Investigating the effect of Curcumin on the expression of some genes involved in the cell cycle in hepatocellular carcinoma cancer cells

Abstract

Curcumin is a yellow polyphenolic compound which is extracted from the root of the Curcuma Longa plant, and because it is assumed as an effective anti-cancer substance, it is able to inhibit various cellular signaling pathways, including uncontrolled cell proliferation, cancer-related inflammation, It regulates the pathways of programmed cell death, angiogenesis and metastasis. Target :In this study, firstly, the effect of curcumin on cell viability was investigated. In addition, we evaluated the cell cycle, then, using bioinformatics study, curcumin target genes were predicted and their gene expression changes were investigated.method: First, Hep G2 cell line was cultured in complete medium and then we used MTT method to measure the level of cell toxicity. Next, we evaluated the cell cycle by flow cytometry. Finally, using KEEG GENES Database, we selected the target genes and obtained the expression level of the examined genes by Real-Time PCR method. Results: Curcumin induces apoptosis by inhibiting the cell cycle by increasing G2/M and SubG1 phase cells. Also, based on experimental studies, the expression levels of 4 genes PLK1, CDK1, CDC25B and CDC25C were investigated under the title of curcumin target genes and the results show a decrease in their gene expression in treated cells. Conclusion: The composition of curcumin has a potential ability to inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and can induce programmed cell death through the control of genes which are involved in the cell cycle. Therefore, it can be said that curcumin can be considered as an anticancer candidate for further studies and examinations.