Abstract:

Objective To study the effects of Emodin Derivative A on SKOV3-pm4 ovarian cancer cells with lymph node-oriented metastasis，particularly on expression of Rac1 and CDC42 mRNA and protein. Methods SKOV3-pm4 cells were treated for 24 h with different concentrations of Emodin Derivative A in the presence or absence of Rac1 inhibitor or activator. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay， cell migration， by scratch assay；Rac1 and CDC42 expression， by RT-PCR and Western blotting；and distribution of these two proteins，by immunofluorescence. Results Emodin Derivative A at doses of 5-50 mg/L inhibits the proliferation of SKOV3-pm4 cells（IC₅₀ 34.46 mg/L）. Rac1 and CDC42 protein were present throughout the cytoplasm，though Rac1 staining was denser around the nucleus than in other parts of the cell. Expression of Rac1 mRNA and protein decreased as the dose of Emodin Derivative A increased. CDC42 expression，however，did not change significantly with drug dose. Emodin Derivative A at a dose of 4 mg / L inhibited cell migration. Conclusions Emodin Derivative A can inhibit migration and proliferation of SKOV3-pm4 cells， and the drug may act by targeting Rac1.

Key words: Ovarian neoplasm, Emodin Derivative A, Proliferation, Migration, Rac1, CDC42