SBFI26 induces triple-negative breast cancer cells ferroptosis via lipid peroxidation

Gang He1, Yiyuan Zhang1, Yanjiao Feng1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China.

Insights

SBFI26, a fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5) inhibitor, induces breast cancer cell death via ferroptosis. It increases iron and lipid peroxidation, suppressing tumor growth by upregulating ferroptosis-promoting genes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • SBFI26 inhibits FABP5 and suppresses tumor cell proliferation and metastasis.
  • The mechanism of SBFI26-induced ferroptosis in breast cancer is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanism by which SBFI26 induces ferroptosis in breast cancer cells.

Main Methods:

  • Cell viability was assessed using CCK-8 assays.
  • Transcriptome analysis was performed using Illumina sequencing and validated by qPCR.
  • Protein levels were evaluated by Western blot, and levels of MDA, T-SOD, Fe, GSH, and GSSG were measured.

Main Results:

  • SBFI26 induced time- and dose-dependent cell death, notably in MDA-MB-231 cells.
  • Fer-1, GSH, and Vitamin C attenuated SBFI26 effects, while erastin did not.
  • SBFI26 increased intracellular MDA, iron, and GSSG, while decreasing T-SOD, T-GSH, and GSH.
  • SBFI26 upregulated ferroptosis-promoting genes (HMOX1, ALOX12, SAT1, ALOX5, ALOX15, ALOXE3, CHAC1) and downregulated the inhibitor NFE2L2.
  • SBFI26 caused fatty acid accumulation, leading to iron overload and lipid peroxidation.

Conclusions:

  • SBFI26 effectively induces ferroptosis in breast cancer cells.
  • The mechanism involves iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and modulation of key ferroptosis-related genes.
  • SBFI26 shows potential as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer.