Purple Potato Extract Suppresses Hypoxia-Induced Metabolic Reprogramming and Inhibits HIF-1α Signaling in Caco-2 Cells

Background: The hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) pathway plays a key role in promoting glycolysis and tumor progression under hypoxic conditions in cancer cells. Purple potato (PP) extract, which is a polyphenol-rich natural product, has previously been shown to enhance mitochondrial function and suppress tumor growth in several cancer models. We hypothesized that PP extract could counteract hypoxia-induced glycolysis by targeting the HIF-1 alpha pathway. Methods: Human colonic epithelial Caco-2 cells were treated with PP extract under hypoxic conditions, and its effects on glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and HIF-1 alpha signaling were evaluated. Results: Under hypoxia PP extract suppressed glycolysis, as evidenced by reduced lactate production and lower phosphorylated pyruvate dehydrogenase levels. In parallel, genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation were upregulated by PP extract, suggesting a metabolic shift under hypoxia. Additionally, PP extract reduced the protein accumulation of HIF-1 alpha and its transcriptional activator XBP1 induced by hypoxia. Correspondingly, the expression of several HIF-1 alpha downstream target genes, including Vegfa, Pdk1, Ldha, Hk1, and Glut1, was markedly reduced. Functionally, PP extract inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and drug resistance under hypoxic stress, indicating a broader inhibitory effect on hypoxia-driven malignant phenotypes. Conclusion: These findings suggest that PP extract disrupts cancer cell adaptation to hypoxia and supports its potential as a dietary approach against hypoxia-driven colorectal cancer, through further preclinical studies are warranted.