Biochanin A Promotes Proliferation that Involves a Feedback Loop of MicroRNA-375 and Estrogen Receptor Alpha in Breast Cancer Cells
Background: Biochanin A and formononetin are O-methylated isoflavones that are isolated from the root of Astragalus membranaceus, and have antitumorigenic effects. Our previous studies found that formononetin triggered growth-inhibitory and apoptotic activities in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We perfo...
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Published in | Cellular physiology and biochemistry Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 639 - 646 |
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Main Authors | , , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Basel, Switzerland
Cell Physiol Biochem Press GmbH & Co KG
01.01.2015
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Background: Biochanin A and formononetin are O-methylated isoflavones that are isolated from the root of Astragalus membranaceus, and have antitumorigenic effects. Our previous studies found that formononetin triggered growth-inhibitory and apoptotic activities in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We performed in vivo and in vitro studies to further investigate the potential effect of biochanin A in promoting cell proliferation in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive cells, and to elucidate underlying mechanisms. Methods: ERα-positive breast cancer cells (T47D, MCF-7) were treated with biochanin A. The MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to assess cell proliferation and apoptosis. mRNA levels of ERα, Bcl-2, and miR-375 were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Compared with the control, low biochanin A concentrations (2-6 μM) stimulated ERα-positive cell proliferation (T47D, MCF-7). The more sensitive T47D cells were used to study the relevant signaling pathway. Results: After treatment with biochanin A, ERα, miR-375, and Bcl-2 expression was significantly upregulated. Additionally, in the in vivo studies, uterine weight in ovariectomized mice treated with biochanin A increased significantly. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that biochanin A promoted ERα-positive cell proliferation through miR-375 activation and this mechanism is possibly involving in a miR-375 and ERα feedback loop. |
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Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
ISSN: | 1015-8987 1421-9778 |
DOI: | 10.1159/000369725 |