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Ursolic Acid Induces Apoptotic Cell Death Through AIF and Endo G Release Through a Mitochondria-dependent Pathway in

Chiung-Ju Chen1,2, Yung-Luen Shih2,3,4, Ming-Yang Yeh5

  • 1Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli, Taiwan, R.O.C.

In Vivo (Athens, Greece)
|February 27, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ursolic acid (UA) induces apoptosis in human lung cancer cells by triggering the release of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (Endo G) via a mitochondria-dependent pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Ursolic acid (UA), a natural triterpene, exhibits cytotoxic effects on various cancer cells.
  • UA has been shown to induce cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the effects of UA on human lung cancer NCI-H292 cells in vitro.
  • Elucidate the mechanism of UA-induced apoptosis in these cells.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry for cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), Ca2+, and mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψm).
  • 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and DNA gel electrophoresis for chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation.
  • Western blotting to analyze apoptosis-associated protein expression.

Main Results:

  • UA reduced cell viability and induced apoptotic cell death in NCI-H292 cells.
  • UA increased intracellular Ca2+ and decreased Ψm, but did not significantly alter ROS production.
  • UA upregulated the expression of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (Endo G).

Conclusions:

  • UA induces apoptotic cell death in NCI-H292 cells.
  • The mechanism involves the release of AIF and Endo G through a mitochondria-dependent pathway.
  • UA represents a potential therapeutic agent for lung cancer treatment.
Keywords:
DNA fragmentationNCI-H292 human lung cancer cellsUrsolic acid (UA)apoptosis

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