Title
Metformin Inhibits Migration and Invasion by Suppressing ROS Production and COX2 Expression in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells.
Funding Source
Bureau of Health Professions, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services
Grant Number
D34HP00006, 5SC3GM113804, G12MD007595
Department
Department of Biology
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-2018
Abstract
Background: Several mechanisms of action have been proposed to explain the apparent antineoplastic functions of metformin, many of which are observed at high concentrations that may not be reflective of achievable tissue concentrations. We propose that metformin at low concentrations functions to inhibit ROS production and inflammatory signaling in breast cancer, thereby reducing metastasis. Methods: Using the highly invasive MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma model, we ascertained the impact of metformin on cell viability by DNA content analysis and fluorescent dye exclusion. Migration and invasion assays were performed using a modified Boyden chamber assay and metastasis was ascertained using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. PGE2 production was measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). COX2 and ICAM1 levels were determined by flow cytometry immunoassay. Results: Metformin acutely decreased cell viability and caused G2 cell cycle arrest only at high concentrations (10 mM). At 100 µM, however, metformin reduced ICAM1 and COX2 expression, as well as reduced PGE2 production and endogenous mitochondrial ROS production while failing to significantly impact cell viability. Consequently, metformin inhibited migration, invasion in vitro and PGE2-dependent metastasis in CAM assays. Conclusion: At pharmacologically achievable concentrations, metformin does not drastically impact cell viability, but inhibits inflammatory signaling and metastatic progression in breast cancer cells.
Recommended Citation
Schexnayder, C.; Broussard, K.; Onuaguluchi, D.; Poche, A.; Ismail, M.; McAtee, M.; Llopis, S.; Keizerweerd, A.; McFerrin, H.; and Williams, Christopher Charles, "Metformin Inhibits Migration and Invasion by Suppressing ROS Production and COX2 Expression in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells." (2018). Faculty and Staff Publications. 219.
https://digitalcommons.xula.edu/fac_pub/219
Comments
DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113692
PubMed ID: 30469399
Acknowledgments
This project was supported by funds from the Bureau of Health Professions (BHPr), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under grant number D34HP00006, by NIH/NIGMS grant “5SC3GM113804, and NIH/NIMHD Research Centers at Minority Institutions (RCMI) G12MD007595. Support was also provided by the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium (LCRC).