Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
Differential Expression of Gene Profiles in MRGX-treated Lung Cancer
Yong-Kyun Kwon1, Seung-Yeul Lee2, Hwan-Soo Kang3
1East-West Cancer Center, Daejeon University College of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
Objectives:
Modified regular ginseng extract (MRGX) has stronger anti-cancer activity-possessing gensenoside profiles.
Methods:
To investigate changes in gene expression in the MRGX-treated lung cancer cells (A549), we examined genomic data with cDNA microarray results. After completing the gene-ontology-based analysis, we grouped the genes into up-and down-regulated profiles and into ontology-related regulated genes and proteins through their interaction network.
Results:
One hundred nine proteins that were up- and down-regulated by MRGX were queried by using IPA. IL8, MMP7 and PLAUR and were found to play a major role in the anti-cancer activity in MRGX-treated lung cancer cells. These results were validated using a Western blot analysis and a semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis.
Conclusions:
Most MRGX-responsive genes are up-regulated transiently in A549 cells, but down-regulated in a sustained manner in lung cancer cells.
Insights
Modified regular ginseng extract (MRGX) shows potent anti-cancer effects by altering gene expression in lung cancer cells. Key proteins like IL8, MMP7, and PLAUR are identified as crucial for this activity, with transient up-regulation and sustained down-regulation observed.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Genomics
Background:
- Modified regular ginseng extract (MRGX) exhibits enhanced anti-cancer properties due to its unique gensenoside profile.
- Lung cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer activity of MRGX in A549 lung cancer cells.
- To identify key genes and proteins modulated by MRGX treatment.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling using cDNA microarray analysis in MRGX-treated A549 cells.
- Bioinformatic analysis including gene ontology and protein-protein interaction networks.
- Validation of key protein expression using Western blot and RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- MRGX treatment resulted in the differential regulation of 109 proteins.
- Interleukin-8 (IL8), Matrix Metallopeptidase 7 (MMP7), and Plasminogen Activator, Urokinase Receptor (PLAUR) were identified as major players in MRGX's anti-cancer effect.
- Validation confirmed the role of these proteins in MRGX-treated lung cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- MRGX induces transient up-regulation of most responsive genes in A549 cells.
- Sustained down-regulation of specific genes was observed in lung cancer cells.
- These findings highlight the complex gene expression modulation by MRGX, contributing to its anti-cancer potential.
