In vitro transcriptome response to propolis in differentiated SH-SY5Y neurons

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Toxicology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Propolis, a bee-derived resin, possesses diverse biological activities, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
• Recent studies suggest propolis has neuroprotective properties, but its molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the toxicogenomic and beneficial effects of propolis on differentiated SH-SY5Y neuronal cells.
• To explore gene expression changes induced by propolis using microarray analysis.

Main Methods:

• Propolis was applied to neuronal cells at concentrations ranging from 1.56-200 µg/ml.
• Cytotoxic, antioxidant, apoptotic/necrotic, and genotoxic effects were assessed.
• Microarray analysis identified differentially expressed genes, followed by protein-protein interaction analysis using STRING software.

Main Results:

• Propolis did not significantly affect cell viability up to 200 µg/ml.
• Higher propolis concentrations induced apoptosis rather than necrosis.
• Altered gene expression, including CYP26A1, DHRS2, DHRS3, DYNC1I1, IGF2, ITGA4, SVIL, TGFβ1, and TGM2, may contribute to neuroprotection.

Conclusions:

• Propolis exhibits advantageous neuroprotective properties with potential for preventing and treating neurodegenerative disorders.
• This study provides the first whole-genome gene expression analysis of propolis in neuronal cells, elucidating its toxicogenomics.