Discovery of Novel Curcumin Derivatives as Potential Anti-Lung Cancer Agents by Inhibiting Cell Proliferation and Migration

Abstract

The antitumor activity and the underlying mechanism of six novel curcumin derivatives (F1–F6) were evaluated in lung cancer cells. F5 was found to be the most potent derivative (IC₅₀ = 13.67 μM) compared to curcumin (IC₅₀ = 40.93 μM), with significant differences via MTT assay. A series of pharmacological experiments, including clone formation, wound healing, and transwell assay, reveal that F5 can inhibit lung cell proliferation and migration. Western blot and molecular docking studies demonstrate that the potential mechanism may relate to the regulation of the AKT/ERK/MMP9 signaling pathway. Therefore, curcumin derivative F5 can potentially be used for treating lung cancer.