In silico and in vitro study on apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells lines via caspase-3 activation of Markhacanasin A

Abstract

Markhacanasin A (MA), a cycloartane-type triterpenoid was isolated from the leaves of Markhamia stipulata var. canaense V.S.Dang, collected in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam. In our previous study, it was found that MA possessed potential cytotoxicity against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines, with an IC₅₀=16.51±0.22 μM. However, the mechanism by which MA triggers apoptosis in the MCF-7 cells has not been explored yet. Therefore, this study has been conducted to investigate the mechanism of apoptosis induction in the MCF-7 cell lines by MA. The study utilised the flow cytometry method and molecular docking patterns analysis of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, Apaf-1, and survivin. Interestingly, the results have demonstrated that MA induces apoptosis in the MCF-7 cell line by activating the caspase-3 enzyme, both in vitro and in silico, which suggests that MA may have therapeutic potential as a breast cancer treatment agent. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of action of MA and highlights its potential as a promising therapeutic option for breast cancer.