Main Article Content
Angelica sinensis polysaccharide promotes apoptosis by inhibiting JAK/STAT pathway in breast cancer cells
Abstract
Purpose: To determine whether Angelica polysaccharide (APS) induced apoptosis via regulation of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway in breast cancer cells.
Methods: Human MCF-7 cells were treated with APS. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, expression of apoptotic proteins, and the phosphorylation level of Janus kinase (JAK) and STAT were measured, respectively. For further analysis, MCF-7 cells were transfected with a JAK2 overexpression plasmid or treated with a classical JAK inhibitor, ruxolitinib.
Results: Treatment with APS dose-dependently reduced cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and downregulated the levels of phosphorylated JAK and STAT in MCF-7 cells. JAK inhibitor, ruxolitinib, blocked JAK/STAT pathway and induced cell apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Besides, JAK2 overexpression reversed the effects of APS on cell viability and apoptosis.
Conclusion: The results indicate that polysaccharide isolated from Angelica sinensis promotes apoptosis by inhibiting JAK/STAT pathway in breast cancer cells. Thus, APS may be useful as a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer.