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Quercetin induced cell apoptosis and altered gene expression in AGS human gastric cancer cells
Hung-Sheng Shang1,2, Hsu-Feng Lu3,4, Ching-Hsiao Lee5
1Graduate Institute of Clinical of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Quercetin is one of the natural components from natural plant and it induces cell apoptosis in many human cancer cell lines. However, no available reports show that quercetin induces apoptosis and altered associated gene expressions in human gastric cancer cells, thus, we investigated the effect of quercetin on the apoptotic cell death and associated gene expression in human gastric cancer AGS cells. Results indicated that quercetin induced cell morphological changes and reduced total viability via apoptotic cell death in AGS cells. Furthermore, results from flow cytometric assay indicated that quercetin increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreased the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm ), and increased the apoptotic cell number in AGS cells. Results from western blotting showed that quercetin decreased anti-apoptotic protein of Mcl-1, Bcl-2, and Bcl-x but increased pro-apoptotic protein of Bad, Bax, and Bid. Furthermore, quercetin increased the gene expressions of TNFRSF10D (Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 10d, decoy with truncated death domain), TP53INP1 (tumor protein p53 inducible nuclear protein 1), and JUNB (jun B proto-oncogene) but decreased the gene expression of VEGFB (vascular endothelial growth factor B), CDK10 (cyclin-dependent kinase 10), and KDELC2 (KDEL [Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu] containing 2) that are associated with apoptosis pathways. Thus, those findings may offer more information regarding the molecular, gene expression, and signaling pathway for quercetin induced apoptotic cell death in human gastric cancer cells.
Insights
Quercetin induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells by altering key gene expressions. This natural compound shows promise for targeting gastric cancer through molecular and signaling pathway modulation.
Area of Science:
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Quercetin, a plant-derived flavonoid, exhibits anticancer properties across various human cancer cell lines.
- Previous research indicates quercetin's ability to induce apoptosis, but its specific effects on human gastric cancer cells and associated gene expression remain under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of quercetin on apoptotic cell death and gene expression in human gastric cancer AGS cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in quercetin-induced apoptosis in gastric cancer.
Main Methods:
- Human gastric cancer AGS cells were treated with quercetin.
- Cell viability, morphological changes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were assessed.
- Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of apoptosis-related proteins.
- Gene expression levels of apoptosis-associated genes were determined.
Main Results:
- Quercetin induced significant morphological changes and reduced cell viability in AGS cells via apoptosis.
- Increased ROS production, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and elevated apoptotic cell numbers were observed.
- Quercetin modulated apoptosis-related proteins, decreasing anti-apoptotic (Mcl-1, Bcl-2, Bcl-x) and increasing pro-apoptotic (Bad, Bax, Bid) factors.
- Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of TNFRSF10D, TP53INP1, and JUNB, and downregulation of VEGFB, CDK10, and KDELC2.
Conclusions:
- Quercetin effectively induces apoptotic cell death in human gastric cancer AGS cells.
- The study provides insights into the molecular and gene expression alterations underlying quercetin's anti-gastric cancer effects.
- Findings highlight potential therapeutic pathways for quercetin in gastric cancer treatment.
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