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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
A Mouse Model to Investigate the Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Growth
Published on: December 22, 2020
Fascaplysin exert anti-tumor effects through apoptotic and anti-angiogenesis pathways in sarcoma mice model
Xiaojun Yan1, Haimin Chen, Xiaoling Lu
1Ningbo University, Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China. xiaojunyan@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Previous studies indicated that fascaplysin derived from marine sponge can induce tumor cell death by apoptosis and possesses anti-angiogenesis activity. In order to verify these two effects in animal model and to identify action mechanisms, we established a sarcoma mice model, and treated mice with fascaplysin for 10 days. The tumor tissues were examined morphologically and immunohistochemically. The differential gene expression was also investigated by mRNA array. Fascaplysin treatment resulted in a significant suppression of tumor growth. Typical apoptotic phenomena were observed by transmission electron microscope and histological detection. Tissue sections were stained with monoclonal antibody directed to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and CD31. The decreased PCNA and CD31 antigen staining indicate the reduction of tumor cell proliferation and tumor vasculature property of fascaplysin in vivo. Microarrays were used to examine the gene expression profiles of tumors on CapitalBio mouse genome oligo array. The regulated genes analyzed from the expression level showed overlapping gene ontology (GO) categories and pathway mapping. Our findings indicate that cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and cell adhesion all play important roles in the onset of fascaplysin. Detailed analysis by real time PCR of key genes confirmed the experimental results of microarrays. From these findings, it can be considered that fascaplysin can inhibit the growth of S180 cell implanted tumor, and the action mechanisms may involve in apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, or cell cycle arrest.
Insights
Fascaplysin, a marine sponge compound, effectively suppressed sarcoma tumor growth in mice by inducing apoptosis and reducing angiogenesis. These findings highlight its potential as an anti-cancer therapeutic agent.
Area of Science:
- Marine natural products
- Cancer research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fascaplysin, derived from marine sponges, has shown potential anti-cancer properties, including apoptosis induction and anti-angiogenesis.
- Previous studies suggested these effects, but in vivo validation and mechanism elucidation were lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To verify the anti-tumor effects of fascaplysin in an animal model.
- To identify the underlying mechanisms of fascaplysin's action in vivo.
- To investigate fascaplysin's impact on tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a sarcoma mouse model treated with fascaplysin.
- Morphological and immunohistochemical examination of tumor tissues.
- Analysis of differential gene expression using mRNA arrays and real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- Fascaplysin treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth in mice.
- Apoptotic phenomena were confirmed via electron microscopy and histology.
- Reduced expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and CD31 indicated decreased cell proliferation and tumor vasculature.
Conclusions:
- Fascaplysin demonstrates significant in vivo anti-tumor activity against S180 cell-implanted tumors.
- Mechanisms involve apoptosis induction, anti-angiogenesis, and cell cycle arrest.
- Fascaplysin holds promise as a therapeutic agent for sarcoma treatment.
