Quercetin Induces Mitochondrial Apoptosis and Downregulates Ganglioside GD3 Expression in Melanoma Cells
Sang Young Seo1,2, Won Seok Ju1,3, Kyongtae Kim1
1Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Malignant melanoma represents a form of skin cancer characterized by a bleak prognosis and heightened resistance to traditional therapies. Quercetin has demonstrated notable anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and pharmacological effects across various cancer types. However, the intricate relationship between quercetin's anti-cancer properties and ganglioside expression in melanoma remains incompletely understood. In this study, quercetin manifests specific anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, and cell-cycle arrest effects, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in two melanoma cancer cell lines. This positions quercetin as a promising candidate for treating malignant melanoma. Moreover, our investigation indicates that quercetin significantly reduces the expression levels of ganglioside GD3 and its synthetic enzyme. Notably, this reduction is achieved through the inhibition of the FAK/paxillin/Akt signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in cancer development. Taken together, our findings suggest that quercetin may be a potent anti-cancer drug candidate for the treatment of malignant melanoma.
Insights
Quercetin shows promise in fighting malignant melanoma by stopping cancer cell growth and migration. It reduces ganglioside GD3 expression via the FAK/paxillin/Akt pathway, offering a potential new melanoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma is a dangerous skin cancer with poor treatment outcomes.
- Quercetin exhibits anti-cancer properties but its role in melanoma, particularly concerning gangliosides, is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-cancer effects of quercetin on melanoma cells.
- To explore the relationship between quercetin, ganglioside GD3, and the FAK/paxillin/Akt signaling pathway in melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of two melanoma cell lines with quercetin.
- Assessment of cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis.
- Analysis of ganglioside GD3 and its synthetic enzyme expression.
- Investigation of the FAK/paxillin/Akt signaling pathway.
Main Results:
- Quercetin inhibited proliferation and migration, induced cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in melanoma cells.
- Quercetin significantly decreased ganglioside GD3 expression and its synthetic enzyme levels.
- The observed reduction in ganglioside GD3 was linked to the inhibition of the FAK/paxillin/Akt signaling pathway.
Conclusions:
- Quercetin demonstrates significant anti-cancer activity against melanoma cells.
- Quercetin's mechanism involves downregulating ganglioside GD3 via the FAK/paxillin/Akt pathway.
- Quercetin is a potential therapeutic candidate for malignant melanoma treatment.
