Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
Multiplexed Live-Cell Imaging for Drug Responses in Patient-Derived Organoid Models of Cancer
Published on: January 5, 2024
Oridonin-induced apoptosis in SW620 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells
Zhe Ji1, Qingjiu Tang, Jinsong Zhang
1National Engineering Research Center of Edible Fungi; Key Laboratory of Applied Mycological Resources and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding; Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106.
Abstract:
Oridonin, a diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia rubescens (Hemsl.) Hara, inhibited the growth of human tumor cell lines SW620 (colon), MCF-7 (breast) and K562 (bone marrow), and induced significant levels of apoptosis in SW620. Morphological changes indicative of cell apoptosis were observed after the cells were exposed to oridonin for 24 h. Growth inhibition was associated with G1 phase arrest, and with time- and dose-dependent increases in caspase-3 activity. We therefore conclude that oridonin inhibits the proliferation of SW620 cells by induction of apoptosis via the activation of caspase-3. Our data suggest that oridonin may have significant potential as an anti-colorectal adenocarcinoma agent.
Insights
Oridonin, a compound from Rabdosia rubescens, effectively inhibits colon cancer cell growth by triggering apoptosis, a programmed cell death process. This natural compound shows promise as a potential anti-cancer agent.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Oridonin is a diterpenoid derived from Rabdosia rubescens.
- Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-proliferative effects of oridonin on human tumor cell lines.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action, focusing on apoptosis induction and cell cycle regulation.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of SW620 (colon), MCF-7 (breast), and K562 (bone marrow) cancer cell lines with oridonin.
- Morphological assessment for apoptosis.
- Cell cycle analysis (G1 phase arrest).
- Caspase-3 activity assays.
Main Results:
- Oridonin inhibited the growth of SW620, MCF-7, and K562 cell lines.
- Significant apoptosis was induced in SW620 cells, with observable morphological changes.
- Growth inhibition correlated with G1 phase arrest.
- Time- and dose-dependent increases in caspase-3 activity were noted.
Conclusions:
- Oridonin inhibits SW620 cell proliferation through apoptosis induction.
- Activation of caspase-3 is a key mechanism in oridonin-mediated apoptosis.
- Oridonin demonstrates potential as an anti-colorectal adenocarcinoma therapeutic.
