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Investigating the mechanistic link between pesticide DDT and breast cancer through network toxicology, molecular
Yongcheng Tang1, Jingrong Huang2, Fengy Yang3,4
1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Kangding, 626000, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which the pesticide Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) may contribute to breast cancer pathogenesis, focusing on its interactions with key cancer-related molecular pathways. Target genes of DDT and breast cancer were retrieved from online databases. Network toxicology and molecular docking were used to analyze DDT interactions with breast cancer-related key proteins. Twelve DDT-associated breast cancer targets were identified, with core targets (e.g., AR, ESR1, ESR2, ERBB2) primarily involved in hormone and growth factor signaling pathways, clarifying potential molecular mechanisms and providing a basis for mitigating DDT's adverse effects on breast health. This study further clarifies DDT's role in breast cancer via network toxicology, protein-protein interaction, and molecular docking analyses. These findings highlight the need for additional epidemiological and clinical studies to fully understand DDT's impact on breast cancer risk, informing future prevention and treatment strategies.
Insights
The pesticide Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) interacts with key breast cancer pathways, particularly hormone signaling, suggesting molecular mechanisms for its role in cancer. Further research is needed to confirm its impact on breast cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a persistent environmental pollutant with suspected links to various cancers.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of DDT's potential contribution to breast cancer pathogenesis is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which DDT may contribute to breast cancer.
- To identify key molecular pathways and protein targets involved in DDT-induced breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Utilized network toxicology and molecular docking to analyze DDT interactions with breast cancer-related proteins.
- Retrieved target genes for DDT and breast cancer from online databases.
- Performed protein-protein interaction analyses.
Main Results:
- Identified twelve DDT-associated breast cancer targets.
- Core targets including AR, ESR1, ESR2, and ERBB2 were primarily involved in hormone and growth factor signaling pathways.
- Clarified potential molecular mechanisms of DDT's role in breast cancer pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- DDT's interactions with key signaling pathways provide a molecular basis for its potential role in breast cancer.
- Findings support the need for further epidemiological and clinical studies to assess DDT's impact on breast cancer risk.
- Informed strategies for mitigating DDT's adverse effects on breast health and future prevention efforts.
