Effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on the expression of β-catenin in the cultured human colorectal cancer cell lines

Objective To study the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on the expression of β-catenin in the cultured colorectal cancer cell lines. Methods HCT116 and W480 cells were treated with CAPE at serial concentrations of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/L. β-catenin protein expression was assayed by Western blot analysis. β-catenin localization was detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Results CAPE treatment was associated with decreased total β-catenin protein expression. The expression of β-catenin at the cell nucleus and cytoplasm was downregulated, but at the cell-cell linked site the β-catenin protein expression was upregulated. Conclusion CAPE can downregulate the expression of β-catenin and inhibit the translocation of β-catenin to nucleus, which may play an important role in the anticancer activity of CAPE.