Effect of Quercetin on Tumor-Derived Exosomal miRNA Circulation in Primary (Colo 320) and Metastatic (Colo 741) Colon Cancer Cell Lines

Abstract Objective: Quercetin is a phytochemical that is regarded as a potential anticancer agent in colon cancer prevention. Exosomes are nanovesicles secreted by normal or cancer cells, which transport miRNAs and proteins and participate in intercellular communication as a cargo. Cytotoxicity, exosomal miRNA secretion, and distribution of Dicer, Ago2, CD9, CD63 and eIF2α in quercetin applied Colo 320 and Colo 741 colon cancer cell lines were aimed.Materials and Methods: The cytotoxicity test that we used to evaluate cell viability is MTT assay. The distribution of Dicer, Ago2, CD9, CD63 and eIF2α in both cell lines were analyzed using the indirect immunoperoxidase technique. The exosomal miRNA levels were evaluated by using a miRCURY™ Kit.Results: Decreased eIf2α immunoreactivity following quercetin application was significant in Colo 741 colon cancer cells. Increased Dicer and CD9 immunoreactivities were significant between Colo 320 and Colo 741 colon cancer cells. Additionally, after quercetin application, exosomal miRNA concentrations were increased in both Colo 320 and Colo 741 cell lines.Conclusion: According to our results, total exosomal miRNA concentration and levels of associated proteins were affected after quercetin administration. Additionally, the change in the immunoreactivity of the related proteins after quercetin application differed according to the cell type and origin.