Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026

Molecular Modulation by Lentivirus-Delivered Specific shRNAs in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stressed Neurons
Published on: April 24, 2021
Genistein-induced apoptosis is mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress in cervical cancer cells
1Cancer Research Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China. hanzhigang@medmail.com.cn.
Objective:
Genistein, a major isoflavone found in soybeans, exhibits anti-cancer activity. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is known to be implicated in apoptosis induced by anti-cancer drugs. This study aimed to characterize the role of ER stress in genistein-induced apoptosis in cervical cancer.
Materials And Methods:
HeLa cells were treated with genistein or/and 4-phenylbutyric acid. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Protein levels were detected by Western blot analysis.
Results:
Genistein suppressed the viability of HeLa cells in a dose dependent manner. In addition, genistein caused apoptosis in HeLa cells in a dose dependent manner. Genistein triggered ER stress in HeLa cells, as indicated by the upregulation of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CHOP expression. Furthermore, ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid alleviated genistein-induced apoptosis and ER stress in HeLa cells.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that ER stress contributes to genistein-induced apoptosis in cervical cancer cells, and genistein is a promising agent for cervical cancer therapy.
Insights
Genistein, a soy isoflavone, induces apoptosis in cervical cancer cells by triggering endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This ER stress response is crucial for genistein
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Genistein, a soy-derived isoflavone, demonstrates anti-cancer properties.
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a known factor in drug-induced apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ER stress in genistein-induced apoptosis in cervical cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- HeLa cervical cancer cells were treated with genistein and/or 4-phenylbutyric acid (an ER stress inhibitor).
- Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay.
- Apoptosis and protein expression (GRP78, CHOP) were analyzed via flow cytometry and Western blot.
Main Results:
- Genistein reduced HeLa cell viability and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.
- Genistein treatment upregulated ER stress markers glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CHOP.
- The ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid attenuated genistein-induced apoptosis and ER stress.
Conclusions:
- ER stress plays a significant role in genistein-induced apoptosis in cervical cancer.
- Genistein shows potential as a therapeutic agent for cervical cancer.
More Related Videos
04:20Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of FAM83A in Cervical Cancer
Published on: February 9, 2024
19:44Enhancement of Apoptotic and Autophagic Induction by a Novel Synthetic C-1 Analogue of 7-deoxypancratistatin in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma and Neuroblastoma Cells with Tamoxifen
Published on: May 30, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Role of ER in the Secretory Pathway
Components of the secretory pathway
About a third of proteins synthesized in the cell are sorted via the secretory route. They shuffle between different compartments in membrane-bound vesicles until they reach their final destination. The main intracellular compartments involved...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Export of Misfolded Proteins out of the ER
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle