Erianin induces apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells via TNF signaling pathway

Thyroid Cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, with a rising incidence rate over the past three decades. Although most thyroid cancers are indolent, clinical management of advanced thyroid Cancer is still a challenge. Recent studies identified erianin as a potential anti-tumor drug in several Cancer types; however, whether and how erianin against thyroid Cancer remains elusive. In this study we showed that erianin significantly inhibited cell viability and colony formation of thyroid Cancer cells in a genetic mutation -independent manner, and treatment thyroid Cancer cells with erianin induced remarkable G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and Apoptosis. By performing RNA-sequencing, we identified that TNF signaling pathway was activated by erianin in thyroid Cancer cells. Moreover, the cell growth inhibitory effect of erianin was confirmed in a thyroid Cancer xenograft mice model. These data suggest that erianin induces Apoptosis of thyroid Cancer cells by activating the TNF pathway, and the finding of the anti-tumor effect of erianin indicated a new potential therapeutic strategy for advanced thyroid Cancer.