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Morusin exerts anti-cancer activity in renal cell carcinoma by disturbing MAPK signaling pathways

Chengfei Yang1, Jing Luo1, Xing Luo1

  • 1Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China.

Annals of Translational Medicine
|May 2, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Morusin effectively inhibits renal cell carcinoma (RCC) growth and migration by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. This natural compound shows potential as an anti-cancer agent for RCC, impacting MAPK signaling pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a significant kidney malignancy requiring novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Morusin, a prenylated flavonoid, exhibits known anticancer properties by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of morusin as a potential therapeutic agent against renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying morusin's anti-cancer effects in RCC cells and in vivo.

Main Methods:

  • Cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle were assessed using CCK-8, transwell assays, Annexin V/7-AAD staining, and flow cytometry, respectively.
  • Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were employed to analyze target gene expression at mRNA and protein levels.
  • In vivo efficacy was evaluated using a nude mouse xenograft model.

Main Results:

  • Morusin significantly inhibited the growth and migration of three RCC cell lines (769-P, 786-O, OSRC-2).
  • Morusin induced apoptosis, caused cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, and suppressed RCC tumorigenesis in vivo.
  • Morusin modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, up-regulating p-p38 and p-JNK while down-regulating ERK phosphorylation.

Conclusions:

  • Morusin demonstrates potent anti-cancer activity against renal cell carcinoma (RCC) both in vitro and in vivo.
  • The observed anti-cancer effects are mediated through the modulation of MAPK signaling pathways.
  • Morusin represents a promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic agents for RCC.
Keywords:
Morusinanti-cancer activitymitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

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