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Digoxin Suppresses Tumor Malignancy through Inhibiting Multiple Src-Related Signaling Pathways in Non-Small Cell Lung

Sheng-Yi Lin1, Hsiu-Hui Chang2, Yi-Hua Lai3

  • 1Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Agricultural Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.

Plos One
|May 9, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Digoxin shows promise as a novel lung cancer treatment by inhibiting Src activity. This cardiac glycoside effectively suppressed non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
  • Src, an oncogene, is implicated in cancer progression and represents a therapeutic target.
  • Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, is emerging as a potential chemotherapeutic agent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of digoxin in suppressing NSCLC progression.
  • To determine if digoxin inhibits Src activity and its downstream signaling pathways.
  • To evaluate the effects of digoxin on lung cancer cell functions and viability.

Main Methods:

  • Cell function assays (colony formation, migration, invasion) were performed on lung cancer cell lines.
  • Western blotting and qPCR were used to analyze Src mRNA and protein expression.
  • Cell viability assays assessed digoxin's cytotoxic effects.
  • EGFR and STAT3 activity were also measured.

Main Results:

  • Digoxin inhibited proliferation, invasion, migration, and colony formation of A549 and other lung cancer cells.
  • Digoxin suppressed Src activity and protein expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
  • Digoxin reduced the activity of EGFR and STAT3 signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Digoxin demonstrates potential as an anticancer agent for NSCLC.
  • Digoxin may exert its effects by inhibiting Src activity and related signaling pathways.
  • Further research into digoxin as a lung cancer therapeutic is warranted.

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