Abstract
Although hispidulin (4’, 5, 7-trihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone), a natural flavonoid, is reported to exert anti-tumor activities in various cancers, the molecular mechanism related to breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) remains to be elucidated. CSCs are found in several human cancers, including breast cancer, and possess self-renewal properties that aid cancer recurrence and impart resistance to chemotherapy. The present study investigates whether hispidulin can modulate breast cancer stem cell-like properties. Exposure to hispidulin markedly decreased the size and number of cell spheres in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and HCC38). Hispidulin-treated HCC38 cells also showed reduced markers of CSCs, including aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) activity. Moreover, treatment with hispidulin also downregulated the protein expressions of CSCs markers Nestin and Sox-2. We further observed that breast cancer cell apoptosis was induced subsequent to hispidulin exposure. In conclusion, we believe that hispidulin is a potential natural compound that targets breast cancer cells and breast CSCs.
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