Triptolide (TPL) Inhibits Global Transcription by Inducing Proteasome-Dependent Degradation of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II)
2011

Triptolide Inhibits Gene Transcription by Degrading RNA Polymerase II

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wang Ying, Lu Jin-jian, He Li, Yu Qiang

Primary Institution: Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Hypothesis

How does triptolide (TPL) inhibit global gene transcription in cancer cells?

Conclusion

Triptolide inhibits global transcription in cancer cells by inducing the degradation of RNA polymerase II.

Supporting Evidence

  • Triptolide was found to induce degradation of RNA polymerase II in a dose-dependent manner.
  • The study showed that TPL treatment led to DNA damage in cancer cells.
  • Phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II was increased by TPL, which was linked to its degradation.

Takeaway

Triptolide is a plant compound that can stop cancer cells from making new genes, which helps kill them.

Methodology

The study used Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis to examine the effects of TPL on gene transcription and RNA polymerase II levels in cancer cell lines.

Participant Demographics

The study involved cancer cell lines, including Hela and breast cancer cell lines.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023993

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