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Exploring the effect of capsaicin on gene expression and chemotherapy sensitization in gastric cancer cells
Weijian Meng1,2, Kun Xie1,2, Zhihong Qi1,2
1Department of GI Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Background:
Capsaicin, phytochemical component in red hot chili peppers, has previously been demonstrated to exhibit antitumor effect in various cancer type. However, the deep biological function and molecular mechanism of capsaicin was still uncertain.
Methods:
This study applied cell viability assay, apoptosis assay, Transwell assay, immunofluorescence, qPCR, western blot assay and high-throughput RNA sequencing to explore the effect of capsaicin on gene expression and chemotherapy sensitization in gastric cancer cells.
Results:
Capsaicin could significantly inhibit cell viability and induce apoptosis in both AGS and HGC-27 gastric cancer cell line. Through high-throughput RNA sequencing, capsaicin exhibited inhibiting role in DNA repair, DNA replication and chromosome assemble pathway. qPCR assay and western blot validated that capsaicin could inhibit expression of the key enzymes (FEN1, LIG1 and PARP1) in DNA damage response and chemotherapy resistance. In vitro assay demonstrated that capsaicin could significantly induce cyto-toxicity and chemotherapy-induced DNA damage of 5-FU and Oxalipatin at low dose. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that capsaicin inhibited both the expression and nuclear accumulation of PARP1 in AGS cells treated with 5-FU or oxaliplatin.
Conclusions:
Capsaicin could inhibit DNA repair, thereby inhibited cell viability and improved the sensitivity of chemotherapy in gastric cancer cells.
Insights
Capsaicin, a compound from chili peppers, inhibits DNA repair in gastric cancer cells. This improves chemotherapy effectiveness and reduces cancer cell viability.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Capsaicin, a phytochemical from chili peppers, shows antitumor potential.
- Its precise biological functions and molecular mechanisms in cancer remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate capsaicin's effects on gene expression in gastric cancer.
- To determine capsaicin's role in enhancing chemotherapy sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability and apoptosis assays were performed.
- Transwell, immunofluorescence, qPCR, Western blot, and RNA sequencing were utilized.
- Gastric cancer cell lines (AGS, HGC-27) were treated with capsaicin.
Main Results:
- Capsaicin significantly reduced gastric cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis.
- RNA sequencing revealed capsaicin inhibits DNA repair, replication, and chromosome assembly pathways.
- Capsaicin suppressed key enzymes (FEN1, LIG1, PARP1) involved in DNA damage response and chemoresistance.
- Capsaicin enhanced the cytotoxicity of 5-FU and oxaliplatin, inducing DNA damage.
Conclusions:
- Capsaicin inhibits DNA repair mechanisms in gastric cancer cells.
- This inhibition leads to reduced cell viability and increased sensitivity to chemotherapy.
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