Berberine enhances the radiosensitivity of osteosarcoma by targeting Rad51 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Objective: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor and is generally treated with radiotherapy combined with radiosensitizers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the radiosensitization effects of berberine on osteosarcoma cells and the role of RAD51 in radiosensitivity by berberine.

Materials and methods: Cells from the human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 were exposed to γ-ray irradiation (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 Gy) and berberine (20 μM). Radiosensitivity was evaluated by determining cell viability using an MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to determine cell cycle and Apoptosis. Real-Time PCR and western blot were performed to analyze the mRNA and protein expressions of RAD51. The protein levels of E-cadherin and vimentin were also measured to evaluate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Tumor invasion was determined by the Boyden chamber assay.

Results: Berberine exacerbated the decline in viability of MG-63 cells exposed to γ-rays irradiation at various concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 μmol/L) and induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase as well as Apoptosis. The mRNA and protein expressions of RAD51 were significantly decreased by berberine in MG-63 cells. Inhibition of RAD51 by B02 enhanced the radiosensitivity of MG-63 cells. Berberine inhibited their invasive capability as well as increased E-cadherin and decreased vimentin protein levels; this indicated that berberine suppressed the EMT process in MG-63 cells exposed to γ-rays irradiation.

Conclusion: Berberine enhances the radiosensitivity of MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. RAD51 is a potential target of berberine in the radiosensitization of osteosarcoma.