Proapoptotic and antiangiogenic plant proteins for cancer therapy

The Ehrlich Ascites Tumor model is an excellent model system both in vivo & in vitro for rapid screening & testing of anti-tumor & antiangiogenic drugs especially with respect to ascites tumors. The present investigation, we are reporting the identification of a 15kDa protein in the water extract of Bacopa monnieri. We have defined the antiproliferative and apoptotic mechanism of BmP in EAT cells. BmP induces oligonucleosomal fragmentation of DNA in EAT cells due to caspase-3 activated endonucleases. The BmP also showed antiangiogenic activity and antiproliferative action by repressing VEGF secretion in ascites fluid of EAT bearing mice. It also exerted its antiangiogenic activity via NF-kB pathway. These findings could demonstrate a pharmacological mechanism involved in proapoptotic induction and angioinhibitory effects of the protein component isolated from Bacopa monnieri. Further invention needs to be focused on the identification, characterization of the BmP coding mRNA for its possible subcloning and expression in a suitable host for therapeutic application.