Investigating the Anticancer Effect of Streptomyces sp. M12 Extract Against Glioblastoma U87_MG Cell Line

Abstract

Glioblastoma, the most aggressive and fatal form of brain tumor, is characterized by rapid growth, extensive invasion of surrounding tissues, and significant angiogenesis. These and other types of cancer remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery often limited by significant side effects. This has led to the pursuit of novel therapeutic approaches, including bacterial therapy, which utilizes bacteria’s unique ability to target tumor microenvironments and deliver therapeutic agents. This research examines the antitumor effects of Streptomyces sp. M12 extract on the U87_MG glioblastoma cell line. The cytotoxicity of the extract was assessed using the MTT assay. Additionally, flow cytometry and scratch assays were conducted to evaluate cell migration. Furthermore, gene expression analysis for Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9 was performed to determine apoptotic effects. The MTT assay indicated strong anticancer activity with an IC₅₀ value of 17.72 after 96 h of treatment. In vitro studies showed that the extract significantly promotes apoptosis, as evidenced by an 83.6% increase in apoptosis rates via flow cytometry. Moreover, the scratch assay demonstrated that the extract inhibited U87_MG cell migration, indicating antimetastatic potential. Real-time PCR analysis results revealed a 1.972-fold increase in Caspase-8 expression and a 0.468-fold decrease in Caspase-9 expression (p ≤ 0.001), suggesting that apoptosis is triggered through the extrinsic pathway. These findings emphasize the dual cytotoxic and antimigratory effects of the strain M12 extract, making it a promising candidate for glioblastoma treatment. Further investigation is necessary to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved and confirm its therapeutic potential in preclinical and clinical settings. This study highlights the significance of natural products, particularly those derived from Streptomyces sp. M12, an innovative cancer treatment strategy.