Inhibition of proliferation, migration and invasion of RM-1 cells by roemerine: Insights from in vitro and in vivo studies

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related among men globally, with a rising incidence rate, particularly in developing countries. This highlights the urgent need to identify novel therapeutic agents. Roemerine, a naturally abundant alkaloid, has demonstrated antibacterial and antitumor properties, suggesting its potential utility in prostate cancer treatment. This study evaluates the effects of roemerine on RM-1 prostate cancer cells using in vitro assays and an in vivo nude mouse subcutaneous xenograft tumor model. Through Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK8), MTT, Wound-Healing, and Transwell assays, we assessed roemerine's impact on RM-1 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Additionally, the antitumor efficacy of roemerine was evaluated in nude mice bearing subcutaneous RM-1 tumors. Our findings reveal that roemerine significantly inhibits RM-1 cell activity, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. These results highlight the potential of roemerine as a novel antitumor agent for prostate cancer, providing a foundation for further mechanistic and pharmacological investigations.

Keywords: Prostate cancer; RM-1 cells; Roemerine; Tumor inhibition.