Abstract
Background: Tamoxifen (TAM) is the main treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, however; its adverse effects and development of resistance hinder its use. Concanavalin A (Con A) is a mannose/glucose-binding lectin that has been reported to induce apoptosis in a variety of cell lines. Methods: Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the effects of Con A on TAM-induced cell death in ERα positive cell line (MCF-7) and to identify the potential underlying molecular mechanisms using in silico and in vitro techniques. Results: Our results demonstrated that combined treatment with Con A and TAM reduced the expression of ERα, which showed clear synergistic effects on inhibiting the cell viability of MCF-7 cells. Interestingly, the combined treatment induces G1 phase arrest and reduces cyclin D1 activity while increasing apoptosis and autophagy as indicated by decreasing the expression level of anti-apoptosis gene BCl-2 and increased apoptosis/autophagic gene BNIP3. Molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinity of Con A towards ERα, and it revealed its potential activity as an ERα antagonist. Our data further indicated that Con A administration increased the drug reduction index of TAM. Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggested that Con A could be used as an adjuvant agent with TAM to improve its effectiveness as an anticancer agent while minimizing its side effects.
Publisher
Maad Rayan Publishing Company
Subject
General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics,Pharmaceutical Science
Cited by
47 articles.
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