Molecular Pathways of Genistein Activity in Breast Cancer Cells

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 May 20;25(10):5556. doi: 10.3390/ijms25105556.

Abstract

The most common malignancy in women is breast cancer. During the development of cancer, oncogenic transcription factors facilitate the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules. Antiapoptotic proteins are markedly upregulated in cancer cells, which promotes tumor development, metastasis, and cell survival. Promising findings have been found in studies on the cell cycle-mediated apoptosis pathway for medication development and treatment. Dietary phytoconstituents have been studied in great detail for their potential to prevent cancer by triggering the body's defense mechanisms. The underlying mechanisms of action may be clarified by considering the role of polyphenols in important cancer signaling pathways. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, lignans, lignins, naphthoquinones, anthraquinones, xanthones, and stilbenes are examples of natural chemicals that are being studied for potential anticancer drugs. These substances are also vital for signaling pathways. This review focuses on innovations in the study of polyphenol genistein's effects on breast cancer cells and presents integrated chemical biology methods to harness mechanisms of action for important therapeutic advances.

Keywords: antioxidants; breast cancer; flavonoids; genistein; natural products.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Female
  • Genistein* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Polyphenols / chemistry
  • Polyphenols / pharmacology
  • Signal Transduction* / drug effects

Substances

  • Genistein
  • Polyphenols

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.