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Formononetin, a Key Component of Danggui Buxue Decoction, Inhibits Metastasis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by
Kui Li1, Ting Zhou2, Ruoxia Wu3
1Department of Anorectal Surgery The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine Changsha China.
Abstract:
Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) has shown potential antitumor effects in a variety of cancers. This study aims to delve into the effects and mechanisms of DBD on the metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The mouse model of TNBC was constructed, and the function of DBD was investigated. The active components and core targets of DBD on TNBC were identified through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques. A set of in vitro experiments was conducted to examine the key components and core targets of DBD that affect the metastasis of TNBC. DBD inhibited the growth and metastasis of TNBC tumors. Formononetin is one of the key active ingredients of DBD, exerts antitumor effects by targeting Snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2). The addition of DBD or Formononetin inhibited the malignant activity and reduced the expression of SNAI2. However, this ability of Formononetin was reversed due to the overexpression of the SNAI2 gene. Formononetin inhibits the metastasis of TNBC by downregulating SNAI2. The outcomes offer a basis for the future clinical utilization of DBD and Formononetin in TNBC therapy.
Insights
Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) and its component formononetin inhibit triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) metastasis by targeting SNAI2. This study provides a basis for using DBD and formononetin in TNBC therapy.
Area of Science:
- Integrative oncology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Cancer metastasis research
Background:
- Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) exhibits potential antitumor properties across various cancers.
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents significant therapeutic challenges, particularly regarding metastasis.
- Understanding the mechanisms of natural compounds in cancer treatment is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of DBD on TNBC metastasis.
- To identify the active components and core targets of DBD in TNBC.
- To provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of DBD in TNBC.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a mouse model for TNBC.
- Utilizing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for active component identification.
- Employing network pharmacology and molecular docking for target identification.
- Conducting in vitro experiments to validate key component-target interactions.
Main Results:
- DBD demonstrated significant inhibition of TNBC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo.
- Formononetin was identified as a key active component of DBD targeting SNAI2.
- DBD and formononetin reduced TNBC cell malignant activity and SNAI2 expression.
- SNAI2 gene overexpression reversed the anti-metastatic effects of formononetin, confirming its role.
Conclusions:
- Formononetin, a component of DBD, inhibits TNBC metastasis by downregulating SNAI2.
- DBD shows promise as a therapeutic agent for TNBC, particularly in managing metastasis.
- The findings support the potential clinical use of DBD and formononetin for TNBC treatment.
