Anti-cancer potential of sea grape (Caulerpa racemosa) extract by altering epithelial-mesenchymal transition and pro-apoptosis proteins expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Abstract

Breast cancer is a neoplasm that is increasing globally based on its prevalence. Caulerpa racemosa is a type of sea grape that has anti-cancer activity based on previous studies. We aim to determine the anti-cancer activity of C. racemosa extract on Michigan cancer foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells through the mechanism of apoptosis by observing cell viability and caspase-3 expression, also as an anti-metastatic agent on expression of Snail and Vimentin. A true experimental study was carried out using a randomized post-test-only control group design. MCF-7 cells were used as subjects with the intervention of C. racemosa extract at varying doses. Cell apoptotic was assessed by flow cytometry and cell viability test, while anti-metastatic activity was assessed by wound healing assay. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the expression level of caspase-3, Snail, and Vimentin. The results showed an increased activity of cell apoptosis, according to flow cytometry and cell viability tests. Furthermore, expression of caspase-3 was found to be significantly higher in the 400 g/ml dose group and MCF-7 cell migration inhibition by decreasing Snail and Vimentin protein expression. These results indicate a “novel mechanism” of C. racemosa in the MCF-7 model as an anti-cancer and anti-metastatic agent to inhibit breast cancer progression.