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Pathway and single gene analyses of inhibited Caco‐2 differentiation by ascorbate‐stabilized quercetin suggest enhancement of cellular processes associated with development of colon cancer
Author(s) -
Dihal Ashwin A.,
Tilburgs Chantal,
van Erk Marjan J.,
Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M.,
Woutersen Ruud A.,
Stierum Rob H.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
molecular nutrition and food research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.495
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1613-4133
pISSN - 1613-4125
DOI - 10.1002/mnfr.200600261
Subject(s) - quercetin , caco 2 , carcinogenesis , gene expression , cell growth , gene , cellular differentiation , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , cell cycle , apoptosis , cell , colorectal cancer , chemistry , biochemistry , cancer , genetics , antioxidant
The aim was to investigate mechanisms contributing to quercetin's previously described effects on cell‐proliferation and ‐differentiation, which contradicted its proposed anticarcinogenic potency. In a 10‐day experiment, 40 μM quercetin stabilized by 1 mM ascorbate reduced Caco‐2 differentiation up to 50% ( p < 0.001). Caco‐2 RNA from days 5 and 10, hybridized on HG‐U133A2.0 Affymetrix GeneChips®, showed 1743 affected genes on both days ( p < 0.01). All 14 Caco‐2 differentiation‐associated genes showed decreased expression ( p < 0.01), including intestinal alkaline phosphatase, that was confirmed technically (qRT‐PCR) and functionally (enzyme‐activity). The 1743 genes contributed to 27 pathways ( p < 0.05) categorized under six gene ontology (GO) processes, including apoptosis and cell‐cycle. Genes within these GO‐processes showed fold changes that suggest increased cell‐survival and ‐proliferation. Furthermore, quercetin down‐regulated expression of genes involved in tumor‐suppression and phase II metabolism, and up‐regulated oncogenes. Gene expression changes mediated by ascorbate‐stabilized quercetin were concordant with those occurring in human colorectal carcinogenesis (∼80–90%), but were opposite to those previously described for Caco‐2 cells exposed to quercetin without ascorbate (∼75–90%). In conclusion, gene expression among Caco‐2 cells exposed to ascorbate‐stabilized quercetin showed mechanisms contrary to what is expected for a cancer‐preventive agent. Whether this unexpected in vitro effect is relevant in vivo , remains to be elucidated.