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Updated: May 5, 2026

Deficient Pms2, ERCC1, Ku86, CcOI in Field Defects During Progression to Colon Cancer
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Gut Microbial Metabolite 4-Ethylphenylsulfate Is Selectively Deleterious and Anticancer to Colon Cancer Cells

Jyoti Jaiswal1, Amit Kumar Srivastav2, Manish Kushwaha1,3

  • 1Gene Regulation Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 110067, India.

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
|May 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

4-ethylphenyl sulfate (4-EPS), a gut microbe metabolite, shows selective anticancer effects against colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. This compound effectively reduced cancer cell growth and survival without harming normal colon cells, indicating therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Microbiology
  • Metabolomics

Background:

  • Gut microbiota-derived metabolites are emerging as potential cancer therapeutics.
  • 4-ethylphenyl sulfate (4-EPS), a dietary metabolite, has not been explored for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the selective anticancer activity of 4-EPS against CRC cells.
  • To explore the underlying mechanisms of 4-EPS action in HCT-116 cells.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro assays using HCT-116 (CRC) and CCD 841 (normal colon) cells.
  • Assessment of cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, and morphology.
  • In silico analysis of interactions with histone deacetylase (HDAC) isoforms.

Main Results:

  • 4-EPS significantly inhibited proliferation, viability, and colony formation in HCT-116 cells.
  • 4-EPS induced apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest, with observed morphological changes.
  • No significant toxicity was observed in normal CCD 841 cells, demonstrating selectivity.
  • In silico analysis suggested potential epigenetic modulation via HDAC interactions.

Conclusions:

  • 4-EPS exhibits selective anticancer activity against colorectal cancer cells.
  • 4-EPS demonstrates potential as a novel therapeutic agent for CRC treatment.

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