Carnosine suppresses human colorectal cancer cell proliferation by inducing necroptosis and autophagy and reducing angiogenesis.

Hsieh SL, Li JH, Dong CD, Chen CW, Wu CC

Oncology letters9 Dec 2021Cited by 17 (Europe PMC)

PMID34976156PMCIDPMC8674876DOI10.3892/ol.2021.13162PepBankPUB-34976156

Summary

Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is found in beef and fish. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of carnosine on the cell proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells. After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study. Treatment of HCT-116 cells with 5, 10 or 15 mM carnosine for 72 or 96 h significantly decreased cell viability (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of β-catenin and transcription factor 4 (Tcf-4) was significantly reduced by 15-23% and 11-80%, respectively (P<0.05). When HCT-116 cells were treated with 15 mM carnosine, the mRNA levels of 1A/1B-light chain 3 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase were significantly increased by 235% and 249%, respectively (P<0.05). The mRNA level of Beclin-1 and autophagy levels were significantly increased by 137-141% in HCT-116 cells treated with 5, 10 or 15 mM carnosine (P<0.05). Carnosine (15 mM) also increased reactive oxygen species levels and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein mRNA expression and depleted ATP levels (P<0.05). The angiogenesis-regulating molecules vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α were all significantly decreased by 10 or 15 mM carnosine treatment. These results showed that carnosine could suppress human colorectal cell proliferation by reducing β-catenin/Tcf-4 signaling, inducing autophagy and necroptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. It was demonstrated that carnosine is a potential compound from dietary food for the future clinical treatment and/or prevention of colorectal cancer.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study13

13 results from studies that gave the peptide. No result from this study comes from people.

01LabIn vitro (cells)Activity measurement
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine significantly decreased viability at 5, 10 or 15 mM for 72 or 96 h.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine decreased colorectal cancer cell viability.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
DecreaseCell viability
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Tumor growth · Cancer
Studied dose
5, 10 or 15 mM · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Treatment of HCT-116 cells with 5, 10 or 15 mM carnosine for 72 or 96 h significantly decreased cell viability (P<0.05).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615601
02LabIn vitro (cells)Mechanism
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine significantly reduced β-catenin mRNA by 15-23%.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine reduced β-catenin gene expression.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
Decreaseβ-catenin mRNA
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Cancer
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
The mRNA expression of β-catenin and transcription factor 4 (Tcf-4) was significantly reduced by 15-23% and 11-80%, respectively (P<0.05).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615602
03LabIn vitro (cells)Mechanism
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine significantly reduced Tcf-4 mRNA by 11-80%.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine reduced Tcf-4 gene expression.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
DecreaseTcf-4 mRNA
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Cancer
Studied dose
Dose not stated · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
The mRNA expression of β-catenin and transcription factor 4 (Tcf-4) was significantly reduced by 15-23% and 11-80%, respectively (P<0.05).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615603
04LabIn vitro (cells)Mechanism
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine significantly increased 1A/1B-light chain 3 mRNA by 235%.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine increased 1A/1B-light chain 3 gene expression.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
Increase1A/1B-light chain 3 mRNA
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Cancer
Studied dose
15 mM · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
When HCT-116 cells were treated with 15 mM carnosine, the mRNA levels of 1A/1B-light chain 3 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase were significantly increased by 235% and 249%, respectively (P<0.05).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615604
05LabIn vitro (cells)Mechanism
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine significantly increased phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase mRNA by 249%.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine increased phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase gene expression.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
IncreasePhosphatidylinositol 3-kinase mRNA
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Cancer
Studied dose
15 mM · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
When HCT-116 cells were treated with 15 mM carnosine, the mRNA levels of 1A/1B-light chain 3 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase were significantly increased by 235% and 249%, respectively (P<0.05).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615605
06LabIn vitro (cells)Mechanism
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine significantly increased Beclin-1 mRNA, with a reported 137-141% increase for Beclin-1 and autophagy.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine increased Beclin-1 gene expression.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
IncreaseBeclin-1 mRNA
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Cancer
Studied dose
5, 10 or 15 mM · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
The mRNA level of Beclin-1 and autophagy levels were significantly increased by 137-141% in HCT-116 cells treated with 5, 10 or 15 mM carnosine (P<0.05).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615606
07LabIn vitro (cells)Mechanism
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine significantly increased autophagy, with a reported 137-141% increase for Beclin-1 and autophagy.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine increased autophagy.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
IncreaseAutophagy
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Cancer
Studied dose
5, 10 or 15 mM · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
The mRNA level of Beclin-1 and autophagy levels were significantly increased by 137-141% in HCT-116 cells treated with 5, 10 or 15 mM carnosine (P<0.05).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615607
08LabIn vitro (cells)Mechanism
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine increased reactive oxygen species levels.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine increased reactive oxygen species.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
IncreaseReactive oxygen species
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Oxidative stress · Cancer
Studied dose
15 mM · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Carnosine (15 mM) also increased reactive oxygen species levels and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein mRNA expression and depleted ATP levels (P<0.05).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615608
09LabIn vitro (cells)Mechanism
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine increased mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein mRNA expression.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine increased mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein gene expression.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
IncreaseMixed lineage kinase domain-like protein mRNA
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Cancer
Studied dose
15 mM · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Carnosine (15 mM) also increased reactive oxygen species levels and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein mRNA expression and depleted ATP levels (P<0.05).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615609
10LabIn vitro (cells)Mechanism
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine depleted ATP levels.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine reduced ATP levels.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
DecreaseATP levels
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Mitochondrial function · Cancer
Studied dose
15 mM · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Carnosine (15 mM) also increased reactive oxygen species levels and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein mRNA expression and depleted ATP levels (P<0.05).
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615610
11LabIn vitro (cells)Mechanism
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine significantly decreased vascular endothelial growth factor.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine reduced vascular endothelial growth factor.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
DecreaseVascular endothelial growth factor
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Cancer
Studied dose
10 or 15 mM · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
The angiogenesis-regulating molecules vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α were all significantly decreased by 10 or 15 mM carnosine treatment.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615611
12LabIn vitro (cells)Mechanism
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine significantly decreased epidermal growth factor receptor.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine reduced epidermal growth factor receptor.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
DecreaseEpidermal growth factor receptor
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Cancer
Studied dose
10 or 15 mM · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
The angiogenesis-regulating molecules vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α were all significantly decreased by 10 or 15 mM carnosine treatment.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615612
13LabIn vitro (cells)Mechanism
In HCT-116 cells, carnosine significantly decreased hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α.
In plain wordsIn cells, carnosine reduced hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α.
Peptide
L-carnosine
Outcome
DecreaseHypoxia-inducible factor 1-α
Study
humann: not reported in source
HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Cancer
Studied dose
10 or 15 mM · 72 or 96 hAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
The angiogenesis-regulating molecules vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α were all significantly decreased by 10 or 15 mM carnosine treatment.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3497615613

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
27 Oct 2026, 18:20 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
27 Oct 2026, 16:32 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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Keywords

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