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Published on: July 8, 2020
Runx2 downregulation, migration and proliferation inhibition in melanoma cells treated with BEL β-trefoil
Massimiliano Perduca1, Luca Dalle Carbonare2, Michele Bovi1
1Department of Biotechnology, Biocrystallography Laboratory, University of Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy.
Abstract:
Malignant melanoma is a lethal form of skin cancer and highly metastatic tumor with poor prognosis; BEL β-trefoil, a lectin, obtained by our group, possesses the ability to act specifically on malignant cells. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the effects of BEL β-trefoil in melanoma cells in an attempt to evaluate its potential usage as anticancer agent. BEL β-trefoil was purified by chromatography and A375 and MeWo melanoma cells were treated. Viability and proliferation were evaluated as well as apoptosis, RUNX2 gene expression and migration ability. The treated tumor cells decreased viability as well as proliferative ability. Flow cytometry analysis showed a lessen effect of the treatment on apoptosis. The gene expression analysis showed a reduction of RUNX2 expression in a dose-dependent manner and migration ability was reduced significantly in both treated cell lines. Our findings suggest that BEL β-trefoil can be considered a useful tool against malignancy due to its effect based on the simultaneous proliferation ability reduction as well as the inhibition of migration capacity on melanoma tumor cells.
Insights
BEL β-trefoil, a lectin, shows potential as an anticancer agent by reducing melanoma cell viability, proliferation, and migration. This study investigated its specific effects on malignant melanoma cells, suggesting a promising therapeutic tool.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with poor prognosis.
- Targeted therapies are needed to combat melanoma's metastatic potential.
- BEL β-trefoil, a lectin, exhibits specificity towards malignant cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anticancer effects of BEL β-trefoil on melanoma cells.
- To evaluate BEL β-trefoil's potential as a therapeutic agent against melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Purification of BEL β-trefoil via chromatography.
- Treatment of A375 and MeWo melanoma cell lines with BEL β-trefoil.
- Assessment of cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, RUNX2 gene expression, and migration.
Main Results:
- BEL β-trefoil significantly decreased melanoma cell viability and proliferation.
- RUNX2 gene expression was reduced in a dose-dependent manner.
- Melanoma cell migration capacity was significantly inhibited by BEL β-trefoil treatment.
Conclusions:
- BEL β-trefoil demonstrates significant anticancer activity against melanoma cells.
- The lectin effectively reduces melanoma cell proliferation and migration.
- BEL β-trefoil shows promise as a novel therapeutic tool for melanoma treatment.
