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Updated: Jan 24, 2026
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation ChIP to Assay Dynamic Histone Modification in Activated Gene Expression in Human Cells
Published on: July 29, 2010
Paederia foetida induces anticancer activity by modulating chromatin modification enzymes and altering
Nibedita Pradhan1, Sabnam Parbin1, Chahat Kausar1
1Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India.
Abstract:
Aberrant epigenetic modifications are responsible for tumor development and cancer progression; however, readily reversible. Bioactive molecules from diets are promising to cure cancer by modulating epigenetic marks and changing immune response. These compounds specifically target the activity of DNMTs and HDACs to cure various human cancers. In view of this, we investigated the anticancer and epigenetic regulatory activities of an edible-plant Paederia foetida. The efficacy of methanolic extract of P. foetida leaves (MEPL) was tested for the modulation of epigenetic factors in gene silencing, i.e. DNMT and HDAC and expression pattern of certain tumor-suppressor genes. After treatment of prostate cancer cells (PC-3 and DU-145) with MEPL, lupeol and β-sitosterol; induction of apoptosis, decrease in cellular-viability and inhibition of cellular-migration were noticed. Simultaneously there was inhibition of DNMT1, HDACs and pro-inflammatory, IL-6, IL1-β, TNF-α and anti-inflammatory, IL-10 genes in cancer and THP1 cell lines. The DNMT1 protein content, enzyme activity and Bcl2 expression decreased significantly; however, expression of E-cadherin (CDH1) and pro-apoptotic gene Bax increased significantly after the treatment of cells with drugs. We conclude plant-derived compounds can be considered to target epigenetic machineries involved with malignant transformation and can open new avenues for cancer therapeutics provoking immune response.
Insights
Edible plant compounds from Paederia foetida show promise in cancer therapy by reversing epigenetic modifications. These natural compounds target DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cancer cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Biology
- Phytochemistry
Background:
- Aberrant epigenetic modifications drive cancer development and progression.
- Dietary bioactive molecules offer a promising avenue for cancer treatment by modulating epigenetic marks.
- Compounds targeting DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are crucial for cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anticancer and epigenetic regulatory activities of the edible plant Paederia foetida.
- To evaluate the efficacy of methanolic extract of P. foetida leaves (MEPL) in modulating epigenetic factors like DNMT and HDAC.
- To assess the impact of MEPL on tumor-suppressor gene expression in cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3, DU-145) and THP1 cells with MEPL, lupeol, and β-sitosterol.
- Analysis of apoptosis induction, cellular viability, and migration.
- Assessment of DNMT1, HDACs, and cytokine gene expression (IL-6, IL1-β, TNF-α, IL-10).
- Quantification of DNMT1 protein content, enzyme activity, and expression of Bcl2, E-cadherin (CDH1), and Bax.
Main Results:
- MEPL treatment induced apoptosis, decreased cellular viability, and inhibited migration in cancer cells.
- Significant inhibition of DNMT1, HDACs, and pro-inflammatory cytokine genes (IL-6, IL1-β, TNF-α) was observed.
- Decreased DNMT1 protein content, enzyme activity, and Bcl2 expression, alongside increased E-cadherin (CDH1) and Bax expression.
- Modulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was also noted.
Conclusions:
- Plant-derived compounds, such as those from Paederia foetida, can effectively target epigenetic machinery involved in malignant transformation.
- These compounds demonstrate potential as novel cancer therapeutics by modulating epigenetic factors and influencing immune responses.
- Further research into plant-derived epigenetic modulators could open new therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment.
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