Effect of thiostrepton on the apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2 cell line

Abstract:

Objective：To investigate the effect of thiostrepton（TST） on the apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2 cell line. Methods：CNE-2 cells were delivered into a control group and a group treated with 4 μmol/L or 8 μmol/L of TST for 48 h. Then CNE-2 cell morphology was observed by inverted phase contrast microscope. The apoptosis rate was analyzed by Hoechst33342 and flow cytometry. Expressions of FoxM1 protein and apoptosis protein were detected by Western blot. Results：CNE-2 cells underwent dra－matic changes in morphology after being treated with different concentrations of TST. Hoechst33342 assay showed that exposure to TST resulted in dose-dependent increase of CNE-2 cell apoptosis. Apoptosis cell numbers of control group，4 μmol/L TST group，8 μmol/L TST group were 0.60±0.55，3.60±0.89，7.00±1.58. Flow cytometry assay indicated that the apoptosis rate was increased with the increase of TST concentration；apotosis pencentages of control group，4 μmol/L TST group，8 μmol/L TST group were （1.87±0.74）%，（10.55±0.75）%，（19.35±2.49）%. Western blot showed that the expression levels of FoxM1 protein and apoptosis associated proteins decreased with the increase of TST concentration. Conclusion：TST can effectively inhibit CNE-2 cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.