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Updated: Nov 11, 2025
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of FAM83A in Cervical Cancer
Published on: February 9, 2024
Fucoidan induces ROS-dependent epigenetic modulation in cervical cancer HeLa cell
Saad Mustafa1, Jogendra Singh Pawar1, Ilora Ghosh1
1Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology, Laboratory # 103, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
Abstract:
Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide obtained from marine algae and known for various pharmacological activities. In this study, we investigated the effect of Fucoidan on cell viability, redox balance, cytoskeletal component F-actin, HDAC inhibition, autophagy, and senescence phenomenon in human cervical cancer HeLa cell line in comparison to positive control suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid by flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and western blotting. Our observations revealed that Fucoidan exposure induces cytotoxicity in HeLa cells via ROS and mitochondrial superoxide generation and loss of ATP. Colorimetrical studies suggested that Fucoidan impairs the function of HDAC expression. Fucoidan treatment also contributes to the change in the granularity of cells, senescence-associated heterochromatin foci formation that leads to senescence in HeLa cells. Moreover, we visualize that Fucoidan exhibits autophagosomes formation with monodansylcadaverine, and flow cytometry analysis by acridine orange further substantiates that Fucoidan triggers autophagy in HeLa cells. Additionally, the changes in the expression of proteins p21, p16, BECN1, and HDAC1 were seen as markers of senescence, autophagy, and HDAC inhibition by FACS and immunoblotting. Molecular docking study validates Fucoidan-HDAC1 association in corroboration with the experimental data. Collectively, these mechanistic studies demonstrated that Fucoidan could be a therapeutic molecule for targeting HDACs in cervical cancer.
Insights
Fucoidan, a marine algae compound, effectively targets HDACs in cervical cancer cells, inducing cell death through autophagy and senescence. This study highlights Fucoidan
Area of Science:
- Marine Biotechnology
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from marine algae, exhibits diverse pharmacological activities.
- Cervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Fucoidan's therapeutic potential against human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying Fucoidan's anti-cancer effects, including cytotoxicity, autophagy, and senescence induction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and western blotting to assess cell viability, redox balance, and protein expression.
- Employed colorimetrical studies and molecular docking to evaluate HDAC inhibition and Fucoidan-HDAC1 interaction.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan induced cytotoxicity in HeLa cells via reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial superoxide generation, leading to ATP depletion.
- Observed Fucoidan-impaired HDAC expression, induced senescence-associated heterochromatin foci, and triggered autophagosome formation, indicating autophagy.
- Confirmed Fucoidan-HDAC1 association through molecular docking and observed changes in senescence and autophagy markers (p21, p16, BECN1, HDAC1).
Conclusions:
- Fucoidan demonstrates significant anti-cancer properties against cervical cancer cells.
- Fucoidan's mechanism involves HDAC inhibition, induction of autophagy, and promotion of cellular senescence.
- Fucoidan presents a promising therapeutic candidate for targeting HDACs in cervical cancer treatment.
