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Melatonin inhibits the Migration of Colon Cancer RKO cells by Down-regulating Myosin Light Chain Kinase Expression

Duo-Bing Zou1, Xiao Wei, Ruo-Lei Hu

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Department of Biochemistry, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China E-mail : wangyuan@ahmu.edu.cn and shenghuahrl@163.com.

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP
|September 1, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Melatonin inhibits colon cancer cell migration by down-regulating myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. This study clarifies melatonin's anti-tumor mechanisms in RKO cells.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, exhibits anti-cancer properties across various cancer types.
  • The precise molecular mechanisms of melatonin's anti-tumor effects in colon cancer remain incompletely understood.
  • This research focuses on melatonin's impact on human colon cancer RKO cell migration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of melatonin on the migration of human colon cancer RKO cells.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin's anti-migratory activity.
  • To explore the role of p38 MAPK and MLCK in melatonin's action.

Main Methods:

  • Cell viability assessed using MTT assay.
  • Cell migration analyzed via in vitro scratch-wound assay.
  • Gene and protein expression levels of MLCK, pMLC, and p38 (pp38) examined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin significantly inhibited proliferation and migration of RKO cells.
  • Melatonin treatment reduced MLCK expression and MLC phosphorylation.
  • Melatonin decreased p38 phosphorylation, indicating p38 MAPK pathway involvement.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin effectively inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation and migration.
  • The p38 MAPK pathway is crucial in mediating melatonin's anti-migratory effects.
  • Melatonin acts by down-regulating MLCK expression and activity through the p38 MAPK pathway.

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