Gambogenic acid induces Noxa-mediated apoptosis in colorectal cancer through ROS-dependent activation of IRE1α/JNK

Background: Gambogenic acid (GNA), an active component of Garcinia hanburyi Hook.f. (Clusiaceae) (common name gamboge), exerts anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. However, the underlying mechanism of GNA in colorectal Cancer (CRC) is still not well understood.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the antitumor effects and mechanisms of GNA on CRC in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: Cell viability, colony formation and cell Apoptosis assays were performed to determine the antitumor effects of GNA. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to evaluate the expression of genes or proteins affected by GNA in vitro and in vivo. HCT116 colon Cancer xenografts and the APC^min/+ mice model were used to confirm the antitumor effects of GNA on CRC in vivo.

Results: GNA induced Noxa-mediated Apoptosis by inducing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. Moreover, GNA triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which subsequently activated inositol-requiring enzyme-1α (IRE1α) leading to JNK phosphorylation. ROS scavenger attenuated GNA-induced IRE1α activation and JNK phosphorylation. Knockdown of IRE1α also prevented GNA-induced JNK phosphorylation. In vivo, GNA suppressed tumor growth and progression in HCT116 colon Cancer xenografts and the APC^min/+ mices model.

Conclusion: These findings revealed that GNA induced Noxa-mediated Apoptosis by activating the ROS/IRE1α/JNK signaling pathway in CRC both in vitro and in vivo. GNA is therefore a promising antitumor agent for CRC treatment.