Analysis Of Epigenetic Effects Of Genistein On Cancer Cells In Culture

Abstract

The overall objective of our research project is to analyze the anti-proliferative effects of genistein, an isoflavonoid found in soybeans. Soy products, including our compound genistein, have received new marketability as a health supplement because of their anti-oxidative properties. Recent studies have documented other biological effects of genistein including anti-carcinogenic effects on certain types of cancers. Mechanisms of such anti-proliferative effects have not been fully elucidated. Specifically the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the anti-neoplastic activity of genistein is poorly defined. This project explores the effect on genistein on acetylation/deacetylation of histones in two breast cancer cell lines. Such analysis is anticipated to aid pharmacotherapeutic applications of genistein. However, it is still unclear if genistein expresses its epigenetic modifications independently of the estrogen receptor pathway. We hypothesize that genistein produces its effects via an epigenetic mechanism in an estrogen receptor dependent/independent model. Clarifying the molecular mechanism by which Genistein acts epigenetically will increase its potential use as an anti-cancer pharmacotherapy. Therefore, we will be evaluating the histone modifications, specifically acetylation/deacetylation, of genistein treated HTB-19(ER-negative) and HTB-20(ER-positive) breast cancer cells using an anti-acetyl lysine antibody in order to detect acetylated histones.