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Ginsenoside Rh2 epigenetically regulates cell-mediated immune pathway to inhibit proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer

Hyunkyung Lee1, Seungyeon Lee1, Dawoon Jeong1

  • 1Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang, Republic of Korea.

Journal of Ginseng Research
|October 20, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ginsenoside Rh2 alters DNA methylation in breast cancer cells, impacting immune response and tumor growth pathways. This epigenetic modification by Rh2 may enhance cancer immunogenicity and inhibit proliferation.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Ginsenoside Rh2 is known to modulate immune cell activity and inhibit tumor cell growth.
  • The epigenetic regulation, specifically DNA methylation changes, by Rh2 in cancer cells remains largely unexplored.
  • Comprehensive approaches are needed to detect methylation alterations induced by Rh2.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genome-wide DNA methylation changes induced by Ginsenoside Rh2 in breast cancer cells.
  • To identify specific genes and signaling pathways epigenetically regulated by Rh2.
  • To correlate these epigenetic changes with cellular effects like proliferation and apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells with Ginsenoside Rh2.
  • Pyrosequencing analysis of the global methylation marker LINE1.
  • Genome-wide methylation analysis to identify differentially methylated genes and pathways.
  • Monitoring of apoptosis and cell proliferation rates.

Main Results:

  • Rh2 induced LINE1 hypomethylation at specific CpGs (1.6-9.1%).
  • Genome-wide analysis revealed "cell-mediated immune response" as a top affected pathway.
  • Rh2 dose-dependently inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation.
  • Hypermethylated genes (CASP1, INSL5, OR52A1) were downregulated, while hypomethylated genes (CLINT1, ST3GAL4, C1orf198) were upregulated.
  • Gene expression patterns of INSL5, OR52A1, and CLINT1 correlated with patient survival.

Conclusions:

  • Ginsenoside Rh2 induces significant epigenetic methylation changes in breast cancer cells.
  • These methylation alterations affect genes involved in immune response and tumorigenesis.
  • Rh2's epigenetic effects contribute to enhanced cancer immunogenicity and inhibited tumor growth.
Keywords:
Breast cancerCpG methylationRh2epigeneticsginsenoside

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