C-Phycocyanin induces apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma KB cells via modulation of key molecular pathways

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive epithelial malignancy with limited therapeutic options and high recurrence rates. C-Phycocyanin, a phycobiliprotein derived from Spirulina platensis, exhibits promising anticancer properties by modulating various molecular pathways. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of C-Phycocyanin on human oral cancer cells (KB) and compare its safety profile on normal endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay in both KB and HUVEC cell lines following treatment with different concentrations of C-Phycocyanin. Apoptotic features were evaluated by DAPI nuclear staining and quantified using Annexin V/PI-based flow cytometry. The expression of apoptosis-related genes (P53, Bax, Bcl-2) and signaling molecules involved in the Akt/PTEN and MAPK (ERK2) pathways was analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. C-Phycocyanin significantly inhibited the viability of KB cells in a dose-dependent manner while exerting minimal cytotoxic effects on HUVEC cells. DAPI staining revealed nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation in KB cells. Flow cytometry confirmed apoptosis induction. RT-PCR analysis showed upregulation of P53 and Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2, suggesting activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In addition, C-Phycocyanin inhibited Akt and upregulated PTEN and MAPK (ERK2) pathway components. C-Phycocyanin effectively induces apoptosis in oral cancer cells by modulating key molecular pathways, with minimal toxicity on normal cells. These results support its potential as a natural and selective therapeutic agent for OSCC, meriting further in vivo validation.