Induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in colorectal cancer cells by novel anticancer metabolites of Streptomyces sp. 801

Background: Colorectal cancer is the third and most significant cause of death and fourth most common cancer in the world. Chemotherapy can be introduced in the cases of locally or distantly invasive colorectal cancer. In recent years Actinomycetes, especially the genus Streptomyces, contain numerous bioactive compounds, some of which are known as important anti-tumor chemotherapy drugs. In this research, we aimed to explore the anti-cancer mode of action of Streptomyces sp. 801 on colorectal cancer cells in vitro conditions. Methods: Fermented supernatant of strain Streptomyces sp. 801 isolated from soil showed maximum growth inhibition on human colorectal cancer cells. The cytotoxic effects of various concentrations of EtOAc extract from bacterial culture supernatant on HT-29, HCT 116 and SW480 cancer cells were surveyed using the MTT assay. Moreover, flow cytometry assays and Bax, Bcl-2, Cyclin D1 and P21 gene expressions were carried out to assess the apoptotic and cell cycle effects. Also, the scratch assay was performed to measure migration. Finally, Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract was analyzed by LC-MS to identify anti-cancer compounds. Results: The cell viability of all three cell lines were decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The successful induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at IC50 values, were confirmed by flow cytometry as well as by the mRNA expression levels of the genes involved in these processes. Scratch assays indicated the inhibition of cell migration in the cancer cell lines treated by Streptomyces sp. 801. Nine anti-cancer compounds of Streptomyces sp. 801 were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Streptomyces sp. 801 can be a source of promising anticancer metabolites.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the promising anti-cancer activity of Streptomyces sp. 801 on colorectal cancer cells in vitro by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inhibiting cell migration. Nine anti-cancer compounds were identified from the strain, suggesting its potential as a source of anticancer metabolites.