Curcumin decreases the expression of Pokemon by suppressing the binding activity of the Sp1 protein in human lung cancer cells

Mol Biol Rep. 2010 Mar;37(3):1627-32. doi: 10.1007/s11033-009-9575-6. Epub 2009 May 15.

Abstract

Pokemon, which stands for POK erythroid myeloid ontogenic factor, can regulate expression of many genes and plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Curcumin, a natural and non-toxic yellow compound, has capacity for antioxidant, free radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies shows it is a potential inhibitor of cell proliferation in a variety of tumour cells. To investigate whether curcumin can regulate the expression of Pokemon, a series of experiments were carried out. Transient transfection experiments demonstrated that curcumin could decrease the activity of the Pokemon promoter. Western blot analysis suggested that curcumin could significantly decrease the expression of the Pokemon. Overexpression of Sp1 could enhance the activity of the Pokemon promoter, whereas knockdown of Sp1 could decrease its activity. More important, we also found that curcumin could decrease the expression of the Pokemon by suppressing the stimulation of the Sp1 protein. Therefore, curcumin is a potential reagent for tumour therapy which may target Pokemon.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • Curcumin / pharmacology*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Luciferases
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / drug effects
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • Sp1 Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Sp1 Transcription Factor
  • Transcription Factors
  • ZBTB7A protein, human
  • Luciferases
  • Curcumin