The O-methylated isoflavone, formononetin, inhibits human ovarian cancer cell proliferation by sub G0/G1 cell phase arrest through PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 inactivation

Sunwoo Park, Fuller W. Bazer, Whasun Lim, Gwonhwa Song

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Formononetin is an isoflavone that is extracted from red clovers or soy. It has anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-tumor effects against cells in various diseases. Several cohort studies have indicated that phytoestrogen intake, including formononetin, could reduce the risk of various carcinogenesis. In fact, many case-control studies have indicated the potential value of flavonoids as drug supplements in the treatment of many cancer patients. However, the toxic effects and the anti-cancer mechanism of formononetin in ovarian cancer are unknown. We investigated the toxicological mechanism of formononetin in ES2 and OV90 ovarian cancer cells. Formononetin suppressed cell proliferation through sub G0/G1 phase arrest and increased apoptosis in both cell lines. Furthermore, it induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and generation of reactive oxygen species in ES2 and OV90 cells. The formononetin-mediated regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis involved decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, P90RSK, AKT, P70S6K, and S6 proteins, and increased phosphorylation of P38 protein in ES2 and OV90 cells. Co-treatment of formononetin with pharmacological inhibitors (LY294002 or U0126) revealed additional anti-proliferative effects on the two human ovarian cancer cell types. Conclusively, the results indicate the potential value of formononetin as an anti-cancer agent in human ovarian cancer.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7377-7387
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of cellular biochemistry
Volume119
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018 Sept

Keywords

  • cell death mechanism
  • formononetin
  • ovarian cancer
  • signal transduction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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