Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
PPTS Inhibits the TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Colorectal Cancer SW480 Cells
Ling Zhang1, Abid Naeem1, Shaofeng Wei2
1Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 818 Meiling Road, Nanchang 330006, China.
Abstract:
The current study investigates the inhibitory effects of Pulsatilla pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins extract (PPTS) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) triggered by the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in human colorectal cancer SW480 cell line, further illustrates the possible mechanism of PPTS inhibition of growth and invasion from the perspective of EMT, and provides new theoretical support for the treatment of tumor by Chinese medicine. The SW480 cells were treated in groups: blank control, TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL), and varying concentrations of PPTS cotreated with TGF-β1-induced (10 ng/mL) groups. CCK8 was used to detect cell viability; transwell was applied to detect invasion ability, cell migration ability was also determined, ELISA and RT-qPCR were utilized for the determination of CYP3A, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, N-cadherin, and MMP-9 expression. Flow cytometry detection was applied to detect cell cycle and apoptosis. The results obtained have shown that PPTS can significantly inhibit the invasion and migration of tumors in SW480 cells and can also block the S phase in the cell cycle but may produce cytotoxicity in higher doses. The present research work provides substantial evidence that PPTS has a significant inhibitory effect on TGF-β1-induced EMT in SW480 cells and it also promotes apoptosis.
Insights
Pulsatilla pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins extract (PPTS) inhibits colorectal cancer cell invasion and migration by blocking epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This traditional Chinese medicine offers potential for tumor treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant health concern, with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) playing a crucial role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis.
- Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a key inducer of EMT, promoting cancer progression.
- Exploring natural compounds for cancer therapy is vital, particularly from traditional Chinese medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of Pulsatilla pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins extract (PPTS) on TGF-β1-induced EMT in human colorectal cancer SW480 cells.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PPTS in inhibiting cancer cell growth and invasion via EMT.
- To provide theoretical support for the use of Chinese medicine in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- SW480 cells were treated with TGF-β1 and varying concentrations of PPTS.
- Cell viability was assessed using CCK8 assay.
- Invasion and migration abilities were evaluated using Transwell assays.
- Expression of N-cadherin and MMP-9 was determined by ELISA and RT-qPCR.
- Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- PPTS significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of SW480 colorectal cancer cells.
- PPTS treatment led to cell cycle arrest at the S phase.
- Higher doses of PPTS exhibited cytotoxicity.
- PPTS demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on TGF-β1-induced EMT and promoted apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- PPTS effectively inhibits TGF-β1-induced EMT in colorectal cancer SW480 cells, suppressing invasion and migration.
- PPTS influences cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis, suggesting a multifaceted anti-cancer mechanism.
- These findings support the potential of PPTS from traditional Chinese medicine as a therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:16TGF - β Signaling Pathway
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
02:30Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...