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Published on: June 13, 2020
Fucoidan present in brown algae induces apoptosis of human colon cancer cells
Eun Ji Kim1, So Young Park, Jae-Yong Lee
1Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 200-702, Korea.
Background:
Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide found in brown algae; it has been shown to exhibit a number of biological effects, including anti-tumor effects. In this study, we evaluated the effects of fucoidan on apoptosis in HT-29 and HCT116 human colon cancer cells.
Methods:
HT-29 and HCT116 cells were cultured with various concentrations of fucoidan (0 - 20 microg/mL). Apoptosis was assayed via Hoechst staining and Annexin V staining followed by flow cytometric analysis. Western blot analyses and JC-1 staining were conducted to determine the levels of apoptosis-regulating proteins and mitochondrial membrane permeability, respectively.
Results:
Fucoidan induced substantial reductions in viable cell numbers and apoptosis of HT-29 and HCT116 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In HT-29 cells, fucoidan also increased the levels of cleaved caspases-8, -9, -7, and -3, and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) levels. The levels of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein and survivin were attenuated in the fucoidan-treated cells. Fucoidan was also shown to enhance mitochondrial membrane permeability, as well as the cytochrome c and Smac/Diablo release from the mitochondria. Fucoidan increased the levels of the Bak and truncated Bid proteins, but reduced the levels of Mcl-1. Additionally, fucoidan increased the levels of the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, Fas and death receptor 5 proteins. The caspase-8 and -9 inhibitors Z-IETD-FMK and Z-LEHD-FMK induced a reduction in fucoidan-mediated apoptosis. Caspase-8 inhibitor inhibited the fucoidan-induced cleavage of Bid, caspases-9 and -3, and PARP.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study indicate that fucoidan induces apoptosis in HT-29 and HCT116 human colon cancer cells, and that this phenomenon is mediated via both the death receptor-mediated and mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways. These results suggest that fucoidan may prove useful in the development of a colon cancer-preventive protocol.
Insights
Fucoidan, a compound from brown algae, effectively triggers apoptosis in human colon cancer cells. This natural compound activates both death receptor and mitochondrial pathways, suggesting potential for colon cancer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biotechnology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Pharmacology
Background:
- Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae, exhibits known anti-tumor properties.
- This study investigates fucoidan's impact on apoptosis in human colon cancer cell lines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of fucoidan on apoptosis induction in HT-29 and HCT116 human colon cancer cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying fucoidan-mediated apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Cell culture of HT-29 and HCT116 cells with varying fucoidan concentrations.
- Apoptosis assays using Hoechst and Annexin V staining with flow cytometry.
- Western blot analysis for apoptosis-related proteins and JC-1 staining for mitochondrial membrane potential.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan dose-dependently reduced viable cell numbers and induced apoptosis in both cell lines.
- Fucoidan modulated key proteins in apoptosis pathways, including caspases, PARP, and Bcl-2 family members.
- Mitochondrial membrane permeability and release of cytochrome c were enhanced by fucoidan.
Conclusions:
- Fucoidan induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells via both death receptor and mitochondrial pathways.
- These findings support fucoidan's potential as a component in colon cancer prevention strategies.
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