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Quercetin inhibits p21‐RAS expression in human colon cancer cell lines and in primary colorectal tumors
Author(s) -
Ranelletti Franco O.,
Maggiano Nicola,
Serra Fabio G.,
Ricci Riccardo,
Larocca Luigi M.,
Lanza Paola,
Scambia Giovanni,
Fattorossi Andrea,
Capelli Arnaldo,
Piantelli Mauro
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(20000201)85:3<438::aid-ijc22>3.0.co;2-f
Subject(s) - quercetin , colorectal cancer , oncogene , carcinogenesis , western blot , cancer research , cell cycle , cell culture , cancer , microbiology and biotechnology , cell , blot , flavonoid , biology , flow cytometry , chemistry , biochemistry , gene , genetics , antioxidant
Immunocytochemical studies have revealed that 10 μM quercetin reduced the steady state levels of p21‐ras proteins in both colon cancer cell lines and primary colorectal tumors. These findings were confirmed by Western blot and flow cytometric analysis showing that the inhibition of p21‐ras expression by quercetin was time‐ and concentration‐dependent. Twenty‐four‐hour treatment with 10 μM quercetin reduced p21‐ras levels to about 50% of control values. Quercetin was similarly effective in inhibiting the expression of K‐, H‐, and N‐ras proteins. Moreover, the effect of quercetin on ras oncogene expression was not dependent on the cell cycle position of colon cancer cells and appeared to be specific and not merely a consequence of overall inhibition of protein synthesis. Northern blot analysis revealed that quercetin produced in colon cancer cells an early (30 min) reduction of the steady state levels of K‐, H‐, and N‐ras mRNAs. This reduction was also present after 6 hr of flavonoid treatment. These effects of quercetin suggest a possible chemopreventive role for this compound in colorectal carcinogenesis. Int. J. Cancer 85:438–445, 2000. ©2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.