DAPK1 modulates a curcumin-induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis by regulating STAT3, NF-κB, and caspase-3 activation.

Highlights: [•] Curcumin treatment upregulates DAPK1 expression in U251 cells. [•] The knockdown of DAPK1 attenuates curcumin-induced STAT3 and NF-κB inhibition. [•] The knockdown of DAPK1 reduces curcumin-induced caspase-3 activation. [•] The knockdown of DAPK1 inhibits curcumin-induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. [•] The tumor suppressor DAPK1 is essential for the anti-cancer effects of curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]