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Updated: Apr 2, 2026
Enrichment for Chemoresistant Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells from Human Cell Lines
Published on: September 10, 2014
Spirulina phycocyanin induces differential protein expression and apoptosis in SKOV-3 cells
Ruowang Pan1, Rongmao Lu2, Ying Zhang3
1118 Hospital of PLA, Wenzhou 325000, China.
Abstract:
The present study was designed to determine the effects of phycocyanin (PC) on Human ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms of action. The inhibitory effects of PC on the cell proliferation were detected by MTT assay. The IC50 values of PC were 182.0μM and 133.6μM for 24h and 48h exposure, respectively. PC induced apoptosis in SKOV-3 cells was observed by electron microscopy and flow cytometry. The apoptosis rate was increased from 1.6% to 19.8% after PC exposure. The fluorescence intensity of ROS and the activities of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9 were increased. Differentiated expression protein spots were selected and identified using proteomic techniques. There were 698±73 and 683±79 protein spots resolved in untreated and PC-treated cells, respectively. Forty five differential protein spots were analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS, including mtSSB, PSME3, and nucleolin. The mRNA expression profiles determined by RT-PCR were consistent with that of the two-dimensional electrophoresis. The decreased proteins such as HSP60, nucleolin, PPase, peroxiredoxin-4 and the increased protein (mtSSB) were identified in SKOV-3 cells after PC treatment, indicating that the effects of PC on tumor cell apoptosis may be relate to multiple target proteins. And the mitochondrial pathway may be the main pathway for PC-induced apoptosis.
Insights
Phycocyanin (PC) inhibits human ovarian cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. This natural compound affects multiple proteins and primarily utilizes the mitochondrial pathway for its anti-cancer effects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer remains a significant health challenge with limited treatment options.
- Phycocyanin (PC), a natural pigment from blue-green algae, shows potential anti-cancer properties.
- Understanding PC's molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing novel therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-cancer effects of phycocyanin (PC) on human ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of PC-induced apoptosis.
- To identify specific protein targets affected by PC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assay.
- Apoptosis was analyzed via electron microscopy and flow cytometry.
- Proteomic techniques (MALDI-TOF-MS, 2D electrophoresis) and RT-PCR were employed to identify protein and mRNA expression changes.
Main Results:
- PC inhibited SKOV-3 cell proliferation with IC50 values of 182.0μM (24h) and 133.6μM (48h).
- PC significantly increased the apoptosis rate from 1.6% to 19.8%, elevated ROS levels, and enhanced Caspase activity.
- Proteomic analysis identified altered expression of key proteins including mtSSB, PSME3, nucleolin, HSP60, and peroxiredoxin-4.
Conclusions:
- Phycocyanin exhibits potent anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects on human ovarian cancer cells.
- PC's mechanism involves the modulation of multiple target proteins and activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
- These findings suggest PC as a promising candidate for ovarian cancer treatment development.
