Work

Halofuginone induces ERK phosphorylation and synergizes with trametinib in gastric cancer cells

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of halofuginone (HF) on gastric cancer cells and whether the combination of HF and trametinib has synergistic effects. INTRODUCTION: , has been found to have anticancer activity in a variety of cancers, but few studies on HF in gastric cancer. METHODS: cell viability was performed using the CellTiterGlo assay and apoptosis and cell cycle analysis was performed by Annexin V-FITC staining and PI staining. We also analyzed RNA sequencing and differentially expressed genes was shown using the heatmap. Western blot and qPCR were carried out to determine the expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins. RESULTS: HF inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. HF induced the expression of p-ERK in gastric cancer cells. HF and trametinib synergistically inhibited the gastric cancer cell proliferation. Trametinib inhibited HF-induced p-ERK expression. HF reduced anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 expression and reduced trametinib-induced upregulation of Mcl-1 expression. CONCLUSION: HF exerts its anti-cancer effects in gastric cancer and has a synergistic inhibition with trametinib, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.

Source: International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology

DOI: 10.1177/03946320251359860

Authors: Yuemin Sun, Peng Wang, Xiaofeng Bai, Liang Tian, Yuxin Zhong

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Melanoma and MAPK Pathways

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,650