Hypericin photoactivation induces triple-negative breast cancer cells pyroptosis by targeting the ROS/CALR/Caspase-3/GSDME pathway.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Hypericin (HP), a natural photosensitizer, has demonstrated great efficacy in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment. In addition to the induction of apoptosis and necrosis through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, the therapeutic mechanisms and targets of PDT-HP remain unknown.

Objectives

To investigate the direct targets and mechanisms of action of photoactivated hypericin in the inhibition of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods

Cell pyroptosis was examined via LDH release, SYTOX Green staining, and ELISA. RNA sequencing, network pharmacology, drug affinity target stability (DARTS)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and molecular docking were employed to identify drug targets. Furthermore, immunoblotting and flow cytometry were

SUBMITTER: Liang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12627876 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature