Crocin Inhibit the Metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cell line by Suppressing Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition through WNT/β-catenin Signaling Pathway

Breast cancer is divided into different subtypes based on molecular characteristics, among these subtypes, Triple-negative breast cancer, has the poorest prognosis and survival with invasive. In this study, TNBC cell line was used to explore crocin anti-metastatic effect on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Cell proliferation assessed by MTT assay and effects of crocin on migration monitored by transwell and wound healing experiments. Expression of certain epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers genes was evaluated by real-time PCR. β-catenin expression also examined by real-time PCR. Findings revealed crocin significantly inhibits cell proliferation and migration of tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, crocin decreased the expression of Vimentin, Snail, Zeb-1 and β-catenin. Also, crocin increased the expression of E-cadherin in MDA-MB-231 cell line. Results showed an association between crocin and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study establishes that crocin can be a promising therapeutic for triple-negative breast cancer.