Xanthine negatively regulates c-MYC through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells.

Background aim: Breast cancer is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy associated with elevated mortality rates worldwide. Dysregulation of the c-MYC oncogene and aberrant activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway are common features in breast cancer progression, rendering them attractive therapeutic targets. Here, we assessed the effects of the plant derivative, xanthine, on breast cancer cells and explored the molecular mechanisms underlying its activity.

Methods: Breast cancer cell lines were treated with xanthine, followed by assessment of c-MYC expression levels. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were analyzed to assess the effects of xanthine treatment on breast cancer cell behavior.

Results: Xanthine treatment induced a decrease in c-MYC expression, resulting in significant inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Mechanistic investigations revealed that these effects were mediated by suppression of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusions: Xanthine shows great potential for breast cancer treatment by targeting c-MYC via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that development of xanthine as a novel treatment option for breast cancer, which acts by influencing key oncogenic pathways involved in tumor progression, may be warranted.