Molecular Insights into the Immunomodulating and Anticancer Mechanisms of Eremina desertorum (Forsskal, 1775) Mucin in HepG-2 and CACO-2 Cells

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Department of Medical Malacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.

2 Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.

3 Department of Nucleic Acid Research, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnological Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA- City), Alexandria, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present research is to deeply investigate the cytotoxic and immunomodulatory activities of the mucin extracted from Ereminia desertorum snails´ mucus against two tumor cell lines; human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) and human colon adenocarcinoma (CACO-2) cells. Both cell lines were treated with Ereminia desertorum snails´ mucin and the anti-cancer potential of the mucin was evaluated by the crystal violet assay test and gene expression analysis using reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: The extract showed cytotoxic activity on both tumor cell lines however it was more pronounced CACO-2 (IC50: 0.20±0.05 (µl/ml)) than HepG-2 (0.103±0.019 (µl/ml)). Gene expression levels (2-ddct) of the transforming growth factor (TGF) β1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α showed increased expression in HepG-2 and CACO-2 cells treated with the mucin extract by (18.38 and 19.14) and (14.38 and 10.69) folds respectively. Apoptotic gene expression (Cas3 and Cas9) in HepG-2 and CACO-2 cells showed increased expression after treatment with the mucin extract by (16.14, and 11.00) and (23.58 and 12.50) folds, respectively. Gene expression levels (2-ddct) of Oncogenic markers (c-myc, Ras, β-catenin, and EGFR) in HepG-2 and CACO-2 cells treated with mucin extract decreased by (0.025, 0.025, 0.047 and 0.040) and (0.064, 0.183, 0.111 and 0.26) folds, respectively. Conclusion: The present study highlighted the anticancer and immunomodulatory activities of the mucin extracted from E. desertorum snails´ mucus. This could attract attention to such natural compound as a possible source of a therapeutic product against liver and colon cancers. 

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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 27, Issue 3
March 2026
Pages 831-838

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 13 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 27 February 2026

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