TELO2 mediates parabens-induced breast carcinogenesis: a comprehensive network analysis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health Sciences
• Genomics and Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Parabens (PBs) are linked to increased breast cancer risk, but molecular mechanisms are unclear.
• Understanding PB effects is crucial for environmental health and cancer prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular targets and mechanisms of parabens in breast cancer.
• To integrate network toxicology, bioinformatics, and Mendelian randomization for comprehensive analysis.

Main Methods:

• Network toxicology to identify potential PB targets.
• Bioinformatics and Mendelian randomization (MR) to analyze gene associations.
• Molecular docking to confirm PB-protein interactions.

Main Results:

• Identified 172 PB targets linked to breast cancer, impacting PI3K-Akt and cell cycle pathways.
• TELO2 identified as a risk factor for breast cancer; elevated expression in tumors.
• Confirmed PB binding to TELO2; identified regulatory miRNA and lncRNA networks.

Conclusions:

• Parabens may promote breast cancer by targeting the TELO2 gene and associated networks.
• Findings advance understanding of environmental drivers of breast cancer.
• Suggests potential for targeted interventions against environmental exposures.