Vernodalin induces apoptosis through the activation of ROS/JNK pathway in human colon cancer cells

Abstract Colorectal cancer is one of the most leading death‐causing cancers in the world. Vernodalin, a cytotoxic sesquiterpene, has been reported to possess anticancer properties against human breast cancer cells. We aimed to examine the anticancer mechanism of vernodalin on human colon cancer cells. Vernodalin was used on human colon cancer cells, HT‐29 and HCT116. The cytotoxicity of vernodalin on human colon cancer cells was determined through in vitro 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide assay. Small interfering RNA was used to analyze the cascade activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) in HT‐29, and HCT116 cells against vernodalin treatment. The protein expressions of caspase 3, Bcl‐2, and Bax were examined through Western blot analysis. Immunoblot analysis on the JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPK pathways showed increased activation due to vernodalin treatment. It was proven from the JNK and p38 inhibition test that both pathways are significantly activated by vernodalin to induce apoptosis. Our results, collectively, showed the apoptosis‐induced anticancer mechanism of vernodalin on human colon cancer cells that was mediated through the activation of JNK pathway and apoptotic regulator proteins. These results suggest that vernodalin could be developed as a potent chemotherapeutic agent for human colorectal cancer treatment.