Unraveling the caspase-mediated mechanism for phloroglucinol-encapsulated starch biopolymer against the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231

Abstract

The main objective of the study is to decipher the mechanism underlying the anticancer activity of phloroglucinol-encapsulated starch biopolymer against the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. An MTT assay confirmed that MDA-MB-231 cells are highly susceptible to treatment with the biopolymer in a dose-dependent manner. Morphological evidence by fluorescence staining revealed chromatin condensation, nuclear beading and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. DNA fragmentation and cell cycle analysis confirm the progression of apoptosis in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. The semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed increased levels of pro-apoptotic genes such as those for caspase-3, 8 and 9. Western blotting analysis was done to substantiate the caspase-3 and 8 expressions in an efficient execution of apoptosis. To conclude, the controlled release of the polyphenolic compound phloroglucinol from starch induces cytotoxicity against the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line.