HJ-4, a novel piperine derivative, inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis via p53 activation and oncogenic pathway inhibition in colorectal cancer models

Abstract

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, especially in advanced and metastatic stages where treatment options are limited. HJ-4, a novel piperine derivative, demonstrated strong tumor-selective inhibition. Within safe concentrations (cell viability > 85%), HJ-4 dose-dependently suppressed colony formation and DNA synthesis in CRC cells, showing potent anti-proliferative effects. It also significantly inhibited cell adhesion, wound healing, and invasion, indicating robust anti-migration and anti-invasion properties. In vivo, the CAM model confirmed that HJ-4 reduced both tumor volume and angiogenesis. Mechanistically, HJ-4 activated the p53-dependent apoptosis pathway while suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin axis and E2F transcriptional activity, effectively impeding tumor progression. Overall, HJ-4 exhibits promising tumor specificity and multiple antitumor mechanisms, supporting its potential for clinical development in CRC treatment.