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Psyllium extracts decreased neoplastic phenotypes induced by the Ha-Ras oncogene transfected into a rat liver oval
Yasushi Nakamura1, James E Trosko, Chia-Cheng Chang
1Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, National Food Safety and Toxicology Bldg Center, Michigan State University, 243 Food Safety and Toxicology, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Abstract:
Inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) by tumor promoters and oncogenes has been implicated in the removal of initiated cells from the suppression of growth by neighboring cells in the tumor promoting step of carcinogenesis. The GJIC of WB-Ha-ras cell line is GJIC-deficient and they are capable of anchorage independent growth (AIG). The ethanol extract of psyllium increased GJIC 1.65-times and decreased AIG in both number and size of colonies in WB-Ha-ras cells. Histochemical staining of the gap junction protein, connexin43, showed that psyllium restored gap junction plaques on the plasma membrane of the WB-Ha-ras cells. In conclusion, the ethanol extract of psyllium reversed two tumor cell phenotypes, namely reduced GJIC and AIG, induced by the Ha-ras oncogene.
Insights
Psyllium extract enhanced gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and reduced anchorage-independent growth (AIG) in cancer cells. This suggests psyllium may reverse tumor-promoting effects of the Ha-ras oncogene.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Carcinogenesis Research
Background:
- Tumor promoters and oncogenes can inhibit gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), facilitating tumor progression by removing growth suppression from neighboring cells.
- The WB-Ha-ras cell line exhibits deficient GJIC and anchorage-independent growth (AIG), key phenotypes associated with cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of psyllium ethanol extract on GJIC and AIG in the WB-Ha-ras cell line.
- To determine if psyllium can reverse oncogene-induced tumor cell phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of WB-Ha-ras cells with psyllium ethanol extract.
- Quantification of GJIC using established assays.
- Assessment of AIG by measuring colony number and size.
- Histochemical staining for connexin43 to visualize gap junction protein expression.
Main Results:
- Psyllium extract significantly increased GJIC by 1.65-fold in WB-Ha-ras cells.
- Psyllium extract reduced both the number and size of colonies formed during anchorage-independent growth.
- Histochemical analysis revealed that psyllium restored gap junction plaques (connexin43) on the plasma membrane.
Conclusions:
- The ethanol extract of psyllium effectively reversed the GJIC deficiency and AIG phenotypes induced by the Ha-ras oncogene in WB-Ha-ras cells.
- Psyllium demonstrates potential as an agent to counteract key cellular changes associated with tumor promotion and cancer progression.
