Open AccessLicochalcone A specifically induces cell death in glioma stem cells via mitochondrial dysfunction
Author(s) -
Kuramoto Kenta,
Suzuki Shuhei,
Sakaki Hirotsugu,
Takeda Hiroyuki,
Sanomachi Tomomi,
Seino Shizuka,
Narita Yoshitaka,
Kayama Takamasa,
Kitanaka Chifumi,
Okada Masashi
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
febs open bio
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.718
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 2211-5463
DOI - 10.1002/2211-5463.12226
Subject(s) - stem cell , programmed cell death , microbiology and biotechnology , mitochondrion , biology , glioma , apoptosis , cancer research , chemistry , biochemistry
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most malignant primary intrinsic brain tumor. Glioma stem cells ( GSC s) are associated with chemoradiotherapy resistance and the recurrence of glioblastomas after conventional therapy. The targeting of GSC s is potentially an effective treatment for the long‐term survival of glioblastoma patients. Licochalcone A, a natural chalconoid from licorice root, exerts anticancer effects; however, its effect on GSC s remains unknown. We found that Licochalcone A induced massive caspase‐dependent death in GSC s but not in differentiated GSC s nor normal somatic and neural stem cells. Prior to cell death, Licochalcone A caused mitochondrial fragmentation and reduced the membrane potential and ATP production in GSC s. Thus, Licochalcone A induces mitochondrial dysfunction and shows promise as an anticancer stem cell drug.