Astaxanthin inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting USP39-mediated β-catenin stabilization through deubiquitination.

ABSTRACT: Although studies suggest that astaxanthin exerts anticancer effects through Wnt/β-catenin pathway, its therapeutic target remains unclear. The deubiquitinase USP39 may be a potential target due to its ability to regulate this pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to identify the role and underlying mechanism of USP39 in the anti-HCC effects of astaxanthin via Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In vitro, HepG2 and HuH7 cell lines were treated with astaxanthin, and cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8, colony formation, and EdU assays. Western blot and real-time qPCR were used to analyze the expression of USP39, β-catenin, and Cyclin D1. Co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays were performed to confirm the interaction between USP39 and β-catenin. In vivo, HuH7 xenogr

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12618549 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature