Nitidine chloride suppresses polo-like kinase 1 via MYCN-associated transcriptional regulation in colorectal cancer: a multi-omics and spatial transcriptomics study - Report - MDSpire

Nitidine chloride suppresses polo-like kinase 1 via MYCN-associated transcriptional regulation in colorectal cancer: a multi-omics and spatial transcriptomics study

  • By

  • Xiao-Jue Huang

  • Liu-Hui Mo

  • Ke-Jun Wu

  • Rong-Quan He

  • Hui Li

  • Gang Chen

  • Li-Min Liu

  • May 12, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Nitidine Chloride Inhibits Polo-like Kinase 1 in CRC

Overview

This study identifies Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as a key target of nitidine chloride (NC) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and demonstrates that NC significantly reduces PLK1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. The findings suggest a regulatory relationship between MYCN and PLK1 that may contribute to the anti-cancer effects of NC.

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with limited treatment options for advanced stages. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is frequently overexpressed in CRC and is associated with poor prognosis, making it a promising therapeutic target. Understanding the mechanisms of natural compounds like nitidine chloride (NC) could provide new avenues for CRC treatment.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • PLK1 is overexpressed in CRC and identified as an NC-responsive gene.
  • NC treatment significantly reduces PLK1 expression in CRC cells.
  • MYCN downregulation occurs alongside PLK1 suppression after NC treatment.
  • PLK1 expression shows intratumoral heterogeneity, enriched in malignant epithelial cells.
  • NC interacts stably with PLK1, as supported by molecular dynamics simulations.

Clinical Implications

The identification of PLK1 as a target for nitidine chloride suggests potential for developing new therapeutic strategies in CRC. The MYCN-PLK1 axis may serve as a biomarker for treatment response and could guide future research into combination therapies.

Conclusion

Nitidine chloride demonstrates significant inhibitory effects on PLK1 in colorectal cancer, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent. Further exploration of the MYCN-PLK1 relationship may enhance understanding of CRC biology and treatment.

Related Resources & Content

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  8. Metastatic colorectal cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up - PubMed
  9. Polo-like Kinase 1 Expression as a Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Two-Center Study - PubMed
  10. Pathway level subtyping identifies a slow-cycling biological phenotype associated with poor clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer | Nature Genetics

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