Magnolin promotes autophagy and cell cycle arrest via blocking LIF/Stat3/Mcl-1 axis in human colorectal cancers

Magnolin is a multi-bioactive natural compound that possesses underlying anti-cancer properties. However, the mechanisms underlying remain to be elucidated. Here, we report the role of magnolin in suppressing human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells via activating autophagy and cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. Pre-treatment of cells with specific autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine) or knockdown of endogenous LC-3B by siRNA significantly abrogates magnolin-induced cell cycle arrest. Molecular validation mechanistically shows that magnolin-induced autophagy and cell cycle arrest in CRC cells is correlated with decreased transcriptional levels of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and we further find that inhibition of LIF decreases phosphorylation level of Stat3 and represses transcriptional expression of Mcl-1. Furthermore, magnolin-induced autophagy and cell cycle arrest suppress the growth of xenograft colorectal tumors without apparent toxicity. Finally, we evaluate the clinical correlation of LIF/Stat3/Mcl-1 in CRC patient tissues. As expected, LIF, p-Stat3, and Mcl-1 levels are high in CRC tissue but are scarcely found in normal colon tissue. High positive expressions of LIF or Mcl-1 are associated with poor prognosis. Doubly positive cases have shown the worst outcome. Taken together, our results have clarified a novel molecular mechanism whereby magnolin induces autophagy and cell cycle arrest through LIF/Stat3/Mcl-1 pathway in CRCs. Our results also have revealed that magnolin has a promising therapeutic potential in CRCs.