Squalene suppresses Jam-A, Claudin 5, and Occludin by accelerating cell death and reducing neuronal interaction in the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y

Although squalene is an isoprenoid compound that plays a role in cholesterol biosynthesis, studies on its molecular mechanism and biological activities on cells have been limited. However, in recent years, it has been found as a functional ingredient in nutrition and taken from various sources due to its anticancer effects. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Squalene on tight junction proteins and cell apoptosis, which are effective on metastasis in neuroblastoma. Squalene was applied at a 1-100 mu g/mL concentration to SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line. Cell viability, colony formation, wound healing, and Annexin-V binding were evaluated with various doses of squalene. In addition, immunofluorescence staining determined junctional adhesion molecule-A (Jam-A), Claudin-5 (Cldn5), and Occludin (Ocln) levels. As a result, squalene in SH-SY5Y cells at 25 mu g/mL concentration increases cell death, suppresses colony formation and migration levels, triggers apoptosis, and suppresses Cldn5, Ocln, and Jam-A levels significantly. The mechanism of action of squalene, taken as a supplement, is essential in preserving neurological functions and detecting drug interactions in tumors such as neuroblastoma, which can metastasize and are common in early childhood.