Alkannin inhibits growth and invasion of glioma cells C6 through IQGAP/mTOR signal pathway

Objective: This study aims to explore the effect of alkannin on the growth and invasion of glioma cells and its mechanism. Methods: The effects of alkannin on the growth and invasion of glioma cells were detected with MTT assay, clone forming test and transwell assay. The effects of alkannin on the cell cycle were detected with flow cytometry assay. The changes of cyclin, MMPs and IQGAP/mTOR signal pathway related proteins were detected with western blotting methods. Results: Alkannin (1 mu M, 3 mu M and 10 mu M) can significantly inhibit the growth, proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells C6 with dose dependent. Alkannin can block cell cycle in G1 phase with the increased concentration, which was related with the down-regulation of cyclinA1, cyclinA2 and cyclinD1 expression. Alkannin can also down-regulate the expression of MMP 2, MMP 9 and IQGAP. Alkannin has no effect on mTOR but can inhibit the phosphorylation of mTOR. Conclusions: Alkannin can inhibit the growth and invasion of glioma cells C6 through IQGAP/mTOR signal pathway.