Ouabain enhances lung cancer cell detachment

A human steroid hormone, ouabain, has been shown to play a role in several types of cancer cell behavior; however, its effects on cancer metastasis are largely unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that sub-toxic concentrations of ouabain facilitate cancer cell detachment from the extracellular matrix in human lung cancer cells. Ouabain at concentrations of 0-10 pM significantly enhanced cell detachment in dose- and time- dependent manners, while having minimal effect on cell viability. The detachment-inducing effect of ouabain was found to be mediated through focal-adhesion kinase and ATP-dependent tyrosine kinase pathways. Alpha-5 and beta-1 integrins were found to be down-regulated in response to ouabain treatment. Since detachment of cancer cells is a prerequisite process for metastasis to begin, these insights benefit our understanding over the molecular basis of cancer biology.

Anti-metastatic activities of bibenzyls from Dendrobium pulchellum

Our investigation of the stem of Dendrobium pulchellum resulted in the isolation of four known bibenzyls, chrysotobibenzyl (1), chrysotoxine (2), crepidatin (3) and moscatilin (4). The present study reveals for the first time the ability of these four compounds to facilitate anoikis and inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells in anchorage-independent condition. The preliminary data obtained disclose the inhibitory effect on cancer cell metastasis of the isolated compounds, and provide an important new approach for cancer drug development.

Anti-metastatic Activities of Bibenzyls from Dendrobium pulchellum

Our investigation of the stem of Dendrobium pulchellum resulted in the isolation of four known bibenzyls, chrysotobibenzyl (1), chrysotoxine (2), crepidatin (3) and moscatilin (4). The present study reveals for the first time the ability of these four compounds to facilitate anoikis and inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells in anchorage-independent condition. The preliminary data obtained disclose the inhibitory effect on cancer cell metastasis of the isolated compounds, and provide an important new approach for cancer drug development.