Identification of actin as a direct proteomic target of berberine using an affinity-based chemical probe and elucidation of its modulatory role in actin assembly.

Despite the diverse pharmacological activities of berberine, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects, the direct proteomic targets of berberine have remained largely unknown. Here, we have identified actin as a direct proteomic target of berberine using an affinity-based chemical probe. In addition, we found that actin assembly was significantly modulated by berberine in vitro at the biochemical level and cellular level.