Journal of Life Science (생명과학회지)

Korean Society of Life Science (한국생명과학회)
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Anti-cancer Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Withaferin A

Withaferin A의 다양한 항암 효과 및 분자생화학적 기전

  • Woo, Seon Min (Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University) ;
  • Min, Kyoung-Jin (Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University) ;
  • Kwon, Taeg Kyu (Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University)
  • 우선민 (계명대학교 의과대학 면역학교실) ;
  • 민경진 (계명대학교 의과대학 면역학교실) ;
  • 권택규 (계명대학교 의과대학 면역학교실)
  • Received : 2013.03.01
  • Accepted : 2013.03.20
  • Published : 2013.03.30
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Abstract

Withaferin A is a steroidal lactone purified from the Indian medicinal plant Withania somnifera. It exhibits a wide variety of activities, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, and immunomodulation properties. In this review, we focused on the anti-cancer effects of withaferin A. Withaferin A inhibits cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis in cancer cells. Furthermore, it sensitized irradiation, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-, and doxorubicin-mediated apoptosis. The results showed that multiple mechanisms were involved in withaferin A-mediated anti-cancer effects. First, withaferin A increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induced ER stress- and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Second, withaferin A inhibited the signaling pathways (Jak/STAT, Akt, Notch, and c-Met), which are important in cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. Third, it induced apoptosis and inhibited cancer cell migration through the up-regulation of prostate apoptosis protein-4 (Par-4). Finally, withaferin A up-regulated pro-apoptotic protein expression levels through the inhibition of proteasome activity. Our findings suggested that withaferin A is a potential, potent therapeutic agent.

Withaferin A는 Withania somnifera에서 추출한 천연물질로 스테로이드성 락톤(steroidal lactone)으로 항암, 항염증, 면역억제기능을 가진다. 본 연구에서는 withaferin A의 다양한 기능 중 항암효과에 대하여 논하고자 한다. Withaferin A는 암세포에서 세포의 분열, 전이, 침투 및 혈관생성을 억제함으로써 항암작용을 나타내는 것으로 알려져 있다. 또한, 기존에 사용되고 있던 항암요법인 방사선 용법과 저농도의 항암제와 withaferin A를 함께 병합 처리하면 암세포의 세포사멸을 현저하게 증가시키는 약물 민감화 작용을 한다. 이러한 withaferin A에 의한 항암작용에는 다양한 신호전달체계가 수반된다. 우선, withaferin A는 세포 내 활성산소의 양을 증가시키고, ER stress와 미토콘드리아 매개의 세포사멸을 유도한다. 둘째로, withaferin A는 세포의 성장과 분열, 전이에 중요한 Jak/STAT, Akt, Notch, 그리고 c-Met의 신호전달을 억제한다. 셋째, withaferin A는 prostate apoptosis protein-4의 발현을 증가시켜 세포사멸을 유도하거나 세포의 이동을 억제한다. 마지막으로, withaferin A는 proteasome의 활성을 억제하여 세포사멸 유도단백질의 발현을 증가시킴으로써 암세포사멸을 증가시킨다. 이러한 결과를 바탕으로 withaferin A는 새로운 항암제로서의 가능성을 가지고 있다.

Keywords

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