Abstract
Background: Since MAP kinases represent an important pathway of transducing external stimuli to internal signals in cells, determining their possible role in cancer cells may offer a promising way for the treatment and prognosis of malignant diseases. Our previous experiments have shown that a flavonoid-rich solution, Flavin7, was able to diminish kidney tumor growth in vivo. Materials and Methods: Effects of Flavin7 on the MAPK signaling pathway were determined in immortalized mouse proximal tubule cells by determining cell viability, flow cytometric analysis, luciferase assays and Western blots. Results: At a nontoxic dose, Flavin7 markedly reduced phosphorylation of ERK and inhibited activity of its downstream targets such as Elk1 and CREB via inhibition of the ERK-kinase MEK1. Conclusion: Because of its ability to temporarily inhibit kidney tumor growth and activation of the MEK1/ERK pathway in vitro, further in vivo investigations may determine the potential role of Flavin7 in the treatment of malignancies.
- Flavin7 extract
- plant-derived natural compounds
- mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway
- anticarcinogenic effect
Footnotes
- Received March 28, 2007.
- Revision received June 18, 2007.
- Accepted July 25, 2007.
- Copyright © 2007 The Author(s). Published by the International Institute of Anticancer Research.
