Withaferin A inhibits JAK/STAT3 signaling and induces apoptosis of human renal carcinoma Caki cells

Withaferin A, the active component of Withania somnifera, causes cytotoxicity in a variety of tumor cell lines. In this study, we show that withaferin A inhibits constitutive and IL-6-induced phosphorylation of STAT3 (on Tyr705), but not IFN-γ-induced STAT1 phosphorylation. Withaferin A-induced down-regulation of STAT3 activation is associated with a reduction in Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2) activity. Withaferin A also down-regulates the expression of STAT3 regulated genes such as Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, cyclin D1 and survivin. The apoptotic effect of withaferin A in Caki human renal cancer cells was investigated. Withaferin A induced dose-dependent apoptotic cell death in Caki cells, as measured by FACS analysis and PARP cleavage. Furthermore, overexpression of STAT3 attenuated withaferin A-induced apoptosis. Taken together, the present study provides strong evidence that down-regulation of the STAT3 signaling pathway mediates withaferin A-induced apoptosis.

► Withaferin A inhibits both the constitutive and inducible STAT3 activation.
► Withaferin A effectively inhibits JAK2 phosphorylation.
► Withaferin A suppresses the expression of proteins (survivin, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL).
► Overexpression of STAT3 attenuated withaferin A-induced apoptosis.