Targeting RSF1 with tanshinone I inhibits cervical cancer cell growth through modulation of NF-κB pathway

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent malignancy among women across the world. Tanshinone I (Tan I), a principal bioactive component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, has demonstrated broad therapeutic potential in various cancers, yet its mechanism of action against cervical cancer remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that Tan I exerts potent anti-cervical cancer effects by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in SiHa and HeLa cervical cancer cell lines. Mechanistically, Tan I may target RSF1, as evidenced by the finding that overexpression of RSF1 attenuated Tan I's inhibitory effect, whereas RSF1 knockdown enhanced its efficacy. Through RSF1 targeting, Tan I suppresses the NF-κB signaling pathway and downregulates key anti-apoptotic genes, including XIAP, CFLAR, BCL2, and BIRC2. Moreover, Tan I enhances the cytotoxic activity of carboplatin when used in combination. Together, these results indicate that Tan I inhibits cervical cancer cell growth by targeting RSF1 and suppressing the NF-κB pathway, supporting its further development as a promising therapeutic candidate against cervical cancer.