Emetine inhibits migration and invasion of human non-small-cell lung cancer cells via regulation of ERK and p38 signaling pathways

• ERK and p38 signalings are differently affected by emetine in A549 and H1299 cells.
• Gelatinase activities of MMPs are dependent upon the modulations of ERK and p38.
• Consequently, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells are suppressed by emetine.

Emetine is a natural compound originated from ipecac roots. It was commonly used as anti-protozoal and vomiting agent. The apoptosis-inducing effect of emetine makes it considered as a potential anti-cancer agent for various human cancers. Here in this study, we report that emetine inhibits migration and invasion of human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Modulation of three major mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), ERK, p38 and JNK, is well known to be involved in regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are essential in tissue remodeling and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, for cancer cells to spread out from the origin of tumorigenesis. Emetine regulates two major MAPKs, p38 and ERK. Differential inhibition/stimulation of ERK and p38 induced differential suppressions of β-catenin and c-myc transcription factors. This leads to the selective down-regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9, two major gelatinases which can degrade ECM components, and RECK, a negative regulator of MMP-9.

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