2. Academic Validation
  3. Targeting the JAK2/STAT3 Axis and Remodeling the Tumour Microenvironment: The Dual Anti-Tumour Mechanism of Total Glucosides of Paeony in Gallbladder Cancer

Targeting the JAK2/STAT3 Axis and Remodeling the Tumour Microenvironment: The Dual Anti-Tumour Mechanism of Total Glucosides of Paeony in Gallbladder Cancer

  • Phytomedicine. 2026 Jan:150:157756. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2025.157756.
Kai-Nan Lin 1,  Xue-Fei Yu 2,  Zhi-Hao Lin 2,  Yu-Kai Shan 1,  Zhang-Guo Ying 2,  He Feng 2,  Li-Zhuo Zhang 2,  Yan-Yang Liu 2,  Hui-Ze Shen 2,  Yang-Jian Hong 2,  Qing-Lin Li 3,  Ren-An Jin 4
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China.
  • 2 Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
  • 3 Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • 4 Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
PMID: 41512357 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2025.157756
Abstract

Background: Gallbladder Cancer (GBC) is the most prevalent malignancy of the biliary tract, emphasizing the urgent requirement for the development of effective drugs. Here, we present our findings on total glucosides of paeony (TGP), an active compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Bai Shao, as a potential candidate.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of TGP in GBC and to elucidate its underlying pharmacodynamic mechanisms, with a specific focus on tumour microenvironment (TME) remodeling.

Study design: The anti-tumour efficacy and mechanisms of TGP were comprehensively investigated using a multi-dimensional platform encompassing GBC cell lines, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, and patient-derived organoids.

Method: To comprehensively assess the therapeutic potential of TGP in GBC, we established a multi-dimensional validation platform encompassing GBC cell lines, PDX models, and Organoid cultures. Mechanistic investigations were conducted at multiple levels. Network pharmacology and RNA Sequencing analyses identified molecular targets, while single-cell RNA Sequencing (scRNA-seq) unveiled TGP's profound impact on TME remodeling. Subsequent validation studies focused on the JAK2/STAT3/IL-6 signaling axis, employing ELISA for cytokine quantification, Western blot for protein expression analysis, and immunofluorescence for spatial localization of signaling components.

Results: Our findings demonstrate that TGP exerts potent anti-tumour effects in GBC by simultaneously targeting Cancer cells and remodeling the TME. TGP significantly suppresses GBC progression, and reduces IL-6 release by disrupting JAK2/STAT3/IL-6 signaling axis. More importantly, TGP attenuates the infiltration of pro-tumorigenic Inflammation+ tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) into the TME, shifting the immune contexture toward anti-tumour.

Conclusion: By disrupting the critical crosstalk between Cancer cells and TAMs, TGP effectively remodels the inflammatory immune microenvironment, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for GBC.

Keywords

Chinese Traditional; Gallbladder Cancer; JAK2/STAT3/IL-6 signaling pathway; Medicine.

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