Target identification of baicalein derivative using DNA-programmed photoaffinity labeling

Abstract

The natural product baicalein derivative baicalein-8-sulfonic acid (BaSO3H) showed significant inhibitory effects on hepatocarcinoma cells viabilities and colony formation, but its molecular target(s) and mechanism were still not clearly elucidated. Using a DNA-programmed photoaffinity labeling method, we identified 12 targets that specifically bound with BaSO3H. Among these, BaSO3H bound with c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2) at an affinity of 33.1 nM (Kd) to induce apoptosis and autophagy in hepatocarcinoma cells.