The Natural Antherea pernyi Sericin Protein Suppresses Gastric Cancer Formation by Inhibiting Cell Proliferation and Inducing Cell Apoptosis

Sericin, a natural macromolecular protein and the main component of silkworm cocoons, exhibits biocompatibility, excellent mechanical properties, and biodegradability. Previous research has confirmed that the sericin protein possesses anticancer properties. Gastric cancer (GC) poses a serious hazard to human health, with a low rate of early diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Investigating the safety and effectiveness of drugs for their used in treatment is imperative. In this study, we confirmed that <i>Antherea pernyi</i> sericin (APS) inhibited the proliferation, migration, and clonal formation of GC cells and caused apoptosis in the cells by regulating the expression of Bcl2 and Bax. Moreover, our data show that APS did not exhibit significant toxicity in normal gastric mucosal cells and mice. Furthermore, the results show that APS suppressed the proliferation of cisplatin-resistant GC cells and promoted cellular apoptosis; however, it had no synergistic effects with cisplatin. All the results indicated that APS exhibits antitumor activity against GC and is a prospective medicinal agent for the clinical treatment of GC, with minimal toxicity and adverse side effects. This research can provide a theoretical basis for sericin in the field of tumor treatment, especially for the application of natural macromolecular polypeptide drugs.