Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Ferula assa-foetida on Modulating SMAD4 Tumor Suppressor Gene Expression in Caco-2 Cell Line Derived from Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of ethanolic extract of Ferula assa-foetida on the expression of SMAD4, a critical tumor suppressor gene, in the Caco-2 colorectal cancer cell line. Loss of SMAD4 function has been associated with advanced stages of colorectal cancer and poor prognosis. The research employed qRT-PCR analysis to measure changes in SMAD4 expression following treatment with various concentrations (50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) of F. assa-foetida extract. Cell viability assays confirmed that the extract maintained cell survival rates above 90% across all concentrations, indicating minimal cytotoxicity. The results demonstrated a significant dose-dependent increase in SMAD4 expression, with the highest concentration (200 µg/mL) inducing a 4.8-fold increase compared to untreated controls (p < 0.0001). Statistical analysis revealed high precision and reliability of the findings (R² = 0.996). The extract induced progressive upregulation of SMAD4, with 1.7-fold, 2.3-fold, and 4.8-fold increases observed at 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL, respectively. RNA quality assessment and qRT-PCR optimization confirmed the reliability of gene expression measurements, with consistent GAPDH expression serving as an internal control. These findings suggest that F. assa-foetida extract can modulate SMAD4 expression without significant cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cells, warranting further investigation of its effects on the TGF-β signaling pathway. This study provides initial molecular evidence examining the traditional medicinal applications of F. assa-foetida at the gene expression level, though additional research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic implications.

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References

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 18 December 2024

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