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Updated: Oct 2, 2026
A Three-dimensional Model of Spheroids to Study Colon Cancer Stem Cells
Published on: January 22, 2021
Expression profile analysis of colon cancer cells in response to sulindac or aspirin
Masayoshi Iizaka1, Yoichi Furukawa, Tatsuhiko Tsunoda
1Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a preventive effect against colorectal cancer. Although inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 plays a crucial role in the suppression of tumors, precise mechanisms of their action remain to be disclosed. To identify genes involved in the growth-suppressive effect of NSAIDs, we utilized cDNA microarray containing 23,040 genes and analyzed time-dependent alteration of gene expression in response to sulindac or aspirin in NSAIDs-sensitive SW480 and SW948 colon-cancer cells as well as in relatively resistant SNU-C4 cells. Consequently we identified 112 genes with commonly altered expression by sulindac and 176 with commonly altered expression by aspirin in the three lines. Addition of sulindac and that of aspirin altered expression levels of 130 and 140 genes, respectively, in SW480 and SW948 cells but not in SNU-C4 cells. These data may lead to a better understanding of growth-suppressive effects on colonic epithelium, and may provide clues for identifying novel therapeutic and/or preventive molecular targets of colon cancer.
Insights
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) show promise in preventing colorectal cancer. This study identified specific genes altered by NSAIDs, offering potential new targets for colon cancer therapy and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exhibit preventive effects against colorectal cancer.
- Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition is a key mechanism in NSAID-mediated tumor suppression, but detailed pathways remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes influenced by NSAIDs, contributing to their growth-suppressive effects on colon cancer cells.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying NSAID action in colorectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a cDNA microarray with 23,040 genes to analyze time-dependent gene expression changes.
- Investigated the effects of sulindac and aspirin on NSAID-sensitive (SW480, SW948) and resistant (SNU-C4) colon cancer cell lines.
Main Results:
- Identified 112 genes commonly altered by sulindac and 176 by aspirin across all three cell lines.
- Observed significant alterations in 130 genes with sulindac and 140 with aspirin specifically in sensitive SW480 and SW948 cells, but not in SNU-C4 cells.
Conclusions:
- The identified gene expression alterations provide insights into the growth-suppressive mechanisms of NSAIDs in colonic epithelium.
- These findings may help identify novel molecular targets for the therapeutic and preventive strategies against colon cancer.
