Proteome changes in Caco-2 cells treated with Monascus-fermented red mold rice extract

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Monascus-fermented red mold rice is a traditional medicine with known antiproliferative effects on cancer cells.
• Key secondary metabolites include monacolin K, monascorubrin, and ankaflavin.
• The precise cellular mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer activity remain largely unelucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the proteomic changes in Caco-2 cells treated with Monascus-fermented red mold rice extract.
• To identify specific proteins involved in the antiproliferative effects of this traditional medicine.
• To elucidate the cell machinery responsible for the observed anti-cancer activity.

Main Methods:

• Proteomic analysis using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE).
• Protein identification via matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS).
• Quantification and validation using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).

Main Results:

• A total of 20 proteins exhibited significantly altered expression (P < 0.05) in Caco-2 cells upon treatment.
• Identified deregulated proteins include heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), protein kinase C epsilon type, clusterin-associated protein 1, N-chimaerin, and calponin-2.
• Results indicate a significant role for heat shock protein 70-mediated cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• Monascus-fermented red mold rice extract induces significant proteomic alterations in Caco-2 cells.
• Heat shock protein 70 appears to be a critical mediator of cytotoxicity induced by the extract.
• This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of Monascus-fermented red mold rice as an anti-cancer agent.