Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
Ex Vivo Culture of Circulating Tumor Cells in the Cerebral Spinal Fluid from Melanoma Patients to Study Melanoma-Associated Leptomeningeal Disease
Published on: March 29, 2024
Evaluating the anticancer potential of black maitake extract in A375 human malignant melanoma cells
Joshua Mathews1, Sona Regonda1, Anent Grewal1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada.
Abstract:
Melanoma is one of the deadliest skin cancers, characterized by high metastatic potential and poor prognosis in advanced stages. While chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard treatment, its clinical utility is hindered by toxicity and limited specificity.
Objectives:
This study evaluates Black Maitake Odaira Extract Prothera (BME) from the Grifola frondosa mushroom as a complementary treatment for melanoma, examining its apoptotic, anti-migratory, and anti-proliferative effects in 2D and 3D models. We aim to investigate the therapeutic potential of BME alone and in combination with standard chemotherapy in A375 melanoma cells.
Methods:
A375 melanoma cells were treated with BME alone and in combination with TMZ. Cell viability was quantified via Trypan Blue exclusion assays. Apoptosis was assessed using Hoechst 33342, Annexin V, and propidium iodide staining, while mitochondrial depolarization was evaluated using TMRM staining. Cancer cell migration was analyzed through wound healing assays, and 3D spheroid cultures were used to evaluate how BME disrupts complex tumour-like structures.
Results:
BME induced dose-dependent apoptosis in 2D cell models. BME enhanced the efficacy of TMZ in inducing apoptosis when treated in combination. Wound healing assays revealed a marked reduction in cell migration, particularly in combination treatments with TMZ. In 3D cell cultures, BME with TMZ exhibited increased mitochondrial depolarization.
Conclusions:
BME demonstrates pro-apoptotic and anti-migratory activity in melanoma cells, while improving the efficacy of standard chemotherapy. These findings support its potential as an effective adjuvant natural health product for melanoma treatment.
Insights
Black Maitake Odaira Extract Prothera (BME) shows promise as a complementary melanoma treatment. It enhances chemotherapy by inducing apoptosis and reducing cancer cell migration, supporting its potential as a natural adjuvant therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Natural Products Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Melanoma is a dangerous skin cancer with limited treatment options.
- Standard chemotherapy, temozolomide (TMZ), has toxicity and specificity issues.
- Natural compounds are explored for complementary cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate Black Maitake Odaira Extract Prothera (BME) as a complementary melanoma treatment.
- Assess BME's effects on apoptosis, migration, and proliferation in melanoma cells.
- Investigate BME's potential alone and with TMZ in A375 melanoma cells.
Main Methods:
- A375 melanoma cells were treated with BME and/or TMZ.
- Assessed cell viability, apoptosis (Hoechst, Annexin V, PI), and mitochondrial depolarization (TMRM).
- Analyzed cell migration via wound healing assays and 3D spheroid cultures.
Main Results:
- BME induced dose-dependent apoptosis in 2D models.
- Combination therapy (BME + TMZ) enhanced apoptosis and reduced cell migration.
- BME and TMZ increased mitochondrial depolarization in 3D cultures.
Conclusions:
- BME exhibits pro-apoptotic and anti-migratory effects on melanoma cells.
- BME improves the efficacy of standard melanoma chemotherapy (TMZ).
- BME shows potential as an adjuvant natural health product for melanoma treatment.
