The Effects of Resveratrol on Melanoma Cell Behavior and Metastatic Gene Expression

Abstract

Melanoma is projected to be the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. in 2021, and over 100,000 new cases are projected to be diagnosed over the course of the year. Although promising new therapeutic treatments have been developed, investigation into additional adjuncts is needed. Resveratrol (RSV), a natural phytoalexin found primarily in red grapes, is proven to have therapeutic effects on multiple disease processes, including those of melanoma. Despite several studies proposing mechanisms of action in which RSV decreases melanoma progression, the full effects of RSV on melanoma metastasis and progression remain to be elucidated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of RSV on the behavior of melanoma and examine its effects on several genes involved in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Methods utilized to evaluate the behavior of melanoma cells before and after RSV treatment include cell culture, scratch plate testing, QPCR, and Western blotting. Resveratrol was shown to decrease melanoma cell migration in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, and gross morphologic differences were evident when comparing treated and untreated cell cultures. In addition to these results, we plan to show a dose-dependent decrease in the expression of several genes involved in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition utilizing Western Blotting and QPCR. Resveratrol is a potential therapeutic adjunct for treatment of melanoma. Further investigation into the exact mechanism of action of RSV in melanoma is warranted.