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Balsamin induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells via DNA fragmentation and cell cycle arrest
Parminder K Ajji1, Marley J Binder2, Ken Walder2
1Bioprocessing Laboratory, Centre for Chemistry and Biotechnology, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, 75 Pigdons Road, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer causing death worldwide with metastasis and disease relapse being the major drawbacks in current treatments. Therefore, development of novel drugs is needed. Balsamin, a 28 kDa Type I ribosome-inactivating protein, is rich in the seeds of Momordica balsamina. In this study, the molecular mechanism and the possible effects of balsamin on the two key hallmarks of cancer were investigated. Firstly, the induction of apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 and BT549 cells showed that balsamin-induced apoptosis involved increases in caspase-3 and caspase-8 activity, upregulation of Bax, Bid, and Bad, and downregulation of BCL-2 and BCL-XL. Furthermore, balsamin inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of 24.53 and 32.79 µg/ml for MCF-7 and BT549 cells, respectively. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis revealed that balsamin induced S-/G-phase cell cycle arrest. Our studies show that balsamin has anti-tumor activity and could be used as a neutraceutical for the treatment of breast cancer.
Insights
Balsamin, a protein from Momordica balsamina seeds, shows significant anti-tumor activity against breast cancer. It effectively induces apoptosis and inhibits cancer cell proliferation, offering potential as a novel therapeutic agent.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death globally.
- Metastasis and relapse are significant challenges in current breast cancer treatments.
- Novel therapeutic agents are urgently needed for breast cancer management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-tumor effects of balsamin on human breast cancer cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying balsamin's anti-cancer activity.
- To evaluate balsamin's potential as a nutraceutical for breast cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and BT549).
- Assays to measure apoptosis (caspase activity, protein expression levels of Bax, Bid, Bad, BCL-2, BCL-XL).
- Cell proliferation inhibition assays and flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis.
Main Results:
- Balsamin induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells via caspase-3 and caspase-8 activation.
- Upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bid, Bad) and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins (BCL-2, BCL-XL) were observed.
- Balsamin inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 values provided) and caused S-/G-phase cell cycle arrest.
Conclusions:
- Balsamin exhibits potent anti-tumor activity against human breast cancer cells.
- The anti-cancer effects are mediated through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
- Balsamin demonstrates potential as a nutraceutical agent for breast cancer therapy.