METHODS: The IC50 of EEROP in SW480 cells was determined by treating the cells with varying doses of EEROP, ranging from 0 to 1000 µg/mL. Apoptosis assay and signaling pathway analysis were performed through immunofluorescence staining and Western Blotting on SW480 cells treated with 250 µg/mL of EEROP for 72 hours.
RESULTS: EEROP treatment induced apoptosis in SW480 cells, marked by elevated levels of active caspase-3 (P<0.001) and cleaved poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1. Moreover, it notably decreased β-catenin protein levels, resulting in an augmented occurrence of cells displaying abnormal spindle segregation during mitosis (P=0.04).
CONCLUSION: EEROP treatment reduces β-catenin protein levels, promotes abnormal spindle apparatus segregation, and finally leads to apoptotic cell death in CRC cells.