Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid on TGF-ß and SMAD Proteins in COLO205 and WiDr Cells

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), a cytokine capable of altering cell growth and differentiation, as well as related transcription factors called SMADs, are among the proteins known to be modified by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) treatment in T-cells. Unpublished data has indicated that these proteins may be modified by DHA in colon cancer cells. In the current project, a thorough investigation of the effects of DHA on TGF-ß and SMAD protein expression and activation in COLO205 and WiDr colon carcinomas, both of which show significant inhibition of cell proliferation upon DHA supplementation, will be examined using Western Blotting and ELISA. Overall, DHA does not appear to effect TGF-ß expression, but it may still play a role in down-regulating several SMAD proteins induced by TGF-ß and BMP signaling