title: Apigenin induces apoptosis and impairs head and neck carcinomas EGFR/ErbB2 signaling.
abstract: The development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) is a multistep process progressing from precancerous lesions to highly malignant tumors. A critical role in HNSCCs development and progression is played by EGFR family members including EGFR and ErbB2. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of apigenin, a low molecular weight flavonoid contained in fruits and vegetables, on growth and survival and on EGFR/ErbB2 signaling in cell lines derived from HNSCCs of the tongue (CAL-27, SCC-15) or pharynx (FaDu). Using sulforhodamine B assay, FACS analysis and activated caspase-3 detection by immunofluorescence, we here demonstrate that apigenin dose-dependently inhibits survival and induces apoptosis of HNSCC cells. Further, by performing western blotting with antibodies specific for phosphorylated EGFR, ErbB2, Erk1/2 and Akt we demonstrate that apigenin reduces ligand-induced phosphorylation of EGFR and ErbB2 and impairs their downstream signaling. On the whole, our results suggest that apigenin properties might be exploited for chemoprevention and/or therapy of head and neck carcinomas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome, Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Masuelli
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marzocchella
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Quaranta
authors.forename: Camilla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Palumbo
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pompa
authors.forename: Valerio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Izzi
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Canini
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Modesti
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Galvano
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bei
mesh_terms: D047310:Apigenin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D018307:Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D047310:Apigenin; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases