LingZhi oligopeptides amino acid sequence analysis and anticancer potency evaluation

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• LingZhi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a traditional therapeutic agent.
• The antitumor potential of LingZhi oligopeptides (LZOs) remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel LZO sequences.
• To evaluate the anticancer potency of LZOs, particularly LZO-3.

Main Methods:

• Identification of ten novel LZO amino acid sequences.
• Assessment of LZO-3's effect on A549 lung cancer cells.
• Analysis of mitochondrial dysregulation markers (caspases, mitochondrial membrane potential, Bcl-2/Bax ratio, cytochrome c release).
• Evaluation of Trx/TrxR reductase and MDM2/p53 pathway involvement.

Main Results:

• LZO-3 significantly induced apoptosis in A549 cells.
• Mitochondrial dysregulation, including caspase activation and cytochrome c release, was observed.
• Down-regulation of Trx/TrxR reductase and modulation of the MDM2/p53 state contributed to apoptosis.

Conclusions:

• LingZhi oligopeptides, specifically LZO-3, exhibit significant anticancer activity against lung cancer cells.
• LZO-3-induced apoptosis is mediated by mitochondrial pathways and modulation of key cellular regulators.
• LZOs represent a promising new class of chemotherapeutic agents for lung cancer treatment.