Cannabidiol suppresses angiogenesis and stemness of breast cancer cells by downregulation of hypoxia‐inducible factors‐1α

Abstract

To assess the effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on the angiogenesis and stemness of breast cancer cells as well as proliferation. Methods: mRNA level and the amount of protein of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined by qRT‐PCR and ELISA. The angiogenic potential of breast cancer cells under hypoxic conditions was identified by the HUVEC tube formation assay. The degradation of HIF‐1α by CBD and the Src/von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor protein (VHL) interaction were assessed by a co‐immunoprecipitation assay and Western blotting. To identify the stemness of mamospheres, they were evaluated by the sphere-forming assay and flow cytometry. Results: CBD can suppress angiogenesis and stem cell‐like properties of breast cancer through Src/VHL/HIF‐1α signaling. CBD may potentially be utilized in the treatment of refractory or recurrent breast cancer.