Objective: To study the role of ERK5 MAPK signaling transduction pathway in the inhibition of genistein to MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
Methods: The inhibitive effects of genistein on MDA-MB-231 cells were observed with the MTT assay. The cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The ERK5 MAPK, Bax and Caspase3 protein expressions were detected by using western blot method.
Results: genistein inhibited the cell proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells and induced apoptosis. The protein expression of ERK5 decreased and those of Bax and Caspase3 increased with the dose of genistein.
Conclusion: Genistein can affect the ERK5 MAPK signaling transduction pathway and induce the expressions of apoptosis related proteins to inhibit the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells.