Targeting the BMI1-Noxa axis by Dioscin induces apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Dioscin is a natural plant-derived steroidal saponin that exerts antitumor effects in multiple cancers. It is widely involved in multiple apoptotic pathways and exerts its anti-tumor effects. In this study, we discovered that Dioscin treatment increased the expression of Noxa, thereby inducing the apoptosis of OSCC cells. Previous reports indicate that dysfunction of the BMI1-Noxa axis is frequently observed in multiple cancers. Our study revealed that Dioscin upregulates Noxa by impairing the protein expression of BMI1 in OSCC cells. Dioscin promotes the ubiquitination of BMI1 and facilitates its degradation, leading to upregulation of Noxa expression at the mRNA level and activation of apoptosis. Additionally, Dioscin exhibited potent tumor suppression in xenograft tumor models. In conclusion, our research provides new insights and strategies for inhibiting OSCC cells by investigating the ant-tumor mechanism of the natural compound Dioscin.