The anti-cancer potential of crotoxin in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer: Its effects and mechanism of action

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Almeida, CF (Author) Other; Amaral, C (Author) Other; Augusto, TV (Author) Other; Georgina Correia da Silva (Author) FFUP; de Andrade, CM (Author) Other; Torqueti, MR (Author) Other; Teixeira, N (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Toxicon

Vol. 200

Pages: 69-77

ISSN: 0041-0101

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 8 Citations

Scopus - 13 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-DBW

DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.07.003

Abstract (EN): Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer is the most diagnosed subtype of breast cancer. Currently, ammatase inhibitors (AIs) are used as first-line treatment option in this type of tumors, however they cause several side effects, which is why new therapeutic approaches are demanding. The South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus produces a venom enriched in several bioactive substances, like phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)). One of those is cmtoxin, a beta-neurotoxin, that has already been reported for its anti-cancer properties in different cancers. Recently, its clinical interest has emerged and, in fact, a clinical trial in patients with advanced cancer is underway. Considering this, in this work, we studied the biological mechanisms behind the anti-cancer effects of crotoxin B (CTX) in an ER+ aromatase-overexpressing breast cancer cell line (MCF-7aro cells). Results revealed that CTX impairs MCF-7aro cells growth, through a cell cycle arrest at G(2)/M phase, inhibition of ERK1/2 pathway and by apoptosis through activation of caspase-8. In addition, it can be considered a safe natural compound as did not affect non-cancerous cells and only showed anti-growth effects in breast cancer cells. Therefore, this study represents an important landmark to better understand the effects and mechanisms of action of crotoxin in ER+ breast cancer.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9