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Sesamin Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Progression via Modulation of Wnt/β-Catenin and Associated Oncogenic Pathways

Heera Maheswari Jayaveeran1, Ponnulakshmi Rajagopal1, Manju Parthiban1

  • 1Central Research Laboratory, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Deemed to be University, Chennai-600095, India.

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP
|June 25, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Sesamin effectively inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ovarian cancer cells by downregulating key oncogenic regulators. This natural compound shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Cancer research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a critical role in ovarian cancer development and progression.
  • Identifying novel therapeutic agents targeting this pathway is crucial for effective ovarian cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which sesamin modulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in ovarian cancer cells.
  • To assess the potential of sesamin as a multi-target therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Molecular docking simulations were employed to predict sesamin's binding affinity to key Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins (Wnt, β-catenin, GSK3β, TGF-β).
  • Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to measure the gene expression levels of Wnt, β-catenin, GSK3β, and TGF-β in sesamin-treated ovarian cancer cells.

Main Results:

  • Molecular docking revealed strong binding interactions between sesamin and Wnt, with a binding energy of -9.19 kcal/mol.
  • Sesamin treatment significantly downregulated the expression of Wnt (50%), TGF-β (40%), GSK3β (25%), and β-catenin transcripts in ovarian cancer cells compared to controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Sesamin demonstrates potent inhibitory effects on multiple oncogenic regulators within the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
  • These findings suggest sesamin as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for ovarian cancer, potentially useful as an adjuvant therapy to enhance treatment efficacy and limit tumor progression.
Keywords:
Keywords: ovarian cancerSesaminanticancer activity

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