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Proteomics-based pathway analysis and anticancer activity of OSF2, a bioactive fraction from Oecophylla smaragdina,
Suman Jangir1, Varalakshmi Kilingar Nadumane1,2
1Department of Biotechnology, School of Sciences, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru, 560078 Karnataka India.
Abstract:
With the increasing incidence of cancer worldwide, identifying bioactive compounds from natural sources that selectively target malignant cells while sparing normal tissues remains an important research objective. In this study, bioactive compounds derived from the weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina were investigated for their anticancer potential against breast (MCF-7) and liver (HepG2) cancer models. A methanolic extract was partially purified to obtain OSF2 (O. smaragdina fraction 2), which was characterized by GC-MS analysis. OSF2 exhibited significant cytotoxicity toward MCF-7 and HepG2 cancer cells while showing minimal effects on non-tumorigenic HEK-293 cells. Treatment with OSF2 significantly increased caspase-9, membrane integrity loss, and apoptotic cell death, supported by flow cytometric analysis. Exploratory proteomic profiling revealed dysregulation of proteins associated with ribosomal function, eukaryotic translation, chaperone activity, and mRNA processing. Pathway analysis suggested disruption of translation-associated signaling pathways and indicated possible involvement of MYC-associated regulatory suppression. Molecular docking analyses further demonstrated favorable predicted interactions between selected OSF2-derived compounds and the MYC-MAX interface. Collectively, the findings suggest that OSF2 represents a promising insect-derived bioactive fraction with anticancer activity and supports its potential for further investigation.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-026-00673-w.
Insights
Compounds from the weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina) show potent anticancer effects against breast and liver cancer cells. This insect-derived fraction, OSF2, induces apoptosis and disrupts key cellular pathways, offering a promising natural source for cancer therapy research.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Cancer Biology
- Insect Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer incidence is rising globally, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Identifying natural compounds with selective anticancer activity is a key research goal.
- Insects represent an underexplored source of bioactive molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anticancer potential of compounds from the weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a specific fraction (OSF2) against breast (MCF-7) and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying OSF2's cytotoxic effects.
Main Methods:
- Partial purification of a methanolic ant extract to yield OSF2.
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for chemical characterization of OSF2.
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays against cancer and non-tumorigenic cell lines.
- Flow cytometry to assess apoptotic cell death and membrane integrity.
- Proteomic profiling and pathway analysis to identify molecular targets.
- Molecular docking studies to predict compound-target interactions.
Main Results:
- OSF2 demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and HepG2 cells, with minimal impact on HEK-293 cells.
- OSF2 induced apoptosis, evidenced by increased caspase-9 activity and loss of membrane integrity.
- Proteomic analysis revealed OSF2's impact on ribosomal function, translation, and mRNA processing.
- Pathway analysis suggested disruption of translation-associated signaling and potential MYC-mediated suppression.
- Molecular docking indicated favorable interactions between OSF2 compounds and the MYC-MAX complex.
Conclusions:
- OSF2, a fraction from Oecophylla smaragdina, possesses significant anticancer properties.
- The compound induces cancer cell death through apoptosis and disrupts essential cellular processes.
- OSF2 shows promise as a lead for developing novel, insect-derived anticancer therapeutics.
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