IR-783 inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation and migration by inducing mitochondrial fission

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• IR-783, a near-infrared heptamethine cyanine dye, shows promise for cancer targeting and treatment.
• The precise molecular mechanisms underlying IR-783's anti-breast cancer effects remain largely unelucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the inhibitory effects of IR-783 on breast cancer cell proliferation and migration.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for IR-783's anti-breast cancer activity.

Main Methods:

• Cell proliferation assays were performed on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines.
• Cell migration was assessed using Transwell assays.
• Mitochondrial function, ATP levels, and actin polymerization were analyzed post-IR-783 treatment.

Main Results:

• IR-783 demonstrated dose- and time-dependent inhibition of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell proliferation by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest.
• IR-783 significantly suppressed the migratory capacity of both cell lines and reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression in MDA-MB-231 cells.
• IR-783 induced mitochondrial fission, decreased ATP levels, and reduced polymerized filamentous actin, inhibiting filopodia formation.

Conclusions:

• IR-783 inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation and migration through mitochondrial fission and subsequent ATP depletion, leading to cell cycle arrest and suppressed filopodia formation.
• These findings highlight IR-783 as a potential novel therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment.