Shikonin inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in glioblastoma cells by upregulating p53 and promoting miR-361-5p level to suppress ZEB1 expression
Abstract Objective Shikonin, an active compound from the rhizome of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exerts anti-tumor effects in various cancers, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This study explored the mechanism of Shikonin for inhibiting the migration and invasion of GBM cells, providing a rat...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Neuroscience |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12868-025-00956-6 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Objective Shikonin, an active compound from the rhizome of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exerts anti-tumor effects in various cancers, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This study explored the mechanism of Shikonin for inhibiting the migration and invasion of GBM cells, providing a rationale for developing novel glioma therapies. Methods The effects of Shikonin on GBM cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected by CCK-8, scratch wound-healing, Transwell, and Western blot assays. The effect of Shikonin on miR-361-5p expression in GBM cells was examined by RT-qPCR and the effect of miR-361-5p inhibitor transfection on proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in Shikonin-treated GBM cells was examined. Shikonin’s target genes were identified and validated using dual luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, focusing on its induction of miR-361-5p expression. The downstream target genes of miR-361-5p were also identified and validated under Shikonin action. A GBM cell nude mouse xenograft tumor was established to confirm the regulatory role of Shikonin. Results Shikonin inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT and upregulated miR-361-5p expression in GBM cells. Shikonin upregulated the glioma-associated protein p53, which promoted miR-361-5p transcription. miR-361-5p inhibited ZEB1 expression. Therefore, Shikonin inhibited GBM cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT via p53/ miR-361-5p/ ZEB1 axis in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Shikonin suppresses glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT by inhibiting ZEB1 expression through the p53/miR-361-5p axis. |
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| ISSN: | 1471-2202 |