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β-(1 → 3) Linked Sulfated Polygalactan from a Seaweed-associated Bacillus velezensis MTCC 13097: A Potential Lead
Sumayya Asharaf1,2, Kajal Chakraborty3, Silpa Kunnappilly Paulose1,4
1Marine Biotechnology Fish Nutrition and Health Division, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Ernakulam North, P.B. No. 1603, Cochin, 682018, Kerala State, India.
Abstract:
Among tumors, liver cancer has an inferior prognosis. Therefore, exploring alternative strategies to improve the effectiveness of treatment for this ailment is of utmost urgency. In this study, we focused on analyzing the anti-cancer properties of bacterial exopolysaccharide from Bacillus velezensis associated with the seaweed Sargassum wightii against hepatocellular adenocarcinoma. A culture-dependent method was used to isolate heterotrophic B. velezensis, which was then evaluated for its antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. A β-(1 → 3) linked sulfated polygalactan exopolysaccharide (BVEP-2) was isolated from the bacterial extract and characterized by spectroscopic analysis. The anti-cancer property was analyzed through assays involving 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), neutral red uptake (NRU), and apoptosis (by annexin V-FITC/PI staining) against the human hepatocellular adenocarcinoma cell line (HepG2). BVEP-2 demonstrated potential cytotoxicity in the MTT assay (IC50 65.05 μg/mL) and 23.02% cell viability in the NRU assay at a 100 µg/mL concentration of BVEP-2 against HepG2, compared to the standard doxorubicin. Potential antioxidant properties of BVEP-2 (IC50 112-117 µg/mL) corroborated the anti-cancer activities, and the attenuation of free radicals could play a significant role in its anti-cancer potential. BVEP-2 induced approximately 9% early apoptosis and 39% late apoptosis in the HepG2 cell line, whereas the standard drug resulted in around 38% early apoptosis and 37% late apoptosis, along with 6% necrotic cells. The β-(1 → 3) linked sulfated polygalactan exopolysaccharide (BVEP-2) of B. velezensis MTCC13097 showed potential antioxidant and anti-cancer activities, and thus, could be developed as a promising pharmacophore lead against human hepatocellular adenocarcinoma.
Insights
Researchers explored the anti-cancer potential of a bacterial exopolysaccharide (BVEP-2) from Bacillus velezensis against liver cancer. BVEP-2 demonstrated significant antioxidant and cytotoxic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma cells, suggesting its promise as a novel therapeutic agent.
Area of Science:
- Marine Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular adenocarcinoma) has a poor prognosis, necessitating novel treatment strategies.
- Bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are complex carbohydrates with diverse biological activities.
- The marine environment, particularly symbiotic relationships between bacteria and algae, is a rich source of bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize an exopolysaccharide (BVEP-2) from Bacillus velezensis associated with Sargassum wightii.
- To evaluate the antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of BVEP-2 against the human hepatocellular adenocarcinoma cell line (HepG2).
- To explore BVEP-2 as a potential pharmacophore lead for liver cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of heterotrophic Bacillus velezensis using a culture-dependent method.
- Characterization of the isolated exopolysaccharide (BVEP-2), a β-(1→3) linked sulfated polygalactan, using spectroscopic analysis.
- Assessment of anti-cancer activity via MTT assay, neutral red uptake (NRU) assay, and apoptosis analysis (Annexin V-FITC/PI staining) on HepG2 cells.
Main Results:
- BVEP-2 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with an IC50 of 65.05 μg/mL in the MTT assay.
- The exopolysaccharide showed potential antioxidant properties (IC50 112-117 μg/mL), suggesting free radical attenuation contributes to its anti-cancer effects.
- BVEP-2 induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells (9% early, 39% late apoptosis), although less potent than doxorubicin.
Conclusions:
- The β-(1→3) linked sulfated polygalactan exopolysaccharide (BVEP-2) from Bacillus velezensis possesses notable antioxidant and anti-cancer activities.
- BVEP-2 demonstrates potential as a therapeutic lead compound for human hepatocellular adenocarcinoma.
- Further investigation into BVEP-2's mechanism of action and in vivo efficacy is warranted.
