Abstract 2613: Cryptotanshinone and dihydrotanshinone epigenetically suppress human colorectal cancer cell growth

Most cancer cases are closely related to many risk factors such as environment and diets. Carcinogenesis may also be controlled by epigenetic regulation. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) is a common Chinese herbal medicine, and it has been reported that it has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, and anti-thrombotic activities. In this study, we studied the effect and epigenetic mechanisms of cryptotanshinone (CTS) and dihydrotanshinone (DHTS), the major active ingredients in Danshen, against human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. The results showed that CTS and DHTS suppressed the proliferation of HCT116 cells for 72-hour treatment and induced mRNA and protein expressions of p21 and DLEC1. Pro-apoptosis proteins such as PARP, caspase-3, and caspase-9 are cleaved and activated in HCT116 cells treating CTS and DHTS. Moreover, CTS and DHTS also increased the protein levels of epigenetics regulating enzymes, including histone deacetylases (HDACs) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in HCT116 cells. Therefore, it is suggested that CTS and DHTS may affect tumor suppressor genes, such as p21 and DLEC1, by regulating epigenetic mechanisms, which induce apoptosis of colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. Citation Format: Zheng-Yuan Su, Yu-Hsin Chen Chen, Tien-Yuan Wu. Cryptotanshinone and dihydrotanshinone epigenetically suppress human colorectal cancer cell growth [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2613.