Abstract

Background: Previous studies suggested that Cannabis sativa has anti-cancer properties influencing tumor size and metastasis properties. Microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) such as tau binds to the microtubules and leads to cancer metastasis. Stathmin is a cytosolic phosphor-protein which can induce the depolymerization of microtubules in cancer cell lines, stathmin and tau over expressions, and leads to reduced sensitivity to taxane. It seems that C. Sativa can impress microtubule-associated proteins existing in breast cancer stem cells. Objectives: The effects of the extract of Cannabis Sativa on stathmin and tau relative gene expression were studied. Methods: Tau and stathmin relative gene expressions were evaluated at different concentrations of C. Sativa extract (final concentrations 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 g/mL) using real-time quantitative PCR. In order to understand the mechanism, AM281 (Cannabinoid receptor 1) was administrated with extract too. Results: The extract exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005 respectively) in tau and stathmin relative gene expression with the doses of 100 g/mL compared to control group, the mixture of antagonist AM281 and extract reversed the results. Conclusions: C. sativa extract dose-dependently influences tau and stathmin relative gene expressions, which may reduce cancer metastasis.

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