Diallyl disulfide induces Ca2+ mobilization in human colon cancer cell line SW480

Chung-Yi Chen1, Chien-Fu Huang, Ya-Ting Tseng

  • 1Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Fooyin University, 151 Chinhsueh Rd, Ta-Liao District, Kaohsiung City, 83102, Taiwan.

Archives of Toxicology
|September 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Diallyl disulfide (DADS), a garlic compound, increases intracellular calcium in colorectal cancer cells. This occurs through both calcium influx and release from internal stores, suggesting potential chemopreventive mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is a key organosulfur compound found in garlic, recognized for its potential chemopreventive properties.
  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating research into novel therapeutic and preventive strategies.
  • Understanding the early cellular signaling events triggered by chemopreventive agents is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the early signaling effects of Diallyl disulfide (DADS) on intracellular calcium dynamics in human colorectal cancer cells (SW480).
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which DADS influences intracellular calcium levels, including contributions from extracellular influx and intracellular stores.
  • To explore the potential role of DADS in modulating calcium signaling pathways relevant to cancer chemoprevention.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized human colorectal cancer SW480 cells loaded with the calcium-sensitive dye fura-2 to monitor intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)).
  • Administered varying concentrations of DADS and employed specific inhibitors (nicardipine, thapsigargin, U73122) and conditions (Ca(2+)-free medium) to dissect calcium signaling pathways.
  • Assessed the impact of DADS on calcium influx, intracellular calcium store release, and the involvement of mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stores.

Main Results:

  • DADS induced a rapid and sustained, concentration-dependent increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) in SW480 cells (EC(50) = 232 μM).
  • DADS-stimulated calcium elevation involved both extracellular calcium influx and release from thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular stores, with a 45% reduction observed when extracellular calcium was removed.
  • The DADS-induced calcium rise was independent of mitochondrial uncoupling and protein kinase C activity, but the influx component was sensitive to nicardipine.

Conclusions:

  • Diallyl disulfide (DADS) significantly elevates intracellular calcium in colorectal cancer cells SW480.
  • DADS activates both extracellular calcium influx and thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular calcium release mechanisms.
  • These calcium signaling modulations by DADS may underlie its potential chemopreventive effects in colorectal cancer.

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