Zeaxanthin targets TOP2A to regulate autophagy and suppress lung cancer progression via the MAPK/ERK pathway.

ABSTRACT: Lung cancer (LC) remains a significant global health challenge, characterized by rapid progression and limited therapeutic options. Zeaxanthin (Zea), a natural carotenoid, exhibits promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities; however, its precise mechanisms in LC are largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that Zea and DNA topoisomerase II A (TOP2A) significantly suppresses the viability, proliferation, and migration of LC cells while promoting apoptosis in vitro. Mechanistically, transcriptome analysis identified TOP2A as a critical downstream target. Molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assays further confirmed a direct interaction between Zea and TOP2A, suggesting Zea enhances TOP2A protein stability. We found that Zea inhibits TOP2A expression, which su

SUBMITTER: He J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12813161 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature