Amidated Scolopin‐2 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of Hela cells in vitro and in vivo

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of Scolopin‐2, a cationic antimicrobial peptide from centipede venoms, and amidated Scolopin‐2 on Hela cell viability in vitro and in vivo . The cellular proliferation was investigated with the MTT assay. Confocal laser scanning, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis were employed to localize Scolopin‐2‐NH 2 in Hela cells and to study the caused cells apoptosis. We subcutaneously injected Hela cells into BALB/c nude mice and studied if Scolopin‐2‐NH 2 suppressed tumor growth in the mice. Scolopin‐2‐NH 2 inhibited Hela proliferation in vitro in a dose‐dependent manner with an IC 50 of 35 μM. In addition, Scolopin‐2‐NH 2 combined with mitochondria and regulated caspase‐related apoptosis pathways in Hela cells. Scolopin‐2‐NH 2 significantly suppressed tumor growth in the tumor‐bearing mice without side effects, such as weight loss or abnormal changes in tissues, including liver, spleen, kidney, and lung. These results indicate Scolopin‐2‐NH 2 may be a good therapeutic candidate for the treatment of Hela cervical cancer.