Synergistic Cytotoxicity Effect of 5-Fluorouracil and SHP2 Inhibitor Demethylincisterol A3 on Cervical Cancer Cell

Background: Demethylincisterol A3 (DTA3) has been identified as an SHP2 inhibitor and suppresses the growth of many cancer cells. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used for the clinical treatment of various cancers. However, the combination effects of 5-FU and DTA3 on cervical cancer cells remain unknown. Objective: This study evaluates the mechanism of the combination effects of 5-FU and DTA3 in cervical cancer cells. Methods: The synergistic cytotoxic effects of 5-FU and DTA3 in cervical cancer cells were calculated. Apoptosis was analysed by flow cytometry. Western blot analyses were used to examine the related signalling pathways. Results: DTA3 and 5-FU synergized to induce apoptosis and repress proliferation of cervical cancer cells by downregulating the activation of PI3K/AKT and NF-ΚB signalling pathways. We provided evidence that the upregulation of SHP2 expression by transfection significantly inhibited the cytotoxicity of 5-FU and DTA3. SHP2 knockdown enhanced the anti-proliferation activity of 5-FU, indicating targeting SHP2 sensitized cervical cancer cells to 5-FU. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that SHP2 inhibitor DTA3 and 5-FU have a synergistic cytotoxic effect on cervical cancer cells. The synergistic combination of SHP2 inhibitor and 5-FU may present a promising strategy for the treatment of cervical cancer.