Berberine Interfered with Breast Cancer Cells Metabolism, Balancing Energy Homeostasis

Title:Berberine Interfered with Breast Cancer Cells Metabolism, Balancing Energy Homeostasis

Volume: 15 Issue: 1

Author(s): Wen Tan, Ning Li, Rui Tan, Zhangfeng Zhong, Zhanwei Suo, Xian Yang, Yitao Wang and Xiaodong Hu

Affiliation:

Keywords: Berberine, Chinese medicine, energy homeostasis, MCF-7, reprogramming metabolism.

Abstract: Berberine exerted anti-cancer effect in various cancer cell lines, and was also implied in the treatment of metabolic related diseases. Given the metabolic modulation, we hypothesized that berberine possessed anti-cancer effect under the assistance of metabolic interference. Working as a modulator, metabolic enzyme inhibitor or complex network regulator in energy metabolism, berberine was highlighted in current cancer research. A reasonable cross talk between Chinese medicine and energy homeostasis provided a solid foundation for berberine interference on cancer cells reprogramming metabolism. Our result showed that berberine regulated the reprogramming metabolism through three aspects simultaneously, including mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis and macromolecular synthesis. This interference with reprogramming metabolism was a continuous, simultaneous and sustainable approach in a moderate mode. And it could be regarded as a gentle and virtuous cycle from a multi-level perspective, indicating an integrated approach in cancer therapy. Meanwhile, we thought that Chinese medicine could link cancer and metabolic related diseases from a dynamic perspective through integrated network pharmacology. This cross talk would be a realistic and significant strategy for anti-cancer drug discovery and needs further investigation in future.

Cite this article as:

Tan Wen, Li Ning, Tan Rui, Zhong Zhangfeng, Suo Zhanwei, Yang Xian, Wang Yitao and Hu Xiaodong, Berberine Interfered with Breast Cancer Cells Metabolism, Balancing Energy Homeostasis, Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2015; 15 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871520614666140910120518