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Suppressing Src-Mediated EGFR Signaling by Sustained Calcium Supply Targeting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Keun-Yeong Jeong1, Seon Young Park1, Min Hee Park1

  • 1Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 9, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Calcium supplementation effectively degrades Src, a key protein in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) survival signaling. This approach shows potential for TNBC treatment by inhibiting critical cancer pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Src kinase is a promising therapeutic target in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
  • Src activation is linked to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, promoting cancer cell survival.
  • Understanding mechanisms of Src regulation is crucial for developing novel TNBC treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of calcium supply on Src degradation in TNBC.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of calcium-mediated Src inhibition.
  • To evaluate the anticancer effects of calcium supplementation in a TNBC model.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized MDA-MB-231 TNBC cell line and a xenograft animal model.
  • Administered calcium via lactate calcium salt (CaLac) to determine optimal concentrations.
  • Analyzed signaling molecule expression (Src, EGFR, RAS, ERK, NF-κB, COX-2) using Western blot and immunocytochemistry.
  • Assessed effects on prostaglandin E2 receptor signaling.

Main Results:

  • Calcium supply significantly suppressed Src expression in TNBC cells.
  • This led to decreased expression of downstream signaling molecules including EGFR, RAS, ERK, and NF-κB.
  • Suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) resulted in deactivation of prostaglandin E2 receptors.
  • Calcium treatment demonstrated anticancer effects in a TNBC xenograft model.

Conclusions:

  • Calcium supply effectively induces Src degradation, impacting multiple pro-survival pathways in TNBC.
  • This study suggests calcium supplementation as a potential therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
  • Further research is required to determine the clinical applicability of calcium for TNBC treatment.
Keywords:
EGFRSrcbreast cancerlactate calcium salttriple-negative

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