Anticancer Effects of Escherichia Coli-Derived Outer Membrane Vesicles against Colorectal Cancer Cells through Regulation of Apoptosis

Marjan  Ghiyasvand; Ardeshir  Hesampour; Javad  Arasteh; Hossein  Dabiri

doi:10.18502/ijph.v54i6.18909

Marjan Ghiyasvand Department of Biology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Ardeshir Hesampour Department of Biology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Javad Arasteh Department of Biology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Hossein Dabiri Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v54i6.18909

Keywords: E. coli; CT-26; Colorectal cancer; Apoptosis; Inflammation

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Microbiota and their metabolites, including toxins, have been shown to possess anti-tumor properties. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Escherichia coli may trigger inflammation in intestinal cells. We aimed to explore the anti-cancer effects of E. coli-derived OMVs on colorectal cancer cells by promoting apoptosis and pyroptosis, particularly through the over-expression of GSDMD in the CT-26 cell line.

Methods: In 2022, five non-replicating probiotic strains of E. coli were obtained from the Histogenotech Company in Tehran, and their OMVs were isolated and characterized. The CT-26 cell line was used to assess cell toxicity and the apoptotic effects of E. coli-derived OMVs. Real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to measure the expression of apoptosis and pyroptosis markers (GSDMD, NLRP3, and ROCK).

Results: The E. coli strains produced nanovesicles (5-200 nm in diameter). OMVs significantly reduced the viability of CT-26 cells and induced apoptosis at a concentration of 10 µg. The expression of GSDMD and NLRP3 was increased, while ROCK expression was downregulated in treated colorectal cells.

Conclusion: E. coli-derived OMVs can trigger inflammatory processes and induce negative effects on colorectal cancer cells. Further research is needed to evaluate their potential for colorectal cancer treatment.