Compound K, a metabolite of ginseng saponin, inhibits colorectal cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis through inhibition of histone deacetylase activity

Int J Oncol. 2013 Dec;43(6):1907-14. doi: 10.3892/ijo.2013.2129. Epub 2013 Oct 4.

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-proliferative effects of Compound K, with specific reference to histone modification. Exposure of HT-29 human colon cancer cells to Compound K resulted in time-dependent inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, mRNA and protein expression. Compound K treatment induced unmethylation of the RUNX3 promoter region such as TSA treatment and an accumulation of acetylated histones H3 and H4 within the total cellular chromatin, resulting in an enhanced ability of these histones to bind to the promoter sequences of the tumor suppressor gene Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3). Treatment of cells with Compound K increased the mRNA and protein expression of RUNX3, as well as p21, a downstream target of RUNX3. These alterations were consistent with cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phases and induction of apoptosis. Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms of Compound K action in human colorectal cancer cells and suggest that HDAC inhibition presents a novel approach to prevent or treat colorectal cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation / drug effects
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit / genetics
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit / metabolism
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Ginsenosides / pharmacology*
  • HT29 Cells
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Histone Deacetylases / drug effects
  • Histone Deacetylases / metabolism*
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydroxamic Acids / pharmacology
  • Panax
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / drug effects
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Ginsenosides
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • Histones
  • Hydroxamic Acids
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Runx3 protein, human
  • trichostatin A
  • ginsenoside M1
  • Histone Deacetylases