Atorvastatin Calcium Enhances Ferroptosis in Breast Cancer Cells Through Mechanisms Involving DECR1

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy with rising incidence.
• Effective screening and drug development are crucial for breast cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify novel therapeutic targets in fatty acid metabolism for breast cancer.
• Screen potential drugs, including atorvastatin calcium (AC), for breast cancer treatment.
• Investigate the effects and mechanisms of AC on breast cancer cells and tumor growth.

Main Methods:

• Utilized in silico methods for target identification and drug screening.
• Employed CCK-8 and Transwell assays to assess AC's impact on breast cancer cell phenotypes.
• Conducted transmission electron microscopy, ROS, Fe²⁺, and Liperfluo probes, qPCR, and Western blotting to evaluate AC-induced ferroptosis and molecular mechanisms.

Main Results:

• DECR1 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients.
• AC inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion, suppressing tumor growth in vivo.
• AC demonstrated antitumor effects by downregulating DECR1 and upregulating ACSL4, inducing ferroptosis.

Conclusions:

• DECR1 is a prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.
• AC exhibits antitumor activity by modulating DECR1 and promoting ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis.
• AC is a promising candidate drug for breast cancer therapy.