A Novel Caffeoylquinic Acid from Lonicera japonica Exerts Cytotoxic Activity by Blocking the YAP-CTGF Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract We have purified a novel caffeoylquinic acid named 3,4-di- O -caffeoylquinic isobutyl ester from the flower buds of Lonicera japonica Thunb., Caprifoliaceae. However, biological function is still unknown. Here, we found that effectively inhibited proliferation and migration hepatocellular carcinoma cells, it displayed less toxicity to normal liver cell line. Mechanistic studies showed diminished expression YAP at mRNA level. Overexpression significantly rescued HepG2 cells ester–induced suppression migration. Furthermore, downstream target gene CTGF was repressed upon treatment, which ameliorated by overexpression. In addition, decreased β-catenin as well CDK4/6. Collectively, exerts antihepatocellular activity inhibiting YAP-CTGF pathway controls cells. The Wnt/β-catenin might be another activity. As natural compound, promising agent for therapy. Graphical