Dioscin inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cells and activates apoptosis by downregulation of Survivin.

Abstract

Human malignancies exhibit elevated levels of survivin, and have been linked to poor prognosis. Targeting survivin expression is a promising therapeutic strategy against cancer cells. Natural compounds have become a hot topic in research due to their non-toxic, non-invasive, and efficient treatment of multiple diseases. In this current investigation, it was discovered that Dioscin, as a natural compound, exerted profound antitumor activity against NSCLC cell lines, inhibiting NSCLC cell viability and promoting apoptosis. Further mechanistic studies showed that Dioscin promoted ubiquitination-mediated survivin degradation via strengthening the interaction between survivin and the E3 ubiquitin ligase Fbxl7. Furthermore, Dioscin exhibited a strong tumor suppressive effect in xenograft tumor models, and Dioscin treatment led to a notable decrease in tumor volume and weight. Based on our findings, Dioscin is expected to be a potential antitumor agent for non-small cell lung cancer treatment.