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Resveratrol increases BRCA1 and BRCA2 mRNA expression in breast tumour cell lines
P Fustier1, L Le Corre, N Chalabi
1Laboratoire d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre Jean Perrin, 58 Rue Montalembert, BP 392, 63011 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Abstract:
The phytochemical resveratrol, found in grapes, berries and peanuts, has been found to possess cancer chemopreventive effects by inhibiting diverse cellular events associated with tumour initiation, promotion and progression. Resveratrol is also a phyto-oestrogen, binds to and activates oestrogen receptors that regulate the transcription of oestrogen-responsive target genes such as the breast cancer susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. We investigated the effects of resveratrol on BRCA1 and BRCA2 expression in human breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, HBL 100 and MDA-MB 231) using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, and by perfusion chromatography of the proteins. All cell lines were treated with 30 microM resveratrol. The expressions of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mRNAs were increased although no change in the expression of the proteins were found. These data indicate that resveratrol at 30 micro M can increase expression of genes involved in the aggressiveness of human breast tumour cell lines.
Insights
Resveratrol, a compound in grapes, may increase expression of breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 at the mRNA level. This suggests a potential role in breast tumor cell aggressiveness, though protein levels remained unchanged.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Resveratrol, a phytochemical from grapes, berries, and peanuts, exhibits cancer chemopreventive properties.
- Resveratrol acts as a phytoestrogen, interacting with estrogen receptors and influencing estrogen-responsive genes.
- Breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, are critical in DNA repair and tumor suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of resveratrol on BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene expression in human breast cancer cell lines.
- To determine if resveratrol affects the mRNA and protein levels of BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Main Methods:
- Utilized quantitative real-time RT-PCR to measure mRNA expression levels.
- Employed perfusion chromatography to assess protein expression.
- Treated human breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, HBL 100, MDA-MB 231) with 30 microM resveratrol.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol treatment led to increased expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 messenger RNAs (mRNAs).
- No significant changes were observed in the protein expression levels of BRCA1 and BRCA2.
- The study demonstrated resveratrol's effect on gene transcription in aggressive breast cancer cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol at 30 microM can upregulate the expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes at the mRNA level.
- The findings suggest a potential mechanism by which resveratrol influences genes associated with breast tumor aggressiveness.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the downstream effects of altered BRCA1/BRCA2 mRNA levels on breast cancer progression.