The natural alkaloid berberine exhibits different pharmacological properties. We analyzed antitumor effects of berberine in MIA PaCa-2 cells (pancreatic carcinoma) and U343 (glioblastoma). Human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) were used as a non-tumor control. We observed that berberine localizes in the cytoplasm and/or in the nucleus in a dosedependent manner. Berberine reduced the TMRM signal, a marker of mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating a decay of mitochondrial activity in all cell lines. Since berberine differentially affects viability of these cells, we investigated what type of death is induced by the alkaloid. Our results show that low concentrations of berberine induce CASPASE-3 activity in HDF, whereas a higher concentration is required in MIA PaCa-2 and U343 cells. As shown by β-galactosidase assay, berberine increases senescence in all cell types. Berberine also induces autophagy in the two cancer cell lines, but not in HDF. Wound healing assay indicates that berberine dose-dependently inhibits migration of MIA PaCa-2 cells. Finally, this alkaloid differently affects the expression level of genes involved in carcinogenesis in the analysed cell lines.
Different responses to berberine in human cell lines
BATISTONI, RENATA;DE MATIENZO, GUGLIELMA;MARRACCI, SILVIA
2016-01-01
Abstract
The natural alkaloid berberine exhibits different pharmacological properties. We analyzed antitumor effects of berberine in MIA PaCa-2 cells (pancreatic carcinoma) and U343 (glioblastoma). Human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) were used as a non-tumor control. We observed that berberine localizes in the cytoplasm and/or in the nucleus in a dosedependent manner. Berberine reduced the TMRM signal, a marker of mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating a decay of mitochondrial activity in all cell lines. Since berberine differentially affects viability of these cells, we investigated what type of death is induced by the alkaloid. Our results show that low concentrations of berberine induce CASPASE-3 activity in HDF, whereas a higher concentration is required in MIA PaCa-2 and U343 cells. As shown by β-galactosidase assay, berberine increases senescence in all cell types. Berberine also induces autophagy in the two cancer cell lines, but not in HDF. Wound healing assay indicates that berberine dose-dependently inhibits migration of MIA PaCa-2 cells. Finally, this alkaloid differently affects the expression level of genes involved in carcinogenesis in the analysed cell lines.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
