Title:Wortmannin Inhibits Cell Growth and Induces Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells
by Suppressing the PI3K/AKT Pathway
Volume: 24
Issue: 12
Author(s): Nastaran Bani, Farzad Rahmani, Neda Shakour, Forouzan Amerizadeh, Ghazaleh Khalili-Tanha, Majid Khazaei, Seyed Mahdi Hassanian, Mohammad Amin Kerachian, Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan, Majid Mojarad, Farzin Hadizadeh, Gordon A. Ferns and Amir Avan*
Affiliation:
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,
Iran
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Keywords:
Colorectal cancer, wortmannin, PI3K/Akt pathway, antitumor effects, 5-FU, propidium iodide apoptosis assay.
Abstract:
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant contributor to mortality, often exacerbated
by metastasis and chemoresistance. Novel therapeutic strategies are imperative to enhance current treatments.
The dysregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is implicated in CRC progression. This study investigates
the therapeutic potential of Wortmannin, combined with 5‐fluorouracil (5-FU), to target the PI3K/Akt pathway in
CRC.
Methods: Anti-migratory and antiproliferative effects were assessed through wound healing and MTT assays.
Apoptosis and cell cycle alterations were evaluated using Annexin V/Propidium Iodide Apoptosis Assay. Wortmannin's
impact on the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium was examined via ROS, SOD, CAT, MDA, and T-SH
levels. Downstream target genes of the PI3K/AKT pathway were analyzed at mRNA and protein levels using RTPCR
and western blot, respectively.
Results: Wortmannin demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, modulating survivin, cyclinD1,
PI3K, and p-Akt. The PI3K inhibitor attenuated migratory activity, inducing E-cadherin expression.
Combined Wortmannin with 5-FU induced apoptosis, increasing cells in sub-G1 via elevated ROS levels.
Conclusion: This study underscores Wortmannin's potential in inhibiting CRC cell growth and migration through
PI3K/Akt pathway modulation. It also highlights its candidacy for further investigation as a promising therapeutic
option in colorectal cancer treatment.