Pathway and single gene analysis of Caco-2 cell differentiation by ascorbate-stabilized quercetin

The aim was to investigate mechanisms contributing to quercetins previously described effects on cell-proliferation and -differentiation, which contradicted its proposed anti-carcinogenic potency. In a 10-day experiment, 40 M quercetin stabilized by 1mM ascorbate reduced Caco-2 differentiation up to 50% (P<0.001). Caco-2 RNA from days 5 and 10, hybridized on HG-U133A2.0 Affymetrix GeneChips, showed 1,743 affected genes on both days (P<0.01). All 14 Caco-2 differentiation-associated genes showed decreased expression (P<0.01), including intestinal alkaline phosphatase that was confirmed technically (qRT-PCR) and functionally (enzyme-activity).

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Dihal AA, Tilburgs C, van Erk MJ, Rietjens IM, Woutersen RA, Stierum RH