Exopolysaccharides isolated from Rhizopus nigricans induced colon cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo via activating the AMPK pathway.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related human deaths. The exopolysaccharide (EPS1-1), isolated from Rhizopus nigricans, has been described as exhibiting anti-tumor and pro-apoptotic activity against CRC, although the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Herein, we investigate how EPS1-1 induces apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that, in vitro, EPS1-1 suppressed cell growth and facilitated apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in mouse colon cancer CT26 cells. However, treatment with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting AMPKα or with compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, interfered with the pro-apoptosis effects of EPS1-1. We also show that EPS1-1 initiated the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and liver kinase B1 (LKB1), both of which are necessary signals for AMPK activation. Furthermore, EPS1-1-mediated apoptosis is regulated by inactivation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and activation of the jun-NH2 kinase (JNK)-p53 signaling axis dependent on AMPK activation. In vivo, azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-treated CRC mice, when administered EPS1-1, exhibited activation of the AMPK pathway, inhibition of mTORC1, and accumulation of p53 in tumor tissues. Collectively, these findings suggest that EPS1-1-induced apoptosis relies on the activation of the AMPK pathway. The present study provides evidence suggesting that EPS1-1 may be an effective target for development of novel CRC therapeutic agents.