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Dandelion root extract suppressed gastric cancer cells proliferation and migration through targeting lncRNA-CCAT1
Huanhuan Zhu1, Hangyong Zhao2, Linjie Zhang1
1Department of Gastroenterology, Wuxi Third People's Hospital of Nantong University, Wuxi 214041, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract:
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common tumors worldwide. Standard treatment after early detection involves surgical excision (recurrence is possible), and metastatic gastric cancer is refractory to immuno-, radio-, and most harmful chemotherapies. Various natural compounds have shown efficacy in killing different cancers, albeit not always specifically. In this study, we show that dandelion root extract (DRE) specifically and effectively suppresses proliferation and migration in human gastric cells without inducing toxicity in noncancerous cells. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to promote tumorigenesis in many cancer types. Here, we showed that the lncRNA colon cancer-associated transcript-1 (CCAT1) was down-regulated in dandelion-treated GC cells. Furthermore, downregulation of CCAT1 inhibited proliferation and migration of gastric cells. We also found that DRE exerted its function in GC cells partially through targeting CCAT1. This data will provide a basis on which further research in cancer treatment through DRE can be executed.
Insights
Dandelion root extract (DRE) shows promise in treating gastric cancer (GC) by specifically inhibiting cancer cell growth and migration. This natural compound targets the long noncoding RNA CCAT1, offering a potential new avenue for GC therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent global malignancy with limited treatment options for metastatic disease.
- Current therapies including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy are often ineffective against advanced GC.
- Natural compounds are being explored for their potential anticancer properties, but specificity remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy and specificity of dandelion root extract (DRE) against human gastric cancer cells.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying DRE's action in gastric cancer, focusing on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs).
- To determine if DRE targets the lncRNA colon cancer-associated transcript-1 (CCAT1) in gastric cancer.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of human gastric cancer cells with dandelion root extract (DRE).
- Assessment of cell proliferation and migration.
- Analysis of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression, specifically CCAT1.
- Investigation of the relationship between DRE, CCAT1, and gastric cancer cell behavior.
Main Results:
- Dandelion root extract (DRE) effectively suppressed proliferation and migration in human gastric cancer cells.
- DRE demonstrated no toxicity towards noncancerous cells, indicating specificity.
- DRE treatment led to the downregulation of the lncRNA CCAT1 in gastric cancer cells.
- Downregulation of CCAT1 alone was sufficient to inhibit gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration.
- DRE's therapeutic effects were partially mediated through targeting CCAT1.
Conclusions:
- Dandelion root extract (DRE) exhibits specific anticancer activity against gastric cancer cells.
- The lncRNA CCAT1 is a key mediator in DRE's anti-gastric cancer effects.
- DRE represents a potential therapeutic agent for gastric cancer, warranting further investigation.
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