Berberine Uptake in HepG2 Cells
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Trisha Russell; trisharussell@whitworth.edu
Session Type
Poster Presentation
Research Project Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline plant alkaloid that has several pharmacological properties. This research focused on the mechanisms of BBR in lowering cholesterol levels. Human HepG2 cells were treated with BBR. From fluorescence microscopy, colocalization of BBR was determined in the mitochondria of HepG2 cells. Further treatments of different BBR concentrations in HepG2 cells concluded that BBR concentration of 0.5 ug/mL was sufficient to penetrate through the cell membrane. Additionally, western blots were performed to observe BBR-treated Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR), Annexin II, Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein 1 (LRP1), and Insulin Receptor (IR) over different time points. The results show consistent protein expression for the tested six hours, suggesting BBR treatment does not inhibit these proteins. Longer treatments with BBR are proposed to observe any change in protein expression.
Session Number
PS1
Location
HUB Multipurpose Room
Abstract Number
PS1-l
Berberine Uptake in HepG2 Cells
HUB Multipurpose Room
Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline plant alkaloid that has several pharmacological properties. This research focused on the mechanisms of BBR in lowering cholesterol levels. Human HepG2 cells were treated with BBR. From fluorescence microscopy, colocalization of BBR was determined in the mitochondria of HepG2 cells. Further treatments of different BBR concentrations in HepG2 cells concluded that BBR concentration of 0.5 ug/mL was sufficient to penetrate through the cell membrane. Additionally, western blots were performed to observe BBR-treated Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR), Annexin II, Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein 1 (LRP1), and Insulin Receptor (IR) over different time points. The results show consistent protein expression for the tested six hours, suggesting BBR treatment does not inhibit these proteins. Longer treatments with BBR are proposed to observe any change in protein expression.
