Delphinidin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HER-2 positive breast cancer cell lines by regulating the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways

Delphinidin is an anthocyanidin monomer, commonly found in vegetables and fruits, and has demonstrated antitumor effects in the HER-2-positive MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cell line, with low cytotoxicity on normal breast cells. However, the direct functional mechanisms underlying the effect of delphinidin on HER-2-positive breast cancer cells has not been fully characterized. In the present study, it was found that delphinidin could induce G₂/M phase cell cycle arrest by inhibiting the protein expression level of cyclin B1 and Cdk1 in HER-2-positive breast cancer cell lines. In addition, delphinidin promoted the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by inhibiting the ERK and NF-κB signaling pathway and activating the JNK signaling pathway. Therefore, delphinidin markedly suppressed the viability of the HER-2-positive breast cancer cell lines by modulating the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. Overall, the findings from the present study demonstrated that delphinidin treatment could induce the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in human HER-2-positive breast cancer cell lines, providing an experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of HER-2-positive breast cancer by flavonoids.     

斑蝥酸钠对结肠癌HCT116细胞凋亡及PUMA表达的影响

目的 探讨斑蝥酸钠对结肠癌细胞凋亡及p53上调凋亡控制因子（PUMA）表达的影响。方法 采用不同浓度斑蝥酸钠（0.1、0.25、0.5、1、2 μg／ml）处理结肠癌细胞HCT116 24 h,并设不加药对照组。测量其单层细胞跨膜电阻值（TER）以评价斑蝥酸钠对HCT116细胞凋亡的影响,同时采用实时荧光定量PCR和Western blotting分别检测HCT116细胞的PUMA mRNA和蛋白水平变化;HCT116细胞经0.05、0.1、0.2、0.4、0.8 μg／ml 抑制性κB激酶β（IKKβ）质粒转染或10、20、40、80 nmol／L 核因子（NF）-κB抑制剂（BAY 11-7082）处理后,采用Western blotting检测其PUMA蛋白水平。结果 与对照组比较,各浓度斑蝥酸钠处理后HCT116细胞的TER降低,PUMA mRNA和蛋白水平升高,且以上效应呈浓度依赖性,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;与未处理的HCT116细胞相比,IKKβ质粒转染后,PUMA蛋白表达增加,而BAY 11-7082可降低斑蝥酸钠对PUMA的上调作用,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 斑蝥酸钠可通过NF-κB通路上调PUMA的表达,进一步诱导结肠癌细胞HCT116的凋亡。     

Ganoderma lucidum extract induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cell

Although the pharmacology and clinical application of water extracts of Ganoderma lucidum have been extensively documented, little is known regarding its alcohol extract. In the present study, the anti-tumor effect of an alcohol extract of Ganoderma lucidum was investigated using MCF-7 cells. We found that the alcohol extract of Ganoderma lucidum inhibited cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which might be mediated through up-regulation of p21/Waf1 and down-regulation of cyclin D1. Furthermore, this compound can directly induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, which might be mediated through up-regulation of a pro-apoptotic Bax protein and not by the immune system. Our findings suggest that there are multiple mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effects of Ganoderma lucidum.     

Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway by delphinidin, an anthocyanidin in pigmented fruits and vegetables

Inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have generated considerable hope for cancer treatment, specifically for lung and breast cancers. Therefore, identification of a natural, nontoxic agent(s) as an inhibitor of EGFR is of considerable importance. Delphinidin, an anthocyanidin present in pigmented fruits and vegetables, possesses potent antioxidant and antiproliferative properties. In our study, employing EGFR positive breast cancer AU-565 cells and immortalized MCF-10A cells, we evaluated the effect of delphinidin on EGFR and its downstream signaling pathways. Delphinidin (5-40 microM; 3 hr) treatment of both AU-565 cells and MCF-10A cells inhibited the (i) phosphorylation of EGFR, (ii) activation of PI3K, (iii) phosphorylation of AKT and MAPK. Further, delphinidin treatment of AU-565 cells inhibited EGF-induced autophosphorylation of EGFR, AKT and MAPK, activation of PI3K and cell invasion. We then compared the growth inhibitory effects of delphinidin (5-40 microM; 48 hr), and found that it resulted in a decrease in cell growth of AU-565 and MCF-10A cells but had only minimal effects on normal mammary epithelial 184A1 cells. Treatment of AU-565 cells with delphinidin resulted in (i) induction of apoptosis, (ii) cleavage of PARP protein, (iii) activation of caspase-3 and (iv) downregulation of Bcl-2 with an increase in the expression of Bax. In summary, our study identifies a naturally occurring dietary agent delphinidin as an effective inhibitor of EGFR signaling in breast cancer cells. We suggest that delphinidin could be developed as an agent for the management of EGFR positive human cancers.     

Gold (III) porphyrin complexes induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and inhibit tumor growth in colon cancer

BACKGROUND:

Gold (III) compounds have exhibited favorable antitumor properties both in vitro and in vivo. In a previous study, the authors reported that the novel gold (III) complex 1a (gold 1a) exhibited strong cytotoxicity in some tumor cell lines. In the current study, the effect of gold 1a was investigated on colon cancer cells.

METHODS:

The cytotoxicity of gold 1a was determined by using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thihazyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide method. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and cell cycle. The expression of protein was evaluated by Western blot assay. Tumor growth in vivo was evaluated in nude mice.

RESULTS:

Gold 1a exhibited marked cytotoxic effects in vitro to human colon cancer, and the concentration of drug required to inhibit cell growth by 50% compared with control (IC₅₀) values ranged from 0.2 μM to 3.4 μM, which represented 8.7‐fold to 20.8‐fold greater potency than that of cisplatin. Gold 1a significantly induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and cleaved caspase 3, caspase 7, and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase; released cytochrome C, and up‐regulated p53, p21, p27, and Bax. In vivo, intraperitoneal injection of gold 1a at doses of 1.5 mg/kg and 3.0 mg/kg significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and suppressed colon cancer tumor growth. An acute toxicology study indicated that gold 1a at effective antitumor concentrations did not cause any toxic side effects in mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results suggested that gold 1a may be a new potential therapeutic drug for colon cancer. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.     

CeReS-18, a novel cell surface sialoglycopeptide, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a calcium-sensitive manner

Very few growth inhibitors have been identified whichcan inhibit the proliferation of a broad spectrumof human breast cancer cell lines. CeReS-18, anovel cell surface sialoglycopeptide growth inhibitor, can reversiblyinhibit the proliferation of both estrogen receptor positive(MCF-7) and negative (BT-20) human breast cancer celllines. In addition, at concentrations above those requiredfor the reversible inhibition of cell proliferation, CeReS-18can also induce cell death in MCF-7 cells.Changes in nuclear and cytoplasmic morphology, characteristic ofapoptosis, were detected in MCF-7 cells treated witha cytotoxic concentration of CeReS-18, and internucleosomal DNAcleavage was also observed. The sensitivity of MCF-7and BT-20 cells to the biological properties ofCeReS-18 could be influenced by altering the calciumconcentration in the extracellular growth medium, such thatwhen the calcium concentration in the environment wasdecreased, an increased sensitivity to CeReS-18-induced growth inhibitionand cytotoxicity were observed. The addition of thecalcium chelating agent EGTA to MCF-7 cells, culturedin a normal calcium environment, could mimic theincreased sensitivity to the biological effects of CeReS-18observed under reduced calcium conditions.     

辛二酰苯胺异羟肟酸对结肠癌HCT116和SW480细胞增殖、周期和凋亡的影响

目的:研究辛二酰苯胺异羟肟酸(suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid,SAHA)对结肠癌细胞系HCT116和SW480增殖、周期和凋亡的影响,并对其分子作用机制进行初步探讨.方法:将不同浓度SAHA分别处理结肠癌HCT116和SW480细胞后,MTT法检测SAHA对HCT116和SW480细胞增殖的影响,流式细胞仪检测HCT116和SW480细胞周期和细胞凋亡率,罗丹明(rhodamine) 123和二氯二氢荧光素二乙酸酯(DCFH-DA)法检测HCT116和SW480细胞线粒体跨膜电位(Aψm)和活性氧(ROS)水平,Real-time PCR和Western blotting法检测乙酰化组蛋白3(Ac-H3)、p21、CyclinD1、Bax和Bcl-2的mRNA和蛋白的表达水平.结果:SAHA作用于HCT116和SW480细胞48 h后,细胞增殖被抑制、细胞周期G1期比率升高、凋亡率升高(均P＜0.05),线粒体跨膜电位显著下降、细胞内ROS产生增多(均P＜0.05).与对照组比较,SAHA处理组p21和Bax mRNA增多、Cyclin D1和Bcl-2 mRNA表达量减少(均P＜0.05),相关蛋白Ac-H3、p21和Bax增多,CyclinD1和Bcl-2减少(均P＜0.05).结论:SAHA抑制结肠癌HCT116和SW480细胞增殖、阻滞细胞周期并诱导细胞凋亡,其机可能与调节p21、CyclinD1和Bcl-2家族基因的表达、促进组蛋白乙酰化有关.     

Exogenous morphine inhibits human gastric cancer MGC- 803 cell growth by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction

Morphine is not only an analgesic treating pain for patients with cancer but also a potential anticancer drug inhibiting tumor growth and proliferation. To gain better insight into the involvement of morphine in the biological characteristics of gastric cancer, we investigated effects on progression of gastric carcinoma cells and the expression of some apoptosis-related genes including caspase-9, caspase-3, survivin and NF-κB using the MGC-803 human gastric cancer cell line. The viability of cells was assessed by MTT assay, proliferation by colony formation assay, cell cycle progression and apoptosis by flow cytometry and ultrastructural alteration by transmission electron microscopy. The influences of morphine on caspase-9, caspase-3, survivin and NF-κB were evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Our data showed that morphine could significantly inhibit cell growth and proliferation and cause cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. MGC-803 cells which were incubated with morphine also had a higher apoptotic rate than control cells. Morphine also led to morphological changes of gastric cancer cells. The mechanism of morphine inhibiting gastric cancer progression in vitro might be associated with activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and inhibition of survivin and NF-κB.     

金喜素诱导人肝癌HCC7721细胞凋亡及细胞周期阻滞的研究

目的 :研究金喜素诱导人肝癌HCC772 1细胞的凋亡作用。方法 :采用MTT法测定金喜素对人肝癌HCC772 1细胞的杀伤作用 ;通过电镜观察细胞形态变化 ;琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测断裂DNA ;流式细胞仪分析DNA含量及细胞周期。结果 :经0 3 μmol/L金喜素处理 6、12、2 4及 3 6h ,HCC772 1细胞的存活率与对照组相比 ,逐渐降至 ( 83± 16) %、( 69± 10 ) %、( 5 2±13 ) %和 ( 3 0± 11) % ,低于对照组 ,P <0 0 5 ;靶细胞出现细胞固缩、染色质凝聚和边集 ;产生梯状DNA并检测到亚二倍体峰(凋亡峰 ) ;同时 ,G0 /G1期细胞增多 ,S期细胞减少。结论 :金喜素可抑制人肝癌HCC772 1细胞增殖 ,使细胞阻滞在G0 /G1期 ,进一步诱导细胞凋亡。     

Clusterin overexpression in both malignant and nonmalignant prostate epithelial cells induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

Expression of the castration-induced clusterin protein is incompatible with the survival of human prostate cancer cells in tissues and in cell culture. To investigate the fate of human prostate epithelial cells, when engineered to maintain expression of clusterin protein, we have used an IRES-hyg vector and hygromycin selection. PC-3 prostate tumour cells were substantially more sensitive to clusterin expression than nonmalignant PNT1a cells, showing multiple phenotypic changes including cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis. The results strengthen the hypothesis that clusterin expression is proapoptotic. Expression of exogenous clusterin in both cell types resulted in its relocation from the cytoplasm and a nuclear accumulation of the protein, as was also seen in the same cells when apoptosis was induced by etoposide treatment. To survive clusterin expression, the PC-3 tumour cells developed apoptosis-inhibitory properties. This could have significance for the resistance of prostate cancers to chemo/radiotherapy, where clusterin overexpression is observed.     

Digalloylresveratrol, a new phenolic acid derivative induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human HT-29 colon cancer cells

Digalloylresveratrol (DIG) is a new synthetic ester of the naturally occurring polyhydroxyphenolic substances gallic acid and resveratrol which both exert anti-cancer activity in a number of tumor cell lines. The aim of the study was to identify the biochemical effects of DIG in HT-29 human colon cancer cells. DIG induced dose-dependently apoptosis after treatment for 72 h (40 microM DIG caused apoptosis in 45% of cells). DIG led to a substantial imbalance of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs), the products of the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RR) and directly inhibited RR as it significantly reduced the incorporation of (14)C-labeled cytidine into the DNA of tumor cells. Furthermore, DIG affected the cell division and inhibited the transition from S to G2/M phase of the cell cycle. In contrast to resveratrol or gallic acid, DIG did not inhibit cyclooxygenases I and II. When HT-29 cells were simultaneously treated with DIG and 5-FU, the standard chemotherapeutic substance for colon cancer, additive growth inhibitory effects could be observed. With respect to the various biochemical and anti-proliferative effects of DIG in HT-29 cells, we regard DIG as a potential candidate for future treatment options of colon cancer and conclude that further preclinical and in vivo studies are warranted.     

Benzylidenetetralones,cyclic chalcone analogues,induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, with 1.2 million new cancer cases annually. Chalcones are secondary metabolite precursors of flavonoids that exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant and antitumor activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiproliferative effect of new synthetic chalcone derivatives on HCT116 cells. (E)-2-(2′,4′-dimethoxybenzylidene)-1-tetralone (Q705) was found to be the most active (IC₅₀?=?3.44?±?0.25 μM). Based on these results, this compound was chosen for further analysis of its biochemical and molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that Q705 inhibited the growth and clonogenicity of HCT116 cells. The results of a flow cytometric analyses suggested that this compound caused a significant cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and increased the proportion of cells in the subG0/G1 phase, marker of apoptosis. Q705-induced apoptosis was confirmed by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Treatment of HCT116 cells with this chalcone significantly increased the caspase-3,-7 activity and resulted in cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Changes in the nuclear morphology such as chromatin condensation were also observed. These effects were associated with a decreased expression of bcl-x_L and increased overall ratio of bax/bcl-x_L mRNA levels. Immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR analysis revealed that Q705 induced H2AX histone modifications characteristic of DNA damage, disruption of microtubule organization and downregulation of tubulins. In summary, these results suggest that the cyclic chalcone analogue Q705 has potential as a new compound for colorectal cancer therapy.     

EHMT1 knockdown induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in lung cancer cells by increasing CDKN1A expression

Dozens of histone methyltransferases have been identified and biochemically characterized, but the pathological roles of their dysfunction in human diseases such as cancer remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate the involvement of EHMT1, a histone lysine methyltransferase, in lung cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the expression levels of EHMT1 are significantly elevated in human lung carcinomas compared with non‐neoplastic lung tissues. Through gene ontology analysis of RNA‐seq results, we showed that EHMT1 is clearly associated with apoptosis and the cell cycle process. Moreover, FACS analysis and cell growth assays showed that knockdown of EHMT1 induced apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest via upregulation of CDKN1A in A549 and H1299 cell lines. Finally, in 3D spheroid culture, compared to control cells, EHMT1 knockdown cells exhibited reduced aggregation of 3D spheroids and clear upregulation of CDKN1A and downregulation of E‐cadherin. Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that EHMT1 plays a critical role in the regulation of cancer cell apoptosis and the cell cycle by modulating CDKN1A expression. Further functional analyses of EHMT1 in the context of human tumorigenesis may aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer.     

Specific ligands of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human colorectal cancer cells.

The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) has been implicated in growth control of various tumour models. Although colorectal cancers were found to overexpress PBR, the functional role of PBR in colorectal cancer growth has not been addressed to date. Using primary cell cultures of human colorectal cancers and the human colorectal carcinoma cell lines HT29, LS174T, and Colo320 DM we studied the involvement of PBR in the growth control and apoptosis of colorectal cancers. Both mRNA and protein expression of PBR were detected by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy and immunohistochemistry the PBR was localized in the mitochondria. The specific PBR ligands FGIN-1-27, PK 11195, or Ro5-4864 inhibited cell proliferation dose-dependently. FGIN-1-27 decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, which indicates an early event in apoptosis. Furthermore, FGIN-1-27, PK 11195 or Ro5-4864 increased caspase-3 activity. In addition to their apoptosis-inducing effects, PBR ligands induced cell cycle arrest in the G(1)/G(0)-phase. Thus, our data demonstrate a functional involvement of PBR in colorectal cancer growth and qualify the PBR as a possible target for innovative therapeutic approaches in colorectal cancer.     

Specific ligands of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human esophageal cancer cells

Esophageal cancer is the most markedly increasing tumor entity in Western countries. Due to very poor 5-year-survival, new therapeutic approaches are mandatory. Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBR) have been implicated in growth control of various tumor models, but they have not been studied yet in esophageal cancer. We used esophageal cancer cell lines and primary cell cultures of human esophageal cancers and evaluated (i) expression and localization of PBR; (ii) PBR-ligand-induced inhibition of cell growth; (iii) induction of apoptosis; and (iv) alterations in cell cycle. Expression of PBR was detected both in cell lines and in primary cell cultures of human esophageal cancers. PBR was localized in the mitochondria. The PBR-specific ligands FGIN-1-27 and PK 11195, but not the centrally acting benzodiazepine clonazepam or the indolacetamide FGIN-1-52, neither of which displaying any affinity to the PBR, inhibited cell proliferation. FGIN-1-27 and PK 11195, but not clonazepam, potently induced apoptosis. FGIN-1-27 was shown to sequentially decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential, then to activate caspase-3 and finally to cause DNA fragmentation. In addition, PBR-specific ligands induced cell cycle arrest in the G1/G0 phase. Our data qualify PBR-specific ligands as innovative proapoptotic and antiproliferative substances. They might prove suitable for the treatment of esophageal cancer.     

Radiotherapy induces cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via the ATM and Smad pathways

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant neoplasm of the head and neck which is harmful to human's health. Radiotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of NPC and it induces immediate cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. However, the mechanism remains unknown. Evidences suggested the activation of Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) pathway and Smad pathway are 2 of the important crucial mediators in the function of radiotherapy. In this study, we performed in vitro assays with human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2 cells and in vivo assays with nude mice to investigate the role of the ATM and Smad pathways in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with radiotherapy. The results suggested that radiation induced activation of ATM pathway by inducing expression of p-ATM, p-CHK1, p-CHK2, p15 and inhibiting expression of p-Smad3. In addition, Caspase3 expression was increased while CDC25A was decreased, leading to cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. On the other hand, activation of Smad3 can inhibited the ATM pathway and attenuated the efficacy of radiation. In summary, we suggest that both ATM and Smad pathways contribute to the cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis during nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells treated with radiation.