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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Published on: September 18, 2013
Gene expression profile of primary prostate epithelial and stromal cells in response to sulforaphane or iberin
Karen F Chambers1, James R Bacon, E Katherine Kemsley
1Natural Products and Health Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK.
Background:
Broccoli consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) derived from glucosinolates that accumulate in broccoli are dietary compounds that may mediate these health effects. Sulforaphane (SF, 4-methylsulphinylbutyl ITC) derives from heading broccoli (calabrese) and iberin (IB, 3-methylsulphinypropyl ITC) from sprouting broccoli. While there are many studies regarding the biological activity of SF, mainly undertaken with cancerous cells, there are few studies associated with IB.
Methods:
Primary epithelial and stromal cells were derived from benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue. Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 whole genome arrays were used to compare global gene expression between these cells, and to quantify changes in gene expression following exposure to physiologically appropriate concentrations of SF and IB. Ontology and pathway analyses were used to interpret results. Changes in expression of a subset of genes were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR.
Results:
Global gene expression profiling identified epithelial and stromal-specific gene expression profiles. SF induced more changes in epithelial cells, whereas IB was more effective in stromal cells. Although IB and SF induced different changes in gene expression in both epithelial and stromal cells, these were associated with similar pathways, such as cell cycle and detoxification. Both ITCs increased expression of PLAGL1, a tumor suppressor gene, in stromal cells and suppressed expression of the putative tumor promoting genes IFITM1, CSPG2, and VIM in epithelial cells.
Conclusion:
These data suggest that IB and SF both alter genes associated with cancer prevention, and IB should be investigated further as a potential chemopreventative agent. Prostate 69: 1411-1421, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Insights
Iberin (IB) and sulforaphane (SF), broccoli-derived compounds, alter cancer-preventive genes in prostate cells. IB shows promise as a chemopreventative agent, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nutraceuticals
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Broccoli consumption is linked to reduced prostate cancer risk.
- Isothiocyanates (ITCs), such as sulforaphane (SF) and iberin (IB), are key broccoli compounds.
- Limited research exists on the biological activity of IB compared to SF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of SF and IB on gene expression in prostate cells.
- To investigate the potential chemopreventive properties of IB.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling of epithelial and stromal cells from benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue.
- Analysis of gene expression changes after exposure to SF and IB.
- Confirmation of gene expression changes using real-time RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- SF primarily affected epithelial cells, while IB predominantly impacted stromal cells.
- Both SF and IB modulated genes in cell cycle and detoxification pathways.
- IB and SF increased tumor suppressor gene PLAGL1 and decreased tumor-promoting genes (IFITM1, CSPG2, VIM).
Conclusions:
- IB and SF modify genes involved in cancer prevention.
- IB demonstrates potential as a chemopreventive agent and merits further study.
