Effects of aqueous extract of trachyspermum copticum (L.) link seeds on transcription of transforming growth factor-beta receptor 1 and 2 genes in cancer cells

Abstract

© 2017, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved. Background: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 2 signaling pathways and their receptors exert a pivotal role in behavior and fate of tumor cells. Therefore, these pathways are target of drug discovery researches. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the aqueous extract of Trachyspermum copticum (L.) link (carum) seeds on TGF-beta receptor 1 and 2 genes coding the heterodimer complex of receptor in MCF-7 cell line of human breast cancer. Methods: Non-cytotoxic concentrations of the extract determined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- Diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and cells treated with non-cytotoxic concentrations (5 and 40 μg/ml) of extract for 24 hours. Then, to evaluate the expression of TGF-beta receptors 1 and 2 genes at the level of transcription, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed (comparing the control group). Data were analyzed using REST® software and analysis of variance test. Level of significance was set at 0.05. Findings: Cells treated with concentration of 5 μg/ml of extract showed reduction in gene transcription levels to almost half (0.52) (P = 0.015); and in cells treated with concentration of 40 μg/ml of extract, gene transcription levels increased to 1.34 times (P = 0.066) comparing to control group. Treatment of cells with extract showed no meaningful changes in TGF-beta receptor 2 gene expression at the level of transcription (P = 0.148). Conclusion: Results suggest that treatment of MCF-7 cells with low concentration of aqueous extract of Trachyspermum copticum (L.) link seeds can affect the TGF-beta receptor 1 gene transcription, but not the TGF-beta receptor 2; and alter the microenvironment of tumor cell. Further studies have to be performed for conclusive evidence.