The DNA methyltransferase inhibitor zebularine induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

► Zebularine inhibited cell growth of gastric cancer in a time- and dose-dependent manner. ► Chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation were induced. ► Zebularine promoted apoptosis via mitochondrial pathways. ► Tumorigenicity was inhibited by zebularine.