Digital Microfluidics with an On-Chip Drug Dispenser for Single or Combinational Drug Screening

Rapid and accurate cancer drug screening is of great importance in precision medicine. However, the limited amount of tumor biopsy samples has hindered the application of traditional drug screening methods with microwell plates for individual patients. A microfluidic system provides an ideal platform for handling trace amounts of samples. This emerging platform has a good role in nucleic acid-related and cell related assays. Nevertheless, convenient drug dispensing remains a challenge for clinical on-chip cancer drug screening. Similar sized droplets are merged to add drugs for a desired screened concentration which significantly complicated the on-chip drug dispensing protocols. Here, we introduce a novel digital microfluidic system with a specially structured electrode (a drug dispenser) to dispense drugs by droplet electro-ejection under a high-voltage actuation signal, which can be conveniently adjusted by external electric controls. With this system, the screened drug concentrations span up to four orders of magnitude with small sample consumption. Various amounts of drugs can be delivered to the cell sample with desired amount in a flexible electric control. Moreover, single drug or combinatorial multidrug on-chip screening can be readily achieved. The drug response of normal MCF-10A breast cells and MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cells to two chemotherapeutic substances, cisplatin (Cis) and epirubicin (EP), was tested individually and in combination for proof-of-principle verification. The comparable on-chip and off-chip results confirmed the feasibility of our innovative DMF system for cancer drug screening.

Resveratrol is an inhibitor of sodium-dependent inorganic phosphate transport in triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

Metastasis is a major cause of death in patients with breast cancer. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated the antitumour effects of resveratrol, a non-flavonoid polyphenol. Resveratrol inhibits metastatic processes, such as the migration and invasion of cancer cells. In several cancer types, the importance of inorganic phosphate (Pi) for tumor progression has been demonstrated. The metastatic process in breast cancer is associated with Na⁺ -dependent Pi transporters. In this study, we demonstrate, for the first time, that resveratrol inhibits the Na⁺ -dependent Pi transporter. Results from kinetic analysis shows that resveratrol inhibits Na⁺ -dependent Pi transport non-competitively. Resveratrol also inhibits adhesion/migration in MDA-MB-231 cells, likely related to inhibition of the Na⁺ -dependent Pi transporter.

Metformin modulates oncogenic expression of HOTAIR gene via promoter methylation and reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MDA-MB-231 cells

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological event, which critically regulates migration and invasion of cancer cells. EMT is regulated by several protein and nonprotein factors (such as noncoding RNAs). HOTAIR is an oncogenic long noncoding RNA that stimulates EMT in cancers. In the current study, we investigated the effect of metformin on EMT behavior and HOTAIR expression in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The minimal effective concentrations of metformin (10 and 20 mM) were obtained by the MTT test. Cell migration and invasion in the metformin-containing medium were assayed in the scratch assay and transwell test. Meaningful decreases in both cell migration and invasion were observed in the presence of metformin. Vimentin, snail, β-catenin, and HOTAIR transcripts were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Reduction in the expression of vimentin, β-catenin, and HOTAIR was detected as the result of metformin treatment, but the snail showed a constant expression. Western blottingrevealed the downregulation of vimentin and β-catenin proteins. HOTAIR promoter methylation pattern was also investigated in metformin-exposed cells using bisulfite sequencing PCR which the result showed differences in the methylation profile of CpG islands between the treated and untreated cells. In conclusion, metformin modulated oncogenic expression of the HOTAIR gene in the MDA-MB-231 cells. This downregulation was associated with the modification of promoter methylation patterns. Since HOTAIR induces EMT in breast cancer, HOTAIR decline might be one of the mechanisms by which metformin reverses EMT.

Exploring the Regulation Mechanism of Xihuang Pill, Olibanum and β-Boswellic Acid on the Biomolecular Network of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Based on Transcriptomics and Chemical Informatics Methodology

Background

Xihuang Pill (XHP) is mainly used to treat “Ru Yan (breast cancer)”. Evidence-based medical evidence and showed that XHP improves the efficacy of chemotherapy and reduced chemotherapy-induced toxicity in breast cancer patients. However, the mechanism of XHP against breast cancer is not clear.

Methods

The effect of XHP extract on cell half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) and cell viability of MD-MB-231 cells was detected by CCK-8 method. The cell inhibition rate of MDA-MB-453 cells were detected by MTT method. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, cell transfer ability was detected by Transwell method, and cell proliferation ability was detected by colony formation assay. The expression of Notch1, β-catenin and c-myc mRNA in MDA-MB-453 cells were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Then, chemical informatics and transcriptomics methodology was utilized to predict the potential compounds and targets of XHP, and collect triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) genes and the data of Olibanum and β-boswellic acid intervention MD-MB-231 cells (from GSE102891). The cytoscape software was utilized to undergo network construction and network analysis. Finally, the data from the network analysis was imported into the DAVID database for enrichment analysis of signaling pathways and biological processes.

Results

The IC50 was 15.08 g/L (for MD-MB-231 cells). After interfering with MD-MB-231 cells with 15.08 g/L XHP extract for 72 h, compared with the control group, the cell viability, migration and proliferation was significantly decreased, while early apoptosis and late apoptosis were significantly increased (P < 0.01). After interfering with MDA-MB-453 cells with 6 g/L XHP extract for 72 h, compared with the control group, the cell inhibition and apoptosis rate increased, while the expression of Notch1, β-catenin and c-myc mRNA decreased. (P < 0.05). The chemical informatics and transcriptomics analysis showed that four networks were constructed and analyzed: (1) potential compounds-potential targets network of XHP; (2) XHP-TNBC PPI network; (3) DEGs PPI network of Olibanum-treated MD-MB 231 cells; (4) DEGs PPI network of β-boswellic acid -treated MD-MB 231 cells. Several anti-TNBC biological processes, signaling pathways, targets and so on were obtained.

Conclusion

XHP may exert anti-TNBC effects through regulating biological processes, signaling pathways, targets found in this study.

Mannoside-Modified Branched Gold Nanoparticles for Photothermal Therapy to MDA-MB-231 Cells

Recently, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have been used to study the treatment of malignant tumors due to their higher biocompatibility and lesser toxicity. In addition, they can be excited through a specific wavelength to produce oscillating plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) on the basis of the localized surface plasma resonance (LSPR) effect. Au NPs can be heated to kill cancer cells in specific parts of the body in a noninvasive manner. In this study, branched gold nanoparticles (BAu NPs) were prepared by mixing HAuCl₄ in a 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) buffer solution in a molar ratio of 1:2000. The UV–vis absorption peak was detected in the range of 700–1000 nm. Subsequently, BAu NPs were chemically linked to a thiol-modified mannoside molecule via a stable sulfur–Au covalent bond (Man@BAu NPs). Due to the presence of abundant mannose receptors on human-breast-cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, Man@BAu NPs were found to be abundant inside cancer cells. After irradiating the Man@BAu NP-laden MDA-MB231 switch with a near-infrared (NIR) laser at 808 nm wavelength, the photothermal-conversion effect raised the surface temperature of Man@BAu NPs, thus inducing cell death. Our experiment results demonstrated the advantages of applying Man@BAu NPs in inducing cell death in MDA-MB-231.

Effect of fetal bovine serum on erythropoietin receptor expression and viability of breast cancer cells

Erythropoietin receptors (EPORs) are present not only in erythrocyte precursors but also in non-hematopoietic cells including cancer cells. In this study, we determined the effect of fetal bovine serum (FBS) in culture medium on the EPOR expression and viability of the estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 and ER-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Using flow cytometry, we showed that the inclusion of 10% FBS in the medium increased the EPOR expressions and viabilities of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. The MDA-MB-231 showed greater EPOR expression than MCF-7 cells, suggesting that the presence of ERs on cells is associated with poor expression of EPOR. Culture medium containing 10% FBS also caused increased number of breast cancer cells entering the synthesis phase of the cell cycle. The study also showed that rHuEPO treatment did not affect viability of breast cancer cells. In conclusion, it was shown that the inclusion of FBS in culture medium increased expression of EPOR in breast cancer cells and rHuEPO treatment had no effect on the proliferation of these cancer cells.

Investigating the regulation mechanism of baicalin on triple negative breast cancer's biological network by a systematic biological strategy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the regulation mechanism of baicalin on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)'s biological network by a systematic biological strategy and cytology experiment.

METHODS

A systematic biological methodology is utilized to predict the potential targets of baicalin, collect the genes of TNBC, and analyze the TNBC and baicalin's network. After the systematic biological analysis is performed, the cytology experiment, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is used to validate the key biological processes and signaling pathways.

RESULTS

After systematic biological analysis, two networks were constructed and analyzed: (1) TNBC network; (2) Baicalin-TNBC protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Several TNBC-related, treatment-related targets, clusters, signaling pathways and biological processes were found. Cytology experiment shows that baicalin can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro (P < 0.05). The results of qPCR showed that baicalin increase the expression of E-cadherin mRNA, and decrease the expression of vimentin, β-catenin, c-Myc and MMP-7 mRNA in LPS-induced breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Baicalin may achieve anti-tumor effects through regulating the targets, biological processes and pathways found in this research.

Resveratrol Inhibits the Migration and Metastasis of MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer by Reversing TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Metastasis is a major cause of death in patients with breast cancer. In the process of cancer development, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial to promoting the invasion and migration of tumor cells. In a previous study, the role of resveratrol in migration and metastasis was investigated in MDA-MB-231 (MDA231) human breast cancer cells and a xenograft-bearing mouse model. Additionally, the related mechanism was explored. In the present study, in vitro Transwell assays showed that resveratrol can inhibit the migration of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced MDA231 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that resveratrol can reduce the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. Immunofluorescence was performed to confirm the expression of EMT-related markers. Immunofluorescence assays confirmed that resveratrol changed the expression of the EMT-related markers E-cadherin and vimentin. Western blot analysis demonstrated that resveratrol decreased the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, Fibronectin, α-SMA, P-PI3K, P-AKT, Smad2, Smad3, P-Smad2, P-Smad3, vimentin, Snail1, and Slug, as well as increased the expression levels of E-cadherin in MDA231 cells. In vivo, resveratrol inhibited lung metastasis in a mouse model bearing MDA231 human breast cancer xenografts without marked changes in body weight or liver and kidney function. These results indicate that resveratrol inhibits the migration of MDA231 cells by reversing TGF-β1-induced EMT and inhibits the lung metastasis of MDA231 human breast cancer in a xenograft-bearing mouse model.

Dendrosomal nanocurcumin and exogenous p53 can act synergistically to elicit anticancer effects on breast cancer cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) constitutes an important histological subtype of breast cancer with a highly metastatic phenotype. The aim of the current study was to investigate the possible synergism between dendrosomal nanocurcumin (DNC) and exogenously delivered p53 in producing anticancer effects on a TNBC cell line. MTT assay was exploited to determine the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells against DNC and measure the impact of p53 overexpresssion on DNC-related cytotoxicity. Annexin-V/PI staining followed by flow cytometry and wound healing assay were used to evaluate the effects of DNC and exogenous p53, alone and in combination, on apoptosis induction and migratory capacity of MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. Also, quantitative real-time PCR was applied to analyze the transcript levels of EMT- and metastasis-associated genes. Cell viability measurements demonstrated that DNC suppresses the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells in a time- and dose-dependent mode and exogenous p53 elevates the sensitivity of cells to DNC-mediated cytotoxic effects. Apoptosis and wound healing assays indicated that combination treatment with DNC and exogenous p53 leads to significantly increased apoptosis and decreased migration of breast cancer cells, compared with single treatment. The results of gene expression analysis highlighted the high potency of combination strategy to significantly reduce the expression of ZEB1 and BMI1 transcript levels. Altogether, our findings reveal that DNC and exogenous p53 act in a synergistic manner to elicit anticancer effects on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Therefore, our combination approach might be considered as a promising strategy for the development of new therapeutic modalities against breast cancer.

Moderate intermittent negative pressure increases invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

To investigate the effect moderate intermittent negative pressure breast reconstructive model exerts on human triple negative breast cancer cell (TNBC) invasion and explore the related mechanism.

METHODS

The human TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 was used. Cells in external volume expansion (EVE) group were exposed to an intermittent -25 mmHg for 12 h; the pressure for non-EVE group was constantly 0 mmHg. In vivo, MDA-MB-231 cell suspensions were injected subcutaneously into dorsal skin of nude mice (n = 27 mice/group). Tumors on mice in EVE group received -25 mmHg suction 3 h/day; while mice in non-EVE group were under normal pressure. Cell invasion assay, ELISA, RT-PCR, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the inflammation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis between the two groups in both vitro and vivo experiments.

RESULTS

MDA-MB-231 cells in the EVE group were more invasive and had higher expressions of IL-8 (30.02 ± 10.44 pg/ml vs. 18.82 ± 9.26 pg/ml, P < 0.05) and TNF-α (20.59 ± 4.72 pg/ml vs. 14.10 ± 3.36 pg/ml, P < 0.05) than the non-EVE group. Grafted MDA-MB-231 tumors in EVE group showed a more obvious epithelial-mesenchymal transition at 2 week and better angiogenesis at 2 and 4 week, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Moderate intermittent negative pressure induces MDA-MB-231 cells to be more invasive. Future studies should figure out other effects this intervention may bring. Clinical studies should also be conducted to further evaluate its safety and optimize the clinical model.

The Optimization and Characterization of an RNA-Cleaving Fluorogenic DNAzyme Probe for MDA-MB-231 Cell Detection

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in females worldwide and lacks specific biomarkers for early detection. In a previous study, we obtained a selective RNA-cleaving Fluorogenic DNAzyme (RFD) probe against MDA-MB-231 cells, typical breast cancer cells, through the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential process (SELEX). To improve the performance of this probe for actual application, we carried out a series of optimization experiments on the pH value of a reaction buffer, the type and concentration of cofactor ions, and sequence minimization. The length of the active domain of the probe reduced to 25 nt from 40 nt after optimization, which was synthesized more easily and economically. The detection limit of the optimized assay system was 2000 MDA-MB-231 cells in 30 min, which is more sensitive than the previous one (almost 5000 cells). The DNAzyme probe was also capable of distinguishing MDA-MB-231 cell specifically from 3 normal cells and 10 other tumor cells. This probe with high sensitivity, selectivity, and economic efficiency enhances the feasibility for further clinical application in breast cancer diagnosis. Herein, we developed an optimization system to produce a general strategy to establish an easy-to-use DNAzyme-based assay for other targets.

Synthesis and exploration of novel radiolabeled bombesin peptides for targeting receptor positive tumor

Increasing evidence of peptide receptor overexpression in various cancer cells, warrant the development of receptor specific radiolabeled peptides for molecular imaging and therapy in nuclear medicine. Gastrin-releasing-peptide (GRP) receptor, are overexpressed in a variety of human cancer cells. The present study report the synthesis and biological evaluation of new bombesin (BBN) analogs, HYNIC-Asp-[Phe¹³]BBN(7-13)-NH-CH₂-CH₂-CH3:BA1, HYNIC-Pro-[Tyr¹³Met¹⁴]BBN(7-14)NH₂:BA2 as prospective tumor imaging agent with compare to BBN(7-14)NH₂:BS as standard. The pharmacophores were radiolabeled in high yields with ^99mTc, characterized for their stability in serum and saline, cysteine/histidine and were found to be substantially stable. Internalization/externalization and receptor binding studies were assessed using MDA-MB-231 cells and showed high receptor binding-affinity and favourable internalization. Fluorescence studies revealed that BA1 changed the morphology of the cells and could localize in the nucleus more effectively than BA2/BS. Cell-viability studies displayed substantial antagonistic and nuclear-internalization effect of BA1. BA1 also exhibited antiproliferative effect on MDA-MB-231 cell by inducing apoptosis. In vivo behaviour of the radiopeptides was evaluated in GRP receptor positive tumor bearing mice. The ^99mTc-BA1/^99mTc-BA2 demonstrated rapid blood/urinary clearance through the renal pathway and comparatively more significant tumor uptake image and favourable tumor-to-non-target ratios provided by ^99mTc-BA1. The specificity of the in vivo uptake was confirmed by co-injection with BS. Moreover, ^99mTc-BA1 provided a much clearer tumor image in scintigraphic studies than others. Thus the combination of favourable in vitro and in vivo properties renders BA1 as more potential antagonist bombesin-peptide for targeting GRP-receptor positive tumor. These properties are encouraging to carry out further experiments for non-invasive receptor targeting potential diagnostinc and therapeutic agent for tumors.

Anti-metastatic effect of jolkinolide B and the mechanism of activity in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells

Tumor metastasis is the main cause of mortality in cancer patients. However, no effective therapies are currently available to prevent metastasis. Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial in cancer progression and metastasis. Thus, suppression of cell adhesion may be an effective therapeutic strategy for the prevention of metastasis. In the present study, the anti-adhesion and anti-invasion effects of jolkinolide B, a diterpenoid compound from Euphorbia fischeriana Steud, that were exerted through suppression of β₁-integrin expression and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) were examined in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Jolkinolide B inhibited the adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells to fibronectin but not to poly-L-lysine. In addition, jolkinolide B inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. U0126, an ERK inhibitor, also suppressed the invasion and adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Overall, the present data demonstrated that jolkinolide B is a novel inhibitor of FAK-mediated signaling pathways that is involved in decreasing cell adhesion and invasion. Mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase may play a critical role in these effects, indicating that jolkinolide B possesses therapeutic potential for the treatment of breast cancer metastasis.

Comparison between sonodynamic and photodynamic effect on MDA-MB-231 cells

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) are therapeutic modalities for tumors. In this study we investigated the combined cytotoxic effect of 0.36W/cm(2) and 0.72W/cm(2) ultrasound with various Ce6 concentrations (1, 2, 5, 10μg/ml), and that of 1μg/ml Ce6 with different laser light dose (650nm; 10.4mW/cm(2); 0.3, 0.6, 1.2 and 2.5J/cm(2)) on MDA-MB-231 cells. Both high reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected with high Ce6 concentrations (5 and 10μg/ml) combined with 0.72W/cm(2) ultrasound and 1.2, 2.5J/cm(2) laser light with 1μg/ml Ce6. In addition, cell membrane integrity was evaluated by using propidium iodide (PI), revealing membrane damage was aggravated with the increasing ultrasound intensity, but no significant difference on cell membrane integrity could be observed after PDT treatment. These results suggest ROS may play an important role both in SDT and PDT. Besides, mitochondria may be an initial target in PDT while SDT can cause multi-site damages in MDA-MB-231 cells.

PTHrP expression in human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells is critical for tumor growth and survival and osteoblast inhibition

This study examined the effects of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) derived from human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells on the tumor growth and osteoblast inhibition. Results revealed that knocking down PTHrP expression in the breast cancer cells strikingly inhibited the formation of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. PTHrP knockdown dramatically decreased the levels of cyclins D1 and A1 proteins and arrested the cell cycle progression at the G1 stage. PTHrP knockdown led to the cleavage of Caspase 8 and induced apoptosis of the tumor cells. Interestingly, knocking down PTHrP increased the levels of Beclin1 and LC3-II and promoted the formation of autophagosomes. Knocking down PTHrP expression significantly reduced the abilities of the breast cancer cells to inhibit osteoblast differentiation and bone formation in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we found that PTHrP activated its own expression through an autocrine mechanism in MDA-MB-231 cells. Collectively, these studies suggest that targeting PTHrP expression in the tumor cells could be a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancers, especially those with skeletal metastases.

Inorganic sulfur reduces cell proliferation by inhibiting of ErbB2 and ErbB3 protein and mRNA expression in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells

Dietary inorganic sulfur is the minor component in our diet, but some studies suggested that inorganic sulfur is maybe effective to treat cancer related illness. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effects of inorganic sulfur on cell proliferation and gene expression in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured the absence or presence of various concentrations (12.5, 25, or 50 µmol/L) of inorganic sulfur. Inorganic sulfur significantly decreased proliferation after 72 h of incubation (P < 0.05). The protein expression of ErbB₂ and its active form, pErbB₂, were significantly reduced at inorganic sulfur concentrations of 50 µmol/L and greater than 25 µmol/L, respectively (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of ErbB₂ was significantly reduced at an inorganic sulfur concentration of 50 µmol/L (P < 0.05). The protein expression of ErbB₃ and its active form, pErbB₃, and the mRNA expression of ErbB₃ were significantly reduced at inorganic sulfur concentrations greater than 25 µmol/L (P < 0.05). The protein and mRNA expression of Akt were significantly reduced at an inorganic sulfur concentration of 50 µmol/L (P < 0.05), but pAkt was not affected by inorganic sulfur treatment. The protein and mRNA expression of Bax were significantly increased with the addition of inorganic sulfur concentration of 50 µmol/L (P < 0.05). In conclusion, cell proliferation was suppressed by inorganic sulfur treatment through the ErbB-Akt pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Radish (Raphanus sativus L. leaf) ethanol extract inhibits protein and mRNA expression of ErbB(2) and ErbB(3) in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells

In this study, we investigated the effects of the ethanol extract of aerial parts of Raphanus sativus L. (ERL) on breast cancer cell proliferation and gene expression associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. The MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of various concentrations (100, 200, or 300 µg/mL) of ERL. ERL significantly decreased cell proliferation after 48 h of incubation (P < 0.05). The protein and mRNA expression of ErbB(2) were decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The protein expression of ErbB(3) was decreased significantly at an ERL concentration of 300 µg/mL (P < 0.05), and mRNA expression of ErbB(3) was decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The protein expression of Akt was decreased significantly at the ERL concentration of 200 µg/mL (P < 0.05), and the protein expression of pAkt was decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of Akt was decreased significantly at the ERL concentration of 200 µg/mL ERL (P < 0.05). The protein and mRNA expression of Bax were increased significantly at ERL concentrations of 200 µg/mL or higher (P < 0.05). The protein expression of Bcl(2) was increased significantly at ERL concentrations of 100 µg/mL or higher (P < 0.05), and mRNA expression of Bcl(2) was increased significantly at an ERL concentration of 300 µg/mL (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we suggest that Raphanus sativus, L. inhibits cell proliferation via the ErbB-Akt pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells.