Domperidone Induces Apoptosis through Suppression of STAT3 Signaling in Human Renal Cancer Caki-2 Cells
- Author:
Geumi PARK
1
;
Manoj Kumar BANIYA
;
Eun-Jeong CHA
;
So Jin SIM
;
Joon-Seok CHOI
;
Kyung-Soo CHUN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Cancer Prevention 2025;30(1):24-31
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- 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.
