Objective: To investigate the effect of shikonin on proliferation

invasion and migration of human cervical cancer Hela cells and to explore the possible mechanism. Method: The human cervical cancer Hela cells were cultivated and divided into control group and shikonin group (the concentration was respectively 4

8

16

32

64 μmol · L-1). The effect of shikonin on cell viability

apoptosis

invasion and migration of cells cultivated after 24 h were studied by MTT assay

flow cytometric and Transwell assay

respectively. When cells were cultivated after 24 h

the expression of focal adhesion kinase(FAK) protein

the level of phosphorylated FAK

and mRNA were assessed by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Result: Shikonin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of Hela cells in a dose-dependent manner. When treated with low-toxic doses of shikonin (4

8

16 μmol · L-1)

the cell invasion and migration were markedly suppressed. Furthermore

shikonin significantly down-regulated the expression of FAK and the level of phosphorylated FAK. In addition

shikonin could increase the expression of FAK mRNA. Conclusion: Shikonin inhibits proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer Hela cells by inhibiting phosphorylation of FAK.