The development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) is a multistep process progressing from precancerous lesions to highly malignant tumors. A critical role in HNSCCs development and progression is played by EGFR family members including EGFR and ErbB2. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of apigenin, a low molecular weight flavonoid contained in fruits and vegetables, on growth and survival and on EGFR/ErbB2 signaling in cell lines derived from HNSCCs of the tongue (CAL-27, SCC-15) or pharynx (FaDu). Using sulforhodamine B assay, FACS analysis and activated caspase-3 detection by immunofluorescence, we here demonstrate that apigenin dose-dependently inhibits survival and induces apoptosis of HNSCC cells. Further, by performing western blotting with antibodies specific for phosphorylated EGFR, ErbB2, Erk1/2 and Akt we demonstrate that apigenin reduces ligand-induced phosphorylation of EGFR and ErbB2 and impairs their downstream signaling. On the whole, our results suggest that apigenin properties might be exploited for chemoprevention and/or therapy of head and neck carcinomas.

Apigenin induces apoptosis and impairs head and neck carcinomas EGFR/ErbB2 signaling / Masuelli, Laura; Marzocchella, Laura; Quaranta, Alessandro; Camilla, Palumbo; Pompa, Giorgio; Valerio, Izzi; Antonella, Canini; Andrea, Modesti; Fabio, Galvano; Roberto, Bei. - In: FRONTIERS IN BIOSCIENCE. - ISSN 1093-9946. - 16:3(2011), pp. 1060-1068. [10.2741/3735]

Apigenin induces apoptosis and impairs head and neck carcinomas EGFR/ErbB2 signaling

MASUELLI, Laura;MARZOCCHELLA, LAURA;QUARANTA, ALESSANDRO;POMPA, Giorgio;
2011

Abstract

The development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) is a multistep process progressing from precancerous lesions to highly malignant tumors. A critical role in HNSCCs development and progression is played by EGFR family members including EGFR and ErbB2. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of apigenin, a low molecular weight flavonoid contained in fruits and vegetables, on growth and survival and on EGFR/ErbB2 signaling in cell lines derived from HNSCCs of the tongue (CAL-27, SCC-15) or pharynx (FaDu). Using sulforhodamine B assay, FACS analysis and activated caspase-3 detection by immunofluorescence, we here demonstrate that apigenin dose-dependently inhibits survival and induces apoptosis of HNSCC cells. Further, by performing western blotting with antibodies specific for phosphorylated EGFR, ErbB2, Erk1/2 and Akt we demonstrate that apigenin reduces ligand-induced phosphorylation of EGFR and ErbB2 and impairs their downstream signaling. On the whole, our results suggest that apigenin properties might be exploited for chemoprevention and/or therapy of head and neck carcinomas.
2011
hnsccs; erbb receptors; phosphorylation; apigenin
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01a Articolo in rivista
Apigenin induces apoptosis and impairs head and neck carcinomas EGFR/ErbB2 signaling / Masuelli, Laura; Marzocchella, Laura; Quaranta, Alessandro; Camilla, Palumbo; Pompa, Giorgio; Valerio, Izzi; Antonella, Canini; Andrea, Modesti; Fabio, Galvano; Roberto, Bei. - In: FRONTIERS IN BIOSCIENCE. - ISSN 1093-9946. - 16:3(2011), pp. 1060-1068. [10.2741/3735]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/44729
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