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Label-free Imaging and Characterization of Cancer Cell Responses to Polymethoxyflavones Using Raman Microscopy
Hua Zhang1, Jinkai Zheng2, Anna Liu3
1Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts , Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States.
Abstract:
We determined the cellular responses of human colon cancer HT29 and HCT116 cells to the treatments of nobiletin (NBT) and 5-demethylnobiletin (5DN) using Raman microscopy. Evaluation at both single cell and cell population levels revealed found that NBT induced more changes in the peak intensity of nucleic acid than 5DN, whereas 5DN induced more changes in the peak intensity of localized lipid than NBT. This result indicates the different modes of inhibitory action of these two PMFs against colon cancer cells. Between the two colon cancer cells tested, HCT116 cells were more sensitive to both PMFs than HT29 cells. The Raman data were generally in a good agreement with the flow cytometry data. Our results demonstrate that Raman microscopy is able to provide macromolecular information on cellular responses to anticancer treatments.
Insights
This study reveals how nobiletin and 5-demethylnobiletin affect colon cancer cells. Raman microscopy showed distinct cellular responses, with HCT116 cells being more sensitive to these compounds.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) are natural compounds with potential anticancer properties.
- Understanding the specific cellular mechanisms of PMFs is crucial for developing new cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct cellular responses of human colon cancer cells (HT29 and HCT116) to nobiletin (NBT) and 5-demethylnobiletin (5DN).
- To compare the efficacy and cellular impact of NBT and 5DN on colon cancer cell lines.
- To demonstrate the utility of Raman microscopy in analyzing cellular responses to anticancer agents.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Raman microscopy for high-resolution analysis of cellular macromolecular changes.
- Evaluated cellular responses at both single-cell and population levels.
- Correlated Raman microscopy findings with flow cytometry data.
Main Results:
- Nobiletin (NBT) significantly altered nucleic acid peak intensity more than 5-demethylnobiletin (5DN).
- 5-demethylnobiletin (5DN) induced greater changes in localized lipid peak intensity compared to NBT.
- HCT116 colon cancer cells exhibited higher sensitivity to both NBT and 5DN than HT29 cells.
- Raman microscopy data showed good agreement with flow cytometry results.
Conclusions:
- NBT and 5DN exhibit different modes of inhibitory action against colon cancer cells.
- Raman microscopy is a powerful tool for elucidating macromolecular alterations in cells treated with anticancer compounds.
- These findings contribute to understanding the therapeutic potential of PMFs in colon cancer treatment.
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