Computational Exploration of Naturally Occurring Flavonoids as TGF-β Inhibitors in Breast Cancer: Insights from Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations and In-vitro Cytotoxicity Study.

Abstract

Breast cancer is a global health concern, demanding innovative treatments. Targeting the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway, pivotal in breast cancer, is a promising approach. TGF-β inhibits proliferation via G1 phase cell cycle arrest, acting as a suppressor initially, but in later stages, it promotes progression by enhancing motility, invasiveness, and metastasis formation. This study explores naturally occurring flavonoids' interactions with TGF-β. Using molecular docking against the protein's crystal structure (PDB Id: 1PY5), Gossypin showed the highest docking score and underwent molecular dynamics simulation, revealing complex flexibility and explaining how flavonoids impede TGF-β signaling in breast cancer. ADMET predictions adhered to Lipinski's rule of Five. Insights into flavonoid-TGF-β binding offer a novel angle for breast cancer treatment. Flavonoids having a good docking score like gossypin, morin, luteolin and taxifolin shown potent cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. Understanding these interactions could inspire flavonoid-based therapies targeting TGF-β to halt breast cancer growth. These findings pave the way for personalized, targeted breast cancer therapies, offering hope against this formidable disease.