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Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
Molecular Landscape of Natural Compounds and Tailored Signaling Pathways in the Battle Against Breast Cancer
1Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, India.
Abstract:
Breast cancer remains the most frequently occurring disease among women, making its global mitigation a daunting task. Current treatment modalities face numerous challenges, including multidrug resistance and distinct adverse side effects. This situation necessitates the development of novel therapeutics. Breast cancer is a complex disease with diverse architecture, involving numerous signaling pathways and mechanisms that interact with each other. About 70% of anticancer drugs are plant-derived. These phytochemicals target the signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, and breast cancer stem cell development (PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Hedgehog (Hh), JAK-STAT pathway, NF-κB) by modulating them. These bioactive compounds and their structural derivatives have contributed to drug discovery and pharmacotherapy for breast cancer. Natural compounds, through synergistic effects, suppress breast cancer progression. Studies, in vitro and in vivo, have described the effectiveness of these isolated compounds against breast cancer. These extensive studies reveal the latent potential of these phytochemicals as a new strategy against breast carcinogenesis. To increase bioavailability and absorption, novel approaches have also been developed, such as the encapsulation of phytocompounds in lipid carriers, micelles, liposomes, and nanoparticles. Nevertheless, further comprehensive investigations are still required to determine the efficacy of these compounds. This review focuses on the important signaling cascades involved in breast cancer, which are potential targets of phytochemicals that ultimately impede cancer cell progression.
Insights
Breast cancer treatments face challenges like drug resistance. Plant-derived phytochemicals show promise by targeting key cancer signaling pathways, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading global health concern for women, with current treatments facing significant challenges such as multidrug resistance and adverse side effects.
- The complex, multifactorial nature of breast cancer involves numerous interacting signaling pathways crucial for cancer cell survival and proliferation.
- A substantial portion of anticancer drugs are derived from plants, highlighting the therapeutic potential of natural compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of phytochemicals in targeting key signaling pathways implicated in breast cancer progression.
- To explore the potential of plant-derived compounds and their derivatives as novel therapeutic agents for breast cancer.
- To discuss advanced delivery systems aimed at enhancing the bioavailability and efficacy of phytochemicals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating phytochemicals and their effects on breast cancer signaling pathways.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo research demonstrating the efficacy of isolated natural compounds against breast cancer.
- Examination of novel drug delivery systems for improved phytocompound absorption and bioavailability.
Main Results:
- Phytochemicals modulate critical signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, JAK-STAT, NF-κB) involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis.
- Natural compounds exhibit synergistic effects that suppress breast cancer progression, as evidenced by numerous in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Advanced formulations like nanoparticles and liposomes are being developed to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of these bioactive compounds.
Conclusions:
- Phytochemicals represent a promising new strategy against breast cancer due to their ability to target multiple cancer-related signaling pathways.
- Further comprehensive research is essential to fully elucidate the efficacy and therapeutic potential of these natural compounds.
- The development of novel delivery systems is crucial for optimizing the clinical application of phytochemicals in breast cancer pharmacotherapy.
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