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New Lectins from Mediterranean Flora. Activity against HT29 Colon Cancer Cells

Isabel Oliveira1,2, António Nunes3,4, Ana Lima5

  • 1Department of Toxicological and Bromatological Sciences (DCTB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal. ioliveira2@campus.ul.pt.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 26, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Mediterranean plants show potential as cancer therapeutics. Leaf proteins from Juniperus and Arbutus species exhibit antitumoral activity against colon cancer cells by binding to cell receptors.

Area of Science:

  • Phytochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Lectins possess demonstrated antineoplastic properties, supported by in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical cancer therapeutic studies.
  • Mediterranean flora represents a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential medicinal applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To screen the antitumoral activity of four Mediterranean plant species against HT29 colon cancer cells.
  • To characterize polypeptides and assess lectin binding to HT29 cell membrane receptors.
  • To evaluate the bioactivities of leaf proteins from selected plants.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of antitumoral activity on HT29 colon cancer cells.
  • Polypeptide characterization and specific lectin binding assays.
  • Evaluation of total leaf proteins for effects on cell viability, migration, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity.

Main Results:

  • All tested plant species contained proteins with affinity for HT29 cell glycosylated receptors.
  • Significant differential antitumor activity was observed, with Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. badia and Arbutus unedo showing the most promise.
  • Leaf proteins affected HT29 cell viability and inhibited cell migration and MMP proteolytic activities.

Conclusions:

  • Proteins from Mediterranean plants, particularly Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. badia and Arbutus unedo, exhibit potential as colon cancer therapeutics.
  • Specific lectin binding to HT29 cell receptors is a likely mechanism for the observed antitumor effects.
  • Further investigation into these plant lectins could lead to novel cancer treatment strategies.
Keywords:
HT29 colon cancer cellsantitumor activityglycosylated receptorslectins

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