GL-9 peptide regulates gene expression of CD44 cancer marker and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line (A549)

Mol Cell Biochem. 2016 Dec;423(1-2):141-149. doi: 10.1007/s11010-016-2832-9. Epub 2016 Oct 4.

Abstract

In this study, we examined cytotoxic effect of GL-9 peptide on A459 cell line through studying the changes in TNF-α and CD44 gene expression and ROS production. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the treated A549 cells highly over expressed TNF-α, which was associated with a significant reduction of CD44 gene expression levels (p < 0.05). ROS production rate was measured through the usage of DCFH-DA primer. Results demonstrated that GL-9 peptide could also induce cell death via ROS production. The effect of GL-9 peptide on human erythrocytes and leukocytes was analyzed. GL-9 peptide showed no significant toxic effect on human blood cells. Our results suggested that the GL-9 peptide as a potent natural agent could modulate gene expression of cancer cell markers.

Keywords: Blood cells; Cell death; Peptide; Real-time polymerase chain reaction; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / metabolism*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / biosynthesis*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / biosynthesis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CD44 protein, human
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Peptides
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha