Does oridonin inhibit the growth of small-cell lung cancer?

Abstract

Research Question: Can oridonin inhibit small cell lung cancer growth by blocking the Notch signalling? Purpose: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive illness with a low 5-year survival rate. Oridonin is a Chinese medicine extracted from the leaves of the Rabdosia rubescens, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, which has been proven to have many medical effects in opposition to the tumour. Notch signalling is an essential pathway in multicellular organisms and transfers information into living organisms. Methods: This study will use a human small-cell lung cancer cell line (H1688). Migration assay will test the influence of oridonin on cell migration. A Xenograft mouse tumour model is created to determine the effect of oridonin on tumour growth. Annexin V will test cell apoptosis, and a western blot is used to test whether Notch signalling is activated. All the assays are repeated three times, and the statistics are analyzed by calculating the means and doing the student's t-test. Possible results: There are three main possible results:(1) Oridonin can inhibit SCLC growth by blocking the notch signalling. (2) Oridonin can inhibit the tumour growth of SCLC cells but not by blocking notch signalling. (3) Oridonin cannot inhibit tumour growth but can block the notch signalling. Conclusion: The study will show whether oridonin can inhibit the growth of SCLC by blocking the notch signalling. It will provide a new method of treatment for those with SCLCs.