S. Okabe et al., Modulation of gene expression by (-)-epigallocatechin gallate in PC-9 cells using a cDNA expression array, BIOL PHAR B, 24(8), 2001, pp. 883-886
Green tea is the most effective cancer preventive beverage. In the light of
this, the mechanisms of action of tea polyphenols were investigated on the
molecular levels. We present here the effects of (-)-epigallocatechin gall
ate (EGCG) on expression of 588 genes in human lung cancer cell line PC-9 c
ells, using a human cancer cDNA expression array. The levels of gene expres
sion in non-treated control cells, and cells treated with EGCG alone, with
the tumor promoter okadaic acid alone, and with EGCG plus okadaic acid, wer
e studied, and their expression levels were classified into down-regulation
(under 0.5 fold) and up-regulation (over 2.0 fold) by comparing with the l
evels of control. Non-treated PC-9 cells expressed 163 genes out of 588, an
d EGCG-treated cells induced down-regulated expression of 12 genes and up-r
egulated expression of 4 other genes. From a comparison of gene expression
in the cells treated with EGCG and in cells treated with EGCG plus okadaic
acid, we found the following genes commonly affected by EGCG: down-regulati
on of four genes, NF-kappaB inducing kinase (NIK), death-associated protein
kinase I (DAPK 1), rhoB and tyrosine-protein kinase (SKY); up-regulation o
f one gene, retinoic acid receptor al. Among them, we think down-regulation
of NIK gene expression is significant for cancer prevention, based on evid
ence that inhibition of NF-kappaB activation is a result of inhibition of N
IK/IKK signalling complex.