Luteolin sensitizes the anticancer effect of cisplatin via c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase-mediated p53 phosphorylation and stabilization.

Luteolin is an important flavonoid with a potential anticancer effect. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanisms involved in the sensitization effect of luteolin on cancer cell killing induced by cisplatin, an important cancer chemotherapeutic agent. First, we provided evidence that the sensitization effect of luteolin on cisplatin-induced apoptosis is p53 dependent, as such effect is only found in p53 wild-type cancer cells but not in p53 mutant cancer cells. Moreover, knockdown of p53 by small interfering RNA made p53 wild-type cancer cells resistant to luteolin and cisplatin. Second, we observed a significant increase of p53 protein level in luteolin-treated cancer cells without increase of p53 mRNA level, indicating the possible effect of luteolin on p53 posttranscriptional regulation. Third, we identified the critical role of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) in regulation of p53 protein stability: luteolin activates JNK, and JNK then stabilizes p53 via phosphorylation, leading to reduced ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Finally, by using an in vivo nude mice xenograft model, we confirmed that luteolin enhanced the cancer therapeutic activity of cisplatin via p53 stabilization and accumulation. In summary, data from this study reveal a novel molecular mechanism involved in the anticancer effect of luteolin and support its potential clinical application as a chemosensitizer in cancer therapy.