Effect of Gallic Acid Exposure on Rubus Callus and Mammalian Stomach Cancer Cells

Examining the effects of gallic acid, a secondary metabolite found in glandular trichomes of some plants, could reveal a new understanding of therapeutic treatment in the field of medicine. Understanding the mechanisms of action of this phenolic will expand the understanding of Rubus and its role as a powerful nutraceutical. Gallic acid is believed to activate developmentally regulated signal transduction pathways within the plant and spur action towards plant defense by stimulating rapid thorn development. Since gallic acid seems to act in a similar manner to a hormone in plants, it is hypothesized that this substance could also activate mammalian signaling pathways by mimicking animal-based ligands. When Rubus callus and human AGS stomach cancer cells are exposed to gallic acid and changes in the cell cycle are expected to take place over a period of time. We will test the effect of gallic acid exposure on the cell cycle of plant and animal cells by running analysis on exposed tissues. Previous studies have shown that gallic acid causes the cell cycle to cease at the G2 checkpoint. Real time PCR (qPCR) will be used to measure the gene expression of cdks that potentially are affected by exposure to gallic acid. In addition, transcriptome analysis using next generation sequencing will be used to further identify gene expression from exposed plant and animal tissues. From such thorough analysis of gene expression, we will be able to determine the effect gallic acid has on plants and animals in relation to the cell cycle.