Anti-metastatic effects of baicalein by targeting STAT3 activity in breast cancer cells

Gorrepotu Dani Susmitha, Kiho Miyazato, Keisuke Ogura, Satoru Yokoyama, Yoshihiro Hayakawa*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is considered a potential target for cancer treatment because of its relationship with cellular transformation and tumor initiation and progression. In this study, we aimed to identify a new anti-cancer drug candidate from natural products by targeting STAT3 activity. Using STAT3-luciferase reporter cell line, we screened the chemical library of natural products and found that baicalein, a flavone isolated from the roots of Scutelleria baicalensis, strongly suppressed STAT3 activity in breast cancer cells. Baicalein inhibited STAT3 transcriptional activity and its phosphorylation, and further exhibited anti-proliferative effects in breast cancer cells. Moreover, baicalein suppressed the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our study suggests baicalein as an attractive phytochemical compound for reducing metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by regulating STAT3 activity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1899-1905
Number of pages7
JournalBiological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin
Volume43
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020/12/01

Keywords

  • Baicalein
  • Cancer
  • Interleukin (IL)-6
  • Metastasis
  • Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmaceutical Science

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