Smilax glabra Roxb targets Akt(p-Thr308) and inhibits Akt-mediated signaling pathways in SGC7901 cells

Abstract

Background: Smilax glabra Roxb (SGR) as a novel anti-tumor agent has been paid attention in several types of cancer cells. However, the effect of SGR on SGC7901 cells has not been investigated.

Purpose: We investigate the effect and potential mechanisms of SGR on SGC7901 cells in this study.

Methods: Three kinds of gastric cancer cell lines (BGC823, SGC7901 and MKN45) and one kind of human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK293) were exposed to varying concentrations of SRG. Then, we observed the effect of SRG on these cell lines and the changes on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis. Finally, we detected the signaling pathway in which SGR may involve.

Results: SGR effectively suppressed the proliferation of SGC7901 cell lines by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Akt (Thr308). Moreover, we found SGR could significantly induce SGC7901 cell lines apoptosis by inhibiting Akt(p-Thr308)/Bad pathway and inhibit its migration and invasion partly by inhibiting Akt(p-Thr308)/MMPs pathway.

Discussion: SGR could effectively suppress the proliferation and invasion of SGC7901 cell lines by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Akt (Thr308) and its downstream relative pathways.

Conclusion: SGR could effectively suppress the phosphorylation of Akt (Thr308) and then inhibit the proliferation and invasion of SGC7901 cell and enhance its apoptosis through Akt-mediated signaling pathways.

Keywords: Akt; Smilax glabra Roxb; gastric cancer cell; phosphorylation; signaling pathway.