Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) Shows Promise in Fighting Breast Cancer
PSP is a biologically active compound derived from Coriolus versicolor, a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Known for its immune-boosting and anti-cancer properties, PSP has been studied for its effects on various cancers, but its mechanism in breast cancer has remained unclear. The latest research combines network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental studies to investigate how PSP works against breast cancer.
How PSP Affects Breast Cancer Cells
The study analyzed PSP’s interaction with cancer-related genes and pathways. Researchers identified 287 potential PSP targets and 183 breast cancer-associated genes. By comparing these datasets, they found 10 key genes that could explain PSP’s effects on breast cancer. Further analysis revealed that PSP might work by inhibiting the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway, which is known to promote tumor growth and survival.
In laboratory experiments, PSP significantly reduced the proliferation of breast cancer cells. When applied to three different breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, SUM-159, and MCF-7), PSP inhibited their growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This means that higher concentrations and longer exposure to PSP led to stronger anti-cancer effects. The compound had minimal effects on normal breast cells, indicating its potential safety and selectivity.
PSP Induces Cancer Cell Death
To further investigate PSP’s anti-cancer properties, researchers examined whether it could trigger apoptosis, the programmed death of cancer cells. Flow cytometry and Tunel staining experiments confirmed that PSP increased apoptosis in breast cancer cells, further supporting its role in cancer treatment.
The study also found that PSP reduced the expression of phosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3 proteins, which are critical components of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway. This pathway is often overactive in breast cancer, promoting tumor cell survival, proliferation, and resistance to therapy. By blocking this pathway, PSP weakens cancer cells and makes them more vulnerable to destruction.
Testing PSP in Animal Models
To determine if PSP could work beyond laboratory cell cultures, researchers tested it on mice implanted with breast cancer tumors. The mice were divided into different groups, with some receiving PSP treatment and others given conventional chemotherapy (cisplatin) for comparison.
The results showed that PSP significantly slowed tumor growth in the mice, comparable to the effects of cisplatin. Importantly, PSP-treated mice did not experience significant weight loss or organ damage, suggesting fewer side effects compared to standard chemotherapy. Further analysis of the tumors confirmed that PSP reduced markers of cell proliferation and increased markers of apoptosis, further validating its potential effectiveness.
The findings suggest that PSP could be a promising natural compound for breast cancer treatment. Its ability to selectively target cancer cells while sparing normal ones makes it an attractive candidate for safer, less toxic therapies. By inhibiting the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, PSP could also enhance the effects of existing treatments, potentially overcoming drug resistance in some cases.
To learn more, check this out!: Identifying the mechanism of polysaccharopeptide against breast cancer based on network pharmacology and experimental verification | BMC Cancer | Full Text
