Anwuligan inhibits the progression of non‐small cell lung cancer via let‐7c‐3p/PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis

Abstract Background Anwuligan (ANW) isolated from nutmeg, also known as myristyl lignan, has attracted attention due to its therapeutic potential in diseases. However, its effect on lung cancer is still unclear. Methods In this study, the cytotoxicity of ANW on non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was detected using a Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay. In vitro, clone formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays were used to investigate the migratory and invasive abilities of NSCLC cells after ANW treatment. The expression levels of the associated proteins were detected using Western blotting. A luciferase assay was used to validate the binding of let‐7c‐3p to the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of PIK3CA. In vivo, an A549 cell xenograft mouse model was used to verify the effect of ANW on tumor growth. Results The results showed that ANW treatment (20 or 50 μM) had obvious cytotoxicity against A549 and H460 cells, suppressing cell proliferation and migration in vitro. In vivo, the growth of the implanted tumor was inhibited by ANW in a nude mouse model. The growth of NSCLC cells was also inhibited by let‐7c‐3p overexpression in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitory effect of ANW on the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells was weakened by the downregulation of let‐7c‐3p, whereas it was enhanced by the overexpression of let‐7c‐3p; PIK3CA was the main target of let‐7c‐3p. Conclusions In summary, ANW inhibits the growth and metastasis of NSCLC cells in vivo and in vitro by upregulating the expression of let‐7c‐3p, which can regulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. PIK3CA is the main target of let‐7c‐3p.