations of Osthole.
  • Cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT assay.
  • Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed via flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy.
  • Protein expression levels (Cyclin B1, p-Cdc2, Bcl-2, Bax, t-Akt, p-Akt) were determined by Western blotting.

Main Results:

  • Osthole significantly inhibited A549 cell proliferation and induced G2/M cell cycle arrest.
  • Osthole promoted apoptosis in A549 cells.
  • Osthole treatment led to down-regulation of Cyclin B1, p-Cdc2, Bcl-2, and up-regulation of Bax.
  • Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Osthole exhibits anti-cancer effects against human lung cancer A549 cells.
  • Osthole exerts its effects by modulating cell cycle regulators, apoptosis-related proteins, and the PI3K/Akt pathway.
  • Osthole demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for human lung cancer.

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