CD147 Is Involved in Tanshinone IIA-Induced Reprogramming of the Warburg Effect in Prostate Cancer Cells

Yunye Wang1, Jierui Zhao2, Shutong Chen3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Basic Medical College of Jilin Medical University; Jilin 132013, P.R. China.

Abstract

Insights

Tan IIA, a compound from Salvia miltiorrhiza, inhibits prostate cancer cell growth by targeting aerobic glycolysis. It disrupts the AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α pathway and potentially CD147, offering a new avenue for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Metabolism
  • Molecular Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cancer cells exhibit altered metabolism, specifically the Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis).
  • Tan IIA, a compound from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has demonstrated antitumor properties.
  • The precise impact of Tan IIA on prostate cancer metabolism remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of Tan IIA on prostate cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis.
  • To elucidate the impact of Tan IIA on glucose metabolism and key metabolic enzymes in prostate cancer.
  • To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying Tan IIA's action, focusing on the AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α pathway and CD147.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed prostate cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis following Tan IIA treatment.
  • Evaluated glucose metabolism by measuring glycolysis-related changes and key enzyme expression.
  • Investigated molecular mechanisms via analysis of the AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathway and CD147 role.

Main Results:

  • Tan IIA significantly inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by suppressing glucose metabolism.
  • Tan IIA downregulated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression by blocking the AKT/mTOR signaling cascade.
  • Tan IIA reduced the expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and hexokinase 2 (HK2), with CD147 silencing potentiating these effects.

Conclusions:

  • Tan IIA disrupts the glycolytic pathway in prostate cancer cells.
  • The mechanism involves suppression of the AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α axis and potential modulation of CD147.
  • Tan IIA shows promise as an antitumor agent targeting prostate cancer's metabolic vulnerabilities.