Marine natural product Methyl mycophenolate inhibits gastric cancer growth through regulating p53 and the downstream pathways.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent cancers and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Methyl mycophenolate (MMP), a methyl ester derivative of mycophenolic acid, is derived from the marine fungus Phaeosphaeria spartinae, yet its role in GC remains unexplored. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of MMP in GC and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: We screened marine compounds for their inhibitory activity against GC cells using cell viability, colony formation assays, cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis detection. RNA sequencing and KEGG enrichment analysis identified key downstream pathways activated by MMP. Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry confirmed changes in the p53 signaling pathway. Protein stability was assessed through turnover and ubiquitination assays, while Co-IP verified the effect of MMP on p53 binding to MDM2. An in vivo tumorigenesis study evaluated MMP's efficacy and safety in mice. RESULTS: MMP significantly inhibited GC cell proliferation and colony formation, induced apoptosis through the caspase pathway, and caused cell cycle G1 arrest by downregulating CDK4, CDK2 and upregulating p27. Mechanistically, MMP increased p53 protein levels and activated downstream targets (p21, PUMA, GADD45A) in a dose-dependent manner. It enhanced p53 stability by reducing ubiquitination. MMP injection in mice significantly inhibited tumor growth in a subcutaneous xenograft model. CONCLUSION: MMP displays anti-GC activity by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via the p53 pathway. Our findings suggest MMP's potential as a therapeutic agent for GC intervention.