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Resveratrol inhibits the epidermal growth factor-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition in MCF-7 cells

Daniele Vergara1, Concetta Maria Valente, Andrea Tinelli

  • 1Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, via Monteroni 73100, Lecce, Italy.

Cancer Letters
|July 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Resveratrol inhibits epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in MCF-7 cells. This natural compound blocks EGF’s effects on cell morphology, motility, and key EMT markers by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Carcinoma progression involves the loss of epithelial characteristics and the gain of a mesenchymal phenotype, a process known as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
  • Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a known inducer of EMT in various cancer cells.
  • Resveratrol, a natural stilbene, exhibits potential antitumor properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of EGF on inducing EMT in MCF-7 cells.
  • To determine whether resveratrol can inhibit EGF-induced EMT.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathway involved in EGF-induced EMT and resveratrol's inhibitory mechanism.

Main Methods:

  • MCF-7 cells were treated with EGF alone or in combination with resveratrol.
  • Morphological changes, cell motility, and expression of EMT markers (Slug, Zeb1, Zeb2, Vimentin, N-cadherin) were assessed.
  • Specific chemical inhibitors were used to identify the involvement of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) pathway.

Main Results:

  • EGF treatment induced morphological changes, increased motility, and upregulated EMT markers in MCF-7 cells.
  • Combined treatment with EGF and resveratrol did not alter EGF-induced EMT.
  • EGF-induced EMT was mediated by the ERK 1/2 signaling pathway.
  • Resveratrol effectively repressed EGF-induced ERK activation.

Conclusions:

  • EGF induces EMT in MCF-7 cells via the ERK 1/2 signaling pathway.
  • Resveratrol inhibits EGF-induced EMT by repressing ERK 1/2 activation.
  • These findings highlight resveratrol's potential as an inhibitor of cancer cell transformation and progression.

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