Algal sulfated carrageenan inhibits proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells via apoptosis regulatory genes

Abstract

Abstract. Marine algae are prolific sources of sulfated polysaccharides, which may explain the low incidence of certain cancers in countries that traditionally consume marine food. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of non-skin cancer in females. In this study, extracted sulfated carrageenan (ESC), predominantly consisting of ι-carrageenan extracted from the red alga Laurencia papillosa, was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The biological effects of the identified extract were investigated and its potential cytotoxic activity was tested against the MDA-MB-231 cancer cell line. The biological biometer of the inhibitory concentration of the polysaccharide-treated MDA-MB-231 cells was determined as 50 µM. Treatment with 50 µM ESC inhibited cell proliferation and promptly induced cell death through nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation. Characterization of polysaccharide-treated MDA-MB-231 cell death revealed that induction of apoptosis occurred via the activation of the extrinsic apoptotic caspase-8 gene. The apoptotic signaling pathway was regulated through caspase-3, caspase-9, p53, Bax and Bcl-2 genes. These findings suggest that ESC may serve as a potential therapeutic agent to target breast cancer via prompting apoptosis.

Seaweeds in Human Health

“…Hence, they have been documented for their anti-angiogenic effects in mice (Dias et al, 2005). Carrageenans' proapoptotic effects have been described to be mediated by caspase-3, caspase-9, p53, Bax, and Bcl-2 genes in MDA-MB-231 metastatic human breast cancer cell line (Murad et al, 2015). Carrageenans' proapoptotic effects have been described to be mediated by caspase-3, caspase-9, p53, Bax, and Bcl-2 genes in MDA-MB-231 metastatic human breast cancer cell line (Murad et al, 2015).…”

Induction of G1-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis pathway in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells by sulfated polysaccharide extracted from Laurencia papillosa

“…This ASPE predominantly contains a sulfated polysaccharide. ASPE could inhibit proliferation of MDA-MB-231 in vitro in a time and dose dependent manner [ 25 ]. However, the anti-proliferative activity mechanism of ASPE remains unclear.…”

Characterization and Comparison of the Structural Features, Immune-Modulatory and Anti-Avian Influenza Virus Activities Conferred by Three Algal Sulfated Polysaccharides

“…The S. vulgare polysaccharides illustrated an ability to enhance serum antibody titers and lymphocyte proliferation [ 10 ]. Furthermore, the sulfated polysaccharides extracted from the red alga Laurencia papillosa could inhibit breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) via apoptosis regulatory genes [ 13 ]. While significant attention has been paid to one or two biological and pharmacological activities of sulfated polysaccharides from a single species of marine algae, little information is available regarding the bioactivity comparison of sulfated polysaccharides from different algae and the structure-function relationship.…”