Hypocrellin B Exerts Its Antitumor Effect on Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting the AKT Pathway

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common malignant cancer worldwide, with limited treatment options for advanced cases. The natural compound hypocrellin B has been shown to inhibit tumor growth, but its effects and specific mechanisms of action in colorectal cancer remain unclear. Here, we explore the anti-tumor effect of hypocrellin B on human colorectal cancer cells and identify molecular targets. We found that hypocrellin B significantly inhibits proliferation and migration and promotes apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells <i>in vitro</i> by targeting the AKT/STING signaling pathway. Hypocrellin B also inhibited tumor growth <i>in vivo</i> in a mouse xenograft model. In summary, hypocrellin B exerts an anticolorectal cancer effect by inhibiting the phosphorylation of AKT, thus blocking a key pathway of tumor growth and survival. These results indicate that hypocrellin B is a promising candidate for the treatment of colorectal cancer, warranting further investigation.