Matrine inhibiting pancreatic cells epithelial-mesenchymal transition and invasion through ROS/NF-κB/MMPs pathway

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Matrine exhibits anti-tumor properties, including inhibition of proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy.
• The effect of matrine on cancer cell invasion remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the inhibitory effect of matrine on pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, including the role of the NF-κB signaling pathway and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Main Methods:

• Pancreatic cancer cells (Panc-1) were treated with matrine.
• Cell migration and invasion were assessed using wound healing and Transwell assays.
• Expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and components of the NF-κB pathway were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Matrine treatment led to decreased expression of N-cadherin and Vimentin, and increased E-cadherin, indicating reduced epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
• Matrine significantly inhibited Panc-1 cell migration and invasion, accompanied by downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9.
• Matrine reduced intracellular ROS levels and suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway activation (decreased pP65 and pIκBα).

Conclusions:

• Matrine inhibits pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion.
• The mechanism involves the regulation of the ROS/NF-κB/MMPs pathway.
• These findings further support matrine's potential as an anti-cancer therapeutic agent.