Migration and invasion suppression by Taraxerol in Triple Negative Breast Cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 via ERK/Slug axis

Abstract Taraxerol (TRX) is one of triterpenoid extracts from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Taraxacum, and its anti-tumor effect has been extensively proved. However, the effects and molecular mechanisms of TRX in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) have not been illustrated completely. In this study, we found that TRX inhibited the migration and invasion of the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231, and further identified 20 targets both closely related to TNBC and TRX through network pharmacology. Subsequently, analyzing these targets by GO and KEGG enrichment, and MAPK3 was the most potential candidate target. It was found by molecular docking that could combine stably with TRX, as well it was illustrated by experiments in vitro that could inhibit the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells by acting on Slug. Meanwhile, ERK activator (tert-Butylhydroquinone, tBHQ) could significantly reverse the suppression of TRX on the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, TRX could inhibit the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells via ERK/Slug axis.