Aloe-emodin suppresses prostate cancer by targeting the mTOR complex 2

Carcinogenesis. 2012 Jul;33(7):1406-11. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgs156. Epub 2012 Apr 24.

Abstract

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) amplification and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) deletion-caused Akt activation contribute to the development of prostate cancer. Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) is a kinase complex comprised of mTOR, Rictor, mSin1, mLST8/GβL and PRR5 and functions in the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473. Herein, we report that mTORC2 plays an important role in PC3 androgen refractory prostate cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. Aloe-emodin, a natural compound found in aloe, inhibited both proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of PC3 cells. Protein content analysis suggested that activation of the downstream substrates of mTORC2, Akt and PKCα, was inhibited by aloe-emodin treatment. Pull-down assay and in vitro kinase assay results indicated that aloe-emodin could bind with mTORC2 in cells and inhibit its kinase activity. Aloe-emodin also exhibited tumor suppression effects in vivo in an athymic nude mouse model. Collectively, our data suggest that mTORC2 plays an important role in prostate cancer development and aloe-emodin suppresses prostate cancer progression by targeting mTORC2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthraquinones / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Signal Transduction
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / drug effects*
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Anthraquinones
  • aloe emodin
  • MTOR protein, human
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases