Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides inhibit in vitro tumorigenesis, cancer stem cell properties and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Author(s)

de Camargo, Marcela Rodrigues ; Frazon, Talita Fonseca ; Inacio, Kelly Karina ; Smiderle, Fhernanda Ribeiro ; Amor, Nadia Ghinelli ; Dionisio, Thiago Jose ; Santos, Carlos Ferreira ; Rodini, Camila Oliveira ; Lara, Vanessa Soares

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology; v. 286, p. 15-pg., 2022-03-25.

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The polysaccharides of the millenary mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (GL) have been shown for decades to present anti-tumor activities, but few studies evaluated its importance on cancer stem cells and EMT process. Cancer stem cells (CSC) drive the development of carcinoma and are also involved in cancer treatment failure, being a good target for treatment success. Also, the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in metastasis and cancer relapse. Besides that, the increasing incidence worldwide of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) became a public health issue with a high rate of metastasis and poor quality of life for patients during and after treatment.Aim of the study: to evaluate G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPS) in vitro effects on OSCC, focusing on hallmarks associated with tumorigenesis using the SCC-9, a squamous cells carcinoma lineage from the tongue.Materials and methods: SCC-9 cells were treated in vitro for 72h with different GLPS concentrations. The controls cells were maintained with culture media only and cisplatin was used as treatment control. After the treatment period, the cells were evaluated.Results: GLPS treatment changed cell morphology and granularity, delayed migration, decreased colony, and impaired sphere formation, thereby leading to a non-invasive and less proliferative behavior of tumoral cells. Additionally, GLPS downregulated CSC, EMT, and drug sensitivity (ABC) markers.Conclusions: These results show that the natural product GLPS has the potential to be an important ally for tongue squamous cell carcinoma treatment, bringing the millenary compound to modern therapy, providing a basis for future studies and the improvement of life quality for OSCC patients. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07245-9 - Investigation of the role of cancer stem cells and microenvironment on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
• Grantee: Camila de Oliveira Rodini Pegoraro
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/01212-2 - In vitro antitumor activity of Ganoderma Lucidum polysaccharide associated with 5-FU metronomic chemotherapy on stem cell of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
• Grantee: Marcela Rodrigues de Camargo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 18/04203-7 - Anti tumoral action of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in tongue squamous cell carcinoma
• Grantee: Talita Fonseca Frazon
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 15/12894-1 - Multi-User Equipment approved in grant 2013/07245-9: BD FACSAria cell sorter with BD FACSAria ACDU and acessories
• Grantee: Camila de Oliveira Rodini Pegoraro
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program