Inhibition of kidney cancer cell growth by Mulberroside-A is mediated via mitochondrial mediated apoptosis, inhibition of cell migration and invasion and targeting EGFR signalling pathway.

Purpose: Kidney cancer is a lethal type of malignancy with high mortality. The chemotherapeutic agents used for the treatment of kidney cancer have several adverse effects, therefore, there is need to explore new molecules for the treatment of this disease. In the current study, the anticancer activity of plant-derived stilbenoid Mulberroside-A (MA) was evaluated against the A498 kidney cancer cell line and the underlying mechanism was explored.

Methods: The A498 cell viability was determined by WST-1 assay. DAPI and AO/EB staining were employed for the detection of apoptosis. Matrigel and wound heal assay were used for cell invasion and migration study, respectively. Protein expression was checked by immunoblotting.

Results: The results showed that MA could inhibit the growth of the A498 cells dose-dependently. The IC50 of 20 µM was observed for MA against the kidney cancer A498 cells. The anticancer effects of MA against these cells were due to apoptotic cell death. Apoptosis was associated with alteration of the Bax/bcl-2 ratio. In addition, MA could also suppress the migration and invasion of the kidney cancer A498 cells by targeting EGFR signalling pathway.

Conclusion: In conclusion, MA may prove beneficial in the treatment of kidney cancer.