Receptor mediated cell de-adhesion under external stimuli

Abstract

Studies have shown that (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is the main constituent of green tea has an inhibitory effect on cell de-adhesion mechanism and will also retard the onset and progress of cell migration. As such, a study on the effects of EGCG on a cancerous cell such as HepG2 will provide insight on the therapeutic effects that EGCG may potentially possess against cancer cells invasion and metastasis. In an effort to study the effects of EGCG on the rate of cell de-adhesion, C-RICM and phase contrast microscopy were used to monitor the evolution of HepG2 cells de-adhesion on a thermoresponsive polymer, Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm). HepG2 cells treated with different concentration of EGCG were used. Results showed that EGCG did indeed have an inhibitory effect on the rate of cell de-adhesion. Furthermore, when the concentration of EGCG was increased, the inhibitory effect exhibited was amplified. Cell migration tracking assay together with the use of Meta Morph 7.0 software, was also used to monitor the progress of migration of HepG2 cells treated with different concentration of EGCG. This experiment illustrated the effects of EGCG on the spreading kinetics of the cells. Results obtained clearly illustrated that with increasing concentration of EGCG, the rate of migration and the spreading kinetics of the cells were inhibited. As such, this project has successfully showed the inhibitory effects EGCG has on cells de-adhesion and migration.