Nastaran Bani, Farzad Rahmani, Neda Shakour, Forouzan Amerizadeh, Ghazaleh Khalili-Tanha, Majid Khazaei, Seyed Mahdi Hassanian, Mohammad Amin Kerachian, Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan, Majid Mojarad, Farzin Hadizadeh, Gordon A Ferns and Amir Avan* Pages 1 - 12 ( 12 )
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant contributor to mortality, often exacerbated by metastasis and chemoresistance. Novel therapeutic strategies are imperative to enhance current treatments. The dysregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is implicated in CRC progression. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Wortmannin, combined with 5‐fluorouracil (5-FU), to target the PI3K/Akt pathway in CRC. <p> Methods: Anti-migratory and antiproliferative effects were assessed through wound healing and MTT assays. Apoptosis and cell cycle alterations were evaluated using Annexin V/Propidium Iodide Apoptosis Assay. Wortmannin's impact on the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium was examined via ROS, SOD, CAT, MDA, and T-SH levels. Downstream target genes of the PI3K/AKT pathway were analyzed at mRNA and protein levels using RTPCR and western blot, respectively. <p> Results: Wortmannin demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, modulating survivin, cyclinD1, PI3K, and p-Akt. The PI3K inhibitor attenuated migratory activity, inducing E-cadherin expression. Combined Wortmannin with 5-FU induced apoptosis, increasing cells in sub-G1 via elevated ROS levels. <p> Conclusion: This study underscores Wortmannin's potential in inhibiting CRC cell growth and migration through PI3K/Akt pathway modulation. It also highlights its candidacy for further investigation as a promising therapeutic option in colorectal cancer treatment.
Colorectal cancer, wortmannin, PI3K/Akt pathway, antitumor effects, 5-FU.