AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 Pathway Participates in Autophagy Induction by Curcumin in Colorectal Adenoma Mouse Model

Abstract

Colorectal adenoma (CRA) represents a pathological condition characterized by the aberrant development of intestinal epithelial cells and alterations in cellular differentiation within the colorectal mucosal epithelium, posing an increased risk for malignant transformation if not adequately addressed. Curcumin has been shown to exhibit a range of therapeutic effects across various diseases, which motivated this investigation utilizing C57BL/6 mice as a model system. Methodologies including hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), western blot analysis, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy were employed to evaluate proteins associated with the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway. The study specifically examined variations in key autophagy-related proteins such as Beclin-1, LC3, P62, alongside intestinal junction proteins Occludin, ZO-1, and Claudin-1. This study seeks to elucidate whether curcumin can influence autophagy-related mechanisms in intestinal mucosal epithelial cells affected by colorectal adenoma to achieve potential therapeutic outcomes.