Hericium erinaceus Extract Induces Apoptosis via PI3K/AKT and RAS/MAPK Signaling Pathways in Prostate Cancer Cells

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Mycology

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence is rising globally, with current treatments lacking curative potential.
• There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies to combat incurable prostate cancer.
• Medicinal mushrooms like Hericium erinaceus (HE) possess diverse therapeutic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-cancer effects of Hericium erinaceus (HE) ethanol extract on prostate cancer (PCa) cells.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying HE's cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in PCa.
• To identify volatile compounds in HE extract using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Main Methods:

• Preparation of Hericium erinaceus (HE) ethanol extract and GC-MS analysis for volatile compounds.
• MTT assay to evaluate HE's cytotoxicity on PCa and normal cells.
• Western blotting and specific inhibitors to assess HE's impact on PI3K/AKT and RAS/MAPK signaling pathways.
• Flow cytometry and ELISA to quantify apoptosis induction in PCa cells.

Main Results:

• HE exhibited concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity against PCa cells, with minimal impact on normal cells.
• HE suppressed the PI3K/AKT and RAS/MAPK signaling pathways by reducing phosphorylated protein levels.
• HE treatment significantly induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• Hericium erinaceus (HE) demonstrates significant cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects on prostate cancer cells.
• HE's therapeutic potential may stem from its ability to inhibit key signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT and RAS/MAPK.
• Further research into HE as a novel therapeutic agent for prostate cancer is warranted.