Momordin Ic Inhibits the Partially Malignant Phenotype of Osteosarcoma Cells by Inducing Apoptosis and Autophagy

Objectives Studies have shown that Momordin Ic (MI) has an antitumor effect on liver cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. However, its effect on osteosarcoma has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of MI on several malignant phenotypes of osteosarcoma cells. Methods CCK-8 and EdU were used to evaluate the effect of MI on the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. Apoptosis and cell cycle were observed by flow cytometry. Monodansycadaverine (MDC) staining was used to detect autophagy. Western blot was used to evaluate apoptosis, cell cycle, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Evaluation of osteosarcoma cell migration ability by wound healing assay. Colony formation assay was used to test the ability of cloning. Transwell invasion assay was used to detect the invasion level of osteosarcoma cells. Results The results showed that MI significantly inhibited the proliferative activity of osteosarcoma cells. Z-VAD-FMK, 3-MA, and Fer-1 were administered separately, and the results showed that except for Fer-1, the other two inhibitors could reverse cell activity to different degrees. Flow cytometry showed that MI induced G0/1 cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis. MDC showed that MI induced autophagy in osteosarcoma cells. Western blot showed that autophagy and apoptosis proteins were significantly higher in MI group. Transwell invasion assay, wound healing assay, and colony formation assay confirmed that MI could inhibit the invasion, migration, and cloning ability of osteosarcoma cells. Conclusion In conclusion, our study confirmed that MI may exert antitumor effects by inducing apoptosis and autophagy in osteosarcoma cells.