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Published on: October 11, 2022
Anti-tumorigenic components of a sea weed, Eeteromorpha clathrata
Hanjun Tang1, Mamiko Inoue, Yuki Uzawa
1Department of Applied Life Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kinki University, Nara 631-0052, Japan. t-hanjun@nara.kindai.ac.jp
Abstract:
Anti-tumorigenic action of compounds in some seaweed was evaluated by using selective cytotoxicity against a transformed mouse 3T3 cell (SV-T2) and its normal counter part. The extracts of seaweeds (Wakame, Konbu, Mirin, Aosa, and Sujiaonori) were added to the cells in 96 well microplate. The viability of the cell was measured at 24 hr after sample addition. Of the five weeds, the ethanol extracts from Sujiaonori exhibited the selective cytotoxicity. The ethanol extracts from Sujiaonori was applied to gel permeation chromatography on Sephadex G-50. The anti-cancer activity was detected in two fractions with high molecular weight near void volume and with small molecular weight. The high molecular weight fractions had absorbance at 280 nm, suggesting that they contained proteineous substances. The small molecular weight fractions were estimated to be around 500 Dalton.
Insights
Seaweed extracts were tested for anti-cancer properties. Ethanol extracts from Sujiaonori seaweed showed selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells, indicating potential anti-tumorigenic compounds.
Area of Science:
- Marine Natural Products Chemistry
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Seaweed compounds are increasingly investigated for medicinal properties.
- Selective cytotoxicity is a key characteristic for anti-cancer drug development.
- Understanding the anti-tumorigenic potential of marine algae is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-tumorigenic action of compounds from various seaweeds.
- To identify seaweed extracts with selective cytotoxicity against transformed cells.
- To characterize the active components responsible for anti-cancer effects.
Main Methods:
- Cultured mouse 3T3 cells (SV-T2 and normal counterpart) were treated with seaweed extracts.
- Cell viability was assessed 24 hours post-treatment using a 96-well microplate assay.
- Active fractions were isolated using gel permeation chromatography (Sephadex G-50).
Main Results:
- Ethanol extracts from Sujiaonori seaweed demonstrated selective cytotoxicity.
- Gel permeation chromatography yielded two fractions with anti-cancer activity: high molecular weight (proteinaceous) and low molecular weight (~500 Dalton).
- High molecular weight fractions showed absorbance at 280 nm, indicating protein content.
Conclusions:
- Sujiaonori seaweed contains compounds with selective anti-cancer activity.
- Both proteinaceous and low-molecular-weight compounds contribute to the anti-tumorigenic effects.
- Further research into these fractions may lead to novel cancer therapeutics.
