Work

Domperidone Induces Apoptosis through Suppression of STAT3 Signaling in Human Renal Cancer Caki-2 Cells

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Renal cancer continues to offer a great challenge for its successful therapy today, thus underscoring the need for effective chemotherapeutic agents. In the current study, we explored the anticancer effects of domperidone, a dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) antagonist, in renal cancer Caki-2 cells. Domperidone induced dose and time-dependent cytotoxic effects in Caki-2 cells, triggering intrinsic apoptosis via the stimulation of the caspase cascade and PARP cleavage. The cytotoxic effect of domperidone was found to be partially DRD2-dependent. Domperidone treatment markedly augmented the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species which induced the cell death of Caki-2 cells. In addition, domperidone suppressed Janus kinase 2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, leading to inhibition of survival and proliferation of these cells. Hence, domperidone can be considered a promising candidate for renal cancer treatment.

Source: Journal of Cancer Prevention

DOI: 10.15430/jcp.24.032

Authors: Geumi Park, Manoj Kumar Baniya, Eun-Jeong Cha, So Jin Sim, Joon-Seok Choi, Kyung-Soo Chun

Institutions: Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Keimyung University, Daegu Catholic University

Language: English

Topic: Cytokine Signaling Pathways and Interactions

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Research Foundation, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea