Induction of Apoptosis in DLD-1 Human Colon Cancer Cells by Peridinin Isolated from the Dinoflagellate,<i>Heterocapsa triquetra</i>

Abstract

Peridinin, which is uniquely present in dinoflagellates, is one of the most abundant carotenoids found in nature. We evaluated the apoptotic effect of peridinin on DLD-1 human colorectal cancer cells. Peridinin significantly reduced the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (0-20 microM) and induced apoptosis by activating both caspase-8 and caspase-9. Our findings could be important for the high-performance utilization of marine bioproducts.