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Updated: Nov 10, 2025
In vitro Organoid Culture of Primary Mouse Colon Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2013
Kopsanone inhibits proliferation and migration of invasive colon cancer cells
Daniella Paiva Bonfim1, Celso Vataru Nakamura2, João Xavier de Araújo Júnior3,4
1Division of Metrology Applied to Life Sciences (Dimav), National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death globally. In spite of the increasing knowledge on molecular characteristics of different cancer types including CRC, there is limitation in the development of an effective treatment. The present study aimed to verify the antitumor effect of kopsanone, an indole alkaloid. To achieve this, we treated human colon cancer cells (Caco-2 and HCT-116) with kopsanone and analyzed its effects on cell viability, cell-cell adhesion, and actin cytoskeleton organization. In addition, functional assays including micronuclei formation, colony formation, cell migration, and invasiveness were performed. We observed that kopsanone reduced viability and proliferation and induced micronuclei formation of HCT-116 cells. Also, kopsanone inhibited anchorage-dependent colony formation and modulated adherens junctions (AJs), thus increasing the localization of E-cadherin and β-catenin in the cytosol of the invasive cells. Finally, fluorescence assays showed that kopsanone decreased stress fibers formation and reduced migration but not invasion of HCT-116 cells. Taken together, these findings indicate that kopsanone reduces proliferation and migration of HCT-116 cells via modulation of AJs and can therefore be considered for future in vivo and clinical investigation as potential therapeutic agent for treatment of CRC.
Insights
Kopsanone, an indole alkaloid, shows potential as a colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment by reducing HCT-116 cell proliferation and migration. Further research is recommended for its therapeutic application in CRC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading global cause of cancer mortality.
- Despite advances in understanding cancer biology, effective treatments for CRC are limited.
- Indole alkaloids are being investigated for their potential therapeutic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antitumor effects of kopsanone, an indole alkaloid, on human colon cancer cells.
- To analyze kopsanone's impact on cell viability, adhesion, cytoskeleton, and migratory/invasive capabilities.
- To explore kopsanone's potential as a novel therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of human colon cancer cell lines (Caco-2 and HCT-116) with kopsanone.
- Assessment of cell viability, proliferation, and micronuclei formation.
- Evaluation of anchorage-dependent colony formation, cell migration, and invasion assays.
- Analysis of adherens junctions (AJs), E-cadherin, and β-catenin localization.
- Fluorescence assays to examine actin cytoskeleton organization (stress fibers).
Main Results:
- Kopsanone significantly reduced viability and proliferation in HCT-116 cells.
- Induction of micronuclei formation and inhibition of anchorage-dependent colony formation were observed.
- Kopsanone modulated adherens junctions, increasing E-cadherin and β-catenin in the cytosol.
- Decreased stress fiber formation and reduced cell migration were noted, without affecting invasion.
- Kopsanone demonstrated an effect on HCT-116 cell proliferation and migration.
Conclusions:
- Kopsanone exhibits antitumor effects against HCT-116 colon cancer cells.
- The compound reduces cell proliferation and migration through modulation of adherens junctions.
- Kopsanone warrants further investigation for its potential as a therapeutic agent in colorectal cancer treatment.
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