Investigating Anti-Breast Cancer Properties of the Antibiotic Vancomycin-A Drug Repurposing study using In Silico...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 10-15% of breast cancer cases globally and is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality in women.
• The EZH2 oncoprotein is implicated in the progression of various cancers, including breast cancer.
• Identifying novel therapeutic strategies and drug repurposing candidates for TNBC is crucial due to limited treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential anti-TNBC properties of vancomycin through drug repurposing.
• To evaluate vancomycin's efficacy in inhibiting the EZH2 oncoprotein.
• To assess vancomycin's impact on TNBC cell proliferation, spheroid formation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

Main Methods:

• In silico drug design and bioinformatics approaches were used to identify potential drug candidates.
• Vancomycin's cytotoxicity in TNBC cell lines was assessed using WST-8 assays.
• Spheroid formation assays, ROS generation experiments, RT-PCR, and ELISA were employed to evaluate vancomycin's effects on TNBC cells and EZH2 expression.

Main Results:

• Vancomycin demonstrated significant inhibition of TNBC cell proliferation and spheroid formation.
• Treatment with vancomycin led to increased ROS generation in TNBC cell lines.
• Vancomycin effectively inhibited EZH2 gene expression in the tested TNBC cell lines.

Conclusions:

• Vancomycin exhibits potential as a therapeutic agent against triple-negative breast cancer.
• The anti-cancer effects of vancomycin in TNBC are associated with the inhibition of EZH2.
• This study supports the repurposing of vancomycin for TNBC treatment, warranting further investigation.