Nitric oxide induces HepG2 cell death via extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase activation by regulating acid sphingomyelinase

Mol Biol Rep. 2020 Oct;47(10):8353-8359. doi: 10.1007/s11033-020-05881-x. Epub 2020 Oct 6.

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of tumours. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) participates in cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, metabolism and other biological processes. However, whether ASM has an effect on NO-treated HepG2 cells remains unknown, and the role of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway is also unclear. In the present study, the effects of NO on cell viability and apoptosis were assayed, followed by investigating the mRNA and protein levels of ASM and ERK phosphorylation in NO-treated HepG2 cells. The results showed that diethylenetriamine/NO (DETA-NO), an NO donor, promoted HepG2 cell death and apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner and that the mRNA and protein expression levels of ASM were significantly decreased in DETA-NO-treated HepG2 cells. Moreover, ERK phosphorylation was significantly increased in DETA-NO-treated HepG2 cells. The inhibition of ERK phosphorylation increased DETA-NO-induced cell apoptosis. In summary, DETA-NO can promote HepG2 cell death in a concentration-dependent manner by activating ERK and NO might activate ERK by regulating ASM and then inducing HepG2 cell death.

Keywords: Acid sphingomyelinase; Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase; HepG2 cells; Nitric oxide.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Death
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases*
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System*
  • Nitric Oxide / pharmacology*
  • Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase / metabolism*

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
  • SMPD1 protein, human
  • Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase