Inhibitory Effect of Pyra-Metho-Carnil on Cancer Spheroid Growth Through Decrease in Glycolysis-associated Molecules

Background/Aim: Pyra-Metho-Carnil (PMC) has been identified as a novel candidate compound for treating numerous malignancies; however, its mechanism of action remains unknown. In this study, we conducted RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses to elucidate the mechanism of PMC against human colorectal cancer cells harboring mutant KRAS (mtKRAS). Materials and Methods: RNA-seq analyses of the HKe3-wild-type KRAS and HKe3-mtKRAS spheroids treated with DMSO or PMC for 6 days were performed. Results: RNA-seq data suggested that PMC treatment suppresses the aerobic glycolysis pathway in HKe3-mtKRAS spheroids through the down-regulation of the HIF1 pathway. Indeed, treatment with PMC markedly suppresses the absorption of glucose by spheroids and the secretion of lactate from them. Conclusion: PMC suppresses growth of cancer spheroid through down-regulation of cancer-specific glucose metabolism.