EGFR gene regulation in colorectal cancer cells by garlic phytocompounds with special emphasis on S-Allyl-L-Cysteine Sulfoxide

Colorectal cancer is one among the most common cancers in the world and a major cause of cancer related deaths. Similar to other cancers, colorectal carcinogenesis is often associated with over expression of genes related to cell growth and proliferation, especially Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). There is an increasing attention towards the plant derived compounds in prevention of colorectal carcinogenesis by downregulating EGFR. Among plants, garlic (Allium sativum L.) is emerging with anticancer properties by virtue of its organosulfur compounds. The present study was aimed to analyze the interaction ability of garlic compounds in the active region of EGFR gene by in silico molecular docking studies and in vitro validation. This was conducted using the Discovery studio software version 4.0. Among the tested compounds, s-allyl-l-cysteine-sulfoxide (SACS)/alliin showed higher affinity towards EGFR. Furthermore, wet lab analysis using cell viability test and EGFR expression analysis in colorectal cancer cells confirmed its efficacy as a potent anticancer agent.