American Journal of Cancer Research
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2022
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IF 5.942
Guangyu Cheng,Lin Li,Qingjie Li,Shulin Lian,Hongbo Chu,Yunlu Ding,Chikun Li,Yan Leng
Multi-drug resistance remains a critical issue in cancer treatment that hinders the effective use of chemotherapeutic drugs. The active components of traditional Chinese medicine have been applied as adjuvants to accentuate the anticancer properties of conventional drugs such as cisplatin. However, their application requires further validation and optimization. This study explored the anticancer activity of β-elemene, a natural component of traditional Chinese medical formulations. The effect of β-elemene on the anticancer properties of cisplatin was evaluated in A549 and NCI-H1650 lung cancer cells. Cell apoptosis, stem-like properties, glucose metabolism, multi-drug resistance, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation were assessed via flow cytometry, tumorsphere formation, and western blotting. The target genes of β-elemene were predicted using bioinformatics tools and validated in both cell lines. A xenograft model of lung cancer was established in nude mice to evaluate the combined effects of β-elemene and cisplatin in vivo . We found that β-elemene acted synergistically with cisplatin against non-small cell lung cancer cells by promoting apoptosis and impairing glucose metabolism, multi-drug resistance, and stemness maintenance. These effects were mediated by the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that RB1 and TP53 are common target genes associated with lung cancer and β-elemene. The anti-tumorigenic properties of β-elemene were confirmed in vivo , wherein β-elemene, along with cisplatin, significantly suppressed tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model of non-small cell lung cancer. As such, β-elemene acted as an inhibitor of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and enhanced the anticancer effect of cisplatin by targeting tumor metabolism, chemoresistance, and stem-like behavior. Thus, β-elemene is an effective anticancer adjuvant agent with potential clinical applications.
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Journal of Functional Foods
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2024
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IF 3.8
Xiaotian Xu,Xinhui Li,Xingshu Wei,Xiaoqun Duan,Yuhui Wang
Passion fruit peel fermentation extract (PFPFE) increased gastrointestinal transport power and fecal moisture content, protected the structural integrity of colon tissue, and reduced inflammatory infiltration. PFPFE also increased secretion of the ET-1, GAS, MTL, and SP, and decreased secretion of the inhibitory SS and VIP. In addition, PFPFE alleviated perirectal redness and hemorrhage in hemorrhoid mice, and downregulated levels of the serum inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In this study, we also analyzed the main active components and core targets of PFPFE for alleviating constipation and hemorrhoids through network pharmacology, and predicted its mechanism of action. Finally, we carried out Western blot experiments to verify that PFPFE and its active component kae alleviates constipation and hemorrhoids in mice by downregulating ESR1 and PI3K/Akt pathways. These results provide a scientific basis for the development of PFPFE as a functional food for alleviating constipation and hemorrhoids.
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Cells
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2024
·Vol. 13
·期 23
·2028
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IF 5.1
Ying Wang,Xueru Wang,Kaijin Wang,Weiwei Qin,Ning Li
Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a bone disease characterized by bone thinning and an increased risk of fractures due to estrogen deficiency. Current PMOP therapies often result in adverse side effects. The traditional medicinal plantCurculigo capitulatais commonly used to strengthen bones and support kidney function, but its role in treating PMOP is not well understood. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of the total extract ofCurculigo capitulata(Eocc) on PMOP and to explore the underlying mechanisms. The major components of the extract were identified using HPLC. Transcriptomics was employed to predict potential targets. An osteogenic differentiation model of MC3T3-E1 cells was used in vitro. The osteogenic potential of the Eocc was assessed through CCK-8 cell viability assays, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin Red staining, Western blotting, and qPCR. MCF-7 and HEK-293 cells were utilized to evaluate the estrogen-like activity of Eocc. Apoptosis rates were detected by flow cytometry. In vivo, a bilateral ovariectomized mouse model of PMOP was used to further validate the in vitro findings through histopathological analysis and WB results. The results demonstrated that the Eocc promoted the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, increased ALP activity, and stimulated the formation of osteogenic mineralized nodules. It also upregulated the expression of osteogenic markers (Runx2, OCN, OPN, and BSP) at both the protein and mRNA levels. The Eocc induced the activation of ERα both in vitro and in vivo, initiating the Src/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, leading to the phosphorylation of GSK3β and subsequent osteogenesis. The activation of this pathway also stimulated the phosphorylation of mTOR and p70S6K while downregulating cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9. Additionally, the Eocc reduced apoptosis during osteogenic differentiation and promoted cell proliferation. These findings suggest that the Eocc facilitates osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, improving bone integrity in PMOP mice, and may represent a promising therapeutic candidate for managing PMOP.
研究领域:
药理学
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骨生物学
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分子生物学
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转化医学
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高影响因子
CURRENT CANCER DRUG TARGETS
·
2022
·Vol. 22
·期 1
·86-95
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IF 2.907
Yiyan SongYang,Yang Songyisha,Li Dejia,Li Wen
Background: Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent form of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have demonstrated that 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin-D3 (vitamin D) exhibited
anti-cancer activity against breast and prostate cancer. Objectives: The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of vitamin D on NSCLC and its underlying mechanism. Methods: The effects of vitamin D on stemness maintenance and the Warburg effect in NSCLC cells were
investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Results and Discussion: In vitro experiments revealed that vitamin D inhibited glycolysis and stemness maintenance in A549 and NCI-H1975 cells. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that vitamin D attenuated the expression of metabolism-related
enzymes associated with the Warburg effect (GLUT1, LDHA, HK2, and PKM2). In addition, vitamin D down-regulated the expression of stemness-related genes (Oct-4, SOX-2, and Nanog) and the expression of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that vitamin D suppresses
the Warburg effect and stemness maintenance in NSCLC cells via the inactivation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, thereby inhibiting the progression of NSCLC. The current study indicates that vitamin D is a potential candidate in therapeutic strategies against NSCLC.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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癌症研究
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细胞生物学
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高影响因子
STEROIDS
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2020
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IF 1.948
Jingwen Xu,Mingmei Zhang,Xiaoying Lin,Yihai Wang,Xiangjiu He
Allium chinense , as a side dish on Asian table, is often used in folk medicine for its health benefits. (25R)-5α-spirostan-3β-yl-3-O-acetyl-O-β- d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β- d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-O-β- d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β- d -galactopyranoside (A-24) is a bioactive steroidal saponin isolated from Allium chinense . Previously, we have shown that A-24 has cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, but not on normal cells. To further explore the underlying mechanisms, in this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of A-24 in human gastric cancer cell lines in terms of cell proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle, induction of apoptosis/autophagy, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. A-24 showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity in SGC-7901 and AGS cell lines, it induced intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis as well as autophagy, G2/M phase arrest and modulation of cyclinB1, p-cdc2, p-wee1 and p-Histone H3 expression. Furthermore, A-24 downregulated the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and mTOR at Ser2448 in PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and its downstream substrates p-p70S6K and p-4EBP1 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the pre-treatment of tumor cells with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and LY294002 increased A-24-induced apoptosis. Collectively, these findings highlight the significance of downregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in A-24-induced apoptosis and autophagy, and the potential application of A-24 as a novel candidate in the treatment of human gastric adenocarcinoma.
研究领域:
药理学
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肿瘤学
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细胞生物学
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分子生物学
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生物化学
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高影响因子
Frontiers in Pharmacology
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2026
·
IF 5.4
Shuai Zhao,Zhenyao Tan,Jiaxin Suo,Yang Bu
Introduction Colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) is the leading cause of death in colorectal cancer, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) promotes CRLM. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), bioactive metabolites of the traditional medicinal plant Lycium barbarum L, inhibit the progression of colorectal cancer and NAFLD by regulating gut microbiota composition. However, their roles in preventing CRLM under NAFLD conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of LBPs on liver metastasis of colorectal cancer in the context of NAFLD and explore its potential mechanisms. Methods An NAFLD mouse model was established, followed by prophylactic oral administration of LBPs by gavage for 28 days before splenic injection of MC38 colorectal cancer cells to establish liver metastasis. Pseudo-germ-free mice combined with fecal microbiota transplantation were constructed to explore the role of the gut microbiota in the preventive effect of LBPs on CRLM. Gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between bacterial genera and liver lipid metabolism indicators. Serum non-targeted metabolomic profiling and transcriptomic analysis of CRLM cells were performed to elucidate metabolic and molecular mechanisms. Results Under NAFLD conditions, LBPs markedly reduced hepatic metastatic burden, liver weight, and liver-to-body weight ratio. LBPs ameliorated hepatic lipid metabolism and restored colonic barrier integrity in NAFLD mice. The gut microbiota was identified as a critical mediator of LBPs-induced protection against CRLM, and depletion of the microbiota completely abrogated the anti-metastatic effects of LBPs. LBPs enhanced microbial diversity and richness, enriched of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacterial genera, such as Cryptobacteroides, Evtepia, and Bacteroides -H, and elevated colonic butyrate levels. Metabolomic profiling revealed reduced serum acylcarnitines and increased organic acids. Transcriptomic profiling showed upregulation of fibroblast growth factor 21, activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and promotion of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer cells, while LBPs reverse these changes. Discussion LBPs prevent CRLM associated with NAFLD by modulating the gut microbiota, enhancing butyrate production, improving hepatic metabolic homeostasis, and suppressing prometastatic signaling pathways. These findings highlight LBPs as promising preventive agents against CRLM in the setting of metabolic liver disease.
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AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
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2026
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IF 4.6
Zhihui Jiang,Yufei Du,Yilin Zhu,Jingyan Wu,Shengming Ma,Shaoting Weng,Kunpeng Zhang
Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), a widespread environmental pollutant, poses serious risks to aquatic organisms. This study investigated the mechanisms of DMP-induced oxidative stress and autophagy in zebrafish gill tissues, and evaluated the protective effect of 1,8-cineole. Zebrafish models were established for DMP exposure alone, 1,8-cineole treatment alone, and combined exposure. Using histopathology, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence staining, antioxidant enzyme activity assays, real-time quantitative PCR, and Western blot, we systematically analyzed the impacts of DMP on gill morphology, oxidative stress levels, autophagy-related gene and protein expression, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Results revealed that DMP exposure significantly induced oxidative stress and autophagy in gill tissues and suppressed PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activity. In contrast, 1,8-cineole treatment effectively alleviated DMP-induced oxidative damage and autophagy activation, while partially restoring PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. This study is the first to demonstrate that 1,8-cineole mitigates DMP-induced autophagy injury in gills by modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, offering a theoretical foundation and a potential green strategy for protecting aquatic organisms from phthalate toxicity.
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Foods
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2026
·Vol. 15
·期 8
·1349
·
IF 6
Xingyuan Peng,Xuan Zheng,Xiyu Li,Xiaona Pang,Junhua Jin,Hui Liu,Hongxing Zhang,Yuanhong Xie
Osteoporosis is a major global health challenge, particularly among aging populations, underscoring the need for safe and effective nutritional interventions. Probiotics and their metabolites have emerged as promising candidates for modulating bone health via the gut-bone axis. In this study, we investigated the effects of a cell-free culture supernatant (CFS) from the food-grade bacteriumLimosilactobacillus fermentumGBE18 on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. GBE18 CFS exhibited no cytotoxicity at concentrations ranging from 1% to 4% (v/v). Notably, 2% (v/v) CFS significantly enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and extracellular matrix mineralization (p< 0.05). Transcriptomic profiling revealed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in osteoblast-related processes and two key signaling pathways: Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt. Subsequent qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses confirmed the upregulation of critical regulators (Rspo2,Pdpk1,Malat1) and demonstrated coordinated activation of Akt phosphorylation, β-catenin stabilization, and Runx2 protein expression. Our findings indicate that GBE18 CFS promotes osteogenic differentiation through coordinated modulation of the PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Consequently, this study provides mechanistic evidence supporting the potential application ofL. fermentumGBE18-derived metabolites as functional food ingredients or dietary interventions for bone health and osteoporosis management.
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RSC Advances
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2026
·Vol. 16
·期 15
·13394
·
IF 6.1
Peng Ning,Fan Yang,Hongyi Cao,Bo Zhou
Sodium Danshensu (SDSS) shows potential in treating diabetic wounds (DWs) owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenesis effects. The specific pharmacological mechanisms of SDSS in achieving the above effects were evaluated. The potential targets of SDSS and DWs were obtained from online databases. Interaction networks were constructed using network pharmacology, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Combined with machine learning, the biological targets were evaluated and prioritized. A high-glucose-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model was established for in vitro studies. A total of 126 shared targets of SDSS and DWs were selected, and the core targets included EGFR, CASP3, SRC, ESR1, JUN, NFKB1, IGF1R, ESR2, AR, and PPARG. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway ( P < 0.05). Machine learning indicated EGFR as a key target of SDSS in treating DWs. Findings from molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stable combination of SDSS and EGFR. In vitro experiments indicated that SDSS may activate the PI3K-AKT pathway via EGFR targets, improve the mobility of high-glucose-induced HUVECs, and increase lumen formation (branch number). It promoted catalase production and inhibited the release of malondialdehyde and inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (all P < 0.05). SDSS activates the PI3K-AKT pathway via EGFR, promotes endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis, and inhibits oxidative stress and the inflammatory response, highlighting its potential in treating DWs. Sodium Danshensu (SDSS) shows potential in treating diabetic wounds (DWs) owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenesis effects.
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高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2026
·
IF 5.6
Zhidan Shi,Xinyi Cheng,Chu Zhang,Jiayi Hu,Xinqi He,Shuting Chen,Hao Wu,Meng Tian,Chuang Yan,Ling He
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with significant sex-related differences, exhibiting a higher incidence rate in elderly women. Tau pathology has been implicated in sex-associated differences in AD susceptibility and disease progression, contributing to differential pathological burden between males and females. Vorinostat (SAHA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) used in cancer treatment, has shown potential therapeutic effects in various neurological and psychiatric disorders; however, the mechanisms underlying its regulation of tau-associated pathology remain poorly understood, with limited evidence regarding its effects in tau-related neurodegenerative conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of SAHA treatment on an AAV-P301L-Tau-induced tauopathy model. In vivo, we observed that SAHA administration significantly improved p-Tau levels in the hippocampus and cortex of mice, reduced microglial activation and neuronal damage, and alleviated tauopathy-associated cognitive impairments. Our findings revealed sex-associated differences in Tau-related pathological alterations, with female mice exhibiting greater pathological changes and differential responses to SAHA treatment in several molecular and histological indicators. Further combined in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that SAHA was associated with modulation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway, suppression of NF-κB activation, and attenuation of neuroinflammatory responses, including reductions in experimentally measured inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). These molecular alterations may represent important regulatory components contributing to the neuroprotective effects of SAHA, rather than acting as the sole determinants of its therapeutic efficacy. In summary, these results indicate that SAHA can improve Tau-associated pathological alterations in an AAV-P301L-Tau-induced tauopathy model. The potential mechanisms may involve coordinated regulation of multiple pathological processes, including modulation of Tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammatory responses, and aging-associated signaling pathways. The observed sex-dependent responses to SAHA provide additional insights into the potential influence of biological sex on HDACi-based therapeutic strategies, although the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences require further investigation.
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FITOTERAPIA
·
2026
·
IF 2.9
Qian Sun,Shi-Liu Xu,Shuang-Ning Liu,De-Jian Chen,Zheng-Jun Li,Xiao-Jun Qiu,Xia Yang,Feng-Xiang Zhang,Jian-Xin Chen
SWLDH was firstly confirmed to treat bacterial infection-induced ALI. • PI3K-AKT/NF- κ B and MAPK signaling pathways were confirmed as the core mechanism for SWLDH to treat ALI. • Five potential anti-ALI compounds in SWLDH were identified. Shi-Wei-Long-Dan-Hua capsule (SWLDH) is clinically used to alleviate bacterial or viral infection induced bronchitis. Recent studies have reported its effects on viral infection induced acute lung injury, broadening our understanding of its clinical applications. However, its effects against bacterial infection-induced ALI were still unclear, along with not fully elucidated chemical profile, significantly limiting its clinical application and product improvement. In this work, we aimed to systematically characterize the chemical components in SWLDH and explore its effects and mechanisms against bacterial infection-induced ALI. Results showed that SWLDH (2 g/kg/day) significantly reduced lung index, alleviated pathological injury and depressed cytokine expression in LPS-challenged mice. SWLDH also inhibited LPS-induced over-expression of iNOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF- α , IL-1 β , IL-6) in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, 128 chemical components in SWLDH and its 32 prototypes in rats were identified by using UPLC-Q/TOF MS. Network pharmacology and Western blot were used to confirm that SWLDH can alleviate LPS- induced ALI by suppressing pulmonary inflammation and the PI3K-Akt-NF- κ B/MAPK axis. Further, five potential anti-ALI substances in SWLDH were found. This is the first time to comprehensively profile the chemical components in SWLDH and reveal its effects and mechanisms against bacterial infection-induced ALI, providing the potential substances and pharmacological data for further quality improvement and product development. Download: Download high-res image (166KB) Download: Download full-size image
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Cancer Management and Research
·
2025
·
IF 2.6
Mengzhu Chen,Jian Li,Shaodan Hu,Yuhan Wang,Keju Wang,Tan Wang
Background Lung cancer has high incidence and mortality rates. In consideration of the high toxicity and side effects of traditional chemical drugs and drug resistance, researchers have substituted some natural products for anti-lung cancer drugs. Ziziphi spinosae semen (ZSS) is a famous traditional Chinese herb, and ZSS-based formulas have been used against lung cancer in clinic, such as Xiaoyi Sanjie Formula. Jujuboside B (JUB) is one of the main bioactive components in ZSS; however, JUB’s roles in the treatment of lung cancer, and the mechanism have not been well reported.Objective This study intends to evaluate the effects of JUB on the proliferation and migration of non-small cell lung cancer H1299 cells (NC-1299 cells), as well as the potential related regulatory mechanism.Methods The viability, migration and invasive ability of NC-1299 cells were analyzed by CCK8, wound-healing, transwell invasion, and the expression of proteins was analyzed through Western blotting experiments.Results It showed that 160 and 320 μmol/L JUB significantly inhibited the proliferation of NC-1299 cells, reduced the cell migration in the wound healing test, and decreased the cell number of clonal assay (P < 0.05). JUB also significantly inhibited the expression of Vimentin, MMP2, and MMP9 proteins related to the migration and invasion of tumor cells, as well as inhibited the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.Conclusion The results indicate JUB has a significant inhibitory effect on NC-1299 cells, and such inhibitory effect is associated with inhibiting the expression of migration and invasive proteins such as MMP2, as well as inhibiting the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. The findings provide some references for the application of JUB in the substitution of anti-lung cancer drugs.
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