Abstract
The polycomb group (PcG) proteins are epigenetic regulators of gene expression that enhance cell survival. This regulation is achieved via action of two multiprotein PcG complexes--PRC2 (EED) and PRC1 [B-cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi-1)]. These complexes modulate gene expression by increasing histone methylation and reducing acetylation--leading to a closed chromatin conformation. Activity of these proteins is associated with increased cell proliferation and survival. We show increased expression of key PcG proteins in immortalized keratinocytes and skin cancer cell lines. We examine the role of two key PcG proteins, Bmi-1 and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2), and the impact of the active agent in green tea, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), on the function of these regulators. EGCG treatment of SCC-13 cells reduces Bmi-1 and Ezh2 level and this is associated with reduced cell survival. The reduction in survival is associated with a global reduction in histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation, a hallmark of PRC2 complex action. This change in PcG protein expression is associated with reduced expression of key proteins that enhance progression through the cell cycle [cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk)1, cdk2, cdk4, cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin A and cyclin B1] and increased expression of proteins that inhibit cell cycle progression (p21 and p27). Apoptosis is also enhanced, as evidenced by increased caspase 9, 8 and 3 cleavage and increased poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase cleavage. EGCG treatment also increases Bax and suppresses Bcl-xL expression. Vector-mediated enhanced Bmi-1 expression reverses these EGCG-dependent changes. These findings suggest that green tea polyphenols reduce skin tumor cell survival by influencing PcG-mediated epigenetic regulatory mechanisms.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
MeSH terms
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Anticarcinogenic Agents / antagonists & inhibitors
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Anticarcinogenic Agents / pharmacology*
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Apoptosis / drug effects
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
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Catechin / analogs & derivatives*
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Catechin / antagonists & inhibitors
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Catechin / pharmacology
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Cell Count
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Cell Cycle Proteins / biosynthesis
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Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
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Cell Cycle Proteins / physiology
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Cell Line, Transformed / cytology
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Cell Line, Transformed / drug effects
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Cell Line, Tumor / cytology
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Cell Line, Tumor / drug effects
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Culture Media, Serum-Free
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DNA Replication / drug effects
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DNA-Binding Proteins / biosynthesis
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology*
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Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
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Epigenesis, Genetic / drug effects
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Gene Knockdown Techniques
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Genetic Vectors / pharmacology
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Humans
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Keratinocytes / cytology
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Keratinocytes / drug effects
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Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis
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Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
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Neoplasm Proteins / physiology*
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Nuclear Proteins / biosynthesis
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Nuclear Proteins / genetics
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Nuclear Proteins / physiology*
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Polycomb Repressive Complex 1
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Polycomb Repressive Complex 2
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Polycomb-Group Proteins
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / biosynthesis
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / physiology*
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / physiology
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Repressor Proteins / biosynthesis
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Repressor Proteins / genetics
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Repressor Proteins / physiology*
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Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
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Transcription Factors / biosynthesis
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / physiology*
Substances
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Anticarcinogenic Agents
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BMI1 protein, human
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Cell Cycle Proteins
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Culture Media, Serum-Free
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Neoplasm Proteins
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Nuclear Proteins
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Polycomb-Group Proteins
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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Repressor Proteins
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Transcription Factors
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Catechin
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epigallocatechin gallate
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EZH2 protein, human
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Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
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Polycomb Repressive Complex 2
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Polycomb Repressive Complex 1