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Flavones inhibit breast cancer proliferation through the Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway

Chia-Hung Lin1, Ching-Yao Chang2, Kuan-Rong Lee3

  • 1Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan. james07212001@yahoo.com.tw.

BMC Cancer
|December 18, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Flavone, apigenin, and luteolin show potent anti-cancer effects against human breast cancer cells. These natural compounds induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by inhibiting PI3K/Akt and activating FOXO3a signaling pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Natural Products Chemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Flavones, plant-derived compounds, exhibit diverse biological activities, including anti-tumor properties.
  • This study focuses on the anti-cancer potential of specific flavones: flavone, apigenin, and luteolin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-tumor effects of flavone, apigenin, and luteolin on human breast cancer cell lines.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their anti-cancer activity.

Main Methods:

  • Cell proliferation was assessed using the MTS assay.
  • Apoptosis was analyzed via Hoechst 33342 staining, flow cytometry, and western blotting.
  • Cell migration and signaling pathways were determined using real-time cell analysis, qPCR, and western blotting.

Main Results:

  • Flavone, apigenin, and luteolin significantly inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
  • These compounds induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest (sub-G1 phase).
  • Inhibition of Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt signaling and subsequent activation of forkhead box O3 (FOXO3a) were observed, leading to increased expression of p21 and p27.

Conclusions:

  • Flavone, apigenin, and luteolin demonstrate significant anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells.
  • The mechanism involves cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction via PI3K/Akt inhibition and FOXO3a activation.
  • These flavones represent promising candidates for breast cancer prevention and treatment.

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