Exploring the Antitumor Effects of Berberine on Migration and Proliferation against U87MG Glioblastoma Cell Line

Abstract

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with brain cancers accounting for approximately 3% of all reported cases. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and treatment-resistant form of brain cancer, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Berberine, a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid derived from plants of the Berberidaceae family, has demonstrated significant anticancer potential due to its low toxicity and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic and anti-invasive effects of berberine on U87MG glioblastoma cells. Berberine treatment significantly reduced cell viability and induced pronounced morphological changes indicative of cellular stress and apoptosis. Additionally, berberine effectively inhibited cell proliferation and migration. Molecular analysis revealed that berberine treatment increased expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin while suppressing the expression of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and vimentin, as well as the transcription factor NF-κB. These alterations suggest a reversal of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical process involved in tumour invasiveness and metastasis. Overall, our findings demonstrate that berberine exerts potent anticancer effects in glioblastoma cells by modulating EMT-related pathways, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for glioblastoma management.