Effects of indomethacin on expression of PTEN tumour suppressor in human cancers
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Updated: May 10, 2026
An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Published on: September 18, 2013
Imran Haruna Abdulkareem1, Maria Blair
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics Surgery, Leeds University Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
Background:
Previous studies reported that Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), chemicals, and food supplements can be used to up-regulate the PTEN mRNA and protein expression, suggesting that these substances may be used in prevention and/or treatment of various human cancers like spinal, brain, colon, breast, prostate, bladder and endometrial cancers.
Aim:
This was to study expression and sub-cellular localisation of PTEN protein, and review the effect(s) of indomethacin on PTEN's expression in cultured Human Endometrial Cancer (HEC 1B) cell line, which is known to express significant amounts of the wild-type PTEN.
Materials And Methods:
This involves culture and incubation of artificial HEC 1B cells. All procedures were undertaken in the cell culture hood under the recommended sterile conditions. The cells were then incubated with different concentrations of indomethacin solution, for variable durations and finally fixed (with paraformaldehyde) and stained with fluorescein-labelled diluted secondary antibody (FITC). Immunocytochemistry (IHC) and fluorescent microscopy were then employed for the detection and localisation of the specific antigen (PTEN), using antibodies.
Results:
The HEC 1B cells, which were cultured and incubated with different concentrations of indomethacin solution, expressed the PTEN protein, most of which was localised to the nucleus with minimal cytoplasmic expression. Increased PTEN expression was observed following treatment of the cells with various concentrations of the solution for variable durations, although there was cell death at higher concentrations and longer duration. This procedure was repeated several times, in order to have consistency and to validate the results.
Conclusion:
This study agrees with previous studies in similar human cell lines and supports the idea that NSAIDs and other drugs may be used in the future for prevention of human cancers. However, more studies need to be carried out to substantiate these observations.
Insights
Indomethacin, a Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), increases PTEN protein expression in human endometrial cancer cells. This suggests potential for NSAIDs in cancer prevention, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Previous studies indicate Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can up-regulate PTEN expression.
- PTEN up-regulation suggests potential for cancer prevention and treatment across various cancer types.
- PTEN plays a crucial role in tumor suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate PTEN protein expression and sub-cellular localization.
- To determine the effect of indomethacin on PTEN expression in Human Endometrial Cancer (HEC 1B) cells.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of NSAIDs in endometrial cancer.
Main Methods:
- Human Endometrial Cancer (HEC 1B) cells were cultured and incubated with varying concentrations and durations of indomethacin.
- Immunocytochemistry (IHC) and fluorescent microscopy were used to detect and localize PTEN protein.
- Cells were fixed with paraformaldehyde and stained with fluorescein-labeled secondary antibodies (FITC).
Main Results:
- Indomethacin treatment led to increased PTEN protein expression in HEC 1B cells.
- PTEN was predominantly localized in the nucleus with minimal cytoplasmic expression.
- Higher concentrations and longer durations of indomethacin resulted in increased cell death.
Conclusions:
- The findings support previous research on NSAIDs and PTEN expression.
- NSAIDs like indomethacin show potential for future cancer prevention strategies.
- Further studies are required to validate these findings and explore clinical applications.
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