Sakurasosaponin inhibits lung cancer cell proliferation by inducing autophagy via AMPK activation

Abstract

Sakurasosaponin (S‑saponin; PubChem ID: 3085160), a recently identified saponin from the roots of Primula sieboldii, has shown potential anticancer properties against various types of cancer. In the present study, the effects of S‑saponin on non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell proliferation and the underlying mechanisms, were investigated. The effect of S‑saponin on cell proliferation and cell death were assessed CCK‑8, clonogenic assay, western blotting and Annexin V/PI double staining. S‑saponin‑induced autophagy was determined by confocal microscopic analysis and immunoblotting. S‑saponin inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H1299 NSCLC cell lines in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner, without inducing apoptosis. S‑saponin treatment induced autophagy in these cells, as evidenced by the increased LC3‑II levels and GFP‑LC3 puncta formation. It activated the adenosine monophosphate‑activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, which is crucial for autophagy induction. Inhibition of AMPK with Compound C or siRNA‑mediated knockdown of AMPK abrogated S‑saponin‑induced autophagy and partially rescued cell proliferation. Therefore, S‑saponin exerts anti‑proliferative effects on NSCLC cells through autophagy induction via AMPK activation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of S‑saponin in NSCLC cells could provide insights for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for NSCLC.