Unraveling molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate by proteomic investigations

Abstract

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the main polyphenol in green tea leaf. Several in vivo and in vitro studies have suggested the beneficial roles of EGCG in prevention and attenuation of various human diseases. During the past 10 years, enormous efforts have been made to unravel mechanisms of action of EGCG by using proteomics combined with bioinformatics followed by experimental validation. This chapter summarizes the current knowledge on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of EGCG in several diseases obtained from such proteomic investigations. In particular, the mechanisms underlying its antioxidant, anti-inflammation, regulation of cellular metabolism, antiepithelial-mesenchymal transition (anti-EMT), antiangiogenesis, and antitumorigenesis properties are highlighted.