Resumen de Proteomic analysis of differentially expressed proteins in 5-fluorouracil-treated human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

W.-J. Cai, S. Chen, W. Zhang, S.H.Y. Wei, J. Xing, Y. Dong

• Background 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent in clinical care of breast cancer patients. However, the mechanism of how the 5-Fu works is complex and still largely unknown.

  Objective The objective of this study was to understand the mechanism further and explore the new targets of 5-Fu.

  Methods The differentially expressed proteins induced by 5-Fu in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were identified by proteomic analysis. Four differentially expressed proteins were validated using Western blot and quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis for protein and mRNA levels. The effect of 5-Fu on MCF-7 cells was determined by cell viability assay, transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry analysis.

  Results 5-Fu dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation with the IC50 value of 98.2 ?M. 5-Fu also induced obviously morphological change and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Twelve differentially expressed proteins involved in energy metabolism, cytoskeleton, cellular signal transduction and tumor invasion and metastasis were identified.

  Conclusion These results may provide a new insight into the molecular mechanism of 5-Fu in therapy of breast cancer.