Kynurenic acid enhances expression of p21 Waf1/Cip1 in colon cancer HT-29 cells.
BACKGROUND
Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a tryptophan metabolite, was found in the mucus of rat small intestine. However, its role in the gastrointestinal tract is still not fully elucidated.


METHODS
To verify whether KYNA affects cell cycle regulators, the protein expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 Waf1/Cip1 was investigated in colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells exposed to KYNA. MTT, BrdU assay and siRNA technology were used to evaluate the effect of KYNA on cancer cell proliferation.


RESULTS
KYNA significantly enhanced the expression of p21 Waf1/Cip1. Importantly, the overexpression of this protein was involved in inhibition of proliferation and DNA synthesis in HT-29 cells.


CONCLUSIONS
KYNA may be considered as a potential chemoprevention agent against colon cancer.
Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, PL 20-950 Lublin, Poland. walczak.ka@gmail.com
Katarzyna
K
Walczak
Waldemar A
WA
Turski
Wojciech
W
Rzeski
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D050759:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 / Q000235:genetics*; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D020868:Gene Silencing; D019073:HT29 Cells; D006801:Humans; D007736:Kynurenic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage
C493956:CDKN1A protein, human; D050759:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D004247:DNA; D007736:Kynurenic Acid