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European Journal of Nutrition

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01-03-2022 | Melanoma | Original Contribution

l-Theanine inhibits melanoma cell growth and migration via regulating expression of the clock gene BMAL1

Authors: Ruyi Zhang, Shuangning Zheng, Zhen Guo, Yanan Wang, Guocui Yang, Zhimin Yin, Lan Luo

Published in: European Journal of Nutrition | Issue 2/2022

Abstract

Purpose

l-Theanine is a unique non-protein amino acid found in green tea, which has been identified as a safe dietary supplement. It has been reported that l-theanine exerts various biological activities. In this study, we explored the anti-cancer effects of l-theanine on melanoma cells.

Methods

A375, B16–F10, and PIG1 cell lines were used in the present study. EdU labeling, TUNEL and Annexin V/PI staining, wound-healing, and transwell migration assay were performed to detect the effects of l-theanine on melanoma cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. Brain and muscle Arnt-like protein 1 (BMAL1) was knocked down in melanoma cells to evaluate if l-theanine plays the anti-cancer role through regulating circadian rhythm of melanoma cells. The western blot, qRT-PCR, and dual luciferase assay were performed to explore the mechanism involved in the effects of l-theanine on melanoma cells.

Results

l-Theanine apparently reduced the viability of melanoma cells. Further experiments showed that l-theanine attenuated the proliferation and migration, and promoted apoptosis of melanoma cells. l-Theanine significantly enhanced the expression of BMAL1, a clock gene in melanoma cells. Down-regulation of BMAL1 suppressed the anti-cancer effects of l-theanine on melanoma cells. Further experiments indicated that the p53 transcriptional activity raised by l-theanine was dependent on BMAL1 expression in melanoma cells.

Conclusion

l-Theanine exerts the anti-cancer effect on melanoma cells through attenuating the proliferation and migration, and promoting apoptosis of them, which is dependent on the regulation of the clock gene Bmal1 in melanoma cells.

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Title: l-Theanine inhibits melanoma cell growth and migration via regulating expression of the clock gene BMAL1
Authors: Ruyi Zhang
Shuangning Zheng
Zhen Guo
Yanan Wang
Guocui Yang
Zhimin Yin
Lan Luo
Publication date: 01-03-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Melanoma
Melanoma
Published in: European Journal of Nutrition / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 1436-6207
Electronic ISSN: 1436-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02677-y

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