Investigating How Nano-Curcumin Affects the Expression of the p53 Gene and Inhibits the Cell Cycle in the A549 Lung Cancer Cell Line

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is a leading cause of oncological mortality worldwide and is among the most frequently diagnosed cancers. Developing effective therapies for this condition remains a significant challenge. The development of safe, natural, and side-effect-free drugs is crucial for treating various intractable diseases that contribute to global mortality. Objectives: Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of curcumin, a representative polyphenol, in cancer treatment and control by regulating cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and the cell cycle. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of nano-curcumin on lung cancer cell lines, focusing on its impact on the p53 gene and cell cycle. Methods: The A549 cell line was cultivated in RPMI1640 media and subsequently exposed to nano-curcumin. Flow cytometry and MTT assays were employed to quantify cell division and survival. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were conducted to assess the expression of the p53 gene, a key regulator of the cell cycle. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test with GraphPad Prism 9.5 software. Results: Nano-curcumin inhibited A549 cell proliferation by upregulating p53 gene expression and influencing molecular mechanisms such as G1/S phase arrest and apoptotic induction. Nano-curcumin strongly inhibits A549 cell survival and may represent a novel therapeutic option for lung cancer treatment by modulating p53 expression and cell cycle control. Conclusions: The study’s findings indicate that nano-curcumin treatment led to increased p53 expression in the A549 cell line compared to controls, consistent with MTT and flow cytometry results. Nano-curcumin appears to inhibit cell division, growth, and migration by arresting the cell cycle and promoting the expression of tumor suppressor genes such as p53. This process of increased expression ultimately leads to apoptosis.