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Quercetin inhibits breast cancer progression by inducing ferroptosis via the NEDD4L-SLC7A11 axis

Jiwei Liu1,2, Zhaojun Li3, Yanli Ding1

  • 1School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, China.

General Physiology and Biophysics
|August 12, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Quercetin, a plant compound, effectively inhibits breast cancer cell growth and migration. It works by triggering a cell death process called ferroptosis, offering potential as a breast cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women worldwide.
  • Quercetin, found in Chinese herbal medicines, shows potential anti-cancer properties.
  • The precise mechanisms of quercetin's action in breast cancer are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects and mechanisms of quercetin on breast cancer cells.
  • To determine if quercetin can inhibit breast cancer cell viability, proliferation, and migration.
  • To explore the role of ferroptosis in quercetin's anti-cancer activity.

Main Methods:

  • Cell viability assays (MTT, colony formation)
  • Cell migration assays (wound healing, Transwell)
  • Transcriptome sequencing
  • Biochemical assays, qPCR, and Western blot

Main Results:

  • Quercetin significantly inhibited breast cancer cell viability, proliferation, and migration.
  • Quercetin induced ferroptosis in breast cancer cells.
  • Quercetin promoted the degradation of SLC7A11 via the NEDD4L/SLC7A11 axis, leading to ferroptosis.
  • Quercetin's inhibitory effect persisted even with lead-induced malignant transformation.

Conclusions:

  • Quercetin inhibits breast cancer progression by inducing ferroptosis.
  • The NEDD4L/SLC7A11 pathway is a key mechanism for quercetin-induced ferroptosis.
  • Quercetin shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer.

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