Artesunate induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and iron-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis in A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells

• DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e328350e8ac
• Publication Date: 2012-03-15T08:44:54Z
• Authors: Zhongyong Jiang; Jin Chai; Henry Hon Fung Ch...; Shifeng Li; Tianran Wang; Yi Cheng; Wensheng Chen; Deshan Zhou
• Keywords: Propidium iodide; A431 cells; Cyclin-dependent kinase 6; HaCaT; Cyclin B1

The anticancer effects of artesunate (ART) have been well documented. However, its potential against skin cancer has not explored yet. Herein we reported that 60 μmol/l ART effectively inhibited A431 (human epidermoid carcinoma cells) growth but HaCaT (normal human keratinocyte cells). Our results revealed induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase through the downregulation cyclin A1, B, D1, Cdk2, Cdk4, and Cdk6. This correlated with upregulation p21 p27. 5-bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay also indicated treatment reduced DNA synthesis in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, mitochondrial apoptosis, as evidenced by annexin V/propidium iodide staining western blot analysis. Interestingly, ART-induced apoptosis diminished under iron-deficient conditions intensified iron-overload conditions. Taken together, these findings demonstrated treating induction iron-mediated supported further investigations other test systems.