Open AccessDemethylzeylasteral inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion through FBXW7/c‐Myc axis in gastric cancer
Author(s) -
Li Yongsen,
Su Yongyue,
Zhao Yuzu,
Hu Xiaosong,
Zhao Gaichao,
He Jiang,
Wan Sicheng,
Lü Muhan,
Cui Hongjuan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
medcomm
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2688-2663
DOI - 10.1002/mco2.73
Subject(s) - cancer research , ubiquitin ligase , tripterygium wilfordii , doxorubicin , cancer , apoptosis , chemistry , in vitro , malignancy , cancer cell , ubiquitin , biology , chemotherapy , biochemistry , medicine , pathology , gene , genetics , alternative medicine
Abstract Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most familiar malignancy in the digestive system. Demethylzeylasteral (Dem), a natural functional monomer extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, shows anti‐tumor effects in a variety of cancers, including GC, however, with the underlying mechanism poorly understood. In our study, we show that Dem inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells, which are mediated by down‐regulating c‐Myc protein levels. Mechanistically, Dem reduces the stability of c‐Myc by up‐regulating FBXW7, an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Moreover, in xenograft tumor model experiment, Dem also inhibits GC, which depends on suppressing c‐Myc expression. Finally, Dem enhances GC cell chemosensitivity to the combination treatment of 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐Fu) and doxorubicin (DOX) in vitro. Together, Dem exerts anti‐neoplastic activities through destabilizing and suppressing c‐Myc, establishing a theory foundation for using it in future treatment of GC.