Adenine Inhibits the Growth of Colon Cancer Cells via AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Mediated Autophagy

Background. Adenine is involved in a variety of cell biological processes and has been explored for pharmacological uses. Its therapeutic use for managing cancer is of great interest. In the present study, we investigated the anticancer effects of adenine and the underlying mechanism in colon cancer cells. Methods. Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. Levels of phosphorylation and protein expression were determined using western blotting. qPCR was carried out to determine the changes in mRNA expression of genes of interest. Results. Adenine significantly inhibited the viability of colon cancer cells, HT29 and Caco-2 cells, in a dose-dependent manner. Adenine induced significant apoptosis in HT29 cells, whereas Caco-2 cells exhibited less apoptotic responses. The data showed that adenine activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling contributing to autophagic cell death through mTOR in both colon cancer cell lines. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that adenine inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells. Anticancer activity of adenine in colon cancer cells is attributable to the activation of apoptotic signaling and in turn the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Adenine represents a natural compound with anticancer potency.