Abstract: Objective To explore the ability of curcumin analog Sunwsz08 to induce autophagy in A549 cells as well as inhibit their proliferation. Methods A549 cultures were incubated with various concentrations of Sunwsz08 for different durations， and their morphology was examined using an inverted microscope.The cultures were stained with acridine orange and propidium iodide， and their morphology was further examined by fluorescence microscopy.In order to examine the ability of Sunwsz08 to promote autophagy，GFP-LC3 positioning was used to identify autophagic vacuoles.The MTT assay was used to assess the compound′s ability to inhibit cellular proliferation. Results At concentrations of 8 and 10 mmol/L，Sunwsz08 significantly increased autophagy in A549 cells.At concentrations above 16 mmol/L，the analog caused an increase in the number of cell vacuoles，and it induced abnormal cell morphology and cell death.Sunwsz08 also inhibited A549 proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Conclusion The curcumin analogue Sunwsz08 can induce autophagy and inhibit proliferation in A549 cells.

Key words:  Lung neoplasms, Curcumin analog, A549, Autophagy, Proliferation, Inhibition