Baicalin suppresses colorectal cancer proliferation and induces M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages by promoting proteasomal degradation of HK2 - Takeaways - MDSpire

Baicalin suppresses colorectal cancer proliferation and induces M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages by promoting proteasomal degradation of HK2

  • By

  • Dong-hui Bai

  • Duan Gao

  • Ying Xiong

  • Yu-Ling Chang

  • Xia Gan

  • Li Yang

  • Pan-pan Wang

  • Rong-hua Zhang

  • May 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Baicalin, a flavonoid from Scutellaria baicalensis, inhibits hexokinase II (HK2) and suppresses colorectal cancer cell proliferation.

  • 2

    The study demonstrates that baicalin promotes the proteasomal degradation of HK2, leading to reduced glycolysis and mitochondrial damage.

  • 3

    Baicalin activates the cGAS/STING signaling pathway, resulting in increased production of IFN-β and reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment.

  • 4

    In an MC38 syngeneic tumor model, baicalin significantly inhibits tumor growth and promotes M1-like polarization of tumor-associated macrophages.

  • 5

    This research highlights a novel therapeutic strategy targeting HK2 to regulate tumor metabolism and enhance immune responses in colorectal cancer.

Original Source(s)

Baicalin suppresses colorectal cancer proliferation and induces M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages by promoting proteasomal degradation of HK2

  • by Dong-hui Bai, Duan Gao, Ying Xiong, Yu-Ling Chang, Xia Gan, Li Yang, Pan-pan Wang, Rong-hua Zhang

  • May 4, 2026

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