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Cucurbitacin E inhibits cellular proliferation and induces apoptosis in melanoma by suppressing HSDL2 expression

Wen-Bei Liu1, He-Li Wang1, Lei Chen1

  • 1Department of Dermato-Venerology and Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Jinghu District, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China.

Chinese Medicine
|February 23, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-like 2 (HSDL2) protein promotes melanoma progression. Copper(II) ethylenediamine complex (CuE) inhibits melanoma by decreasing HSDL2 expression, suggesting HSDL2 as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with unpredictable behavior.
  • Identifying novel therapeutic targets is crucial for melanoma treatment and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of HSDL2 protein in melanoma.
  • To explore the potential of Copper(II) ethylenediamine complex (CuE) as a melanoma therapeutic agent by targeting HSDL2.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry to assess HSDL2 protein levels.
  • Cell proliferation and apoptosis assays (CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry).
  • Western blotting and xenograft tumor models to evaluate CuE's inhibitory effects.

Main Results:

  • HSDL2 is overexpressed in melanoma and drives progression via ERK and AKT pathways.
  • CuE inhibits melanoma growth in vitro and in vivo.
  • CuE exerts its inhibitory effects by decreasing HSDL2 expression and blocking ERK/AKT signaling.

Conclusions:

  • HSDL2 is implicated in melanoma progression and represents a potential therapeutic target.
  • CuE demonstrates efficacy in inhibiting melanoma by downregulating HSDL2 expression.
Keywords:
Cucurbitacin EERK and AKT pathwaysHSDL2MelanomaProliferation and apoptosis

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