Fucoidan induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in MC3 human mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide present in brown algae that has been identified to exhibit multiple biological effects. In this study, the apoptotic effects of fucoidan in MC3 human mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) cells were investigated. The apoptotic effects of fucoidan on MC3 MEC cells were evaluated by cell proliferation assay, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and western blot analysis. The results showed that fucoidan decreased cell proliferation and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in MC3 MEC cells. Fucoidan downregulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, whereas phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase or phospho-c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase (JNK) levels were not altered. In addition, fucoidan significantly decreased the expression levels of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1). These results suggest that fucoidan is able to modulate the ERK1/2 pathway and thereby regulate Mcl-1 protein expression and induce apoptosis in MC3 MEC cells. Therefore, fucoidan may be a promising agent for the treatment of human MEC.