ART-induced biophysical and biochemical alterations of Jurkat cell membrane

Integrity of the cell membrane is a basic requirement for maintaining the biological characteristics of a cell. In this study, cell membrane as the target of drug action was investigated. CCK-8 assay suggested that Artesunate (ART) could significantly suppress the proliferation of Jurkat cells in a dose-dependent manner. Changes in the morphology and mechanics of Jurkat cells were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). These changes included decrease of Young's modulus (from 3.18 ± 0.54 to 1.72 ± 0.54 kPa), increase in the fluctuation of surface components, increase in shrinkage, or even the appearance of pores. The Young's modulus change was according to the F-actin protein, not the Tubulin-β or integrin β1 protein. Meanwhile, the activities of plasma membrane Ca2+–Mg2+-ATPase and Na+–K+-ATPase were also repressed following ART exposure as well as membrane potential. Western blot was used to detect Caspase 3 and Cyclin D1 protein level. The Cyclin D1 was downregulated and Caspase 3 was activated. Hence, cellular membrane represented a plausible target for ART-induced injury.