Ergosterol Peroxide Disrupts Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Mitochondrial Function and Inhibits Tumor Growth and Metastasis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Ergosterol peroxide (EP) triggers apoptosis pathways by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in TNBC cell lines. Excess ROS production is associated with major damage to mitochondria. We hypothesized that EP may act through ROS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, we performed a series of assays that assessed mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cellular respiration, and glycolysis in TNBC models. Cardiomyocytes derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells were chosen as a non-cancerous model because of their high mitochondrial content. Two in vivo TNBC models were used to quantify the effect of EP on tumor volume and metastases. EP reduced MMP and disrupted mitochondrial functions exclusively in TNBC cells. In vivo EP was effective in reducing tumor volume without affecting liver function. There was also a significant decrease in metastasis to the lung, liver, and cancer stem cells following treatment. These results suggest EP is a promising therapy for TNBC.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms26104588
Authors: Aliyah L. Bocachica-Adorno, Adriana Y. Aponte-Ramos, Paola S. Rivera-Fuentes, Natalia P. Espinosa-Ponce, Luz V. Arroyo-Cruz, Taotao Ling, Naydi Pérez-Ríos, Sona Rivas-Tumanyan, Israel A. Almodóvar-Rivera, Carlos Barreto-Gamarra, Maribella Domenech-García, Fatima Rivas, Michelle M. Martínez-Montemayor
Institutions: University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón, InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico, University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, Central University of the Caribbean, Louisiana State University, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico System, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Awards: G1592885229, G2584426989, G2814578803, G4325395033, G636922500, G64558799, Elucidating the mode of action of the abietanes to develop potential therapeutic agents, Hispanic Alliance for Clinical and Translational Research (Alliance), Distinct contributions of mesenchymal cell niches in the therapeutic potential of the hedgehog pathway in triple negative breast cancer, G8838887969, Advancing Competitive Biomedical Research in Puerto Rico, Validating the mode of action of ergosterol peroxide as a selective breast cancer inhibitor
OpenAlex ID: W4410301148