Shikonin exerts an anti-leukemia effect against FLT3-ITD mutated acute myeloid leukemia cells via targeting FLT3 tyrosine kinase and its downstream pathways

Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations in Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) has an unfavorable prognosis. Recently, using newly emerging inhibitors of FLT3 has led to improved outcomes of patients with FLT3-ITD mutations. However, drug resistance and relapse continue to be significant challenges in the treatment of patients with FLT3-ITD mutations. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-leukemic effects of shikonin (SHK) and its mechanisms of action against AML cells with FLT3-ITD mutations in vitro and in vivo.Methods: The CCK-8 assay was used to analyze cell viability, and flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and differentiation. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to examine the expression of certain proteins and genes. Leukemia mouse model was created to evaluate the anti-leukemia effect of SHK against FLT3-ITD mutated leukemia in vivo.Results: After screening a series of leukemia cell lines, those with FLT3-ITD mutations were found to be more sensitive to SHK in terms of proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction than those without FLT3-ITD mutations. SHK suppresses the expression and phosphorylation of FLT3 receptors and their downstream molecules. Inhibition of the NF-kappa B/miR-155 pathway is an important mechanism through which SHK kills FLT3-AML cells. Moreover, a low concentration of SHK promotes the differentiation of AML cells with FLT3-ITD mutations. Finally, SHK could significantly inhibit the growth of MV4-11 cells in leukemia bearing mice.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that SHK is a promising drug for the treatment of FLT3-ITD mutated AML.