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Mesobuthus eupeus venom modulates colorectal carcinoma signaling pathways and induces apoptosis
Havva Nur Canak1, Kemal Bas1, Ersen Aydın Yağmur2
1Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Selcuk University, Konya, Türkiye.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health concern, often challenging to treat effectively with conventional methods and burdened by adverse effects. Scorpion venoms offer a unique avenue for exploration, given their ability to disrupt the cell cycle, inhibit growth, and trigger apoptosis. This study delves into the impact of Mesobuthus eupeus (M. eupeus) scorpion venom on the proliferation and progression of colorectal cancer at the molecular level. The total protein concentration in the venom (607.5 µg/mL) also emphasized the rich composition and potential for therapeutic applications. The study reveals that M. eupeus venom effectively reduced the proliferation of DLD-1 and HT-29 colorectal cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of 4.32 and 7.61 µg/mL, respectively. The venom also impedes cell migration, diminishes colony formation, and triggers apoptosis in the cancer cells. The venom also induced early and late apoptosis in the two cancer cell lines. The human colorectal cancer and apoptotic pathways were clarified at the molecular level using pathway panels, which revealed that 16 genes involved in colorectal cancer increased while 23 decreased. In the HT-29 cell line, 57 genes increased, and 1 decreased following venom treatment. Besides, the mRNA expression of 19 genes involved in the apoptotic pathway was increased, while 22 were reduced in DLD-1 cells. This study underscores the potential of M. eupeus venom as a natural therapeutic approach in the quest for cancer treatments.
Insights
Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom shows promise for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. This venom significantly inhibits CRC cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation, offering a potential natural therapeutic avenue.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents significant treatment challenges and adverse effects with conventional therapies.
- Scorpion venoms possess properties like cell cycle disruption, growth inhibition, and apoptosis induction, making them potential therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular-level impact of Mesobuthus eupeus (M. eupeus) scorpion venom on colorectal cancer cell proliferation and progression.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of M. eupeus venom against colorectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Assessing the effect of M. eupeus venom on DLD-1 and HT-29 colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation.
- Analyzing venom-induced apoptosis using pathway panels to clarify colorectal cancer and apoptotic pathways at the molecular level.
- Quantifying total protein concentration in M. eupeus venom.
Main Results:
- M. eupeus venom demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of colorectal cancer cell proliferation with specific IC50 values for DLD-1 and HT-29 cell lines.
- The venom significantly impeded cell migration, reduced colony formation, and induced both early and late apoptosis in cancer cells.
- Gene expression analysis revealed significant alterations in colorectal cancer and apoptotic pathways following venom treatment, with specific numbers of genes increasing or decreasing in DLD-1 and HT-29 cells.
Conclusions:
- Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom exhibits potent anti-colorectal cancer activity by inhibiting proliferation, migration, and inducing apoptosis.
- The study highlights the potential of M. eupeus venom as a natural therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer treatment.
- Further research into the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications of M. eupeus venom is warranted.
