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Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
Multiple omics analysis of the protective effects of SFN on estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells
Hui Huang1, Shuyuan Cao2, Zhan Zhang2
1Department of Biostatistics and China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
Abstract:
In recent years, sulforaphane (SFN) has been shown to have antitumor effects. To better understand the molecular basis of SFN intervention in estrogen-dependent breast cancer, integrated multi-omics data analysis was used to provide evidence and insights into molecular biology. MCF-7 breast cancer cells were treated with estradiol (E2) or/and SFN. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was performed by using microarray platforms. The protein profile was analyzed by TMT labeled HPLC-MS/MS. The metabolic profile was obtained by GC-MS and UPLC-MS methods. Multivariate statistics analyses, such as PCA and hierarchical clustering, were performed. The Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG analysis were used to perform enrichment analysis of biological processes and pathways. A set of differentially methylated genes and differentially expressed proteins and metabolites were found, which indicated that SFN may reverse the adverse effects induced by E2. Integrated analysis revealed cancer genes that responded to estrogen and other pathways frequently associated with cancer. Co-pathway analysis revealed that the reversal effects of SFN were associated with purine metabolism and glutathione metabolism. The integrated omics analysis outlined a promising blueprint of the relationship of biological molecules in different dimensions, which will be beneficial for understanding the mechanism of anti-breast cancer effects and for new targets of medicines.
Insights
Sulforaphane (SFN) may reverse estrogen-driven breast cancer effects by modulating DNA methylation, protein, and metabolite profiles. Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals SFN
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Proteomics
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Estrogen plays a key role in estrogen-dependent breast cancer.
- Sulforaphane (SFN) exhibits antitumor properties.
- Understanding SFN's molecular mechanisms in breast cancer is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular basis of SFN's intervention in estrogen-dependent breast cancer (MCF-7 cells).
- To elucidate the effects of estradiol (E2) and SFN on cellular molecular profiles.
- To identify key pathways and genes modulated by SFN.
Main Methods:
- Integrated multi-omics analysis including genome-wide DNA methylation (microarray), protein profiling (TMT labeled HPLC-MS/MS), and metabolic profiling (GC-MS, UPLC-MS).
- Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, hierarchical clustering).
- Bioinformatic analyses including Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment.
Main Results:
- Identified differentially methylated genes, differentially expressed proteins, and metabolites.
- SFN demonstrated potential to reverse adverse effects induced by E2.
- Integrated analysis highlighted cancer genes responding to estrogen and pathways linked to purine and glutathione metabolism.
Conclusions:
- SFN's reversal effects in estrogen-dependent breast cancer are associated with purine and glutathione metabolism.
- Integrated omics analysis provides a comprehensive view of molecular interactions.
- Findings offer insights into SFN's anti-breast cancer mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
