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Published on: January 4, 2012

Apigenin induces apoptosis and impairs head and neck carcinomas EGFR/ErbB2 signaling

Laura Masuelli1, Laura Marzocchella, Alessandro Quaranta

  • 1Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome, Sapienza, Rome, Italy.

Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Edition)
|January 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Apigenin, a plant flavonoid, effectively inhibits head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) growth and survival. It targets EGFR/ErbB2 signaling pathways, showing potential for HNSCC chemoprevention and therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) develop through a multistep process.
  • Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) family members, including EGFR and ErbB2, are critical in HNSCC development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of apigenin on HNSCC cell growth, survival, and EGFR/ErbB2 signaling.
  • To evaluate apigenin's potential in HNSCC chemoprevention and therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized sulforhodamine B assay, FACS analysis, and immunofluorescence for apoptosis detection.
  • Performed Western blotting to analyze EGFR, ErbB2, Erk1/2, and Akt phosphorylation.
  • Tested apigenin on tongue (CAL-27, SCC-15) and pharynx (FaDu) HNSCC cell lines.

Main Results:

  • Apigenin demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of HNSCC cell survival and induction of apoptosis.
  • Apigenin reduced ligand-induced phosphorylation of EGFR and ErbB2.
  • Impaired downstream signaling pathways, including Erk1/2 and Akt, were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Apigenin exhibits significant anti-cancer properties against HNSCC cells.
  • Apigenin's ability to modulate EGFR/ErbB2 signaling suggests its therapeutic potential.
  • Further research into apigenin for HNSCC chemoprevention and treatment is warranted.

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