Honokiol regulates ovarian cancer cell malignant behavior through YAP/TAZ pathway modulation

Abstract Background Ovarian cancer (OVCA) stands as one of the most fatal gynecological malignancies. Honokiol (HNK) has been substantiated by numerous studies for its anti‐tumor activity against malignancies including OVCA. Consequently, this work was designed to elucidate the impact of HNK‐mediated modulation of the YAP/TAZ pathway on the biological functions of OVCA cells. Methods OVCA cells were subjected to treatment with varying concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μM) of HNK, concomitant with the administration of YAP agonist (XMU). Assessment of cellular viability was executed employing the CCK‐8 assay, while quantification of cellular proliferation transpired via colony formation assays. Apoptosis was ascertained using flow cytometry, and expression of apoptosis‐related proteins (caspase‐3, Bcl‐2, Bax), EMT‐related proteins (E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin), migration‐associated proteins (MMP‐2, MMP‐9), and YAP/TAZ pathway‐related proteins was evaluated by western blot. Transwell experiments were conducted to assess cellular migratory and invasive propensities. Xenograft tumor models were built to observe tumor growth (volume and weight), apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining, and Ki67 expression was evaluated through IHC. Results HNK exerted inhibitory effects on the viability and proliferative capacity of OVCA cells, elicited apoptotic responses, curtailed the migratory and invasive tendencies of cells, and downregulated the YAP/TAZ pathway. Stimulation with YAP agonist (XMU‐MP‐1) partially attenuated the impacts of HNK on OVCA cell biology. Experiments in vivo confirmed that HNK inhibited OVCA tumor growth. Conclusion The outcomes of this investigation conclusively established that HNK orchestrated the modulation of the YAP/TAZ pathway, thereby exerting control over the malignant phenotypic manifestations of OVCA cells. The ascertained function of HNK in restraining cellular proliferation and tumor progression provided novel evidence of its anti‐proliferative activity within OVCA cells.