Analysis of the Effects of Octyl Gallate on the Expression of Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases in Triple-Negative and Estrogen-Dependent Breast Cancer Cells

• Grant number: 24/15701-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Cardoso de Oliveira
• Grantee: Henrique Herckert Reimann Samuel
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In the contemporary scenario, cancer represents one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Among the different types of cancer, breast cancer is the most common among women and presents distinct molecular subtypes, which influence prognosis and treatment. Despite advances in cancer research and treatment, drug resistance remains a major challenge in oncology. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) play crucial roles in the tumor cell environment. MMPs, by degrading the extracellular matrix, facilitate tumor cell invasion and metastasis, as well as promoting angiogenesis and modulating cellular signaling to favor tumor growth. Conversely, TIMPs regulate the activity of MMPs, maintaining tissue integrity, inhibiting angiogenesis, and reducing the invasive capacity of cancer cells. The imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs is a common feature in many types of cancer, resulting in increased MMP activity and consequent tumor progression. Therefore, a detailed understanding of these mechanisms may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this regard, natural compounds have attracted the attention of the scientific community as potential antitumor agents. Octyl gallate, an ester derived from gallic acid found in various natural sources, has stood out for its antioxidant and antitumor properties. Studies have demonstrated its ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation in human cancer cell lines, including breast cancer. Additionally, octyl gallate has shown antimicrobial and antiviral activity. However, despite promising results, specific information on the effects of octyl gallate in breast cancer cells, such as MCF7 and HCC70, is still limited. Therefore, this study aims to comparatively evaluate the antitumor potential of octyl gallate in breast cancer cells in an in vitro environment. The proposed evaluations include the study of the activity of metalloproteinases -2 and -9 treated or not with the compounds through the zymography technique. Furthermore, the expression of MMP enzyme genes and TIMP proteins in cells treated with octyl gallate will be investigated using the Real-Time qPCR technique. It is expected that the results of this study will provide valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of octyl gallate as an option in the treatment of breast cancer. Understanding the mechanisms involved in its action may contribute to the development of more effective and less toxic strategies in combating cancer, representing an important contribution to cancer research and the advancement in the fight against this devastating disease.