Induction of apoptosis in DLD-1 human colon cancer cells by peridinin isolated from the dinoflagellate, Heterocapsa triquetra.

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.