Quercetin in elimination of tumor initiating stem-like and mesenchymal transformation property in head and neck cancer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Previously, we enriched a subpopulation of head and neck cancer-derived tumor initiating cells (HNC-TICs) presented high tumorigenic, chemo-radioresistant, and coupled with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanisms of quercetin on HNC-TICs.

METHOD:

ALDH1 activity of head and neck cancer cells with quercetin treatment was assessed by the Aldefluor assay flow cytometry analysis. Self-renewal, invasiveness, and EMT capability of HNC-TICs with different doses of quercetin was presented.

RESULTS:

We first observed that the treatment of quercetin significantly downregulated the ALDH1 activity of head and neck cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner (p < .05). Moreover, quercetin reduced self-renewal property and stemness signatures expression in head and neck cancer-derived sphere cells. The migration ability of head and neck cancer-derived sphere cells was lessened under quercetin treatment partially due to the decreased productions of Twist, N-cadherin, and vimentin.

CONCLUSION:

Quercetin suppressing HNC-TICs characteristics may therefore be valuable therapeutics clinically in combination with standard treatment modalities.

• Authors: Wen-Wei Chang, Fang-Wei Hu, Cheng-Chia Yu, Hsiu-Huan Wang, Hsiang-Pu Feng, Chih Lan, Lo-Lin Tsai, Yu-Chao Chang
• Journal: Head & neck (Head Neck) Vol. 35 Issue 3 Pg. 413-9 (Mar 2013) ISSN: 1097-0347 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22422628 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Isoenzymes
• Quercetin
• Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family
• ALDH1A1 protein, human
• Retinal Dehydrogenase

Topics

• Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family
• Blotting, Western
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Transformation, Neoplastic (drug effects)
• Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (drug effects)
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Head and Neck Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Isoenzymes (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Neoplastic Stem Cells (drug effects)
• Quercetin (therapeutic use)
• Retinal Dehydrogenase (antagonists & inhibitors)