Induction of p53-dependent apoptosis by resveratrol in human cancer cells, A549 and SKOV3

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound present in many fruits and vegetables such as grapes, mulberries, and peanuts, has been reported to have various biological effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying resveratrol-induced apoptosis in A549 ovarian cancer cells are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of resveratrol on A549 lung cancer cells (expressing wild-type p53) and compared it with that observed for SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells (expressing null-type p53). Resveratrol significantly inhibited the viability and proliferation of A549 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, compared with its effects on SKOV3 cells. It also induced A549 cell apoptosis, but did not affect anoikis resistance. Furthermore, the viability and proliferation of p53-knockdown A549 cells were unaffected by the presence of resveratrol. Therefore, we demonstrate that the anticancer effect of resveratrol against A549 lung cancer cells is dependent on the presence of functional p53.