Genistein inhibited the proliferation of kidney cancer cells via CDKN2a hypomethylation: role of abnormal apoptosis.

Introduction: Genistein is recognized as a potent anti-oxidant in soybean-enriched foods, which is a kind of phytoestrogen involved in anticancer activity in various cancers.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of CDKN2a hypomethylation involved in the anti-tumor effect of genistein on kidney cancer.

Methods: The CDKN2a expression was measured using qRT-PCR. The level of CDKN2a methylation was detected using methylation-specific PCR. The apoptosis was detected via flow-cytometric analysis. The cell viability was detected using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Results: Our results indicated that genistein induced cell apoptosis and inhibited the cell proliferation of kidney cancer cells. Moreover, genistein increased the expression of CDKN2a and decreased CDKN2a methylation.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that the anti-tumor effect of genistein might induce cell apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of kidney cancer cells via regulating CDKN2a methylation.