FB-15 inhibits MGC-803 cells growth by regulating energy metabolism

In this study, we scrutinized the anticancer effects of FB-15 on human gastric carcinoma MGC-803 cells in vitro and vivo, and its preliminary effect on tubulin and HIF-1α. We confirmed that FB-15 not only inhibited the proliferation of a large number of cells in a concentration and time-dependent manner but also inhibited proliferation of a single cell to form clones. FB-15 manifested little cytotoxicity for normal stomach cells GES-1. The flow cytometry analysis displayed that FB-15 induced apoptosis MGC-803 cells and mainly arrested cells in the S phase in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of the wound healing assay indicated that FB-15 suppressed cell migration. Furthermore, the western blotting showed that FB-15 down-regulated the expression of β3-tubulin and HIF-1α, consistent with Immunohistochemical assay. The binding modes of FB-15 with tubulin were clarified by molecular docking. FB-15 significantly suppressed the growth of MGC-803 gastric cancer tumors. The inhibitory effect of FB-15 on tumor growth was superior to 5-Fu. Taken together, these results provided evidence for FB-15 to be used as an effective anticancer drug candidate for gastric cancer. •FB-15 is a flavonoid benzimidazole derivative.•FB-15 down-regulates tubulin and glycolysis-related protein.•FB-15 shows potent anticancer activity against MGC-803 cells in vitro/vivo.•The binding mode of FB-15 with tubulin is clarified by molecular docking.•FB-15 might regulate energy metabolism.