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Examination of the differences between sulforaphane and sulforaphene in colon cancer: A study based on
Lei Gao1,2, Fengying Du3, Jinshen Wang3
1Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Sulforaphane and sulforaphene are isothiocyanate compounds derived from cruciferous vegetables that have demonstrated antiproliferative properties against colon cancer. However, the underlying mechanism of action of these two compounds has yet to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of sulforaphane and sulforaphene on colon cancer using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The SW480 colon cancer cell line was cultured with 25 µmol/l sulforaphane or sulforaphene. Total RNA was extracted from the cells following 48 h of incubation with these compounds, and NGS was performed. Pearson's correlation and principal component analyses were performed on the NGS data in order to determine sample homogeneity followed by hierarchical clustering, chromosomal location, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. A total of 873 probes in the sulforaphene group were differentially expressed compared with the control group. Similarly, 959 probes in the sulforaphane group were differentially expressed compared with the control group. The differentially expressed genes were dispersed on the chromosomes, across 22 pairs of autosomes, as well as the X and Y chromosomes. GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated that both drugs affected the 'p53 signaling pathway', 'MAPK signaling pathway', 'FOXO signaling pathway' and 'estrogen signaling pathway', while 'Wnt signaling pathway' was enriched in the sulforaphane group, and 'ubiquitin mediated proteolysis' and 'estrogen signaling pathway' in the sulforaphene group. Thus, sulforaphane and sulforaphene exhibited similar biological activities on colon cancer cells. Sulforaphane and sulforaphene may be associated with Wnt and estrogen signaling, respectively.
Insights
Sulforaphane and sulforaphene, compounds from cruciferous vegetables, show antiproliferative effects on colon cancer cells. Next-generation sequencing revealed shared impacts on key signaling pathways, suggesting similar biological activities.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Sulforaphane and sulforaphene are isothiocyanate compounds found in cruciferous vegetables.
- These compounds exhibit antiproliferative properties against colon cancer.
- The precise molecular mechanisms underlying their effects on colon cancer remain largely unelucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of sulforaphane and sulforaphene in colon cancer.
- To utilize next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze gene expression changes induced by these compounds.
Main Methods:
- Cultured SW480 colon cancer cells with sulforaphane or sulforaphene (25 µmol/l).
- Performed RNA extraction and NGS after 48-hour incubation.
- Conducted data analyses including correlation, principal component, hierarchical clustering, and pathway enrichment (GO, KEGG).
Main Results:
- Significant differential gene expression was observed: 873 probes for sulforaphene and 959 for sulforaphane compared to controls.
- Both compounds affected p53, MAPK, FOXO, and estrogen signaling pathways.
- Sulforaphane uniquely enriched the Wnt signaling pathway, while sulforaphene impacted ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis.
Conclusions:
- Sulforaphane and sulforaphene demonstrate comparable biological activities on colon cancer cells.
- These compounds may exert their effects through modulation of Wnt and estrogen signaling pathways, respectively.
- Further research into these pathways could reveal novel therapeutic strategies for colon cancer.
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