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Excisanin A suppresses proliferation by inhibiting hypoxiainducible factor-1α expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells


Li Zhuo Han
Changgao Jiang
Chunliu Mi
Ke Si Wang
Hong Xiang Zuo
Zhe Wang
Ming Yue Li
Zhi Hong Zhang
Xuejun Jin

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of excisanin A on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells as well as to elucidate its mechanism of action.


Methods: Molecular docking was used to determine the binding characteristics of excisanin A to HIF-1α protein. The transcriptional activation and viability of excisanin A were assessed using Luciferase reporter and MTT assay. The HIF-1α protein in the nucleus was assayed using western blot and immunofluorescence. HIF-1α and VEGF mRNA levels were evaluated using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cell proliferation was determined by flow cytometry, as well as by EdU and clonogenic assays. In vivo tumor growth was assessed in a murine xenograft model of SKHep1 cells.


Results: Excisanin A inhibited HIF-1α transcriptional activation, as well as HIF-1α protein synthesis (p < 0.001). Excisanin A also reduced VEGF protein and mRNA expressions (p < 0.001). In addition, the compound inhibited the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. and tumor growth in the xenograft tumor model.


Conclusion: Excisanin A is a potent HIF-1α inhibitor, supporting its potential development for human hepatoma therapy.


Keywords: Excisanin A, HIF-1α, Protein synthesis, Hepatoma therapy


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1596-9827
print ISSN: 1596-5996