Effect of matrine on HeLa cell adhesion and migration

Abstract

Cell migration have an important role in cancer metastasis. Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) appears to be critical in cell-matrix adhesion and cell migration. Matrine, one of the major alkaloid components found in sophora roots, has long been regarded as an anticancer herb in China, which may inhibit the metastasis of cancer cells perhaps through the inhibition of adhesion of cells. This study sought to explore the role of matrine in the metastasis of cancer cells and gain insight into the possible mechanism of matrine’s ability to inhibit cancer metastasis. Accordingly, changes of VASP phosphorylation and PKA activity in cell detachment and reattachment were first investigated. After administration of matrine, the decrease of VASP phosphorylation paralleled the decrease in PKA activity. Interestingly, VASP phosphorylation and PKA activity also decreased after administration of H89 just as matrine does. Matrine was found to significantly inhibit HeLa cell adhesion to collagen I. In a two-dimensional cell migration assay, the average cell migration velocity was significantly reduced with the administration of matrine. Moreover, in a three-dimensional cell migration assay performed with the Transwell system, HeLa cells treated with matrine were found to migrate less when compared with the control cells. Whether in a two-dimensional cell migration assay or a three-dimensional cell migration assay, an another decrease in the cell migration ability was observed after administration of H89 in matrine treatment group. These data suggest that the inhibitive effect of matrine may be produced by decreasing phosphorylation of VASP through inhibiting the activity of PKA during HeLa cell adhesion and migration.