Figure 10 | Scientific Reports

Figure 10

From: Icariin displays anticancer activity against human esophageal cancer cells via regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptotic signaling

Figure 10

The ERS-dependent mechanism of action of ICA in human ESCC.

ICA upregulates a series of ER-related molecules, including p-PERK, GRP78, p-eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP. The activation of ERS signaling upregulates the expression of the apoptotic protein PUMA and downregulates the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2. NADPH oxidase are activated. ROS are generated and the intracellular GSH levels are reduced. Together, these events may induce apoptosis and may reduce the adhesive and migratory capacities of ESCC cells, thereby protecting against human esophageal cancer. In addition, THA synergistically enhances the anticancer activity of ICA. ICA, icariin; ERS, endoplasmic reticulum stress; ROS, reactive oxygen species; NADPH, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate; GSH, glutathione; THA, thapsigargin; PERK, PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase; GRP78, glucose-regulated protein 78; eIF2α, eukaryotic translational initiation factor 2α; ATF4, activating transcription factor 4; CHOP, C/EBP homologous protein; PUMA, p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis; Bcl2, B-cell lymphoma-2.

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