Neferine, an alkaloid from lotus seed embryo targets HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cells via pro-oxidant anticancer mechanism.

ABSTRACT: Apoptosis and autophagy are important processes that control cellular homeostasis and have been highlighted as promising targets for novel anticancer drugs. This study aims to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of Neferine (Nef), an alkaloid from the lotus seed embryos of Nelumbo nucifera (N. nucifera), as a dual inducer of apoptosis and autophagy through the reactive oxygen species (ROS) activation in cervical cancer cells. Nef and N. nucifera extract suppressed the cell viability of HeLa and SiHa cells in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, Nef showed minimal toxicity to normal cells. Furthermore, Nef inhibited anchorage-independent growth, colony formation and migration ability of cervical cancer cells. Nef induces mitochondrial apoptosis by increasing pro-apoptotic pro

SUBMITTER: Dasari S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7511448 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature