[Effect of Csn-B Combined with Imatinib on Apoptosis of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells through Nur77/Pim-1/Drp1 Pathway].

Objective: To investigate the anti- chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) activity of Nur77-specific agonist Csn-B combined with imatinib by promoting Nur77 expression, and explore the potential role of its signaling pathway.

Methods: Firstly, CCK-8 and Transwell assay were used to detect the inhibitory effects of Csn-B, imatinib, and their combination on the proliferation and migration of K562 cells. Furthermore, the apoptosis rate of K562 cells treated with Csn-B, imatinib, and their combination was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of Nur77, Pim-1, Drp1, p-Drp1 S616, Bcl-2 and Bax in K562 cells were detected by Western blot. Finally, the expression levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in K562 cells treated with Csn-B, imatinib and their combination were detected by immunofluorescence assay.

Results: The level of Nur77 in CML patients decreased significantly compared with normal population in dataset of GSE43754 (P < 0.001). Csn-B combined with imatinib could significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration of K562 cells (both P < 0.001), and induce apoptosis (P < 0.001). Csn-B promoted Nur77 expression in K562 cells, and synergistically enhanced imatinib sensitivity when combined with imatinib. Csn-B combined with imatinib could significantly enhanced ROS levels in K562 cells and mitochondria compared with single-drug treatment (both P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Csn-B combined with imatinib can enhance ROS expression and induce apoptosis of K562 cells through Nur77/Pim-1/Drp1 pathway.