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Separation, Purification, Structural Characterization, and Anticancer Activity of a Novel Exopolysaccharide from
Jiaojiao Wang1,2, Pingchuan Yuan1,2, Wenzhi Zhang1
1Drug Research & Development Center, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China.
Abstract:
Mucor sp. has a wide range of applications in the food fermentation industry. In this study, a novel exopolysaccharide, labeled MSEPS, was separated from Mucor sp. fermentation broth through ethanol precipitation and was purified by ion-exchange chromatography, as well as gel filtration column chromatography. MSEPS was composed mostly of mannose, galactose, fucose, arabinose, and glucose with a molar ratio of 0.466:0.169:0.139:0.126:0.015 and had a molecular weight of 7.78 × 104 Da. The analysis of methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance results indicated that MSEPS mainly consisted of a backbone of →3,6)-α-d-Manp-(1→3,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, with substitution at O-3 of →6)-α-d-Manp-(1→ and →6)-β-d-Galp-(1→ by terminal α-l-Araf residues. MTT assays showed that MSEPS was nontoxic in normal cells (HK-2 cells) and inhibited the proliferation of carcinoma cells (SGC-7901 cells). Additionally, morphological analysis and flow cytometry experiments indicated that MSEPS promoted SGC-7901 cell death via apoptosis. Therefore, MSEPS from Mucor sp. can be developed as a potential antitumor agent.
Insights
A novel exopolysaccharide (MSEPS) from Mucor sp. is nontoxic to normal cells and effectively inhibits carcinoma cell proliferation. MSEPS induces cancer cell death via apoptosis, showing potential as an antitumor agent.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Mucor sp. is utilized in food fermentation.
- Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are complex carbohydrates with diverse biological activities.
- Investigating novel EPS from microbial sources is crucial for discovering new therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel exopolysaccharide (MSEPS) from Mucor sp.
- To evaluate the biological activity of MSEPS, particularly its cytotoxic effects on cancer cells and its mechanism of action.
Main Methods:
- Exopolysaccharide isolation via ethanol precipitation.
- Purification using ion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography.
- Structural elucidation using methylation and NMR analysis.
- Cytotoxicity and apoptosis assays (MTT, morphological analysis, flow cytometry).
Main Results:
- MSEPS was isolated and purified, with a molecular weight of 7.78 × 10^4 Da.
- MSEPS is primarily composed of mannose, galactose, fucose, arabinose, and glucose.
- Structural analysis revealed a backbone of →3,6)-α-d-Manp-(1→3,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→ with specific substitutions.
- MSEPS demonstrated no toxicity in normal HK-2 cells but inhibited SGC-7901 carcinoma cell proliferation.
- MSEPS induced apoptosis in SGC-7901 cells.
Conclusions:
- MSEPS from Mucor sp. possesses a unique structure and significant antitumor potential.
- MSEPS effectively inhibits cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis.
- MSEPS represents a promising candidate for the development of novel antitumor therapeutics.
