Zerumbone decreases BACH1 levels by upregulating miR-708 to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the potential mechanism by which zerumbone suppresses breast cancer (BC) cells. Methods: Cell viability and Transwell assays were performed to assess the effect of zerumbone on BC cell growth. The downstream target of zerumbone was determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays and immunoblotting. Cell viability assays and immunoblotting were conducted to detect if zerumbone had any effect on BACH1 (BTB domain and CNC homolog 1) expression. Results: Zerumbone suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells. It also upregulated the expression of microRNA (miR)-708 and, hence, suppressed BACH1 expression. Furthermore, zerumbone suppressed the proliferation and invasion of BC cells by promoting miR-708 expression and suppressing BACH1. Conclusion: The findings help clarify the anti-tumor mechanism of zerumbone and provide theoretical and therapeutic bases for the anti-tumor effects of Chinese herbal medicine.