Nicotiana glauca Induces Apoptosis in Human Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells: Molecular Targets

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft tissue sarcoma whose resistance to chemotherapies is associated with defective apoptosis or/and cell cycle. Given that we have reported that the liposoluble extract from the leaves of Nicotiana glauca induces apoptosis in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cells, this research aims to know the molecular mechanism involved, to elucidate the pharmacological potential of the Nicotiana glauca. The liposoluble extract from Nicotiana glauca induces apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma cells by upregulation PERP gene expression. In addition, the extract triggers a cellular defense response involving Akt phosphorylation, increasing gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and possibly increasing mRNA levels of the mitochondrial protein Opa 1, which results in mitochondrial performance improvement. The results suggest that the liposoluble extract from Nicotiana glauca triggers defense mechanisms involving Akt activation and antioxidant enzymes in rhabdomyosarcoma cells. However, this response is not sufficient, since the cells die by apoptosis after treatment. These findings highlight the pharmacological potential of Nicotiana glauca by revealing different molecular targets.