Japan research uncovers how coffee constituent limits growth of colorectal cancer cells
毎日新聞 • • health
Key Points:
- Japanese researchers identified that caffeic acid, a polyphenol derived from coffee, suppresses colorectal cancer cell growth by binding to the protein RPS5, which is linked to poor recovery outcomes.
- Caffeic acid and suppression of RPS5 expression both halted the cancer cell cycle before DNA replication by reducing levels of cyclin D1, a protein crucial for cell growth progression.
- The study reveals a molecular mechanism where caffeic acid blocks RPS5 function, leading to decreased cyclin D1 through post-transcriptional regulation, thereby inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.
- Researchers emphasize that these findings are based on cell experiments and do not directly prove coffee consumption prevents colorectal cancer; excessive coffee intake is not advised due to other components like caffeine.
- The study, published in Scientific Reports, may pave the way for developing new cancer prevention and treatment strategies targeting RPS5, potentially inspired by caffeic acid derivatives.
