Proteomics screening of molecular targets of curcumin in mouse brain

Aims: Curcumin is one of the most important constituent of Curcuma longa L with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. In this study, we investigated potential intracellular targets of curcumin by affinity chromatography based on target deconvolution. Identification of curcumin interacting proteins may help in evaluating biological and side effects of this natural compound. Main methods: Curcumin was immobilized through a linker to sepharose beads as solid matrix. Pull down assay was performed by passing tissue lysate of mouse brain through the column to enrich and purify curcumin interacting proteins. Then proteins were separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and identified using MALDI/TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Key findings: Our results show that curcumin physically binds to a wide range of cellular proteins including structural proteins, metabolic enzymes and proteins involved in apoptosis pathway. Significance: Finding curcumin interacting proteins may help in understanding a part of curcumin pharmacological effects. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.