Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), a natural product of the Capsicum species of red peppers, is known to induce apoptosis and suppress cell growth in various cancer models. The chemopreventive mechanism of capsaicin is cell specific, and its efficacy is dependent on cell or tissue context. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) activated gene-1 (NAG-1) is a cytokine associated with pro-apoptotic and anti-tumorigenic properties in colorectal cancer. NAG-1 expression is inversely correlated with the occurrence of polyps and tumor, supporting that NAG-1 is a promising molecular target in chemoprevention. Our preliminary data demonstrate that capsaicin leads to suppression of cell growth, up-regulation of NAG-1 and down-regulation of cyclin D1 in human colorectal cancer cells.
In specific aim 1, we will investigate the molecular mechanism of capsaicin's anti-tumor effect by characterizing how capsaicin up-regulates NAG-1 and down-regulates cyclin D1 in in vitro studies. We will focus on the roles of PKC, GSK3?, and C/EBP? mediating the stimulatory effects of capsaicin on NAG-1 transactivation. In addition, suppression of cyclin D1 and ?-catenin signaling by capsaicin will be determined at transcriptional as well as post-translational levels, focusing on ?-catenin degradation and translocation, or interaction with E-cadherin. We anticipate in vitro studies will provide us a new anti-tumorigenic pathway of pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative regulation by capsaicin. In our preliminary data, we found that capsaicin had synergistic activity with 3,3'- diindolylmethane (DIM) in NAG-1 activation and suppression of colorectal cancer cell growth. We will investigate the effects of capsaicin alone or in combination with DIM on the development of colorectal cancer using a colorectal tumor model in which [azoxymethane will be treated with capsaicin, DIM, or capsaicin + DIM into wild type or NAG-1 knockout mice] for 4 weeks. Significant reductions in aberrant cryptic foci (ACF) will be expected in mice treated with capsaicin or DIM, and a greater reduction of ACF formation in capsaicin + DIM treated mice is expected than that in mice treated with capsaicin or DIM alone. [Knockout of the NAG-1 gene is expected to ameliorate capsaicin/DIM-induced antitumorigenic activities]. In vivo studies will reveal the additive or synergistic effect of capsaicin and DIM in suppression of colorectal tumorigenesis.

Public Health Relevance

The general aim of this proposal is to study the correlation between capsaicin intake and occurrence of colorectal cancer. Capsaicin is the pungent ingredient in red peppers and is presently used as a topical pain reliever. Recent studies show that it may be justified to evaluate capsaicin for inhibiting cancer in patients. What we found is that capsaicin inhibited growth of human colorectal cancer cells and activated Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) activated gene-1 (NAG-1) protein, which has been known to enhance cancer cell death and suppress the development of colorectal cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of anti-cancer effect of capsaicin has yet to be elucidated.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03CA137755-01A1
Application #
7737782
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZCA1-SRLB-F (M1))
Program Officer
Kim, Young S
Project Start
2009-07-01
Project End
2011-06-30
Budget Start
2009-07-01
Budget End
2010-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$70,700
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
003387891
City
Knoxville
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
37996
Clark, Ruth; Lee, Jihye; Lee, Seong-Ho (2015) Synergistic anticancer activity of capsaicin and 3,3'-diindolylmethane in human colorectal cancer. J Agric Food Chem 63:4297-304
Lee, Seong-Ho; Richardson, Raphael L; Dashwood, Roderick H et al. (2012) Capsaicin represses transcriptional activity of ?-catenin in human colorectal cancer cells. J Nutr Biochem 23:646-55