Decursin inhibits the growth of HeLa cervical cancer cells through PI3K/Akt signaling

Abstract

Decursin, a coumarin compound isolated from Angelica gigas has been shown to possess multiple anti-tumor activities. But it’s still little known about the effects associated with cervical cancer. To explore the anti-tumor role of decursin and gain insights into its underlying mechanisms, we analyzed proliferation in parallel with apoptosis and migration in HeLa cells. Our findings implied that decursin can provoke apoptosis, and inhibit cell proliferation, migration in HeLa cells. More importantly, decursin also inhibited the tumor growth in vivo. The mechanisms may be associated with the regulation of Akt activation, with implications for novel therapeutic strategies on cervical cancer.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Decursin
• cervical cancer
• proliferation
• apoptosis

Disclosure statement

The authors of this paper confirmed that they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Sichuan provincial Health Commission (grant nos. 19PJ298 and 19PJ154); The Basic Research Programs of Science and Technology Commission Foundation of Sichuan Province (No. 2020YJ0442); Technology and Human resources’ Bureau of Luzhou (grant nos. [2017] 241.15 and 2018LZXNYD-PT03); The Youth Funding Program of Southwest Medical University (grant no. 2019ZQN043).