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Flavone initiates a hierarchical activation of the caspase-cascade in colon cancer cells

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Abstract

There is emerging evidence that dietary factors can prevent cancer by affecting the process of carcinogenesis. Flavonoids present in vegeterian food possess antioxidant activities, have scavenging effects on activated carcinogens and mutagens, affect cell cycle progression and alter gene and protein expression. We report here that flavone, the core structure of the flavone subgroup, potently inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in HCT-116 colon cancer cells. Flavone induces the activation of caspases 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 and a decrease of mitochondrial anti-apoptotic Bcl2 protein expression. Further analysis revealed that caspase 10 activation is mediated via caspase 1. Additionally, treatment with flavone results in release of the mitochondrial apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), the key trigger of caspase-independent apoptosis, into the cytosol. In summary, our data show that flavone induces apoptosis in a caspase-dependent and -independent manner.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Research Unit for Gastrointestinal Endocrinology, University of Marburg, 35033 Marburg, Germany

    L. M. Erhart, B. Lankat-Buttgereit, H. Schmidt, U. Wenzel, H. Daniel & R. Göke MD

  2. Clinical Research Group, University Hospital of Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, 35033, Marburg, Germany

    R. Göke MD

Authors
  1. L. M. Erhart
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  2. B. Lankat-Buttgereit
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  3. H. Schmidt
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  4. U. Wenzel
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  5. H. Daniel
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  6. R. Göke MD
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Correspondence to R. Göke MD.

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Erhart, L.M., Lankat-Buttgereit, B., Schmidt, H. et al. Flavone initiates a hierarchical activation of the caspase-cascade in colon cancer cells. Apoptosis 10, 611–617 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10495-005-1895-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10495-005-1895-y

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