Lectin from Dioclea violacea induces autophagy in U87 glioma cells

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins with diverse biological activities.
• Glioma is a primary brain tumor with limited treatment options.
• Dioclea violacea lectin (DVL) is a plant lectin with potential therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antitumor activity of DVL on human glioma cells.
• To compare DVL's efficacy with Canavalia ensiformis lectin (ConA).
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying DVL's cytotoxic effects.

Main Methods:

• U87 human glioma cell line and primary astrocyte cultures were used.
• Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and clonogenic survival were assessed.
• Mechanisms including mitochondrial potential, ROS, caspase activation, autophagy, and signaling pathways (Akt, mTORC1, ERK, JNK, p38 MAPK) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• DVL significantly reduced glioma cell viability, proliferation, and migration in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
• DVL induced cell death via disruption of mitochondrial potential and autophagy, independent of apoptosis.
• DVL modulated signaling pathways, decreasing Akt/mTORC1/ERK phosphorylation and increasing JNK/p38 MAPK phosphorylation.
• DVL demonstrated higher potency than ConA and selectively spared normal astrocytes.

Conclusions:

• DVL exhibits selective antitumor activity against human glioma cells.
• DVL's mechanism involves inhibiting cell migration and proliferation, inducing autophagy, and altering key signaling pathways.
• DVL represents a promising candidate for glioma therapy, warranting further investigation.