Wei Peng

Human omental adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells enhance autophagy in ovarian carcinoma cells through the STAT3 signalling pathway

Our previous study showed that human omental adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) promote ovarian cancer growth and metastasis. In this study, the role of autophagy in the ovarian cancer-promoting effects of omental ADSCs was further determined. The growth and invasion of ovarian cancer cells were detected by CCK-8 and Transwell assays, respectively. The autophagy of ovarian cancer cells transfected with MRFP-GFP-LC3 adenoviral vectors was evaluated by confocal microscopy and western blot assay. Transfection of STAT3 siRNA was used to inhibit the expression of STAT3. Our results show that autophagy plays a vital role in ovarian cancer and is promoted by ADSCs. Specifically, we show that proliferation and invasion are correlated with autophagy induction by ADSCs in two ovarian cancer cell lines under hypoxic conditions. Mechanistically, ADSCs activate the STAT3 signalling pathway, thereby promoting autophagy. Knockdown of STAT3 expression using siRNA decreased hypoxia-induced autophagy and decreased the proliferation and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells. Taken together, our data indicate that STAT3-mediated autophagy induced by ADSCs promotes ovarian cancer growth and metastasis.

The Cyr61 Is a Potential Target for Rotundifuran, a Natural Labdane‐Type Diterpene from Vitex trifolia L., to Trigger Apoptosis of Cervical Cancer Cells

Cervical cancer is a common female malignant tumor that seriously threatens human health. This study explored the anticervical cancer effects and potential mechanisms of Rotundifuran (RTF), a natural product isolated from Vitex trifolia L. In this study, we found that RTF can suppress the proliferation of cervical cancer cell lines, including HeLa and SiHa cells (with the IC50 less than 10 μM), via induction of apoptosis in vitro, and the antitumor effect of RTF is further confirmed on the HeLa cell‐inoculated xenograft model. In addition, our results proved that the antitumor effects of RTF might be related with the reactive oxygen species‐ (ROS‐) induced mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis through MAPK and PI3K/Akt signal pathways. Using proteomics analysis and the drug affinity responsive target stability‐ (DARTS‐) combined mass spectrometry (DARTS‐MS), Cyr61 was indicated as a potential target for RTF in cervical cancer cells. Our present study would be beneficial for the development of RTF as a candidate for treatment of cervical cancer in the future.