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Published on: October 4, 2019
Expression profile of genes modulated by Aloe emodin in human U87 glioblastoma cells
Khalilah Haris1, Samhani Ismail, Zamzuri Idris
1Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Abstract:
Glioblastoma, the most aggressive and malignant form of glioma, appears to be resistant to various chemotherapeutic agents. Hence, approaches have been intensively investigated to targeti specific molecular pathways involved in glioblastoma development and progression. Aloe emodin is believed to modulate the expression of several genes in cancer cells. We aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Aloe emodin on gene expression profiles in the human U87 glioblastoma cell line utilizing microarray technology. The gene expression analysis revealed that a total of 8,226 gene alterations out of 28,869 genes were detected after treatment with 58.6 μg/ml for 24 hours. Out of this total, 34 genes demonstrated statistically significant change (p<0.05) ranging from 1.07 to 1.87 fold. The results revealed that 22 genes were up-regulated and 12 genes were down-regulated in response to Aloe emodin treatment. These genes were then grouped into several clusters based on their biological functions, revealing induction of expression of genes involved in apoptosis (programmed cell death) and tissue remodelling in U87 cells (p<0.01). Several genes with significant changes of the expression level e.g. SHARPIN, BCAP31, FIS1, RAC1 and TGM2 from the apoptotic cluster were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). These results could serve as guidance for further studies in order to discover molecular targets for the cancer therapy based on Aloe emodin treatment.
Insights
Aloe emodin alters gene expression in glioblastoma cells, impacting apoptosis and tissue remodeling pathways. This natural compound shows potential for developing new glioblastoma cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glioblastoma is a highly malignant brain tumor resistant to conventional chemotherapy.
- Targeting specific molecular pathways is crucial for effective glioblastoma treatment.
- Aloe emodin is a natural compound with potential anti-cancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of Aloe emodin's therapeutic effect on gene expression in U87 glioblastoma cells.
- To identify specific genes and pathways modulated by Aloe emodin treatment.
- To explore Aloe emodin as a potential agent for glioblastoma therapy.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling using microarray technology on U87 glioblastoma cells treated with Aloe emodin (58.6 μg/ml for 24 hours).
- Statistical analysis to identify significantly altered genes (p<0.05).
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to validate expression changes of selected genes.
Main Results:
- Treatment with Aloe emodin resulted in significant alterations in 34 out of 28,869 genes analyzed.
- 22 genes were upregulated, and 12 genes were downregulated, with fold changes ranging from 1.07 to 1.87.
- Gene expression analysis revealed significant induction of genes involved in apoptosis and tissue remodeling (p<0.01).
- Validation of key apoptosis-related genes (SHARPIN, BCAP31, FIS1, RAC1, TGM2) using qRT-PCR.
Conclusions:
- Aloe emodin significantly modulates gene expression in human glioblastoma cells.
- The observed effects include the induction of apoptosis and tissue remodeling pathways.
- These findings suggest Aloe emodin's potential as a basis for novel glioblastoma therapeutic strategies and warrant further investigation into its molecular targets.
