NEW FINDINGS OF THE EFFECT OF WISTERIA FLORIBUNDA LECTIN ON GASTRIC CANCER CELLS

Wisteria floribunda lectin is a plant protein with binding preference to GaINAc beta 1-4GIcNAc. The lectin isolated from the seeds of the plant, which reveal high toxicity, however without precise elucidation of this action. Wisteria floribunda lectin at a concentration of 15 mu M has been tested against CRI-1739 gastric cancer cells by measuring the expression of mucin I (MUC1), NF kappa b, IL-8, collagen and two sugar structures: GaINAc alpha 1-O-Ser\Thr (Tn antigen) and SA alpha 2-3Gal. Real-time PCR. ELISA tests and Western blot analysis were used to assess mentioned factors. Increased expression of extracellular domain of MUC1 in the culture media, in form of two subunits with 30 and 60 kDa was revealed. Statistically increased expression of MUC1 gene after Wisteria floribunda lectin treatment was also observed. MUCI cytoplasmic tail level was revealed on statistically decreased. The lectin had no significant influence on IL-8 gene. However. IL-8 chemokine determined by ELISA test was statistically decreased in WFA treated cells compared to untreated control. The expression of total collagen and COL1A1 gene was significantly increased in lectin treated cells. Statistically higher expression of Tn antigen and SA alpha 2-3Gal in Wisteria floribunda lectin treated cells in comparison to untreated cells was also observed. The results indicate that Wisteria floribunda lectin stimulates cancer progression.