RN0D, a galactoglucan from Panax notoginseng flower induces cancer cell death via PINK1/Parkin mitophagy

Metabolic alterations within mitochondria, encompassing processes such as autophagy and energy metabolism, play a pivotal role in facilitating the swift proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. Despite this, there is a scarcity of currently available medications with proven anticancer efficacy through the modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction in a clinical setting. Here, we introduce the structural characteristics of RN0D, a galactoglucan isolated and purified from Panax notoginseng flowers, mainly composed of β-1,4-galactan and β-1,3/1,6-glucan. RN0D demonstrates the capacity to induce mitochondrial impairment in cancer cells, leading to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, initiation of mitophagy, and reduction in both mitochondrial number and size. This sequence of events ultimately results in the inhibition of mitochondrial and glycolytic bioenergetics, culminating in the demise of cancer cells due to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) deprivation. Notably, the observed bioactivity is attributed to RN0D's direct targeting of Galectin-3, as affirmed by surface plasmon resonance studies. Furthermore, RN0D is identified as an activator of the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin pathway, ultimately instigating cytotoxic mitophagy in tumor cells. This comprehensive study substantiates the rationale for advancing RN0D as a potentially efficacious anticancer therapeutic.