Cordycepin Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits EMT in OSCC Cell Lines

Objectives: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an extremely malignant cancer and invades the surrounding tissue in the head and neck region. Cordycepin, also known as 3-deoxyadenosine, is a major compound and has been suggested to have anticancer potential. In this study, we examined the anti-cancer potential of cordycepin as well as its effects on the apoptosis and EMT in Ca9-22 and CAL-27 cells. Methods: The cytotoxicity effects of cordycepin were assessed using an MTT assay. The cell morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes were monitored using Hoechst and JC-1 dye. Cell cycle arrest was detected using a FACS instrument and the expression of protein level was using a western blot analysis. Results: Cordycepin treated group was significantly induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Also, cordycepin inhibits the EMT in Ca9-22 and CAL-27 cells. Conclusions: Therefore, these results suggest that cordycepin treatment of OSCC cells induced anti-cancer activity.