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Andrographolide Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Alters Stemness-related Gene Expression in MCF7 Breast Cancer
Natthima Suwan1, Sasipat Teerawongsuwan2, Sirinya Jenjittikul1
1Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand.
Anticancer Research
|December 30, 2025
Summary
Andrographolide shows anti-cancer effects by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Paradoxically, it increases OCT4 (octamer-binding transcription factor 4) expression, potentially indicating an adaptive survival mechanism in cancer cells.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Andrographolide from *Andrographis paniculata* shows anti-cancer potential.
- Its impact on cancer stemness and pluripotency, crucial for treatment resistance, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of andrographolide on cancer cell pluripotency and stemness.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying andrographolide's anti-cancer activity.
Main Methods:
- MCF7 cells were treated with varying concentrations of andrographolide.
- Assays included MTT for viability, TMRE for mitochondrial potential, RT-qPCR for gene expression (TOMM20, OCT4, BAX, etc.), and mammosphere/colony formation assays.
Main Results:
- Andrographolide reduced cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating dysfunction.
- It upregulated BAX and OCT4 (octamer-binding transcription factor 4) expression, suggesting apoptosis induction and a shift towards pluripotency.
- Reduced mammosphere and colony formation indicated decreased cancer stemness.
Conclusions:
- Andrographolide exhibits anti-cancer properties via mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.
- The observed increase in OCT4 expression suggests a potential adaptive survival response, linked to cancer stem-like characteristics.
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