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Methylsulfonylmethane inhibits HER2 expression through STAT5b in breast cancer cells

Dong Young Kang1, Pramod Darvin1, Young Beom Yoo2

  • 1Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, and Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

International Journal of Oncology
|December 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) shows promise in treating HER2-positive breast cancer. This natural compound inhibits cancer cell proliferation and reduces human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression by regulating STAT5b.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Breast cancer is a leading global cancer in women.
  • Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer is aggressive and often treated with expensive therapies like Herceptin.
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a non-toxic, naturally occurring organosulfur compound.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as a potential therapeutic agent for HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying MSM's effect on breast cancer cell proliferation and HER2 expression.

Main Methods:

  • MSM was tested on estrogen receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines.
  • The study analyzed STAT5b activation, HER2 expression, and STAT5b binding to the HER2 gene promoter.
  • A luciferase assay was employed to assess the impact of MSM on gene activity.

Main Results:

  • MSM inhibited the proliferation of both estrogen receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner.
  • MSM suppressed STAT5b activation and reduced HER2 gene expression.
  • MSM decreased the binding of STAT5b to the HER2 gene promoter, confirmed by luciferase assay.

Conclusions:

  • MSM effectively regulates STAT5b, leading to decreased HER2 expression in breast cancer cells.
  • MSM demonstrates potential as a cost-effective inhibitor for managing HER2-positive breast cancers.
  • Further research into MSM's therapeutic applications for breast cancer is warranted.

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