[Grape seed extract inhibit proliferation of breast cancer cell MCF-7 and decrease the gene expression of survivin]

Changjie Chen1, Chenbiao Liu, Ju Zhang

  • 1Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China. bbmcccj@sohu.com

Abstract

Insights

Grape seed extract (GSE) effectively inhibits breast cancer cell (MCF-7) proliferation by arresting the cell cycle. GSE also down-regulates survivin gene expression, offering a potential therapeutic mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
  • Identifying novel therapeutic agents with minimal side effects is crucial.
  • Grape seed extract (GSE) is a natural compound with reported antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the anti-proliferative effects of GSE on MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
  • To investigate the impact of GSE on survivin gene expression.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of GSE's inhibitory action.

Main Methods:

  • Cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assays.
  • Cell cycle analysis was performed via flow cytometry.
  • Survivin mRNA expression was quantified using RT-PCR.
  • Core promoter activity of survivin was measured using a luciferase reporter assay.
  • Bioinformatics tools were employed to analyze transcription factor binding sites.

Main Results:

  • GSE demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of MCF-7 cell proliferation.
  • GSE treatment led to cell cycle arrest in the S phase.
  • A significant down-regulation of survivin mRNA expression was observed.
  • GSE significantly reduced the activity of the survivin core promoter.

Conclusions:

  • GSE inhibits MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation by inducing S-phase cell cycle arrest.
  • The mechanism involves the regulation of transcription factors associated with survivin core promoter activity.
  • GSE's ability to decrease survivin gene expression presents a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.

Related Concept Videos

The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Negative Regulator Molecules01:23

Negative Regulator Molecules

Positive regulators allow a cell to advance through cell cycle checkpoints. Negative regulators have an equally important role as they terminate a cell’s progression through the cell cycle—or pause it—until the cell meets specific criteria.
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...