Proteomic Analysis of Anti-Cancer Effects of Streblus Asper Extract on HeLa Cancer Cells

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer affecting women worldwide. This occurs despite having precancerous screening and HPV vaccination implemented vigorously as a definitive intervention. Natural plant like Streblus asper has been discovered to offer great hope in treating and preventing cancers. In this study, we explored the potential of S.asper to inhibit the growth of cervical cancer cell line by using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). Upon analysis, seventy-six proteins that are common to both untreated and treated groups were identified. Of this, 14 proteins are found differentially expressed more than 2-fold changes. Based on past literature, we selected 7 proteins that are closely associated with treatment effects. These include Dermcidin, Keratin, type I cytoskeletal 9, Tropomyosin alpha-4 chain, Myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase (MARCKS), Tumour protein D52, Folate receptor alpha, and Parathymosin. Pathway enrichment analysis by Reactome revealed 9 related pathways which include metabolism of protein, post-translational protein modification, signalling by Rho GTPases, signalling by NOTCH, cell cycle, cellular senescence, signalling by WNT, transcriptional regulation by TP53, and cellular responses to stress. These findings may improve our understanding on the related significant mechanism involving anti-cancer effects of S.asper on the cervical cancer cell line.