Xanthohumol as a potential therapeutic strategy for acute myeloid leukemia: Targeting the FLT3/SRPK1 signaling axis

Duan-Na Zhang, The State Key Laboratory of Southwest Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
Wen-Ya Yang, The State Key Laboratory of Southwest Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
Xiao-Xue Hu, The State Key Laboratory of Southwest Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
Xiao-Min-Ting Song, The State Key Laboratory of Southwest Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
Chuan-Jie Guo, The State Key Laboratory of Southwest Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
Fu Peng, West China School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
Yu-Zhi Li, The State Key Laboratory of Southwest Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.Follow
Zhi-Xing Cao, The State Key Laboratory of Southwest Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, ChinaFollow

Keywords

Acute myeloid leukemia, Apoptosis, FLT3/SRPK1, Xanthohumol

Abstract

Xanthohumol (XN) is an isoprene chalcone found in hops (Humulus lupulus L.), a food ingredient with a wide range of pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to reveal the therapeutic effect of XN on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the potential underlying molecular mechanism. Through network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and HTRF determination, XN was shown to inhibit the kinase activities of FLT3 and SRPK1 by targeting their ATP-binding domains, with IC₅₀ values of 1.51 ± 0.44 μM and 0.37 ± 0.15 μM, respectively. By inhibiting AML cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, regulating autophagy, and inhibiting invasion, XN, which targets the unique FLT3/SRPK1 signaling pathway, exerts anti-AML effects. XN also significantly inhibited FLT3 inhibitor-resistant AML cells and exhibited synergistic interactions with gilteritinib. Moreover, XN at 40 mg/kg effectively inhibited the growth of AML subcutaneous tumors with good tolerance. These results suggest that XN could be a promising therapeutic agent for AML treatment. XN effectively targets the FLT3/SRPK1 signaling axis, demonstrating strong anti-AML effects and offering a potent strategy to address AML.

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Recommended Citation

Zhang, Duan-Na; Yang, Wen-Ya; Hu, Xiao-Xue; Song, Xiao-Min-Ting; Guo, Chuan-Jie; Peng, Fu; Li, Yu-Zhi; and Cao, Zhi-Xing (2025) "Xanthohumol as a potential therapeutic strategy for acute myeloid leukemia: Targeting the FLT3/SRPK1 signaling axis," Journal of Food and Drug Analysis: Vol. 33 : Iss. 1 , Article 4.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.38212/2224-6614.3534