Phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase up-regulated p53 expression in shikonin-induced HeLa cell apoptosis.
- Author:
Zhen WU
1
;
Li-jun WU
;
Shinichi TASHIRO
;
Satoshi ONODERA
;
Takashi IKEJIMA
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Apoptosis; drug effects; Caspases; physiology; Cell Proliferation; drug effects; DNA Damage; Flavonoids; pharmacology; HeLa Cells; Humans; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; metabolism; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; metabolism; Naphthoquinones; pharmacology; Phosphorylation; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; analysis; Up-Regulation
- From: Chinese Medical Journal 2005;118(8):671-677
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUNDThe role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in shikonin-induced HeLa cells apoptosis remains vague. This study was to investigate the activation of caspase pathways and the role of ERK1/2 in human cervical cancer cells, HeLa, by shikonin.
METHODSThe inhibitory effect of shikonin on the growth of HeLa cells was measured by MTT assay. Fluorescent microscopic analysis of apoptotic cells stained with 4',6'-oliiamiclino-2-phenylindole C (DAPI) and Hoechst 33258 was carried out. Caspase-3 and -8 activities were detected using caspase-3 substrate and caspase-8 substrate as substrates, respectively. The protein levels of ERK, p53 and p-ERK were determined by Western blot analysis.
RESULTSShikonin inhibited cell growth in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Caspase-3 and caspase-8 were activated in the apoptotic process and caspase inhibitors effectively reversed shikonin-induced apoptosis. Phosphorylation of ERK resulted in up-regulation of p53 expression, which was blocked by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), inhibitor PD 98059.
CONCLUSIONShikonin induces HeLa cell apoptosis through the ERK, p53 and caspase pathways.
