Wheatgerm agglutinin-mediated toxicity in pancreatic cancer cells
1999
Wheatgerm Agglutinin Toxicity in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Sample size: 9
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Schwarz R E, Wojciechowicz D C, Picon A I, Schwarz M A, Paty P B
Primary Institution: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Hypothesis
Does wheatgerm agglutinin (WGA) induce toxicity in pancreatic cancer cells?
Conclusion
Wheatgerm agglutinin is highly toxic to human pancreatic carcinoma cells in vitro, inducing apoptosis.
Supporting Evidence
- All pancreatic cell lines displayed high WGA membrane binding, primarily to sialic acid residues.
- WGA toxicity corresponded to membrane binding intensity, with profound effects observed.
- WGA exposure induced chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and DNA release consistent with apoptosis.
Takeaway
Wheatgerm agglutinin can kill pancreatic cancer cells by sticking to them and causing them to break apart.
Methodology
The study analyzed lectin binding and toxicity in nine human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines using various lectins and measured cell proliferation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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