Fig. 6

Effect of enhancing or limiting tryptophan metabolism in colon cancer mice models. a The linear graph shows the average number and tumor area for control group and DT group (mean ± SD). b CT-26 homografts were established in 6-8-week old female BALB/c mice. Once tumors were palpable, mice were randomized into groups fed on a DT diet (4 mg/kg Trp, n = 6), total tryptophan restriction (TTR) diet (0 mg/kg Trp, n = 6), partial tryptophan restriction (PTR) diet (0.6 mg/kg Trp, n = 6), or a control diet (2 mg/kg Trp, n = 6). Tumor volumes and mice weights were monitored over time. At the end of the experiment, tumors were dissected, imaged and weighed. The bar graph displays the tumour volume and weight of each group (mean ± SD). Statistical methods: one-way ANOVA, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, NS indicates no significant difference. c Representative images of Trp metabolism-related proteins in clinical samples of colon cancer tissues and normal colon tissues. IHC analysis of SERT, SLC1A5, TPH1, AFMID, and TGM2 expression in clinical samples of colon cancer tissues and normal colon tissues. The method assigning IHC score for each sample was described in “Materials And Methods” section. *** p < 0.001