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Molecular Mechanism of Curcumin Derivative on YAP Pathway against Ovarian Cancer

Nan Zheng1, Shan Liu2, Huiting Zeng1

  • 1School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|December 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Curcumin derivative WZ10 inhibits ovarian cancer cell proliferation and invasion while promoting apoptosis. Its mechanism involves downregulating the Hippo-YAP pathway, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Ovarian cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women.
  • Novel therapeutic agents targeting cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis are urgently needed.
  • Curcumin derivatives have shown potential anticancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of curcumin derivative WZ10 on ovarian cancer OVCAR3 cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of WZ10 action in ovarian cancer.
  • To explore the role of the Hippo-YAP pathway in WZ10's anti-cancer effects.

Main Methods:

  • MTT assay for cell proliferation.
  • Annexin V/PI staining and flow cytometry for apoptosis analysis.
  • Transwell assays for cell invasion.
  • Western blot to investigate molecular mechanisms, including Hippo-YAP pathway activation.

Main Results:

  • WZ10 significantly inhibited OVCAR3 cell proliferation and invasion in a dose-dependent manner.
  • WZ10 induced apoptosis in OVCAR3 cells.
  • Knockdown of Hippo expression using sh-RNA abrogated the effects of WZ10, indicating pathway involvement.
  • WZ10 downregulated the activation of the Hippo-YAP pathway.

Conclusions:

  • Curcumin derivative WZ10 exhibits potent anti-cancer effects against ovarian cancer cells.
  • WZ10 inhibits proliferation and invasion, and induces apoptosis by downregulating the Hippo-YAP pathway.
  • WZ10 represents a promising therapeutic candidate for ovarian cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Hippo-YAP pathwayWZ10apoptosiscurcuminovarian cancer

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