Clitocybin A, a novel isoindolinone, from the mushroom Clitocybe aurantiaca, inhibits cell proliferation through G1 phase arrest by regulating the PI3K/Akt cascade in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and restenosis. Clitocybin A, a novel isoindolinone, isolated from the culture broth of mushroom Clitocybe aurantiaca has been reported to possess free radical scavenging activity. However, the antiproliferative effects of clitocybin A on VSMCs are unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of clitocybin A on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferation of VSMCs and examined the molecular basis of the underlying mechanism. Clitocybin A inhibited DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. In accordance with these findings, clitocybin A blocked the PDGF-BB-inducible progression through G0/G1 to S phase of the cell cycle in synchronized cells and decreased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2, CDK4, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and proliferative cell nuclear antigen. In addition, clitocybin A inhibited the PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) / Akt kinase. However, clitocybin A did not change the expression levels of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) 1/2, phospholipase C-γ1, and PDGF-Rß phosphorylation. These results indicate that clitocybin A may inhibit VSMCs proliferation through G1 phase arrest by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Clitocybin B inhibits rat aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation through suppressing PDGF-Rß phosphorylation.

The increased proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the arterial wall is a critical pathogenic factor for vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis after angioplasty. Clitocybin B was reported to have either a potent free radical scavenging effect or effects that were isolated from the culture broth of mushroom Clitocybe aurantiaca. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of clitocybin B on VSMC proliferation and its possible molecular mechanism. Clitocybin B significantly inhibited the proliferation and the DNA synthesis of PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs in a concentration-dependent manner. In agreement with these findings, clitocybin B suppressed the PDGF-BB-induced progression through G0/G1 to S phase of cell cycle. Clitocybin B also down-regulated the expressions of cell cycle-related proteins, including cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)2, cyclin E, CDK4, cyclin D1, and proliferative cell nuclear antigen in PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs. Clitocybin B significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and phospholipase C-γ1, in the PDGF-BB signaling pathway. Clitocybin B suppressed the PDGF-Rß activation in PDGF-BB signaling cascade. These results suggested that the inhibitory effect of clitocybin B on the proliferation of VSMCs may be associated with suppressing PDGF-Rß phosphorylation. Thus, clitocybin B may be an effective antiproliferative agent for the prevention of atherosclerosis and restenosis.