Distinct mitotic arrests by prairie Asteraceae plant extracts and exploration of the transcriptomic response of HT-29 cancer cells to anti-mitotic chemicals
Date
2021
Authors
Allard, Haley, Kathleen
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Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Biology
Abstract
We investigate the mitotic activities of Canadian Asteraceae plant extracts and use two experimental approaches to study mitotic arrests. We used taxonomy and phylogeny as a basis for investigating extracts from the species Ratibida columnifera, Arnica fulgens, and Hymenopappus filifolius for anti-mitotic activity. The extracts were tested for anti-mitotic activity against cancer cells measured by rounded cell morphology and phosphorylated histone H3 assays. The extracts demonstrated distinct effects on the mitotic spindle, with different microtubule distortions and centrosome morphologies. In a second approach, we used transcriptomic analysis to compare mitotic arrests induced by sesquiterpene lactones or the cancer drug Taxol®. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differences in overall gene expression related to specific biological processes including transcripts related to microtubule regulation. Isolation of the plant extract chemicals as well as identification of protein targets may provide new chemicals suitable for studying mitosis and possible use in future precision medicines.
Description
Keywords
Natural products , Asteraceae , Mitosis , Transcriptomics , Centrosome , Mitotic spindle , Dissertations, Academic , Cancer cells , Centrosomes , Compositae , Paclitaxel