Anti-tumor efficacy of emodin on colorectal cancer cells via targeting lncRNA HLA complex P5

Emodin is a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative with a variety of pharmacologic effects, but its role and regulatory mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain to be investigated. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the effect of emodin on CRC cells. A gradient of emodin and long noncoding RNA HCP5 overexpression plasmid/small interfering RNA targeting HCP5 (siHCP5) were used for treating CRC cells. Expression levels of RNAs and proteins were detected by utilizing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The viability, migration, and invasion of CRC cells were tested via cell counting kit-8, wound healing, and Transwell assays. In HT29 and HCT116 cells, the viability, migration, and invasion, along with HCP5 expression, were suppressed by emodin in a dose-dependent manner. HCP5 overexpression elevated the viability, migration as well as invasion, and up-regulated N-cadherin, MMP-2, and MMP-9 levels, while reducing E-cadherin expression. Nevertheless, silencing of HCP5 inhibited the viability, migration as well as invasion, and down-regulated N-cadherin, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression levels, while increasing E-cadherin expression. Additionally, the promoting role of HCP5 overexpression in CRC cells was reversed by emodin, while the suppressive role of siHCP5 was enhanced by emodin in CRC cells. Our study indicates that emodin is a promising agent to inhibit CRC progression through suppression of HCP5 expression.