Alpha-Heredin targets CAMKⅡ/DRP1-Mediated mitochondrial fission to trigger ferroptosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE: This study investigates the anti-tumor mechanisms of the natural triterpenoid Alpha-Heredin in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, focusing on its dual effects on mitochondrial dynamics (via CAMKⅡ/DRP1 signaling) and ferroptosis induction. METHODS: In vitro assays including CCK-8, EdU, colony formation, and flow cytometry were employed to assess Alpha-Heredin's effects on proliferation, migration, and cell cycle arrest. Functional studies utilized FerroOrange staining, MDA/GSH/SOD quantification, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and MitoSOX/JC-1 assay to evaluate ferroptosis markers and mitochondrial function. Bioinformatics analysis integrated PDAC patient RNA-seq data (GSE85916) with GSVA and WGCNA to link mitochondrial dysfunction with ferroptosis pathways. Subcutaneous PDAC xenograft models treated with Alpha-Heredin (5/10 mg/kg) were analyzed for tumor growth, Ki-67/GPX4/xCT expression, and CAMKⅡ/DRP1 signaling in vivo. KEY RESULTS: Alpha-Heredin dose-dependently suppressed PDAC proliferation and induced G0/G1 arrest. It inhibited CAMKⅡ/DRP1 phosphorylation, causing mitochondrial elongation, ROS accumulation, and cristae disruption. Ferroptosis induction was confirmed by iron overload, GSH/SOD depletion, and GPX4/xCT downregulation, reversible by Ferrostatin-1. In vivo, Alpha-Heredin (10 mg/kg) reduced tumor growth without systemic toxicity, while suppressing CAMKⅡ/DRP1 signaling and activating ferroptosis. CONCLUSION: Alpha-Heredin suppresses PDAC progression by dual targeting of mitochondrial fission and ferroptosis activation, offering a novel therapeutic strategy against pancreatic cancer.