Apoptosis in Yeast is Modulated by Clove Leaf Extract and Eugenol Potentially by Interfering Caspase YCA1

Abstract

Apoptosis is a process of cell death important for preventing the development of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune, and cardiovascular disease. Apoptosis is reported to be potentially induced by antioxidant compounds,  including phytoextract. Thus in this study, we determined the potential of apoptotic modulation in yeast cells by clove extract, which was rich in eugenol.  Apoptotic in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was observed by forming petite colonies. Molecular docking analysis was then performed to clarify the potential binding of eugenol towards yeast caspase  YCA1, the key regulator of apoptosis in yeast. Our data indicate that clove leaf extract (500 ppm) increased the frequency of petite colonies by up to 94,2% in S. cerevisiae. Suggesting that the particular phytoextract induced the apoptosis phenomenon in yeast. The predominant compound in clove extract, eugenol, was capable to bind YCA1 with the affinity of -4, 4 kcal/moL. Thus it is suggested that the development of apoptotic yeast cells by clove phytoextract occurred potentially due to such direct regulation of eugenol towards YCA1. However, further in vivo studies are required to elucidate the mode of action of eugenol in the regulation of YCA1 activities.