EGCG promotes apoptosis in BT-549 triple-negative breast cancer cells by targeting STAT3

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), defined by the lack of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression, is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer (BC) with limited therapeutic options. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a critical oncogenic role in TNBC by promoting tumor progression and conferring resistance to apoptosis. (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a bioactive green tea polyphenol, has been reported to inhibit STAT3 signaling and exert anti-cancer effects. However, its mechanistic effect on STAT3-mediated pathways in TNBC has yet to be fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate the effects of EGCG on TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involving STAT3-associated signaling and hydrogen sulfide-related pathways.

BT-549 TNBC cells were treated with EGCG to assess its effects on cell viability, migration, and apoptosis. STAT3 expression was assessed at both the transcript and protein levels. Apoptotic regulatory proteins, including Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, and caspase-8, were quantified to examine pathway involvement. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to evaluate the interaction between EGCG and STAT3, and to explore the potential inhibition of the JAK/STAT3/ERK signaling cascade.

EGCG significantly reduced the viability, impaired the migratory capacity, and significantly enhanced the apoptosis of BT-549 cells. The treatment significantly downregulated STAT3 at both the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. EGCG further modulated apoptotic regulators by increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and promoting the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8. Computational analyses revealed a stable binding interaction between EGCG and STAT3, which supporting the inhibitory effect on the JAK/STAT3/ERK signaling axis.

EGCG effectively suppresses STAT3-driven oncogenic signaling in TNBC by inhibiting cell proliferation, reducing migration, and inducing apoptosis through the modulation of key apoptotic pathways. Thus, EGCG could be a promising therapeutic candidate for targeting STAT3-mediated mechanisms in TNBC. Further research should be conducted to examine the clinical application of EGCG.