Butein inhibits metastatic behavior in mouse melanoma cells through VEGF expression and translation-dependent signaling pathway regulation
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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Experimental Metastasis Assay
Published on: August 24, 2010
Yu-Wei Lai1,2, Shih-Wei Wang3, Chien-Hsin Chang4
1Department of Urology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
Background:
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer and a predominant cause of skin cancer-related deaths. A previous study has demonstrated the ability of butein to inhibit tumor proliferation and invasion. However, the anti-metastatic mechanisms and in vivo effects of butein have not been fully elucidated.
Methods:
MTT cell viability assays were used to evaluate the antitumor effects of butein in vitro. Cytotoxic effects of butein were measured by lactate dehydrogenase assay. Anti-migratory effects of butein were evaluated by two-dimensional scratch and transwell migration assays. Signaling transduction and VEGF-releasing assays were measured by Western blotting and ELISA. We also conducted an experimental analysis of the metastatic potential of tumor cells injected into the tail vein of C57BL/6 mice.
Results:
We first demonstrated the effect of butein on cell viability at non-cytotoxic concentrations (1, 3, and 10 μM). In vitro, butein was found to inhibit the migration of B16F10 cells in a concentration-dependent manner using transwell and scratch assays. Butein had a dose-dependent effect on focal adhesion kinase, Akt, and ERK phosphorylation in B16F10 cells. Butein efficiently inhibited the mTOR/p70S6K translational inhibition machinery and decreased the production of VEGF in B16F10 cells. Furthermore, the in vivo antitumor effects of butein were demonstrated using a pulmonary metastasis model.
Conclusion:
The results of the present study indicate the potential utility of butein in the treatment of melanoma.
Insights
Butein, a natural compound, effectively inhibits melanoma cell migration and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. This study elucidates its anti-metastatic mechanisms, highlighting its potential as a melanoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer with limited treatment options.
- Butein shows promise in inhibiting tumor growth and invasion.
- The anti-metastatic effects and in vivo mechanisms of butein require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-metastatic mechanisms of butein in melanoma.
- To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of butein in a melanoma metastasis model.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays: MTT, lactate dehydrogenase, scratch, and transwell migration assays.
- Western blotting and ELISA for signaling pathway analysis (FAK, Akt, ERK, mTOR/p70S6K) and VEGF.
- In vivo pulmonary metastasis model in C57BL/6 mice.
Main Results:
- Butein inhibited B16F10 melanoma cell viability and migration in a dose-dependent manner.
- Butein affected FAK, Akt, and ERK phosphorylation, and inhibited mTOR/p70S6K signaling.
- VEGF production was decreased by butein, and in vivo pulmonary metastasis was reduced.
Conclusions:
- Butein exhibits significant anti-metastatic properties against melanoma.
- Butein's mechanisms involve the modulation of key signaling pathways and VEGF production.
- Butein demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for melanoma treatment.
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