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Effects of betulinic acid on AKT/mTOR pathway in renal cell carcinoma

Merve Nur Ataş1, Barış Ertuğrul1, Elif Sinem İplik2

  • 1Department of Molecular Medicine, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkish Journal of Urology
|February 4, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Betulinic acid induces apoptosis in renal cancer cells without harming healthy cells. This compound affects the AKT-1 and mTOR genes, showing potential as a novel renal cell carcinoma treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a lethal urological cancer.
  • Current treatments include immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted molecular therapies.
  • Understanding apoptosis pathways is crucial for developing new RCC treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the apoptotic effect of betulinic acid on RCC cells.
  • To investigate the impact of betulinic acid on apoptosis-associated gene expression (AKT-1 and mTOR).

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the CAKI-2 cell line for in vitro study.
  • Assessed cytotoxicity using WST-1 assay.
  • Measured apoptosis via Caspase-3/BCA, Annexin-V, and ELISA.
  • Quantified AKT-1 and mTOR gene expression using real-time PCR.

Main Results:

  • Betulinic acid demonstrated dose-dependent apoptotic activity specifically in renal cancer cells.
  • No significant toxic effects were observed in healthy cells.
  • Gene expression analysis revealed a significant decrease in AKT-1 and an increase in mTOR levels.

Conclusions:

  • Betulinic acid exhibits selective apoptotic effects on RCC cells.
  • The modulation of AKT-1 and mTOR pathways suggests a potential therapeutic mechanism.
  • Betulinic acid represents a promising candidate for future renal cell carcinoma drug development.

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