The Potential Role of β-Asarone in Calcium Imbalance and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Melanoma Cells
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: , has shown anticancer potential. Disruption of calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction are key regulators of tumor cell survival and death. OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted to investigate the impact of β-Asarone on B16F10 melanoma cells, focusing on its potential to induce apoptosis by modulating calcium signaling and mitochondrial function. METHODS: Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, and TUNEL assays. Intracellular calcium levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured using Fluo-4 AM, Rhod-2 AM, and JC-1 staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were assessed by fluorescent probes and ATP assay. Western blotting was utilized to detect apoptosis-related proteins, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway activation, and mitochondrial dynamics (OPA1, DRP1, FIS1). RESULTS: Treatment with β-Asarone notably inhibited the proliferation of B16F10 cells while simultaneously inducing apoptosis. Fluorescent probe analysis revealed that β-Asarone triggered cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overloaded in both the cytosol and mitochondria, accompanied by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ROS levels, and reduced ATP production. Western blot analysis showed increased expression of DRP1 and FIS1, decreased OPA1, and enhanced AMPK phosphorylation, indicating that β-Asarone promotes mitochondrial fission through AMPK activation, likely driven by intracellular calcium imbalance. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that β-Asarone induces apoptosis in B16F10 melanoma cells by triggering Ca²⁺ overload and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Source: Annals of Dermatology
DOI: 10.5021/ad.25.122
Authors: Yuze Liu, Wei Tang, Biao Yu, Qinghua Yang, Wenbing Lai
Institutions: Hubei University of Medicine, Taihe Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416564264