The high incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been reported in selected ethnic populations including North of Iran. Low survival rate of ESCC is partially due to the presence of stem-like cancer cells with chemotherapy resistance. In current study, we aimed to determine effects of auraptene (AUR), an interesting dietary coumarin with various biological activities, on malignant properties of stem-like ESCC cells, in terms of sensitivity to anticancer drugs and expression of specific markers. To do so, the IC50 values of AUR, cisplatin, paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were determined on KYSE30 cells. After administrating combinatorial treatments, including non-toxic concentrations of AUR + cisplatin, paclitaxel, or 5-FU, sensitivity of cells to chemical drugs, and also induced apoptosis were assessed. In addition, QRT-PCR was used to study changes in the expression of P53, P21, CD44 and BMI-1 upon treatments. Results of MTT assay revealed that AUR significantly (p<0.05) increased toxicity of cisplatin, paclitaxel and 5-FU in KYSE30 cells, specifically 72 h after treatments. Conducting an apoptosis assay using flow cytometry also confirmed synergic effects of AUR. Results of QRT-PCR revealed significant (p<0.05) upregulation of P53 and P21 upon combinatorial treatments, and also down regulation of CD44 and BMI-1 after AUR administration. Current study provided evidence, for the first time, that AUR attenuates properties of esophageal stem-like cancer cells through enhancing sensitivity to chemical agents and reducing the expression of CD44 and BMI-1 markers.

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