Abstract: Objective This study is aim to investigate effects of AZD8055 on proliferation and colony formation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Methods The huh7 cells were divided into two groups: control group (DMSO) and AZD8055 group. MTT assay and colony formation assay were performed to detect effects of AZD8055 on proliferation and colony formation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, respectively. Apoptosis rate was assessed by performing AnexinV/FITC double staining. Western blot was performed to detect AMPK and p-AMPK expression. Results AZD8055 inhibit proliferation of huh7 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). AZD8055 treatment reduced colony numbers of huh7 cells and induced apoptosis compared to those untreated cells (P<0.05). AZD8055 treatment increased p-AMPK expression but didn’t change AMPK expression. Blocking AMPK activation by using AMPK inhibitor Dorsomorphin partially reversed proliferation inhibition induced by AZD8055. Conclusion AZD8055 inhibit proliferation and colony formation of huh7 cells through AMPK signaling pathway.

Key words: AZD8055, hepatocellular carcinoma, AMPK, proliferation