Citrus limonL.-Derived Nanovesicles Show an Inhibitory Effect on Cell Growth in p53-Inactivated Colorectal Cancer

Hideki Takakura1,2,3, Toshimasa Nakao1, Takumi Narita1

  • 1Department of Molecular-Targeting Prevention, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.

Biomedicines
|June 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Edible nanovesicles from lemons show promise for preventing colorectal cancer (CRC). These nanovesicles are taken up by CRC cells via macropinocytosis, inhibiting growth regardless of p53 gene status.

Area of Science:

  • Plant-derived nanovesicles
  • Cancer research
  • Cellular biology

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) affects approximately 70% of patients with a p53 mutation, indicating a poor prognosis.
  • The role of p53 inactivation in activating the macropinocytosis pathway for CRC prevention remains unclear.
  • Plant-derived nanovesicles are being investigated for their potential in CRC prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of Citrus limon L.-derived nanovesicles on p53-wild and p53-inactivated colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.
  • To determine if p53 inactivation activates the macropinocytosis pathway.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of CRC cell growth inhibition by Citrus limon L.-derived nanovesicles.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of Citrus limon L.-derived nanovesicles using ultracentrifugation.
  • Treatment of p53-wild and p53-null CRC cells with Citrus limon L.-derived nanovesicles.
  • Analysis of nanovesicle uptake via the macropinocytosis pathway.

Main Results:

  • Citrus limon L.-derived nanovesicles exhibited inhibitory effects on both p53-wild and p53-inactivated CRC cells.
  • P53 inactivation was found to activate the macropinocytosis pathway.
  • Citrus limon L.-derived nanovesicles were internalized through macropinocytosis, independent of citrate's inhibitory effects.

Conclusions:

  • A novel mechanism involving macropinocytosis-mediated growth inhibition by Citrus limon L.-derived nanovesicles in CRC cells was identified.
  • These findings suggest the potential development of functional food products containing Citrus limon L.-derived nanovesicles for preventing p53-inactivation CRC.
  • The study highlights the therapeutic potential of plant-derived nanovesicles in cancer prevention.