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Assessing Cell Viability and Death in 3D Spheroid Cultures of Cancer Cells

Published on: June 16, 2019

Cytotoxic Effect of Halimeda macroloba Crude Extract on Cervical Cancer Spheroid Cells via p-mTOR/mTOR, Apoptosis,

Kesara Nittayaboon1, Kittinun Leetanaporn1,2, Kankamol Kerdkumthong1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand.

Cancer Management and Research
|July 15, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Marine algae extract shows promise against cervical cancer. Halimeda macroloba extract reduced cancer cell viability and migration, inducing apoptosis and impacting the mTOR pathway, suggesting potential as a novel anticancer agent.

Area of Science:

  • Marine natural products research
  • Cancer biology
  • Drug discovery

Background:

  • Cervical cancer poses a significant global health challenge due to limited treatment efficacy and resistance.
  • Marine-derived compounds are emerging as potential sources for novel anticancer therapies.
  • Investigating the anticancer potential of the marine alga Halimeda macroloba is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of crude Halimeda macroloba extract on cervical cancer spheroid cells.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the extract's anticancer activity.
  • To explore Halimeda macroloba as a source of marine-derived bioactive compounds for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Three-dimensional spheroid cultures of SiHa cervical cancer cells were treated with varying concentrations of H. macroloba extract.
  • Assessed were spheroid migration, cell viability, and caspase activity.
  • Protein expression profiles were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and Western blotting.

Main Results:

  • H. macroloba extract significantly reduced spheroid migration and cell viability in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Increased caspase activity and altered expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial function, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were observed.
  • Downregulation of the mTOR signaling pathway (p-mTOR and total mTOR) and increased pro-apoptotic markers were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Crude H. macroloba extract exhibits anticancer effects on cervical cancer spheroids.
  • The extract primarily acts through apoptosis-associated mechanisms and modulation of the mTOR signaling pathway.
  • Halimeda macroloba holds potential as a marine-derived bioactive compound for further anticancer drug development.
Keywords:
anticancer agentscervical cancernatural extractsproteomic analysis

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