Objective To investigate the role of wogonin on proliferation and invasion of skin squamouscell carcinoma and to explore the potential mechanism. Methods The mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1 were detected in normal skin tissues and skin squamouscell carcinoma tissues. Skin squamouscell carcinoma cell line A431 were treated with 0

5

10 and 20 μmol/L wogonin for 24

48

72 hours. Cell proliferation capacities were detected by MTT assay. Cell invasion abilities were monitored by Transwell invasion assay. The mRNA and protein expression of Notch1 gene were detected by Real time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot. After treatment with Notch1 activator doxycycline

cell proliferation ability and invasion ability of each group were further detected by MTT assay and Transwell assay. Results Compared with normal skin tissue

mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1 gene in skin squamous cell carcinoma were significantly increased

with statistically significant differences (P＜0.05). Wogonin inhibited the proliferation and invasion ability of skin squamouscell carcinoma cells in a dose dependent manner

with statistically significant differences (P＜0.05). Wogonin inhibited the expression of Notch1 gene

and the treatment with Notch1 activator doxycycline significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of Wogonin on cell proliferation and invasion

with statistically significant differences (P＜0.05). Conclusion Wogonin can inhibite the proliferation and invasion of skin squamouscell carcinoma primarily by inhibiting the Notch1 gene.