Alkannin Inhibits the Development of Ovarian Cancer by Affecting miR-4461

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that alkannin has anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. However, the effect of alkannin in the development of ovarian cancer (OC) remains unknown. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the function of alkannin in OC progression. METHODS: RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were used to measure mRNA and protein expression. Cell viability and metastasis were detected by the CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry analysis, and transwell assay. RESULTS: Alkannin had no cytotoxicity toward normal ovarian cells, but alkannin can inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in OC cells. In addition, alkannin inhibited cell migration and invasion and blocked EMT in OC. Besides, upregulation of miR-4461 was found in OC tissues and cells, which was regulated by alkannin. More importantly, miR-4461 can inverse the effects of alkannin on cell viability and metastasis in OC cells. CONCLUSION: Alkannin restrains cell viability, metastasis, and EMT in OC by downregulating miR-4461 expression.