Identification of Annexin A2 as a target protein for plant alkaloid matrine.

Matrine is a plant alkaloid and a major active component in the Chinese medical herb Sophora flavescens. Matrine has shown potent anti-cancer activities but its molecular target(s) and mechanism are still unknown. Using the photo-affinity labeling approach, for the first time, Annexin A2 was identified as a direct-binding target of matrine in cancer cells.