Toad skin extract cinobufatini inhibits migration of human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells into a model stromal tissue
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026
Modeling Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue using a Microphysiological System
Published on: April 23, 2021
Munehiro Nakata1, Shuya Mori, Yo Kamoshida
1Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University.
Abstract:
Toad skin extract cinobufatini study has been focused on anticancer activity, especially apoptosis-inducing activity by bufosteroids. The present study examined effect of the toad skin extract on cancer cell migration into model stromal tissues. Human breast carcinoma cell line MDA-MB-231 was incubated in the presence or absence of toad skin extract on a surface of reconstituted type I collagen gel as a model stromal tissue allowing the cells to migrate into the gel. Frozen sections were microscopically observed after azan staining. Data showed a decrease of cell number in a microscopic field and shortening of cell migration into the model stromal tissue in a dose dependent manner. This suggests that toad skin extract may possess migration-preventing activity in addition to cell toxicity such as apoptosis-inducing activity. The multifaceted effects including apoptosis-inducing and cancer cell migration-preventing activities would improve usefulness of toad skin extract cinobufatini as an anticancer medicine.
Insights
Toad skin extract cinobufatini inhibits cancer cell migration and induces apoptosis. This dual action suggests its potential as a novel anticancer medicine, offering new therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Bufosteroids from toad skin extract (cinobufatini) are known for anticancer properties, particularly apoptosis induction.
- Cancer cell migration is a critical process in metastasis, making it a key target for anticancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of toad skin extract on the migration of human breast carcinoma cells (MDA-MB-231) into a model stromal tissue.
- To evaluate the potential of cinobufatini to prevent cancer cell migration.
Main Methods:
- Human breast carcinoma cell line MDA-MB-231 was cultured on a reconstituted type I collagen gel model.
- Cells were incubated with varying concentrations of toad skin extract.
- Cell migration into the collagen gel was assessed using microscopy on stained frozen sections.
Main Results:
- Toad skin extract significantly reduced the number of cancer cells within the microscopic field.
- A dose-dependent decrease in cancer cell migration into the model stromal tissue was observed.
- The extract demonstrated migration-preventing activity in addition to previously known cytotoxic effects.
Conclusions:
- Toad skin extract (cinobufatini) exhibits both apoptosis-inducing and cancer cell migration-preventing activities.
- These multifaceted effects enhance the therapeutic potential of cinobufatini as an anticancer agent.
- Further research into cinobufatini could lead to novel anticancer drug development.
