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Genistein Exerts Anti-proliferative Effects by Regulating Apoptosis and Autophagy-Related Genes and MicroRNAs in
Alireza Ziyabakhsh1,2, Mohammad Amin Vatankhah3,4, Farid Pakizeh3,4
1Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
Background:
Bladder cancer (BC) is the most prevalent urogenital malignancy. Recently, the combination of natural compounds with chemotherapeutic agents has gained attention. Genistein, a natural flavonoid, exhibits anti-cancer properties and represents a promising candidate for treating various cancerous cells due to its cytotoxic potential and minimal adverse effects.
Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of genistein by regulating potential target genes and microRNAs involved in apoptosis and autophagy in EJ138 BC cells.
Methods:
EJ138 BC cells were treated with different concentrations of genistein, and cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. To determine the apoptotic rate of EJ138 BC cells following genistein treatment, flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI staining was performed. Additionally, real-time PCR was conducted to analyze the expression of miR-27a, miR-151, apoptotic genes (caspase-3, caspase-9), and autophagic genes (ATG12, Beclin1) after 48 hours of genistein treatment. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS V.22, with independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Results were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05.
Results:
Our findings demonstrated that genistein inhibited the proliferation, growth, and viability of EJ138 BC cells and induced cell death. Real-time PCR results confirmed that genistein significantly upregulated miR-27a (P < 0.01), ATG12 (P < 0.01), Beclin1 (P < 0.05), caspase-3 (P < 0.001), and caspase-9 (P < 0.0001), while downregulating miR-151 expression (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest that genistein suppresses the proliferation and growth of human BC cells by modulating genes and microRNAs involved in apoptosis and autophagy. Therefore, genistein may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for BC treatment.
Insights
Genistein, a natural compound, effectively inhibits bladder cancer (BC) cell growth and viability by modulating apoptosis and autophagy-related genes and microRNAs. This suggests genistein
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bladder cancer (BC) is a prevalent urogenital malignancy.
- Natural compounds like genistein are being investigated for their anti-cancer properties.
- Genistein, a flavonoid, shows potential for cancer treatment due to its cytotoxicity and safety profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-cancer effects of genistein on EJ138 bladder cancer cells.
- To investigate genistein's role in regulating microRNAs and genes associated with apoptosis and autophagy.
Main Methods:
- EJ138 BC cells were treated with varying concentrations of genistein.
- Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay.
- Apoptotic rates were determined by Annexin V/PI staining and flow cytometry.
- Real-time PCR analyzed the expression of miR-27a, miR-151, caspase-3, caspase-9, ATG12, and Beclin1.
Main Results:
- Genistein significantly inhibited proliferation, growth, and viability of EJ138 BC cells.
- Genistein treatment led to increased apoptosis.
- Real-time PCR revealed upregulation of miR-27a, ATG12, Beclin1, caspase-3, and caspase-9.
- Genistein downregulated miR-151 expression.
Conclusions:
- Genistein suppresses human BC cell proliferation and growth.
- Genistein modulates key genes and microRNAs involved in apoptosis and autophagy.
- Genistein holds promise as a novel therapeutic agent for bladder cancer.
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