Loss of Neutralizing Activity of Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab (Evusheld™) Against Omicron BN.1, a Dominant Circulating Strain Following BA.5 During the Seventh Domestic Outbreak in Korea in Early 2023

Tixagevimab/cilgavimab is a monoclonal antibody used to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 among immunocompromised hosts and maintained neutralizing activity against early omicron variants. Omicron BN.1 became a dominant circulating strain in Korea early 2023, but its susceptibility to tixagevimab/cilgavimab is unclear. We conducted plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) against BN.1 in a prospective cohort (14 patients and 30 specimens). BN.1 PRNT was conducted for one- and three-months after tixagevimab/cilgavimab administration and the average PRNT ND₅₀ of each point was lower than the positive cut-off value of 20 (12.9 ± 4.5 and 13.2 ± 4.2, respectively, P = 0.825). In the paired analyses, tixagevimab/cilgavimab-administered sera could not actively neutralize BN.1 (PRNT ND₅₀ 11.5 ± 2.9, P = 0.001), compared with the reserved activity against BA.5 (ND₅₀ 310.5 ± 180.4). Unlike virus-like particle assay, tixagevimab/cilgavimab was not active against BN.1 in neutralizing assay, and would not be effective in the present predominance of BA.2.75 sublineages.

Neutralizing activity against Omicron BA.5 after tixagevimab/cilgavimab administration comparable to those after Omicron BA.1/BA.2 breakthrough infections

Introduction

The effect of tixagevimab/cilgavimab (Evusheld™; AstraZeneca, UK) should be evaluated in the context of concurrent outbreak situations.

Methods

For serologic investigation of tixagevimab/cilgavimab during the BA.5 outbreak period, sera of immunocompromised (IC) hosts sampled before and one month after tixagevimab/cilgavimab administration and those of healthcare workers (HCWs) sampled one month after a 3^rd shot of COVID-19 vaccines, five months after BA.1/BA.2 breakthrough infection (BI), and one month after BA.5 BI were investigated. Semi-quantitative anti-spike protein antibody (Sab) test and plaque reduction neutralizing test (PRNT) against BA.5 were performed.

Results

A total of 19 IC hosts (five received tixagevimab/cilgavimab 300 mg and 14 received 600 mg) and 41 HCWs (21 experienced BA.1/BA.2 BI and 20 experienced BA.5 BI) were evaluated. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between IC hosts and HCWs except for age and hypertension. Sab significantly increased after tixagevimab/cilgavimab administration (median 130.2 BAU/mL before tixagevimab/cilgavimab, 5,665.8 BAU/mL after 300 mg, and 10,217 BAU/mL after 600 mg; both P < 0.001). Sab of one month after the 3^rd shot (12,144.2 BAU/mL) or five months after BA.1/BA.2 BI (10,455.8 BAU/mL) were comparable with that of tixagevimab/cilgavimab 600 mg, while Sab of one month after BA.5 BI were significantly higher (22,216.0 BAU/mL; P < 0.001). BA.5 PRNT ND₅₀ significantly increased after tixagevimab/cilgavimab administration (median ND₅₀ 29.6 before tixagevimab/cilgavimab, 170.8 after 300 mg, and 298.5 after 600 mg; both P < 0.001). The ND₅₀ after tixagevimab/cilgavimab 600 mg was comparable to those of five months after BA.1 BI (ND₅₀ 200.9) while ND₅₀ of one month after the 3^rd shot was significantly lower (ND₅₀ 107.6; P = 0.019). The ND₅₀ of one month after BA.5 BI (ND₅₀ 1,272.5) was highest among tested groups, but statistical difference was not noticed with tixagevimab/cilgavimab 600 mg.

Conclusion

Tixagevimab/cilgavimab provided a comparable neutralizing activity against the BA.5 with a healthy adult population who were vaccinated with a 3^rd shot and experienced BA.1/BA.2 BI.

mTOR-Dependent Role of Sestrin2 in Regulating Tumor Progression of Human Endometrial Cancer

Simple Summary

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a key controller of growth and environmental stress signaling, is frequently activated in human cancers. Sestrin2 (SESN2), a highly conserved stress-inducible protein, is one of the negative feedback mechanisms for inhibiting chronic activation of mTORC1. This study aimed to investigate the expression and clinical implications of SESN2 in endometrial cancer using an in vitro and in vivo approach. The analysis indicated increased levels of SESN2 and mTORC1 pathway activity in cancer tissues than in normal tissues. High SESN2 expression correlated with shorter patient survival duration. However, lentiviral overexpression of SESN2 and mTOR inhibitors suppressed cancer cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Our study provides strong evidence for prognostic significance of SESN2, and its association with mTORC1 pathway and endometrial cancer growth. Thus, the results identified SESN2 as a potential therapeutic target in endometrial cancer.

Abstract

Oncogenic activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) leads to endometrial cancer cell growth and proliferation. Sestrin2 (SESN2), a highly conserved stress-inducible protein, is involved in homeostatic regulation via inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mTORC1. However, the role of SESN2 in human endometrial cancer remains to be investigated. Here, we investigated expression, clinical significance, and underlying mechanisms of SESN2 in endometrial cancer. SESN2 was upregulated more in endometrial cancer tissues than in normal endometrial tissues. Furthermore, upregulation of SESN2 statistically correlated with shorter overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with endometrial cancer. SESN2 expression strongly correlated with mTORC1 activity, suggesting its impact on prognosis in endometrial cancer. Additionally, knockdown of SESN2 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and ROS production in endometrial cancer cell lines HEC-1A and Ishikawa. Treatment of these cells with mTOR inhibitors reversed endometrial cancer cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression. Moreover, in a xenograft nude mice model, endometrial cancer growth increased by SESN2 knockdown. Thus, our study provides evidence for the prognostic significance of SESN2, and a relationship between SESN2, the mTORC1 pathway, and endometrial cancer growth, suggesting SESN2 as a potential therapeutic target in endometrial cancer.

Activation of JNK and IRE1 is critically involved in tanshinone I-induced p62 dependent autophagy in malignant pleural mesothelioma cells: implication of p62 UBA domain

The aim of present study is to elucidate autophagic mechanism of tanshinone I (Tan I) in H28 and H2452 mesothelioma cells. Herein, Tan I exerted cytotoxicity with autophagic features of autophagy protein 5 (ATG5)/ microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3II (LC3 II) activation, p62/sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) accumulation and increased number of LC3II punctae, acridine orange-stained cells and autophagic vacuoles. However, 3-methyladenine (3MA) and NH4Cl increased cytotoxicity in Tan I treated H28 cells. Furthermore, autophagy flux was enhanced in Tan I-treated H28 cells transfected by RFP-GFP-LC3 constructs, with colocalization of GFP-LC3 punctae with LAMP1 or Lysotracker. Interestingly, C-terminal UBA domain is required for Tan 1 induced aggregation of p62 in H28 cells. Notably, Tan I upregulated CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), inositol-requiring protein-1 (IRE1) and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), but silencing of IRE1 or p62 and JNK inhibitor SP600125 blocked the LC3II accumulation in Tan I-treated H28 cells. Overall, these findings demonstrate that Tan I exerts antitumor activity through a compromise between apoptosis and p62/SQSTM1-dependent autophagy via activation of JNK and IRE 1 in malignant mesothelioma cells.

Blockage of epithelial to mesenchymal transition and upregulation of let 7b are critically involved in ursolic acid induced apoptosis in malignant mesothelioma cell

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPN), which is caused by asbestos exposure, is one of aggressive lung tumors. In the present study, we elucidated the anti-tumor mechanism of ursolic acid in malignant mesotheliomas. Ursolic acid significantly exerted cytotoxicity in a time and dose dependent manner in H28, H2452 and MSTO-211H mesothelioma cells and inhibited cell proliferation by colony formation assay in a dose-dependent fashion. Also, ursolic acid treatment accumulated the sub-G1 population, attenuated the expression of procapase 9, cyclin D1, pAKT, p-glycogen synthase kinase 3-alpha/beta (pGSK3α/β), β-catenin and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB) and also cleaved caspase 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in mesothelioma cells. Furthermore, ursolic acid treatment blocked epithelial and mesenchymal transition (EMT) molecules by activating E-cadherin as an epithelial marker and attenuating Vimentin, and Twist as mesenchymal molecules. Interestingly, miRNA array revealed that 23 miRNAs (>2 folds) including let-7b and miRNA3613-5p, miRNA134 and miRNA196b were significantly upregulated while 33 miRNAs were downregulated in ursolic acid treated H2452 cells. Furthermore, overexpression of let 7b using let-7b mimics enhanced the antitumor effect of ursolic acid to attenuate the expression of procaspases 3, pro-PARP, pAKT, β-catenin and Twist and increase sub-G1 accumulation in H2452 mesothelioma cells. Overall, our findings suggest that ursolic acid induces apoptosis via inhibition of EMT and activation of let7b in mesothelioma cells as a potent chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of malignant mesotheliomas.

Decursin enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis through oxidative stress mediated- endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling in non-small cell lung cancers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising anticancer agent due to its remarkable ability to selectively kill tumour cells. However, because most tumours exhibit resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, the development of combination therapies to overcome resistance to TRAIL is required for effective cancer therapy.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Cell viability and possible synergy between the plant pyranocoumarin decursin and TRAIL was measured by MTT assay and calcusyn software. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis were measured using dichlorodihydrofluorescein and annexin/propidium iodide in cell flow cytometry. Changes in protein levels were assessed with Western blotting.

KEY RESULTS

Combining decursin and TRAIL markedly decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. Decursin induced expression of the death receptor 5 (DR5). Inhibition of DR5 attenuated apoptotic cell death in decursin + TRAIL treated NSCLC cell lines. Interestingly, induction of DR5 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologues protein by decursin was mediated through selective induction of the pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) branch of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response pathway. Furthermore, enhancement of PERK/ATF4 signalling by decursin was mediated by ROS generation in NSCLC cell lines, but not in normal human lung cells. Decursin also markedly down-regulated expression of survivin and Bcl-xL in TRAIL-resistant NSCLC cells.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

ROS generation by decursin selectively activated the PERK/ATF4 axis of the endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling pathway, leading to enhanced TRAIL sensitivity in TRAIL-resistant NSCLC cell lines, partly via up-regulation of DR5.

SATB2 is localized to the centrosome and spindle maintenance and its knockdown leads to downregulation of CDK2

Though special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2) is reported as a transcriptional regulator of skeletal development and osteogenic differentiation, the underlying mechanism of SATB2 is not fully understood. Herein, we report that SATB2 is localized to the mitotic microtubules, the centrosome, and midbodies in mitotic cells with alpha-tubulin. Moreover, siRNA-mediated disruption of SATB2 in H460 cells caused the defect of nuclear morphology and multinucleate cells. SATB2 siRNA knockdown reduced the viability and downregulated the CDK2 expression in SKOV3 cells. Consistently, cell cycle analysis demonstrated that the silencing of SATB2 induced cell-cycle G1 arrest. Furthermore, proteosomal inhibitor MG132 treatment rescued the downregulation of CDK2 in SATB2-silenced SKOV3 cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that SATB2 regulates the mitosis of cell cycle and affects G1 cell cycle via interaction with CDK2.

Abstract 1014: Dihydrotanshione I induces caspase-independent cell death and autophagy in lung cancer cells

In the present study the antitumor mechanism of dihydrotanshinone I (DHT) from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge was elucidated in lung cancer cells. DHT significantly exerted cytotoxicity and increased the apoptosis by Annexin V assay in NSCLC (A549 and H460 cells) and lung mesothelioma cells (H28, H2452, MSTO). Furthermore, DHT reduced clonogenic ability in A549 cells. Interestingly, DHT increased PARP cleavage, but no activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, although caspase-8 and, 3 were partially activated. FACS analysis revealed that the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk increased apoptosis induced by DHT. Furthermore, MTT assay showed that z-VAD-fmk treatment did not block cell cytotoxicity induced by DHT. In contrast, DHT induced the features of autophagy, including formation of autophagosomes by immunofluorescence and an increase of LC3II level after DHT exposure. Treatment of 3MA, an inhibitor of autophagy, blocked the expression level of LC3II induced by DHT and induced cytoprotective autophagy in A549 cells. Taken together, our data suggest that DHT induces caspase-independent cell death and autophagy in lung cancer cells as a potent agent for lung cancer treatment.

Citation Format: Sung-Hoon Kim, Gunho Won, Myoung Seok Jeong, Sang Wook Yoon, Jihyun Lee, Bonglee Kim, Eun Jung Sohn. Dihydrotanshione I induces caspase-independent cell death and autophagy in lung cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1014. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1014

Abstract 1015: Misaponin B induces G2-M arrest and autophagy via upregulation of miR1290 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells

Though Mi-saponin B is found to be the potent component among a mixture of saponins, its function still remains unlcear. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the anti-tumor mechanism of Mi-saponin B in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells. Mi-saponin B treatment caused cell growth inhibition via G2/M arrest in A549 cells. Moreover, Western blotting and qRT-PCR assays showed that Mi-saponin B induced conversion of LC3I to LC3II, a maker of autophagy. Immunofluorescence assay revealed that Mi-saponin B treatment formed the puncta of GFP-fused LC3II. Conversely, 3MA, an inhibitor of autophagy, attenuated the LC3II expression induced by Mi-saponin B in A549 cells. Also, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that Mi-saponin B induces the autophagic vacuoles. Interestingly, miR1290 was upregulated in a dose dependent manner in Mi-saponin B treated A549 cells by qRT-PCR. Also, combined treatment of miR1290 and Mi-saponin B increased the expression of LC3II at protein and mRNA levels and also enhanced the formation of puncta of LC3II in A549 cells. Overall, our findings for the first time demonstrate that Mi-saponin B induces G2/M arrest and autophagy via upregulation of miR1290 in A549 cells as a potent anti-cancer agent.

Citation Format: Gunho Won, Eun Jung Sohn, Myoung Seok Jeong, Sang Wook Yoon, Jihyun Lee, Bonglee Kim, Sung Hoon Kim. Misaponin B induces G2-M arrest and autophagy via upregulation of miR1290 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1015. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1015

Upregulation of miRNA3195 and miRNA374b Mediates the Anti-Angiogenic Properties of Melatonin in Hypoxic PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells

Recently microRNAs (miRNAs) have been attractive targets with their key roles in biological regulation through post-transcription to control mRNA stability and protein translation. Though melatonin was known as an anti-angiogenic agent, the underlying mechanism of melatonin in PC-3 prostate cancer cells under hypoxia still remains unclear. Thus, in the current study, we elucidated the important roles of miRNAs in melatonin-induced anti-angiogenic activity in hypoxic PC-3 cells. miRNA array revealed that 33 miRNAs (>2 folds) including miRNA3195 and miRNA 374b were significantly upregulated and 16 miRNAs were downregulated in melatonin-treated PC-3 cells under hypoxia compared to untreated control. Melatonin significantly attenuated the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 alpha, HIF-2 alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at mRNA level in hypoxic PC-3 cells. Consistently, melatonin enhanced the expression of miRNA3195 and miRNA 374b in hypoxic PC-3 cells by qRT-PCR analysis. Of note, overexpression of miRNA3195 and miRNA374b mimics attenuated the mRNA levels of angiogenesis related genes such as HIF-1alpha, HIF-2 alpha and VEGF in PC-3 cells under hypoxia. Furthermore, overexpression of miRNA3195 and miRNA374b suppressed typical angiogenic protein VEGF at the protein level and VEGF production induced by melatonin, while antisense oligonucleotides against miRNA 3195 or miRNA 374b did not affect VEGF production induced by melatonin. Also, overexpression of miR3195 or miR374b reduced HIF-1 alpha immunofluorescent expression in hypoxic PC-3 compared to untreated control. Overall, our findings suggest that upregulation of miRNA3195 and miRNA374b mediates anti-angiogenic property induced by melatonin in hypoxic PC-3 cells.

Upregulation of death receptor 5 and activation of caspase 8/3 play a critical role in ergosterol peroxide induced apoptosis in DU 145 prostate cancer cells

Background

Though ergosterol peroxide (EP) derived from Neungyi mushrooms (Sarcodon aspratus) was known to have cytotoxic, apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antimycobacterial effects, the underlying molecular mechanism of EP still remains unclear. Thus, in the present study, the apoptotic mechanism of EP was elucidated in DU 145 prostate cancer cells.

Methods

Cell viability of prostate cancer cells was measured by MTT assay. To see whether EP induces the apoptosis, FACS, western blot and TUNEL assay were performed. To determine the role of Death receptor (DR) 5 molecules in EP-induced apoptosis in DU 145 prostate cancer cells, the silencing of DR 5 was performed by using siRNAs.

Results

EP showed significant cytotoxicity against DU 145, PC 3, M2182 prostate cancer cells. Also, EP effectively increased the sub G1 population and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase DUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells in DU 145 prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, western blotting revealed that EP cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase 8/3, attenuated the expression of fluorescence loss in photobleaching (FLIP), Bcl-_XL and Bcl-2 as well as activated Bax, Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and DR 5 in a concentration dependent manner in DU 145 prostate cancer cells. Conversely, caspase 8 inhibitor Z-IETD-FMK blocked the apoptotic ability of EP to cleave PARP and an increase of sub G1 population in DU 145 prostate cancer cells. Likewise, the silencing of DR 5 suppressed the cleavages of PARP induced by EP in DU 145 prostate cancer cells.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings suggest that ergosterol peroxide induces apoptosis via activation of death receptor 5 and caspase 8/3 in DU 145 prostate cancer cells as a cancer chemopreventive agent or dietary factor.

Inhibitory effect of ethanol extract of Ocimum sanctum on osteopontin mediated metastasis of NCI-H460 non-small cell lung cancer cells

Background

Osteopontin (OPN) is one of important molecular targets in cancer progression, metastasis as a calcium-binding, extracellular-matrix-associated protein of the small integrin-binding ligand and, N-linked glycoprotein. In the present study, anti-metastatic mechanism of ethanol extracts of Ocimum sanctum (EEOS) was elucidated on OPN enhanced metastasis in NCI-H460 non- small cell lung cancer cells.

Methods

Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Adhesion and invasion assays were carried out to see that EEOS inhibited cell adhesion and invasion in OPN treated and non-treated NCI-H 460 cells. RT-PCR was used to determine the mRNA levels of uPA, uPAR, and EGFR.

Results

EEOS significantly inhibited cell adhesion and invasion in OPN treated and non treated NCI-H460 cells, though EEOS did not show any toxicity up to 200 μg/ml. EEOS effectively attenuated the expression of OPN and CD44 and also OPN activated the expression of CD44 in NCI-H460 cells. In addition, EEOS effectively suppressed the expression of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and the phosphorylation of Akt at protein level in OPN treated NCI-H460 cells. Also, EEOS significantly attenuated the expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), its receptor (uPAR) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) at mRNA level and reduced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production and MMP-9 activity in OPN treated NCI-H460 cells. Furthermore, PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 enhanced anti-metastatic potential of EEOS to attenuate the expression of uPA and MMP-9 in OPN treated NCI-H 460 cells.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings suggest that anti-metastatic mechanism of EEOS is mediated by inhibition of PI3K/Akt in OPN treated NCI-H460 non-small cell lung cancer cells.

Upregulation of microRNA135a-3p and death receptor 5 plays a critical role in Tanshinone I sensitized prostate cancer cells to TRAIL induced apoptosis

Though tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been used as a potent anticancer agent, TRAIL resistance is a hot-issue in cancer therapy. We investigated the antitumor mechanism of Tanshinone I to sensitize prostate cancer cells to TRAIL. Comibination of Tanshinone I and TRAIL exerted synergistic cytotoxicity, increased cleaved PARP, sub G1 population, the number of TUNELpositive cells, activated caspase 8, 9 and ROS production in PC-3 and DU145 cells. Of note, combination of Tanshinone I and TRAIL enhanced the protein expression of death receptor 5 (DR5) and attenuated anti-apoptotic proteins. RT-PCR and RT-qPCR analyses confirmed that co-treatment of Tanshinone I and TRAIL up-regulated DR5 and microRNA 135a-3p at mRNA level or activity of DR5 promoter and attenuated phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinases in PC-3. Conversely, the silencing of DR5 blocked the increased cytotoxicity, sub G1 population and PARP cleavages induced by co-treatment of Tanshinone I and TRAIL. Interestingly, miR135a-3p mimic enhanced DR5 at mRNA, increased PARP cleavage, Bax and the number of TUNEL positive cells in Tanshinone I and TRAIL cotreated PC-3. Overall, our findings suggest that Tanshinone I enhances TRAIL mediated apoptosis via upregulation of miR135a-3p mediated DR5 in prostate cancer cells as a potent TRAIL sensitizer.

Regulation of crosstalk between epithelial to mesenchymal transition molecules and MMP-9 mediates the antimetastatic activity of anethole in DU145 prostate cancer cells

The underlying antimetastatic mechanism of anethole (1) still remains unclear in association with the molecules of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Herein, the role of the EMT molecules was elucidated in terms of the antimetastatic activity of 1 using DU145 cells. Anethole significantly inhibited the adhesion of DU145 cells to vitronectin-coated plates, as well as migration in a wound-healing assay and invasion using a Boyden chamber. Also, anethole suppressed the expression of MMP-9 in DU145 cells by zymography, ELISA, and RT-PCR. Consistently, the silencing of MMP-9 enhanced the activity of 1 to upregulate the expression of E-cadherin and to attenuate the expression of Vimentin in DU145 cells. Compound 1 enhanced E-cadherin, which is an epithelial marker and attenuated the expression of Vimentin, Twist, and Snail as mesenchymal molecules at the mRNA level. Consistently, anethole upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated the expression of Vimentin, Twist and PI3K, and AKT at the protein level in DU145 cells. Conversely, the antimetastatic effects of 1 to inhibit invasion and the expression of MMP-9 and upregulate E-cadherin were reversed by the EMT inducer TGF-β in DU145 cells. Overall, the present findings suggest that anethole exerts antimetastatic activity via regulation of crosstalk between EMT molecules and MMP-9 on the basis of the in vitro data obtained.