Active fraction (HS7) from Taiwanofungus camphoratus inhibits AKT-mTOR, ERK and STAT3 pathways and induces CDK inhibitors in CL1-0 human lung cancer cells

I. Chun Lai, Gi Ming Lai, Jyh Ming Chow, Hsin Lun Lee, Chuan Feng Yeh, Chi Han Li, Jiann Long Yan, Shuang En Chuang, Jacqueline Whang-Peng, Kuan Jen Bai, Chih Jung Yao

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11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: The non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In NSCLC, the oncogenic AKT-mTOR, ERK and STAT3 pathways are commonly dysregulated and have emerged as attractive targets for therapeutic developments. In a relatively limited subset of NSCLC, these pathways driven by mutant EGFR can be treated by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)-mediated targeted therapy. However, for the most NSCLC, more novel targeted agents are imperatively needed. Therefore, we investigated the inhibitory effects of the active fraction HS7 from Taiwanofungus camphoratus, a unique medicinal fungus in Taiwan, on these pathways in CL1-0 EGFR wild-type human NSCLC cells. Methods: The active fraction HS7 was prepared by n-hexane extraction of T. camphoratus followed by silica gel chromatography. Its effects on the cell viabilities were determined by sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell-cycle regulation and apoptosis induction. The changes in cellular protein levels were examined by Western blot. Results: The active fraction HS7 vigorously inhibits AKT-mTOR, ERK and STAT3 signaling pathways in CL1-0 cells. At dose of 25μg/mL, these signaling pathways were almost completely inhibited by HS7, accompanied with induction of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors such as p15, p21 and p27. Accordingly, the AKT-mTOR downstream targets p-p70S6K and HIF-1α were also suppressed as well. At this dose, the cell proliferation was profoundly suppressed to 23.4% of control and apoptosis induction was observed. Conclusions: The active fraction HS7 from n-hexane extract of T. camphoratus exerts multi-targeting activity on the suppression of AKT-mTOR, ERK and STAT3 pathways and induction of p15, p21 and p27 in EGFR wild-type NSCLC cells. This multi-targeting activity of HS7 suggests its potential as an alternative medicine for the treatment of EGFR TKIs resistant NSCLC.

Original languageEnglish
Article number33
JournalChinese Medicine (United Kingdom)
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 15 2017

Keywords

  • AKT-mTOR
  • ERK
  • HS7
  • Non-small cell lung cancer
  • STAT3
  • Taiwanofungus camphoratus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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