Nuciferine Inhibits Skin Cutaneous Melanoma Cell Growth by Suppressing TLR4/NF-κB Signaling

Background: Melanoma causes more than 80% of deaths from all dermatologic cancers. Hence, screening and identifying effective compounds to inhibit the growth of melanoma have crucial importance in basic and clinical treatment. Methods: High throughput screening was performed to screen and identify compounds that have anti-melanoma ability. Melanoma cell and mouse allograft models were used to examine the anti-tumor effects of Nuciferine (NCFR). Western blot, qPCR, and lentivirus overexpression were applied to detect the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Results: NCFR administration significantly suppressed melanoma cell growth and tumor size by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p65. NCFR treatment also could suppress TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB signaling. The anti-tumor effect of NCFR might be mediated by targeting Toll-like receptors 4. Conclusion: NCFR inhibits melanoma cell growth and suppresses tumor size, which provides potential therapeutic strategies for melanoma treatment.