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Molecular mechanism of the chemopreventive effect of resveratrol
1The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA. zgdong@hi.umn.edu
Abstract:
Chemoprevention is a promising approach to control human cancer. Resveratrol has been shown to have a potent chemopreventive effect in multiple carcinogenesis models. However, the precise mechanism explaining its anti-carcinogenic effect is not clear. This review summarizes recent studies from our laboratory on the mechanisms of resveratrol's effects. In JB6 cells, resveratrol was found to induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor promoter-induced cell transformation. We also found that resveratrol-induced activation of p53 and resveratrol-induced apoptosis occurred through a p53-dependent pathway. The MAP kinases, ERKs, JNKs, or p38 kinases, are involved in resveratrol-induced activation of p53 and apoptosis.
Insights
Resveratrol, a compound found in grapes, shows promise in cancer prevention by triggering cell death and inhibiting tumor growth. Its anti-cancer effects are mediated through a p53-dependent pathway involving specific stress-activated protein kinases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chemoprevention offers a potential strategy for human cancer control.
- Resveratrol exhibits significant chemopreventive effects across various carcinogenesis models.
- The exact mechanisms underlying resveratrol's anti-carcinogenic properties require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent laboratory findings on the mechanisms of resveratrol's chemopreventive effects.
- To investigate resveratrol's impact on JB6 cells, focusing on apoptosis and cell transformation.
- To explore the role of p53 and MAP kinases in resveratrol-mediated anti-cancer activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized JB6 cell lines to study resveratrol's effects.
- Assessed resveratrol's ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor promoter-induced cell transformation.
- Investigated the involvement of p53 and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (ERKs, JNKs, p38) in resveratrol's mechanism of action.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol induced apoptosis in JB6 cells.
- Resveratrol inhibited tumor promoter-induced cell transformation in JB6 cells.
- Resveratrol-induced apoptosis and p53 activation were dependent on a p53 pathway, involving MAP kinases.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol demonstrates chemopreventive potential through mechanisms involving apoptosis induction and inhibition of cell transformation.
- The anti-cancer effects of resveratrol are linked to the activation of the p53 pathway.
- Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play a role in resveratrol-induced p53 activation and subsequent apoptosis.
