Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
Author Spotlight: Liujunzi Decoction as a Traditional Chinese Treatment for Coloproctitis Cancer
Published on: October 13, 2023
Experimental data supports antineoplastic effects of silkworm protein sericin against colorectal cancer cells
Sana Iqbal1, Asim Pervaiz2, Shaukat Ali3
1Human Genetics and Molecular Biology Department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd most common cancer in the world. Currently available therapeutic options against CRC hold limited efficacy, substantial side-effects and high costs. Exploring naturally occurring resources to find better options is required to overcome these challenges. Sericin, a naturally occurring protein secreted from silk gland of silkworm "Bombyx mori" is an alternative option in this context. In this study, sericin was extracted from locally available cocoons, while commercially available sericin was purchased for comparison purposes. Multiple bioassays were performed to evaluate the effects of sericin on cancer-related cell processes including proliferation (MTT), colony formation, migration (scratch and invasion), apoptosis (annexin-V and DAPI), cell cycle (FACS) and autophagy (AO/EB) analysis in three human CRC cell lines (SW480, SW620, HCT116). Exposure with extracted and purified sericin fractions induced anti-proliferative effects (up to 40%) in the CRC cells in a time and concentration dependent format. Exposure with low concentration of sericin inhibited migration (13-33%) and colony formation (20-46%) in the CRC cells. Sericin treatment also induced apoptotic effects in the CRC cells as reflected by annexin-V, DAPI and AO/EB staining. Sericin exposure-imposed arrest in S-phase of the cell cycle as measured by propidium iodide-based staining and flow cytometry analysis. Sericin affects vital functional properties of the CRC cells including proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration and colony formation. Further investigations are needed for the translation of sericin into a therapeutic compound.
Insights
Sericin, a natural protein from silkworms, shows promise in fighting colorectal cancer (CRC). It effectively reduced cancer cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation while inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Natural Product Research
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading global cancer with limited therapeutic options.
- Existing treatments for CRC have significant side effects and high costs.
- Natural compounds offer potential for developing novel, safer CRC therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-cancer properties of sericin, a silk protein, against human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines.
- To evaluate sericin's effects on key cancer cell processes including proliferation, migration, colony formation, apoptosis, and cell cycle.
- To compare the efficacy of extracted sericin with commercially available sericin.
Main Methods:
- Extraction and purification of sericin from Bombyx mori cocoons.
- In vitro bioassays including MTT, colony formation, scratch, invasion, Annexin-V, DAPI, AO/EB staining, and FACS analysis.
- Treatment of three human CRC cell lines (SW480, SW620, HCT116) with varying sericin concentrations.
Main Results:
- Sericin demonstrated significant anti-proliferative effects (up to 40%) on CRC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- Low concentrations of sericin inhibited CRC cell migration (13-33%) and colony formation (20-46%).
- Sericin induced apoptosis and S-phase cell cycle arrest in CRC cells, confirmed by multiple assays.
Conclusions:
- Sericin exhibits potent anti-cancer activities against colorectal cancer cells by affecting proliferation, migration, colony formation, apoptosis, and cell cycle.
- Extracted sericin shows comparable efficacy to commercial sericin, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent.
- Further research is warranted to explore sericin's therapeutic potential for colorectal cancer treatment.
