Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Selective CB2 Agonist JWH-133 Suppresses Viability and Migration-Related Responses in Prostate Cancer Cells
Seda Sabah Özcan1, Rehime Yapar1, İsmail Değerli1
1Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa 4500, Türkiye.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) agonists have attracted attention because of their potential effects on tumor-related cellular processes in different cancer models. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the selective CB2 agonist JWH-133 on prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU-145, and PC3). Methods: Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay, while colony-forming capacity and migration-related responses were assessed by colony formation and wound-healing assays, respectively. In addition, the expression levels of selected cell-cycle- and apoptosis-related genes were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: JWH-133 reduced cell viability in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, although the magnitude of this effect differed among prostate cancer cell lines. The compound also reduced colony formation in PC3 and LNCaP cells and decreased wound closure in PC3 cells under the experimental conditions used. Furthermore, JWH-133 altered the expression of several cell-cycle- and apoptosis-related genes in DU-145 and PC3 cells. Conclusions: Overall, these findings suggest that JWH-133 modulates multiple cellular responses in prostate cancer cells in a cell-line-dependent manner. However, additional mechanistic studies are required to clarify the molecular pathways underlying these effects.
Insights
The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) agonist JWH-133 impacts prostate cancer cells by reducing viability and colony formation. Its effects on cell cycle and apoptosis genes vary by cell line.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) agonists show promise for targeting tumor-related processes.
- Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of the selective CB2 agonist JWH-133 on prostate cancer cell lines.
- To analyze JWH-133's impact on cell viability, proliferation, migration, and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- MTT assay for cell viability.
- Colony formation and wound-healing assays for proliferation and migration.
- Quantitative real-time PCR for cell-cycle and apoptosis gene expression.
Main Results:
- JWH-133 reduced prostate cancer cell viability, colony formation, and migration in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- The compound differentially affected cell lines (LNCaP, DU-145, PC3).
- JWH-133 modulated cell-cycle and apoptosis gene expression in DU-145 and PC3 cells.
Conclusions:
- JWH-133 demonstrates potential as a modulator of prostate cancer cell behavior.
- Effects are cell-line specific, indicating varied molecular pathway involvement.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Inhibition of Cdk Activity

