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Fiscalin B exerts an anticancer effect through mitochondria-modulated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human

Siqi Wang1, Yi Huang1, Songtao Wang2

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China.

Natural Product Research
|December 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Fiscalin B, a marine fungal compound, shows anticancer effects against liver cancer cells by inducing cell death and halting cell cycle progression. This compound triggers reactive oxygen species overload and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to autophagic cell death.

Area of Science:

  • Marine Natural Products
  • Cancer Biology
  • Cellular Mechanisms

Background:

  • Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is a leading cause of cancer mortality with limited effective therapies.
  • Marine fungi represent a promising source of novel bioactive compounds for drug discovery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anticancer activity of fiscalin B, a marine fungal compound, against human liver cancer cells (HepG2).
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of fiscalin B's anti-cancer effects.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of HepG2 cells with fiscalin B.
  • Assessment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
  • Analysis of apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
  • Fluorescence microscopy to observe TOM20 distribution and lysosome activation.
  • Evaluation of mitophagy, cell cycle distribution, and key cell cycle regulators.

Main Results:

  • Fiscalin B induced significant ROS overload and apoptosis in HepG2 cells.
  • Mitochondrial membrane potential was disrupted, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction and enhanced mitophagy.
  • Fiscalin B treatment led to G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by modulating key cell cycle regulators.
  • Alterations in TOM20 distribution and lysosome activation were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Fiscalin B exhibits potent anticancer effects against hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
  • The compound induces mitochondria-modulated autophagic cell death and cell cycle arrest.
  • Fiscalin B represents a potential therapeutic candidate for liver cancer treatment.
Keywords:
ApoptosisFiscalin Bcell cycle arresthepatocellular carcinomamitophagy

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