Echinacea Glycoside Inhibits the Malignant Biological Behavior of Breast Cancer Cells by Regulating the LEF1CD44clinD1-Related Pathway

Objectives: To investigate the inhibitory effect of Echinacoside on the malignant biological behavior of breast cancer cells through the regulation of the Lymphatic Enhancement Factor 1 (LEF1)-Cell Surface Adhesion molecule (CD44)-cyclin D1 pathway. Materials and Methods: A blank control group (MCF-10A without any treatment), BrCa group (MDA-MB-231 cells) and ECG group (MDA-MB-231 cells cultured in an incubator for 48 hr after the addition of 10 μg/mL ECG) were established. The proliferation ability of the cells was detected via the CCK8 assay, the protein and mRNA expression levels were detected via Western blot and qPCR and cell migration and invasion were detected via Transwell assays. Results: Compared with those in the control group, the cell proliferation and migration abilities in the BrCa group were greater, whereas those in the ECG group were lower. Compared with that in the control group, the cell invasion ability in the BrCa group was greater. Compared with that in the BrCa group, the overall apoptosis rate in the ECG group was lower. Compared with those in the control group, LEF1, CD44 and Cyclin D1 mRNA levels in the BrCa group were increased, whereas those in the ECG group were decreased compared with those in the BrCa group. The LEF1, CD44 and Cyclin D1 protein levels in the BrCa group were greater than those in the control group, whereas those in the ECG group were lower than those in the BrCa group. The protein levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGFA in the BrCa group were lower than those in the BrCa group. Conclusion: ECG can inhibit BrCa malignant behavior by regulating the LEF1-CD44-Cyclin D1 signaling pathway.