Effects of genistein on ERK1/2 MAPK signaling transduction pathway of human breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231

  Objective   To investigate the effects of genistein on ERK1/2 MAPK signaling transduct ion pathway of human breastcancer cell MDA-MB-231.

  Methods   The inhibitive effects of genistein and MEK1/2 inhibitor on MDA-MB-231 cells were observed with the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay.The ERK1/2 MAPK, e-Jun and e-Fos protein expressions were detected by Western blot.

  Results   MTT assay showed that compared to control cells, after 48 h treatment of different concentr ations of genistein and MEK1/2 inhibitor, the cell survival ratios decreased.Western blot showed that the protein expressions of ERK 1/2, c-Junand c-Fos increased with the dose of genistein, while that of the combination of genistein and the MEK/2 inhibitio n decreased.

  Conclusion   Genistein could inhibit the cell proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and activate the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling transduction pathway.The inhibitor of MEK1/2 can block ERK1/2 activation and enhance the cancer inhibition effect of genistein.