Daphnetin (7,8-dihydroxycoumarin), a natural coumarin compound, has shown antitumor and energy metabolism regulatory activities. However, the effects of daphnetin on cell proliferation, migration, and glucose metabolism in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells remains unknown. In this study, the effects of daphnetin on CRC cell proliferation, migration, and glucose metabolism have been examined. The results showed that daphnetin inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells, and induced CRC cell apoptosis. Furthermore, daphnetin suppressed intracellular glucose and lactate production, and downregulated the expression of hexokinase 2 (HK2) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in CRC cells. Furthermore, daphnetin prevented activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in CRC cells. These findings demonstrated that daphnetin inhibited the proliferation, migration and glucose metabolism in CRC cells by suppressing the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, daphnetin has potential as a novel anticancer agent for CRC treatment.
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