Batatasin III Inhibits Migration of Human Lung Cancer Cells by Suppressing Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and FAK-AKT Signals.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Compound Batatasin III isolated from Dendrobium draconis Rchb.f. was tested for the possible anti-cancer activities including anti-proliferative, anti-migration and invasion in human non-small lung cancer H460 cells.

The effect of Batatasin III on viability and proliferation of H460 cells was investigated by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay. Migration and invasion assays were performed. Filopodia formation was determined by phalloidin-rhodamine staining. The hallmark signaling proteins in regulation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation, and migration were determined by western blot analysis.

Batatasin III at concentrations lower than 100 μM has no cytotoxic effects. The compound at 25-100 μM exhibited anti-proliferative activity at 48 h after treatment. Regarding cell motility, Batatasin III decreased migration and invasion of cells. Filopodia were found to be significantly reduced in Batatasin III treated cells. These effects correlated with the results from western blot analysis showing that the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase on Try397 (p-FAK (Try397)), the active protein kinase B (AKT), and cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) were significantly reduced. Besides, Batatasin III significantly suppressed EMT indicated by the decrease of N-cadherin and Vimentin, and up-regulation of E-cadherin.

Batatasin III has anti-cancer activities; inhibits cancer migration and invasion by suppressing EMT. Our findings establish Batatasin III as a potential compound for further studies aimed at finding a better, more effective treatment approach for lung cancer.