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Natural Compounds as Modulators of Ferroptosis: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Prospects in Breast Cancer
Haotong He1, Haoyang Yu1, Hefeng Zhou2
1Basic Teaching Department, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519041, China.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor in women. However, its clinical management is severely hindered by three interconnected challenges that limit long-term survival: treatment resistance, metastatic dissemination, and immunological evasion. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, is emerging as a novel strategy to overcome these obstacles. Furthermore, it demonstrates significant potential in inhibiting tumor metastasis and modifying the anti-tumor immune microenvironment, which provides a novel approach to address the core dilemma of breast cancer. Natural products have emerged as significant sources of ferroptosis inducers owing to their distinctive chemical variety, multi-target regulatory capabilities, and acceptable safety profile. Data increasingly indicates that several natural compounds can function as effective inducers or sensitizers of ferroptosis cell death. This review provides a thorough evaluation of current progress in harnessing natural ingredients to trigger ferroptosis for breast cancer treatment. It also elucidates the fundamental molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, it encapsulates therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models. Ultimately, it rigorously evaluates existing constraints and delineates potential and barriers for clinical translation.
Insights
Natural products can induce ferroptosis (iron-dependent cell death) to combat treatment resistance and metastasis in breast cancer. This review explores their potential and challenges for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Breast cancer faces challenges like treatment resistance, metastasis, and immune evasion.
- Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death pathway, offers a novel strategy against these issues.
- Natural products are promising ferroptosis inducers due to their chemical diversity and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the use of natural products in inducing ferroptosis for breast cancer treatment.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of natural product-induced ferroptosis.
- To evaluate therapeutic efficacy and clinical translation barriers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on natural products and ferroptosis in breast cancer.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis induction by natural compounds.
- Assessment of preclinical data on therapeutic efficacy.
Main Results:
- Natural products effectively induce or sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis.
- Ferroptosis can inhibit breast cancer metastasis and modulate the tumor immune microenvironment.
- Preclinical models show therapeutic potential for natural ferroptosis inducers.
Conclusions:
- Natural products represent a viable approach to trigger ferroptosis for breast cancer therapy.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges for clinical translation.
- Harnessing ferroptosis via natural compounds could address key limitations in breast cancer management.
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