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Magnesium cantharidate inhibits hepatocellular cancer by targeting RACK1

Da Sun1, Xiaofei Li1,2, Meichen Liu1

  • 1College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China.

American Journal of Translational Research
|March 17, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Magnesium cantharidate (MC) shows anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (anti-HCC) effects by targeting the receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1). MC inhibits liver cancer cell growth and tumor development by regulating RACK1.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health concern.
  • Receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) is upregulated in liver cancer tissues.
  • RACK1 overexpression promotes HCC cell viability and inhibits apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-HCC effects of magnesium cantharidate (MC).
  • To determine if MC targets RACK1 to exert its anti-cancer effects.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of RACK1 expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.
  • Molecular docking to assess MC-RACK1 binding.
  • In vitro assays (CCK-8, EdU, flow cytometry) on liver cancer cells.
  • In vivo tumor growth inhibition studies.
  • RNA sequencing to elucidate mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • RACK1 upregulation in HCC tissues correlates with poor prognosis.
  • MC binds to RACK1 and reverses RACK1-induced pro-cancer effects in vitro.
  • MC inhibits tumor growth in vivo.
  • MC targets RACK1 to regulate calcium ion transport, ion channels, and cell adhesion.

Conclusions:

  • Magnesium cantharidate (MC) demonstrates significant anti-HCC activity.
  • MC exerts its effects by specifically targeting RACK1.
  • Targeting RACK1 with MC offers a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Keywords:
Magnesium cantharidateapoptosishepatocellular carcinomaproliferationreceptor for activated c kinase 1

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