Abstract LB_A24: Baicalein suppresses tumorigenesis of the ER𝛼 positive of breast cancer cells by targeting multiple signaling pathways

Abstract

Abstract The anti-tumor properties of baicalein, a flavonoid compound, have been extensively documented. However, the specific effects of baicalein on ER𝛼 positive breast cancer cell lines, namely T47-D and MCF-7, are less well-known. In this study, we conducted comprehensive in vitro experiments to elucidate the comparative impacts of baicalein on these two cell lines. Our results demonstrate that baicalein exerts robust anti-cancer effects, inducing morphological changes, reducing colony formation, and inhibiting cell proliferation in both T47-D and MCF-7 cells. These effects were more pronounced at higher concentrations. Additionally, baicalein treatment impeded the migratory capabilities of both cell lines, as shown by wound healing assays. Furthermore, our data show that baicalein triggers apoptosis, leading to an increase in early apoptotic, late apoptotic, and dead cells. This apoptotic process appears to be caspase 3/7-dependent. Interestingly, the pro-apoptotic effects were more potent in T47-D cells, accompanied by significant upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes and downregulation of anti-apoptotic markers. Baicalein treatment also induced oxidative stress and DNA damage, evidenced by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phosphorylation of ATM and H2A.X. Importantly, baicalein inhibited the PI3K signaling pathway, a key mediator of cancer progression. Genome-wide transcriptomic analysis revealed significant changes in gene expression patterns, with baicalein treatment causing both upregulation and downregulation of several genes. Pathway analysis revealed that cell cycle and ferroptosis pathways were activated in both cell lines upon baicalein treatment. In conclusion, our findings highlight the potential of baicalein as a therapeutic agent against breast cancer, while also revealing nuanced differences in response between the T47-D and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Citation Format: Besa Xhabija, Aidan J. McLaughlin, Ibiere Lovelyn Epelle, Tristan H. Nielson, Elisabeta Ujeniuc, Mariam I. Duhaini. Baicalein suppresses tumorigenesis of the ER𝛼 positive of breast cancer cells by targeting multiple signaling pathways [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr LB_A24.