The effect of Sargassum tenerrimum seaweed extracts on WT1 gene expression in K562 leukemia cancer cell line

Chronic myeloid leukemia is one of the most common types of blood cancer that, despite recent advances in cancer treatment, still results in high patient mortality. Due to the side effects of anti-tumor drugs, natural products such as seaweed extract can be more convenient and safer in treating cancer. In this study, the anticancer activity of Sargassum tenerrimum extract was investigated by assessing the rate of apoptosis and expression of the WT1 gene of the K562 chronic myeloid leukemia cell line.

In this study, 250, 500 and 750 mg/mL of methanolic, chloroform and hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared. After the cultivation, the K562 cells were incubated with the extract for 24 hours, followed by observation under an inverted microscope to check the degree of apoptosis. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, expression of WT1 gene was determined by real-time PCR. Results showed that all extracts were concentration-dependent and contributed to the induction of the apoptotic cell line K562. Depending on the concentration and type of various extracts from Sargassum tenerrimum, inhibition of gene expression of the WT1 gene was also observed.

The most effective induction of apoptosis and inhibition of gene expression was developed by 750 mg/ml hydroalcoholic extract and chloroform extract was the least effective.

These results indicate the anti-cancer potential of Sargassum tenerrimum extract on K562 cells by inducing apoptosis as well as inhibiting WT1 gene expression.