ACT001 inhibits the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer cells by upregulating NKTR expression

Background Lung cancer, the primary cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, is diagnosed at an advanced stage and has a poor prognosis. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major histological type of lung malignancy. This study investigated the effect of ACT001, a novel sesquiterpene lactone derivative, on the proliferation of NSCLC cells and explored the underlying mechanism. Methods The effect of ACT001 on cell proliferation was examined by clone formation and MTT assay. Differentially expressed genes and enrichment pathways were analyzed by RNA-seq. Flow cytometry and cell cycle-related protein expression analysis were performed to study the cell cycle. Phosphorylated AKT was detected to explore the mechanism in natural killer cell triggering receptor (NKTR) KD cells with AKT activator and/or inhibitor. The therapeutic effect of ACT001 in vivo was studied in the xenograft tumor model. Results ACT001 inhibited the proliferation and G1/S transition in NSCLC cell lines. By RNA-seq analysis, NKTR may be the target of ACT001. Moreover, knockdown NKTR promoted cell proliferation and reversed the effects of ACT001. In addition, ACT001 inhibited AKT phosphorylation, but NKTR knockdown promoted AKT phosphorylation. Conclusion Our results suggested NKTR may be the target of ACT001 in NSCLC. ACT001 holds promise as a novel method for the treatment of NSCLC.