Morusin induces cell death through inactivating STAT3 signaling in prostate cancer cells

American Journal of Cancer Research

Seok-Geun Lee¹  Sang-Yoon Park¹  Hyeung-Jin Jang¹  Chul-Ho Jeong¹  Kwang Seok Ahn¹  Dain Park¹  Sung-Hoon Kim¹  Jung-Hee Jang¹  Jun-Hee Lee¹  Jae-Young Um¹  Sukmin Kang¹  Sung-Lyul Lim¹ 

关键词: Morusin;    prostate cancer;    apoptosis;    STAT3;    SHP1;    traditional phytomedicine;   

DOI  :  

学科分类：肿瘤学

来源: e-Century Publishing Corporation

【 摘 要 】

STAT3 has been recognized as an efficacious drug target for prostate cancer because of its constitutive activation in this fatal disease. We recently identified the root bark of Morus alba Linn. as a potential STAT3 inhibitor among 33 phytomedicines traditionally used in Korea. Morusin, an active compound isolated from the root bark of Morus alba, has shown anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we examined whether morusin has a potential as an anti-cancer agent in prostate cancer. We found that morusin suppressed viability of prostate cancer cells, but little effect in normal human prostate epithelial cells. Morusin also reduced STAT3 activity by inhibiting its phosphorylation, nuclear accumulation, and DNA binding activity. In addition, morusin down-regulated expression of STAT3 target genes encoding Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, Survivin, c-Myc and Cyclin D1, which are involved in regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle. Furthermore, morusin induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells by reducing STAT3 activity. Taken together, these results suggest that morusin could be a potentially therapeutic agent for prostate cancer by reducing STAT3 activity and inducing apoptosis.

【 授权许可】

Unknown