Liensinine perchlorate inhibits colorectal cancer tumorigenesis by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents significant global health challenges with limited effective treatments.
• There is a critical need for novel therapeutic agents with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity for CRC.
• Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. is a plant source of natural compounds with potential medicinal properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anticancer bioactivity of liensinine, a compound from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., against colorectal cancer.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of liensinine's action in CRC cells.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential and safety of liensinine for CRC treatment.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies using CRC cell lines to assess proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and mitochondrial function.
• Quantitative proteomics, western blot, and flow cytometry were employed to analyze molecular mechanisms.
• In vivo studies using nude mouse xenograft models to evaluate tumor growth suppression and organ toxicity.

Main Results:

• Liensinine demonstrated significant dose-dependent inhibition of CRC cell proliferation and colony formation.
• CRC cells treated with liensinine exhibited cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis.
• Liensinine suppressed CRC tumor xenograft growth in vivo without causing observable toxicity to vital organs.

Conclusions:

• Liensinine exhibits potent anticancer activity against colorectal cancer.
• The mechanism involves induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Liensinine represents a potential novel, safe, and effective therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer.