Correlation with Apoptosis Process through RNA-Seq Data Analysis of Hep3B Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Treated with Glehnia littoralis Extract (GLE)

<i>Glehnia littoralis</i> is a perennial herb found in coastal sand dunes throughout East Asia. This herb has been reported to have hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. It may be effective against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether this has been proven through gene-level RNA-seq analysis is still being determined. Therefore, we are attempting to identify target genes for the cell death process by analyzing the transcriptome of Hep3B cells among HCC treated with GLE (<i>Glehnia littoralis</i> extract) using RNA-seq. Hep3B was used for the GLE treatment, and the MTT test was performed. Hep3B was then treated with GLE at a set concentration of 300 μg/mL and stored for 24 h, followed by RNA isolation and sequencing. We then used the data to create a plot. As a result of the MTT analysis, cell death was observed when Hep3B cells were treated with GLE, and the IC50 was about 300 μg/mL. As a result of making plots using the RNA-seq data of Hep3B treated with 300 μg/mL GLE, a tendency for the apoptotic process was found. Flow cytometry and annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining verified the apoptosis of HEP3B cells treated with GLE. Therefore, an increase or decrease in the DEGs involved in the apoptosis process was confirmed. The top five genes increased were <i>GADD45B</i>, <i>DDIT3</i>, <i>GADD45G</i>, <i>CHAC1</i>, and <i>PPP1R15A</i>. The bottom five genes decreased were <i>SGK1</i>, <i>CX3CL1</i>, <i>ZC3H12A</i>, <i>IER3</i>, and <i>HNF1A</i>. In summary, we investigated the RNA-seq dataset of GLE to identify potential targets that may be involved in the apoptotic process in HCC. These goals may aid in the identification and management of HCC.