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Live-cell Imaging of Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization During Necroptosis
Published on: November 14, 2025
Lysosomal membrane permeabilization contributes to elemene emulsion-induced apoptosis in A549 cells
Long-Jie Li1, Lai-Fu Zhong, Li-Ping Jiang
1Department of radiotherapy oncology, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 467 Zhong Shan Road, Dalian 116023, Liaoning, China.
Free Radical Research
|July 26, 2011
Summary
Elemene induces apoptosis in A549 cancer cells by damaging lysosomes and mitochondria. This process involves lysosomal membrane permeabilization and cathepsin D, leading to programmed cell death.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Elemene is a known broad-spectrum antitumor agent.
- Understanding the precise mechanisms of elemene-induced apoptosis is crucial for its therapeutic application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and cathepsin D in elemene-induced apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- A549 cells were exposed to elemene emulsion.
- Lysosomal membrane permeabilization, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA damage, and apoptotic features were assessed.
- Protein expression of cathepsin D was analyzed via Western blot.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured.
- The effect of pepstatin A (cathepsin D inhibitor) on elemene-induced apoptosis was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Elemene exposure led to early LMP, followed by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA damage.
- Apoptotic features, including caspase-3 activation and phosphatidylserine exposure, were observed.
- Cathepsin D protein levels increased significantly after elemene treatment.
- Elemene induced ROS production and GSH depletion.
- Pepstatin A significantly inhibited elemene-induced DNA damage, LMP, caspase-3 activation, and phosphatidylserine exposure.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis induced by elemene emulsion in A549 cells is partly mediated through lysosomal membrane permeabilization.
- The lysosomal protease cathepsin D plays a significant role in the apoptotic pathway triggered by elemene.
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