Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-9 | Issue-11 | 767-772
Original Research Article
Zerumbone (ZER), a Potential Anticancer for Breast Mediates Cancer Cell Death Through Targeting β-catenin Signaling Pathway in MCF-7 Cell Line
Ismail Adam Arbab, Abdirahman Hussein Adan, Dalia Younis Adam Haroon, Salah Eldeen H. Abdlrazig, Mohamed A. Bakr, Ahmed Isse Mohamud, Fath Elrahman Abaid Alla Ali, Daralsalalam Essmael Mohammed, Awad Salim Ibrahim Holy
Published : Nov. 30, 2023
Abstract
Background: Zerumbone is a sesquiterpene which was found to delay progression of breast cancer through apoptosis induction via up-regulating Bax protein and down-regulating Bcl2 protein. Purpose: In this study, we aimed to investigate Zerumbone, a natural compound of medicinal herbal plant isolated from Zingiber zerumbet, for anti-cancer activity against MCF-7 cell line. Methods: Human cancer cell lines of breast MCF-7 cells were obtained from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Manassas, VA). ON target plus smart pool siRNA, the most efficient method is used for preparation of β-catenin siRNA. Cyclophilin B siRNA is considered as positive control. Zrumbone is an ethanol-soluble compound isolated from Zingiber zerumbet, extracted by the hydro-distillation (steam distillation) method. Purification of ZER was examined using HPLC. The MCF-7 cells transfected with 100 µM human β-catenin (CTNNB1) siRNA or cyclophilin B siRNA positive control. After transfection, the cells were harvested at 48hrs for mRNA analysis or 48 – 72 hrs for protein analysis. IC50 for ZER was determined using MTT assay. MCF-7 transfected with β-catenin siRNA were then treated with ZER IC50. The mRNA expression was analyzed using real-time to ensure the knock down of β-catenin. TUNNEL assay was used to confirm apoptosis and flow cytometry was applied for quantification of apoptotic cells. Western blot analysis was done to evaluate the effect of ZER and β-catenin (CTNNB1) siRNA on the expression of β-catenin and its functional impact on the proliferation and survival of MCF-7 cells. Results: ZER decreased β-catenin protein expression in breast cancer cell lines. ZER downregulated β-catenin mRNA level in breast cancer cell lines. Depletion of β-catenin by β-catenin siRNA and ZER induce cell apoptosis. Apoptosis caused by ZER was confirmed/examined using by annexin V (annexin V was used as a marker for drug action). Conclusion: Zerumbone possesses anti-breast cancer activity, which could be attributed to the reduction of β-catenin protein expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, downregulation of β-catenin mRNA level in breast cancer cell lines and through annexin V.