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Effects of Annona muricata Extract on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Mediated Through EGFR Signaling
Heba K Alshaeri1,2, Moudi M Alasmari3,4, Zuhair S Natto5
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Purpose:
To evaluate the antiproliferative activity and the mechanisms of action of Annona muricata ethyl acetate (AMEA) extract and one of its active fractions on BT-20 TNBC cells.
Methods:
The triple-negative human breast cancer BT-20 cells were used. After the preparation and extraction of Annona muricata ethyl acetate (AMEA), the ethyl acetate extract was exposed to a preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) plate. From this preparative TLC plate, eight individual bands were collected. Each band was scraped and removed from the plate and soaked in ethyl acetate. After filtration, all eight fractions were then tested on the BT-20 TNBC cells using the MTS cell viability assay. The expressions of EGFR, p-EGFR, AKT, p-AKT, MAPK, p-MAPK, cyclin D1, and NF-κB p65 were measured using Western blot analysis.
Results:
The AMEA showed a significant decrease in NF-κB p65 protein expression and BT-20 cell viability, as determined via the MTS assay. Furthermore, the AMEA was subjected to preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC), and eight fractions were obtained. From the eight fractions, only fraction 4 (F4) showed a significant reduction in cell viability in the MTS assay. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that AMEA and F4 formed an antiproliferative effect. These effects were complemented by a downregulation of cyclin D1 assembly, causing cell-cycle arrest at the G1/S phase. Furthermore, NF-κB was measured because of its involvement in the progression of cancers.
Conclusion:
The antiproliferative influence is produced through EGFR-mediated signaling pathways, which include AKT, MAPK, NF-κB, and cyclin D1 inhibition. Further studies will be required to demonstrate the possible applications of this natural product in breast cancer therapy.
Insights
Annona muricata extract shows antiproliferative effects against triple-negative breast cancer cells by inhibiting key signaling pathways like EGFR, AKT, MAPK, NF-κB, and cyclin D1, leading to cell cycle arrest.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to limited targeted treatment options.
- Natural products are increasingly explored for their potential anticancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiproliferative activity of Annona muricata ethyl acetate (AMEA) extract and its fractions on BT-20 TNBC cells.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, focusing on key signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- BT-20 TNBC cells were treated with AMEA and its isolated fractions.
- Cell viability was assessed using the MTS assay.
- Protein expression levels of EGFR, p-EGFR, AKT, p-AKT, MAPK, p-MAPK, cyclin D1, and NF-κB p65 were analyzed via Western blot.
Main Results:
- AMEA significantly reduced BT-20 cell viability and NF-κB p65 expression.
- Fraction 4 (F4) of AMEA demonstrated potent antiproliferative effects.
- Both AMEA and F4 induced G1/S phase cell-cycle arrest through downregulation of cyclin D1.
Conclusions:
- Annona muricata exhibits antiproliferative effects on TNBC cells via inhibition of EGFR-mediated signaling pathways, including AKT, MAPK, NF-κB, and cyclin D1.
- These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for Annona muricata in breast cancer treatment.
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