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Genistein Modulates Signaling Pathways and Targets Several Epigenetic Markers in HeLa Cells
Madhumitha Kedhari Sundaram1, Sreepoorna Unni2, Pallavi Somvanshi3
1School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, P.O. Box 345050 Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Background:
Several epigenetic changes are responsible for transcriptional alterations of signaling pathways and tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) contributing to carcinogenesis. This study was aimed to examine the effect of the phytochemical, genistein on various molecular targets in HeLa cells.
Methods:
Quantitative PCR was used to analyze the expression of various molecular targets. Biochemical assays were employed to study the epigenetic enzymes. To correlate the transcriptional status of the selected TSGs and epigenetic modulation, their promoter 5'CpG methylation levels were evaluated by quantitative methylation array followed by methylation specific restriction digestion.
Results:
The expression of several genes involved in the cell cycle regulation, migration, inflammation, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mitogen activated kinase-like protein (MAPK) pathway were found to be modulated including CCNB1, TWIST1, MMP14, TERT, AKT1, PTPRR, FOS and IL1A. Genistein modulated the expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), histone methyltransferases (HMTs), demethylases, and histone phosphorylases. Furthermore, genistein decreased the activity of DNMTs, HDACs, and HMTs and reduced global DNA methylation levels. Promoter methylation of several TSGs, including FHIT, RUNX3, CDH1, PTEN, and SOC51, was lowered with corresponding transcriptional increase. Network analysis indicated similar effect of genistein.
Conclusion:
This study presents a comprehensive mechanism of action of genistein showcasing effective epigenetic modulation and widespread transcriptional changes resulting in restoration of tumour suppressor gene expression. This study corroborates the development of genistein as a candidate for anti-cancer therapy.
Insights
Genistein, a phytochemical, reverses epigenetic changes and restores tumor suppressor gene expression in HeLa cells. This suggests genistein
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Molecular Oncology
- Phytochemicals and Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Epigenetic alterations drive carcinogenesis by modifying signaling pathways and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs).
- HeLa cells are utilized to investigate the molecular effects of genistein, a plant-derived compound.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of genistein on molecular targets involved in cancer.
- To elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms underlying genistein's anti-cancer effects.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) for gene expression analysis.
- Biochemical assays for epigenetic enzyme activity.
- Quantitative methylation array and methylation-specific restriction digestion for promoter methylation analysis.
Main Results:
- Genistein modulated genes in cell cycle, migration, inflammation, PI3K, and MAPK pathways.
- Genistein altered the expression and activity of epigenetic modifiers, including DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs).
- Genistein reduced global DNA methylation and specific TSG promoter methylation, leading to increased gene transcription.
Conclusions:
- Genistein exhibits anti-cancer potential through comprehensive epigenetic modulation and transcriptional restoration of TSGs.
- The findings support genistein's development as a therapeutic candidate for cancer treatment.
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