Inhibition of osteosarcoma cell proliferation by matrine (MT) via targeting histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation and AMPK activation

In the current study effect and mechanism of matrine (MT) on osteosarcoma cell growth was investigated. Matrine treatment led to a significant suppression of U2-OS and MG-63 cell proliferation in the 0.5–15 μM concentration range. In matrine (15 μM) treated U2-OS and MG-63 cells, apoptosis increased to 58.92 and 61.76%, respectively at 48 h. Cleaved caspases-3 as well as Bax levels were markedly elevated in matrine treated U2-OS and MG-63 cells. Besides, Bcl-2 was suppressed in U2-OS and MG-63 cells under treatment with matrine. Treatment with matrine caused a marked elevation in phosphorylation of AMPKα in U2-OS and MG-63 cells. Additionally, H3K27me3 expression as well as EED, EZH2 and SUZ12 levels were inhibited in U2-OS and MG-63 cells by matrine treatment. In summary, matrine inhibits osteosarcoma cell viability by activation of apoptosis. Moreover, matrine activates AMPK and downregulates Histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation in osteosarcoma cells. Therefore, matrine can be used as therapeutic candidate for osteosarcoma treatment.