The mechanism of lovastatin in suppressing the proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on proteomics

Abstract Background Lovastatin, a type of statin usually considered as a lipid‐lowering drug that lowers blood cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, has been rediscovered to have anticancer activity. Fewer studies exist regarding the effect of lovastatin on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods Here, we report that lovastatin shows anticancer effect on ESCC By affecting the mitochondrial autophagy pathway. Moreover, based on proteomics and computer molecular simulations found that RAB38 and RAB27A may be a target of lovastatin. Results We observed that autophagy of mitochondria is inhibited by lovastatin, affecting esophageal squamous cell proliferation. There is a possible link between the expression of RAB38, RAB27A and immune cell invasion in esophageal cancer. Conclusions These results demonstrate the huge potential of lovastatin as an RAB38, RAB27A inhibitor in esophageal cancer chemotherapy and chemoprevention.