Involvement of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway in the induction of apoptosis by cadmium chloride in CCRF-CEM cells

When CCRF-CEM cells were incubated with 5–40 μM CdCl_2, apoptosis was observed most clearly at 10 μM. Prior to the development of apoptosis, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), i.e. extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK, were activated with different sensitivity to CdCl₂ exposure. ERK and p38 MAPK were phosphorylated with incubation of 1 μM CdCl_2, but higher than 20 μM CdCl₂ was required for the clear phosphorylation of JNK. In the time–course study, ERK and p38 MAPK were phosphorylated earlier than JNK after CdCl₂ exposure. The in vitro activities of MAPKs also increased in response to CdCl₂ exposure. Pretreatment with an intracellular Ca²⁺ chelator, 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetra(acetoxymethyl) ester (BAPTA/AM), suppressed almost completely CdCl₂-induced phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK, but not ERK phosphorylation, indicating that the activation of JNK and p38 MAPK depends on the intracellular Ca²⁺ but that of ERK does not. On the other hand, treatment with a MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor, U0126 (1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis[2-aminophenylthio]butadiene), suppressed CdCl₂-induced ERK activation and the apoptosis as well. The inhibition of p38 MAPK activity with SB203580 (4-[4-fluorophenyl]-2-[4-methylsulfinylphenyl]-5-[4-pyridyl]1H-imidazole) did not protect cells from apoptosis. The present results showed that the activation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK is differently regulated in CCRF-CEM cells exposed to CdCl_2, and that the ERK pathway seems to be responsible for the induction of apoptosis by CdCl₂ exposure in this human T cell line.     

二烯丙基二硫诱导K562细胞凋亡及与G2 / M期阻滞关系研究

目的探讨二烯丙基二硫（DADS）对体外培养的人白血病细胞系K562细胞增殖、凋亡和细胞周期的影响。方法采用细胞计数法、形态学观察、MTT分析法、AO／EB染色、流式细胞术探讨DADS对K562细胞增殖、凋亡和细胞周期的影响。结果1．DADS在10-80mg-L。范围内,对K562细胞的抑制作用呈剂量一时间依赖效应。2．DADS浓度在10-80mg．L-1。时作用K562细胞24h后,凋亡率逐渐升高,差异有统计学意义（p〈0．05或P〈0．01）。3．不同浓度DADS作用于K562细胞24h后,K562细胞阻滞于G2／M期。结论DADS有抑制K562细胞增殖和促进K562细胞凋亡的作用,其作用的可能机制与k562细胞阻滞于G2／M期有关。     

丁酸钠和氯高铁血红素诱导K562细胞分化的信号转导机制

目的　探讨丁酸钠和氯高铁血红素 (hemin ,Hm)诱导K5 6 2细胞向红系分化的信号转导机制。方法　采用台盼蓝拒染法观察丁酸钠和Hemin对K5 6 2细胞生长曲线的影响 ;流式细胞仪进行细胞周期分析 ;联苯胺染色检测药物诱导K5 6 2细胞向红系分化作用。结果　丁酸钠和Hemin呈时间和剂量依赖方式诱导K5 6 2细胞向红系分化 ;ERK抑制剂PD980 5 9增加丁酸钠、降低Hemin诱导的联苯胺阳性率JNK抑制剂SP6 0 0 12 5未影响丁酸钠却降低Hemin的诱导分化作用。结论　在K5 6 2细胞向红系分化过程中 ,ERK正性调节Hemin、负性调节丁酸钠的诱导分化作用 ;同时Hemin而不是丁酸钠的诱导分化过程还需要JNK的活性     

Induction of G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis by a novel indoloquinoline derivative,IQDMA, in K562 cells

The indoloquinoline, IQDMA (N′‐(11H‐indolo[3,2‐c]quinolin‐6‐yl)‐N,N‐dimethylethane‐1,2‐diamine), was identified as a novel antineoplastic agent with broad spectrum of antitumor activities against several human cancer cells. IQDMA‐induced G2/M arrest was accompanied by up‐regulation of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs), p21 and p27, and down‐regulation of Cdk1and Cdk2. IQDMA had no effect on the levels of cyclin A, cyclin B1, cyclin D3, or Cdc25C. IQDMA also increased apoptosis, as characterized by apoptotic body formation, increase of the sub G₁ population and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Further mechanistic analysis demonstrated that IQDMA upregulated FasL protein expression, and kinetic studies showed the sequential activation of caspases‐8, ‐3, and ‐9. Both caspase‐8 and caspase‐3 inhibitors, but not a caspase‐9‐specific inhibitor, suppressed IQDMA‐induced cell death. These molecular alterations provide an insight into IQDMA‐caused growth inhibition, G2/M arrest, and apoptotic death of K562 cells. Drug Dev. Res. 67:743–751, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

二烯丙基二硫通过活性氧介导的JNK信号通路诱导人白血病K562细胞凋亡

目的研究二烯丙基二硫(DADS)诱导人白血病K562细胞凋亡的分子机制。方法应用MTT法检测细胞的活性;用流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡以及细胞内的活性氧(reac-tive oxygen species,ROS)水平;Western blot检测JNK以及磷酸化JNK的活化。结果 DADS能明显抑制K562细胞的增殖,呈时间和剂量依赖性;5.0 mg.L-1DADS处理K562细胞,细胞内ROS水平在1 h后明显增加,8 h达到高峰,随后又开始下降。随着DADS剂量的增加,JNK的活性明显增强,在DADS处理K562细胞8 h后,磷酸化的JNK达到最高值,而在随后的4 h又明显降低。Sp600125和NAC能明显减少磷酸化JNK的表达和抑制DADS诱导的细胞凋亡。结论 ROS是DADS诱导K562细胞凋亡过程中JNK活化的有效调节剂,DADS通过ROS介导的JNK活化诱导人白血病K562细胞凋亡。     

分枝石蕊多糖诱导人白血病K562细胞凋亡

目的：研究分枝石蕊多糖（CFP-1）是否能诱导K562细胞凋亡。方法：抑制细胞增殖的测定采用MTT法;用荧光显微镜和透射电镜观察细胞的形态学变化;采用琼脂糖凝胶电泳法观测DNA碎片;用流式细胞仪检测凋亡细胞数。结果：CFP-1（50-800mg/L）明显抑制K562细胞增殖,并且呈浓度依赖性,K562细胞与CFP-1300mg/L共同培养5d后,观察到典型的凋亡形态变化,电泳呈现梯形条带。结论：CFP-1诱导人白血病K562细胞凋亡。     

Inhibition of CHK1 kinase by Gö6976 converts 8-chloro-adenosine-induced G2/M arrest into S arrest in human myelocytic leukemia K562 cells

8-Chloro-cAMP (8-Cl-cAMP) and its metabolite 8-chloro-adenosine (8-Cl-Ado) inhibit cell growth by 8-Cl-Ado-converted 8-Cl-ATP that targets cell-cycle control and RNA metabolism. However, the cell-cycle checkpoint pathways remain to be identified. Recent studies have shown that 8-Cl-cAMP administration and 8-Cl-Ado exposure may damage chromosomal DNA in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we demonstrate that 8-Cl-Ado-induced DNA damage activates G2/M phase checkpoint, which is associated with ATM-activated CHK1-CDC25C-CDC2 pathway joined by BRCA1-CHK1 branch in apoptosis-resistant human myelocytic leukemia K562 (p53-null) cells. Inhibition of CHK1 kinase by Gö6976, an inhibitor of CHK1 activity, can promote DNA damage and lead to the activation of CHK2, converting G2/M checkpoint into intra-S-phase checkpoint in which two parallel branches, the ATM-CHK2-CDC25A-CDK2 and the ATM-NBS1/SMC1 cascades, are involved. These observations may provide aid in better understanding of the mechanisms of 8-Cl-cAMP and 8-Cl-Ado actions and in potential design of the combined therapy.     

Taiwan cobra cardiotoxin III inhibits Src kinase leading to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of oral squamous cell carcinoma Ca9-22 cells

Cardiotoxin III (CTX III), a basic polypeptide with 60-amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom, has been reported to have cytotoxic activity. CTX III exerted cytotoxicity with the S-phase cell cycle arrest, correlated with a marked decrease in the expression levels of cyclin A, cyclin B, and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), and apoptosis, accompanied with Bax and Bad up-regulation, and the down-regulation of Bcl-2, p-Bad, and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) with cytochrome c release and sequential activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 in Ca9-22 cells. Mechanistic studies showed that CTX III suppressed the phosphorylation of Src, EGFR, STAT3, STAT5, Akt, and activation of PI3 K (p110). Moreover, Src inactivation was observed earlier than that of the EGFR and the Src inhibitor PP2 suppressed the levels of phospho-EGFR, phospho-STAT3, phospho-STAT5, phospho-Akt, and PI3 K(p110). The PP2 also caused the S-phase arrest and apoptosis, and led to down-regulation of Bcl-2, p-Bad, XIAP, cyclin A, cyclin B, and CDK1, and up-regulation of Bax and Bad, similar to that observed in CTX III treatment. Taken together, these results indicate that CTX III induces apoptosis and S-phase arrest in Ca9-22 cells via concomitant inactivation of the Src, EGFR, STAT3, STAT5, PI3 K(p110), and Akt signaling pathways.     

EM-2 inhibited autophagy and promoted G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis by activating the JNK pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of EM-2, a natural active monomer purified from Elephantopusmollis H.B.K., on the proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the molecular mechanism involved. The results from the MTT assay revealed that EM-2 significantly inhibited the proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in a dose-dependent manner but exhibited less cytotoxicity to the normal liver epithelial cell line LO2. EdU staining and colony formation assays further confirmed the inhibitory effect of EM-2 on the proliferation of Huh-7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. According to the RNA sequencing and KEGG enrichment analysis results, EM-2 markedly activated the MAPK pathway in Huh-7 cells, and the results of Western blotting further indicated that EM-2 could activate the ERK and JNK pathways. Meanwhile, EM-2 induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner and G₂/M phase arrest in Huh-7 cells, which could be partially reversed when treated with SP600125, a JNK inhibitor. Further study indicated that EM-2 induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and blocked autophagic flux in Huh-7 cells by inhibiting autophagy-induced lysosome maturation. Inhibition of autophagy by bafilomycin A1 could reduce cell viability and increase the sensitivity of Huh-7 cells to EM-2. In conclusion, our findings revealed that EM-2 not only promoted G₂/M phase arrest and activated ER stress but also induced apoptosis by activating the JNK pathway and blocked autophagic flux by inhibiting autolysosome maturation in Huh-7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Therefore, EM-2 is a potential therapeutic drug with promising antitumor effects against hepatocellular carcinoma and fewer side effects.     

Involvement of p38 MAPK- and JNK-modulated expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in Naja nigricollis CMS-9-induced apoptosis of human leukemia K562 cells

CMS-9, a phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) isolated from Naja nigricollis venom, induced apoptosis of human leukemia K562 cells, characterized by mitochondrial depolarization, modulation of Bcl-2 family members, cytochrome c release and activation of caspases 9 and 3. Moreover, an increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was noted. Pretreatment with BAPTA-AM (Ca²⁺ chelator) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC, ROS scavenger) proved that Ca²⁺ was an upstream event in inducing ROS generation. Upon exposure to CMS-9, activation of p38 MAPK and JNK was observed in K562 cells. BAPTA-AM or NAC abrogated CMS-9-elicited p38 MAPK and JNK activation, and rescued viability of CMS-9-treated K562 cells. SB202190 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) and SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) suppressed CMS-9-induced dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential, Bcl-2 down-regulation, Bax up-regulation and increased mitochondrial translocation of Bax. Inactivation of PLA₂ activity reduced drastically the cytotoxicity of CMS-9, and a combination of lysophosphatidylcholine and stearic acid mimicked the cytotoxic effects of CMS-9. Taken together, our data suggest that CMS-9-induced apoptosis of K562 cells is catalytic activity-dependent and is mediated through mitochondria-mediated death pathway triggered by Ca²⁺/ROS-evoked p38 MAPK and JNK activation.     

Mitochondrial dysfunction as an early event in the process of apoptosis induced by woodfordin I in human leukemia K562 cells

Tannins are a group of widely distributed plant polyphenols, some of which are beneficial to health because of their chemopreventive activities. In the present study, we investigated the effects and action mechanisms of woodfordin I, a macrocyclic ellagitannin dimer, on human chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) K562 cells. The results showed that woodfordin I was able to suppress the proliferation and induce apoptosis in K562 cells. Apoptosis was evaluated by cytomorphology, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and externalization of phosphatidylserine. Woodfordin I treatment caused a rapid and sustained loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP), transient generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), transient elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and cytosolic accumulation of cytochrome c. The activation of caspase-9 and 3, but not caspase-8, was also demonstrated, indicating that the apoptotic signaling triggered by woodfordin I was mediated through the intrinsic mitochondria-dependent pathway. Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL levels were downregulated, together with the pro-apoptotic Bax protein. Significantly, woodfordin I-induced apoptosis was associated with a decline in the levels of c-Abl, Bcr-Abl, and cellular protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Considering the consequence of all the events in the process of woodfordin I-induced apoptosis, the mitochondrial dysfunction is directly responsible for the pro-apoptotic effects on K562 cells. Furthermore, because CML is a malignancy of pleuripotent hematopoietic cells caused by the dysregulated tyrosine kinase activity of Bcr-Abl, these findings suggest that woodfordin I may be a potential lead compound against CML.     

二(2-吡啶基-N-氧化物)二硫化物对K562细胞增殖的抑制作用

目的研究二(2-吡啶基-N-氧化物)二硫化物(L)对K562细胞增殖的影响。方法应用MTT比色法检测L对K562细胞增殖的影响;应用透射电镜检测L对K562细胞凋亡形态学的影响;应用流式细胞仪检测L对K562细胞周期的影响。结果 L可抑制K562细胞的增殖,呈现浓度依赖性;L可使K562细胞呈现凋亡形态学特征;L可使K562细胞周期发生阻滞。结论 L在体外具有抑制K562细胞增殖的作用。     

Tetrahydrocurcumin induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis involving p38 MAPK activation in human breast cancer cells

Curcumin (CUR) is a major naturally-occurring polyphenol of Curcuma species, which is commonly used as a yellow coloring and flavoring agent in foods. In recent years, it has been reported that CUR exhibits significant anti-tumor activity in vivo. However, the pharmacokinetic features of CUR have indicated poor oral bioavailability, which may be related to its extensive metabolism. The CUR metabolites might be responsible for the antitumor pharmacological effects in vivo. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is one of the major metabolites of CUR. In the present study, we examined the efficacy and associated mechanism of action of THC in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells for the first time. Here, THC exhibited significant cell growth inhibition by inducing MCF-7 cells to undergo mitochondrial apoptosis and G2/M arrest. Moreover, co-treatment of MCF-7 cells with THC and p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, effectively reversed the dissipation in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and blocked THC-mediated Bax up-regulation, Bcl-2 down-regulation, caspase-3 activation as well as p21 up-regulation, suggesting p38 MAPK might mediate THC-induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest. Taken together, these results indicate THC might be an active antitumor form of CUR in vivo, and it might be selected as a potentially effective agent for treatment of human breast cancer.     

Involvement of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in S‐phase cell‐cycle arrest induced by Furazolidone in human hepatoma G2 cells

Given the previously described essential role for the p38 mitogen‐activation protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway in human hepatoma G2 cells (HepG2), we undertook the present study to investigate the role of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in cell‐cycle arrest induced by Furazolidone (FZD). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of FZD on HepG2 cells by activating and inhibiting the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. The cell cycle and proliferation of HepG2 cells treated with FZD were detected by flow cytometry and MTT assay in the presence or absence of p38 MAPK inhibitors (SB203580), respectively. Cyclin D1, cyclin D3 and CDK6 were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot analysis. Our data showed that p38 MAPK became phosphorylated after stimulation with FZD. Activation of p38 MAPK could arise S‐phase cell‐cycle arrest and suppress cell proliferation. Simultaneously, inhibition of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway significantly prevented S‐phase cell‐cycle arrest, increased the percentage of cell viability and decreased the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin D3 and CDK6. These results demonstrated that FZD arose S‐phase cell‐cycle arrest via activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in HepG2 cells. Cyclin D1, cyclin D3 and CDK6 are target genes functioning at the downstream of p38 MAPK in HepG2 cells induced by FZD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Down-regulation of the JAK2/PI3K-mediated signaling activation is involved in Taiwan cobra cardiotoxin III-induced apoptosis of human breast MDA-MB-231 cancer cells

Cardiotoxin III (CTX III), a basic polypeptide with 60 amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom, has been reported to have anticancer activity. Exposure of MDA-MB-231 cells with 0.03, 0.09, and 0.15 μM of CTX III for 18 h, CTX III-induced cell apoptosis, as evidenced by accumulation of sub-G1 population, externalization of phosphatidylserine, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) with subsequent release of cytochrome c, and activation of both capases-9 and caspase-3. This correlated with up-regulation in Bax and Bad, and down-regulation of various anti-apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-2, Bcl-X_L, and survivin in CTX III-treated cells. Mechanistic studies showed that CTX III suppressed the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT3, Akt, and activation of PI3K. Moreover, the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin blocked activation of STAT3 and Akt without affecting the JAK2 activation, whereas JAK2 inhibitor AG490 suppressed the levels of phospho-STAT3, phospho-Akt, and PI3K, suggesting that PI3K activation occurs after JAK2 phosphorylation, and both PI3K and JAK2 kinases cooperate to mediate STAT3 and Akt phosphorylation. Both AG490 and wortmannin also led to up-regulation in Bax and Bad, and down-regulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-X_L, and survivin in MDA-MB-231 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that CTX III induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells via concomitant inactivation of the JAK2, STAT3, PI3K, and Akt signaling pathways.     

迷迭香酸衍生物RAD-9通过PI3K/Akt和p38 MAPK信号通路诱导胃癌MGC-803细胞凋亡

目的研究迷迭香酸衍生物RAD-9诱导胃癌MGC-803细胞凋亡的作用及其机制。方法 MTT法观察RAD-9对胃癌MGC-803细胞增殖的抑制作用;流式细胞术检测细胞的凋亡;Hoechst 33258染色法观察RAD-9对MGC-803细胞核凋亡形态学的影响;Western blot检测RAD-9干预MGC-803细胞36 h后,对Akt、p-Akt、p38 MAPK、p-p38 MAPK蛋白及凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2、Bax、caspase-3的影响。结果MTT结果显示,RAD-9呈时间、浓度依赖性抑制胃癌MGC-803细胞增殖;流式细胞术结果显示,RAD-9对胃癌MGC-803细胞有明显的促凋亡作用(P<0.01);Hoechst 33258染色实验结果显示,RAD-9干预胃癌MGC-803细胞36 h后,细胞核呈现典型凋亡形态学改变;Western blot结果显示,RAD-9干预胃癌MGC-803细胞36 h后,Bcl-2蛋白表达水平明显降低,Bax、caspase-3蛋白表达水平明显提高,Akt、p-Akt蛋白表达水平明显下调,p38 MAPK、p-p38 MAPK蛋白表达水平明显上调(P<0.01)。结论 RAD-9能抑制胃癌MGC-803细胞生长,且能诱导其凋亡,其机制可能与抑制PI3K/Akt和激活p38 MAPK信号通路相关。     

Elemene induces apoptosis and regulates expression of bcl 2 protein in human leukemia K562 cells 1

目的：研究榄香烯的抗肿瘤作用机制．方法：抑制细胞增殖采用ＭＴＴ法;用荧光显微镜观察细胞的形态学变化;ＤＮＡ电泳、流式细胞仪技术检测ＤＮＡ断裂;用流式细胞仪检测ｂｃｌ２蛋白的表达．结果：榄香烯６５－５２０μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１明显抑制Ｋ５６２细胞增殖,ＩＣ５０（９５％可信区间）为２２０（１５２－３１９）μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１,电泳可见ＤＮＡ断裂形成的阶梯状条带,形态学上表现为染色体聚集,核固缩、断裂,而ｂｃｌ２蛋白的水平明显下降．结论：榄香烯诱导人白血病Ｋ５６２细胞凋亡,这与ｂｃｌ２蛋白表达的下降有关     

c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 is required for cordycepin-mediated induction of G2/M cell-cycle arrest via p21WAF1 expression in human colon cancer cells

Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) has many anti-cancer properties. However, neither its molecular mechanism nor its molecular targets are well understood. In the present study, we investigated novel molecular mechanisms for the anti-tumor effects of cordycepin in human colon cancer HCT116 cells. After treatment of cells with cordycepin, dose-dependent cell growth inhibition was observed at an IC₅₀ value of 200 μM. Cordycepin treatment resulted in G2/M-phase cell-cycle arrest, which was associated with increased p21WAF1 levels and reduced amounts of cyclin B1, Cdc2, and Cdc25c in a p53-independent pathway. Moreover, cordycepin treatment induced activation of JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinases). Pretreatment with SP600125, a JNK-specific inhibitor, abrogated cordycepin-mediated p21WAF1 expression, cell growth inhibition, and reduced cell-cycle proteins. Furthermore, JNK1 inhibition by small interfering RNA (siRNA) produced similar results: suppression of cordycepin-induced p21WAF1 expression, decreased cell growth, and reduced cell-cycle proteins. Together, these results suggest a critical role for JNK1 activation in cordycepin-induced inhibition of cell growth and G2/M-phase arrest in human colon cancer cells.     

Gambogic acid induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis involving inhibition of SRC-3 and inactivation of Akt pathway in K562 leukemia cells

Gambogic acid (GA), a major active component of gamboge, exhibits potent anticancer activity in many kinds of cancer cells. However, the anticancer mechanism of GA is not clearly understood. Here we showed that GA could cause growth inhibition, induce the G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line K562 cells. Since steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3), overexpressed in many human malignancies including leukemia, is a central target for cancer therapy, we also explored the effects of GA on SRC-3 and SRC-3-regulated gene products in K562. GA treatment downregulated the expression of SRC-3 and then inhibited the activity of Akt kinase and its downstream targets p70 S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) without changes in total protein levels of these three proteins, which thus influenced the expression of the apoptosis related gene Bcl-2 in K562 cells. These results suggest that GA might exhibit its strong antitumor effects via the interruption of SRC-3.