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Apoptosis Induction Pathway in Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Line SW480 Exposed to Cereal Phenolic Extracts
Shiwangni Rao1, Kenneth Chinkwo2, Abishek Santhakumar1
1School of Biomedical Sciences, Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre (ITTC) for Functional Grains, Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia.
Abstract:
Cereal phenolic extracts have previously been investigated for their potential anticancer properties; however, the exact mechanisms involved in the inhibition of tumour growth are unclear. One possible mechanism is the induction of apoptosis which is characterised by cell shrinkage, protein fragmentation, and DNA degradation followed by rapid engulfment of cell debris by macrophages. This study examines the ability of phenolic extracts from four cereals: rice, barley, oats and sorghum to induce apoptosis on colorectal cancer cells SW480. Wholegrain extracts from pigmented varieties of red rice, purple rice, black sorghum, and brown sorghum showed a significant reduction in cancer cell proliferation. Morphological observation using APOPercentage™ dye indicated positive for apoptosis. Further analyses of Yunlu29 (rice), Shawaya Short Black 1 and IS1136 (sorghum) showed expression of p53 and confirmed activation of multiple caspases, specifically for caspase 3 and 7. Purple rice, on the other hand, did not upregulate caspase 3 and 7, hence, suggestive of cell cycle arrest. Therefore, phenolic compounds present in cereals such as pigmented rice and sorghum may suppress cancer cell proliferation through the activation of the apoptosis.
Insights
Phenolic extracts from pigmented rice and sorghum significantly reduced colorectal cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, a programmed cell death pathway. Some varieties also showed cell cycle arrest, suggesting multifaceted anti-cancer mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Cereal phenolic extracts show potential anticancer properties, but mechanisms are unclear.
- Apoptosis, a programmed cell death, is a key mechanism in cancer inhibition.
- Colorectal cancer remains a significant health concern globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ability of phenolic extracts from rice, barley, oats, and sorghum to induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells (SW480).
- To elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms, including caspase activation and p53 expression, involved in cancer cell growth inhibition by these extracts.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of SW480 colorectal cancer cells with phenolic extracts from pigmented rice and sorghum varieties.
- Morphological assessment of apoptosis using APOPercentage™ dye.
- Analysis of p53 expression and caspase 3 and 7 activation via molecular assays.
Main Results:
- Wholegrain extracts from pigmented rice and sorghum significantly reduced cancer cell proliferation.
- Morphological analysis confirmed apoptosis induction in treated cells.
- Specific rice and sorghum varieties upregulated p53 and activated caspases 3 and 7, while purple rice induced cell cycle arrest.
Conclusions:
- Phenolic compounds in cereals, particularly pigmented rice and sorghum, can suppress colorectal cancer cell proliferation.
- Apoptosis induction via caspase activation is a primary mechanism, with potential for cell cycle arrest in some cases.
- These findings highlight the potential of cereal-derived compounds as a natural therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer.
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