IL-17 induces NSCLC cell migration and invasion by elevating MMP19 gene transcription and expression through the interaction of p300-dependent STAT3-K631 acetylation and its Y705-phosphorylation

The cancer cell metastasis is a major death reason for patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Although researchers have disclosed that interleukin 17(IL-17)can increase matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)induction causing NSCLC cell metastasis,the underlying mechanism remains unclear.In the study,we found that IL-17 receptor A(IL-17RA),p300,p-STAT3,Ack-STAT3,and MMP19 were up-regulated both in NSCLC tissues and NSCLC cells stimulated with IL-17.p300,STAT3 and MMP19 overexpression or knockdown could raise or reduce IL-17-induced p-STAT3,Ack-STAT3 and MMP19 level as well as the cell migration and invasion.Mechanism investigation revealed that STAT3 and p300 bound to the same region(−544 to−389 nt)of MMP19 promoter,and p300 could acetylate STAT3-K631 elevating STAT3 transcriptional activity,p-STAT3 or MMP19 expression and the cell mobility exposed to IL-17.Meanwhile,p300-mediated STAT3-K631 acetylation and its Y705-phosphorylation could interact,synergistically facilitating MMP19 gene transcription and enhancing cell migration and invasion.Besides,the animal experiments exhibited that the nude mice inoculated with NSCLC cells by silencing p300,STAT3 or MMP19 gene plus IL-17 treatment,the nodule number,and MMP19,Ack-STAT3,or p-STAT3 production in the lung metastatic nodules were all alleviated.Collectively,these outcomes uncover that IL-17-triggered NSCLC metastasis involves up-regulating MMP19 expression via the interaction of STAT3-K631 acetylation by p300 and its Y705-phosphorylation,which provides a new mechanistic insight and potential strategy for NSCLC metastasis and therapy.

How is the AKT/mTOR pathway involved in cell migration and invasion?

As a pathway that plays a role in nutrient absorption,anabolic response,cell growth and survival,the important role of AKT/mTOR in tumorigenesis has also come to light.For cancer patients,most deaths are caused by the growth of metastatic tumors outside the primary focus.Therefore,migration and invasion in the late stage of tumor progression are the main unresolved issues in the study of tumor pathogenesis,and AKT/mTOR has been found to participate in the migration and invasion of cancer cells,which means that the study of this pathway may contribute to a solution for the problem.Because of its extensive and complex functions in the organism,this pathway can be regulated by a variety of different signals in the body,and then realize its function through different downstream signal molecules.This article reviews the proteins that can indirectly affect this pathway by regulating the common upstream signaling molecules of this pathway,and the proteins that can directly affect the level of phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR in cancer cells.We also review the proteins that can co-regulate this pathway and its downstream pathways.Through this study,we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanism of the AKT/mTOR pathway in cancer cells,in hopes of finding effective and harmless cancer treatment targets in the future.

Schisandra B inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer by regulating the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the effects of Schisandra B on proliferation,migration,invasion of bladder cancer and to further investigate its molecular mechanism.Methods:Bladder cancer cells were subjected to different concentrations of Schisandra B solution(0,20,40,80μmol/L).CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effect of schisandra B on bladder cancer cell proliferation.Transwell migration assay and wound healing assay were used to detect the effect of Schisandra B on the migration of bladder cancer cells.Transwell invasion assay was used to detect the effect of schisandra B on invasion ability of bladder cancer cells.The expression levels of intracellularβ-catenin and c-myc protein were measured by western blot.Results:Schisandra B inhibited the proliferation of T24 and UM-UC-3 cells in a concentration and time dependent manner(P<0.05).The rate of wound healing and number of migration and invasion cells decreased with the increase of Schisandra B concentration(P<0.05).The expression ofβ-catenin and c-myc decreased after treatment with Schisandra B in bladder cancer cells(P<0.05).Conclusion:Schisandra B can inhibit the proliferation,migration and invasion of human bladder cancer T24 and UM-UC-3 cells,and the main mechanism for its inhibitory effect may be related to the inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Mechanism of SNHG12 in Regulating Human Angiostatin Binding Protein Through MicroRNA497 in the Migration and Invasion of Human Lung Cancer Cells

Objective:To investigate the effect of small nucleolar host gene 12(SNHG12)on the migration and invasion of human lung cancer cells by regulating human angiostatin binding protein through microribonucleic acid(microRNA)-497.Methods:A549,H1299,and PC9 cells were cultured in Roswell Park Memorial Institute(RPMI)-1640 medium containing 10%fetal bovine serum,and human bronchial epithelial(HBE)cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified eagle medium(DMEM)containing 10%fetal bovine serum.The incubator conditions were as follows:saturated humidity,37℃,and 5%carbon dioxide(CO2).Results:The gene expressions of small nucleolar host gene 12(SNHG12)in HBE,A549,H1299,and PC9 were 1.00±0.02,5.61±0.42,3.78±0.29,and 3.51±0.23,respectively.The gene expressions of microRNA-497HBE,A549,H1299,and PC9 were 1.00±0.13,0.21±0.04,0.35±0.05,and 0.37±0.06,respectively,with P<0.05.The microRNA-497 gene expression and cell apoptosis rate in the microRNA-497 group and the microRNA-497+pcDNA3.1 group were significantly higher than those in the miR-NC group,whereas the A value and cell invasion number were significantly lower than those in the miR-negative control(NC)group,with P<0.05.Compared with the microRNA-497+pcDNA3.1 group,the microRNA-497 gene expression and cell apoptosis rate in the microRNA-497+SNHG12 group were significantly lower,whereas the A value and cell invasion number were significantly higher,with P<0.05.Conclusion:SNHG12 can inhibit the migration and invasion of human lung cancer cells by regulating human angiostatin binding protein through microRNA-497.

Twist Promotes the Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of the Twist gene on the migration of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the possible mechanisms involved. METHODS RT-PCR was used to detect expression of the Twist gene in primary （Hep11） and recurrent （Hep12） cell lines from the same HCC patient. Hep11 cells were stably transfected with Twist-cDNA, and Hep12 cells were transiently transfected with Twist RNAi plasmid. Cell migration assays were performed on Twist up-regulated Hep11 cells and Twist RNAi Hep12 cells. RT- PCR and Western blot were used to test the expression of EMT markers. RESULTS Twist was expressed higher level and had increased migration capability in recurrent Hep12 cells than those in primary Hep11 cells. Cell models （Twist-Hep11） in which Twist protein was steadily and highly expressed were obtained. Compared with pcDNA3-Hep11 cells, migration of Twist-Hep11 cells was clearly increased. However, migration of Twist RNAi （Si-Twist-Hep12） Hep12 cells were reduced. Overexpression of Twist in Hep11 cells promoted expression of N-cad and vimentin. CONCLUSION These results indicate that Twist promotes the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and may play an important role in the upregulation of mesenchymal markers.

HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA represses E-cadherin expression by binding to EZH2 in gastric cancer

AIM To clarify the mechanisms of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA(HOTAIR) in gastric cancer(GC) migration and invasion.METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qp CR) was used to detect the expression level of HOTAIR in GC tissues. The correlation of its expression with clinicopathological features was analyzed. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUCROC) was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic value of HOTAIR. Wound-healing assay and Transwell assay were performed to detect the biological effects of HOTAIR in GC cells. qp CR,western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the m RNA and protein expression of E-cadherin. RNAbinding protein immunoprecipitation was used for the analysis of EZH2 interactions with HOTAIR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed to investigate direct interactions between EZH2 and E-cadherin.RESULTS The expression of HOTAIR was up-regulated in GC tumorous tissues compared with the para-tumorous tissues(p < 0.001). Its over-expression was correlated with tumor-node-metastasis(TNM) stage(p = 0.024),tumor invasion(p = 0.018),lymph node metastasis(p = 0.023),and poor prognosis(p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed expression of HOTAIR as an independent predictor of overall survival(p = 0.033),together with TNM stage(p = 0.002) and lymph node metastasis(p = 0.002). The AUCROC was up to 0.709(95%CI: 0.623-0.785,p < 0.001). Knockdown of HOTAIR by si RNA in GC cells suppressed the migration and invasion of GC cells. Significantly negative correlation between HOTAIR and E-cadherin was found in GC tissues and cell lines,and HOTAIR contributed to the regulation of E-cadherin through binding to EZH2 with the E-cadherin promoter. CONCLUSION HOTAIR may play a pivotal role in tumor cell migration and invasion. It can be used as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for GC.

lncRNACNN3-206 activates intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and invasion by sponging miR-212, an implication for Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND Statistics indicate that the incidence of Crohn’s disease(CD)is rising in many countries.The poor understanding on the pathological mechanism has limited the development of effective therapy against this disease.Previous studies showed that long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)could be involved in autoimmune diseases including CD,but the detailed molecular mechanisms remain unclear.AIM To identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs in the intestinal mucosa associated with CD,and to characterize their pathogenic role(s)and related mechanisms.METHODS The differential expression of lncRNAs was screened by high-throughput RNA sequencing,and the top candidate genes were validated in an expanded cohort by real-time PCR.The regulatory network was predicted by bioinformatic software and competitive endogenous RNA analysis,and was characterized in Caco-2 and HT-29 cell culture using methods of cell transfection,real-time PCR,Western blotting analysis,flow cytometry,and cell migration and invasion assays.Finally,these findings were confirmed in vivo using a CD animal model.RESULTS The 3'end of lncRNACNN3-206 and the 3’UTR of Caspase10 contain highaffinity miR212 binding sites.lncRNACNN3-206 expression was found to be significantly increased in intestinal lesions of CD patients.Activation of the lncRNACNN3-206-miR-212-Caspase10 regulatory network led to increased apoptosis,migration and invasion in intestinal epithelial cells.Knockdown of lncRNACNN3-206 expression alleviated intestinal mucosal inflammation and tissue damage in the CD mouse model.CONCLUSION lncRNACNN3-206 may play a key role in CD pathogenesis.lncRNACNN3-206 could be a therapeutic target for CD treatment.

Role of oxysterol-binding protein-related proteins in malignant human tumours

The oxysterol-binding protein-related protein(ORP)family is a group of proteins that mediate oxysterol metabolism and bioactivity in cells.ORPs constitute a large family of lipid transfer proteins.Much of the current evidence indicates that certain members of the family of oxysterol-binding proteins(OSBPs)can lead to cancer.Many studies have revealed the putative roles of OSBPs in various cancer types.However,the exact effects and mechanisms of action of members of the OSBP/ORP family in cancer initiation and progression are currently unclear.This review focuses on ORP family members that can accelerate human tumour cell proliferation,migration,and invasion.The mechanisms and functions of various ORPs are introduced in detail.We also attempt to identify the roles of these proteins in malignant tumours with the ultimate aim of determining the exact role of the OSBP/ORP family in human tumour cells.

Active compounds of Caodoukou(Semen Alpinia Katsumadai)inhibit the migration,invasion and metastasis of human pancreatic cancer cells by targeting phosphoinosmde-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway

OBJECTIVE:To detect the effects of active compounds of Caodoukou(Semen Alpinia Katsumadai)(ACAK)on the proliferation,migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer,and explain the possible molecular mechanism of ACAK interacting with these processes.Methods:Cell counting kit-8 method,cell scratch repair experiment,Transwell migration and invasion experiment,immunohistochemistry,western blot assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction experiment were used to evaluate the effect of ACAK on the proliferation,migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells.The levels of active molecules involved in the phosphoinosmde-3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt/the mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR)signal transduction were detected by Western blot assay.In addition,the function of ACAK in vivo was evaluated by xenotransplantation tumor model in nude mice.Results:The inhibitory effect of ACAK on the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells showed certain time-dose dependence.The results of scratch repair test,Transwell test,Western blotting and real time polymerase chain reaction assay showed that ACAK could inhibit the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro.In addition,the regulatory effect of ACAK on epithelialmesenchymal transition(EMT)is partly attributed to PI3K/Akt/mT OR signaling pathway.The experimental results in vivo showed that ACAK regulated the development of pancreatic cancer.Conclusions:ACAK can partly inhibit the activity of EMT and matrix metallopeptidases by down-regulating the downstream proteins of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway,thus inhibiting the ability of migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer.

Downregulation of miR-503 Promotes ESCC Cell Proliferation,Migration,and Invasion by Targeting Cyclin D1

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma （ESCC） is one of the most aggressive cancers in China, but the underlying molecular mechanism of ESCC is still unclear. Involvement of micro- RNAs has been demonstrated in cancer initiation and progression. Despite the reported function of miR-503 in several human cancers, its detailed anti-oncogenic role and clinical significance in ESCC remain undefined. In this study, we examined miR-503 expression by qPCR and found the downregulation of miR-503 expression in ESCC tissue relative to adjacent normal tissues. Fur- ther investigation in the effect of miR-503 on ESCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion showed that enhanced expression of miR-503 inhibited ESCC aggressive phenotype and overexpres- sion of CCND1 reversed the effect of miR-503-mediated ESCC cell aggressive phenotype. Our study further identified CCND1 as the target gene of miR-503. Thus, miR-503 functions as a tumor suppressor and has an important role in ESCC by targeting CCND1.

Circular RNA circCCNB1 inhibits the migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma through binding and stabilizing TJP1 mRNA

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is a malignant tumor that usually occurs in people from Southeast Asia and Southern China.NPC is prone to migration and invasion,leading to poor prognosis.A large number of circular RNAs(circ RNAs)exacerbate the process of metastasis in NPC;however,their underlying mechanisms remain unclear.We found that the circular RNA circ CCNB1,encoded by the oncogene CCNB1,was downregulated in NPC biopsies and cell lines.In vitro assays show that circ CCNB1 inhibits NPC cell migration and invasion.Moreover,circ CCNB1 induces a protein,nuclear factor 90(NF90),to bind and prolong the half-life of tight junction protein 1(TJP1)m RNA.Upregulation of TJP1 enhances tight junctions between cancer cells and inhibits NPC cell migration and invasion.This study reveals a novel biological function of circ CCNB1 in the migration and invasion of NPC by enhancing the tight junctions of cancer cells by binding to NF90 proteins and TJP1 m RNA,and may provide a potential therapeutic target for NPC.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor enhances neoplastic cell invasion by inducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and interleukin-8 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines

Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) shows highly invasive and metastatic features. This study aims to investigate macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-induced invasion of NPC cells in vitro and the effects on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and interleukin-8 (IL-8),and to study the mechanism of tumor cell invasion and metastasis in the early stage of NPC. Methods Two nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines,CNE-1 and CNE-2,were adopted in this study. The NPC cell invasion and migration were evaluated by microinvasion assay. The variation of expression percentages of MMP2- or MMP9-positive cells was detected by flow cytometry in two cell lines with or without MIF treatment. Western blotting and RT-PCR were used to assay the protein and mRNA expressions of MMP2 and MMP9. The IL-8 concentration secreted by NPC cells was compared with the cells with different treatments using ELISA. Results After treating with MIF for 48 hours,the cell numbers of CNE-1 and CNE-2 which went through the 8-μm filter membrane were increased. Compared with non-MIF treated NPC cells,significant difference could be found both in CNE-1( P =0.005) and CNE-2 cells ( P =0.001) . The percentages of MMP9-positive cells were significantly increased in both CNE-1 [from (28.5±2.5)% to (82.4±3.5)%, P =0.001] and CNE-2 [from (32.8±3.5)% to (86.1±1.6)%, P =0.002]. The relative intensity of MMP9 protein expression was also enhanced in both cell lines (CNE-1: from 83.1±6.0 to 242.9±22.9, P =0.002;CNE-2: from 84.4±4.3 to 278.9±29.7, P =0.003). Correspondingly,the increased MMP9 mRNA expression level was significantly detectable in both cell lines.The concentration of IL-8 in the supernatant of CNE-2 was higher [(1201.8±593.3) pg/ml] after treatment. It was also remarkably higher than that in the supernatant of CNE-2 without treatment ( P =0.026). However,there was no significant difference in the concentration variation of IL-8 in CNE-1 ( P =0.581), while the IL-8 mRNA level was only enhanced in CNE-2. Conclusions MIF can induce potent invasion of NPC cell lines in vitro , and the infiltrating lymphocytes in NPC might be responsible for the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. MIF cytokine which is secreted by these infiltrating lymphocytes might contribute to the invasion as well as metastasis of NPC in the early stages by induction of MMP9 and IL-8 in an indirect pathway.

A novel TRPC6-dependent mechanism of TGF-β-induced migration and invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Mechanisms on cancer cell migration and invasion have been major topics of cancer research and anti-cancer therapy development. Among the multiple cell signaling pathways involved in cell migration, those elicited by transforming growth factorβ（TGF-β） have attracted tremendous attention. The TGF-βpolypeptide cytokines include four isoforms：TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, and TGF-β4, which are secreted mainly from cells of white blood cell lineage, such as macrophages, T cells and platelets.

The Total Flavonoids of Clerodendrum bungei Suppress A549 Cells Proliferation,Migration,and Invasion by Impacting Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the total flavonoids of Clerodendrum bungei(TFCB) on the proliferation,invasion, and metastasis of A549 lung cancer cells through the Wnt signaling pathway. Materials and Methods: A549 cells were transfected with a β-catenin overexpression plasmid and the empty vector pcDNA3.1. The A549 cells were divided into six groups: normal A549 cell group, normal A549 cells with TFCB group, vector control group, vector with TFCB group,(3-catenin overexpression group, and β-catenin with TFCB group. We used the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay to detect cell proliferation, a scratch test was used to observe cell migration, and a transwell experiment was employed to evaluate cell invasion. Proteins related to the Wnt pathway were detected with Western blot analysis, including β-catenin, GSK-3 β, P-GSK-3 β, c-Myc, and CyclinD1. Results: The proliferation, invasion,and metastasis of A549 cells were significantly enhanced after being transfected with the β-catenin overexpression plasmid(P< 0.05 or 0.01),accompanied by increased expression of β-catenin, C-Myc, CyclinD1 and reduced expression of Gsk-3 β and P-GSK-3 β. Treatment of cells with TFCB resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; downregulated expression of β-catenin, C-Myc, and CyclinD1;and upregulated expression of GSK-3 β and P-GSK-3 β,especially in the β-catenin overexpression group. Conclusion: TFCB has the potential to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by prohibiting the overexpression of β-catenin and regulating its downstream factors.

Effect of Down-regulation of MMP-2 by Quercetin on the Migration and Invasion of Uterine Fibroids Cells through the cAMP Signaling Pathway

Objective:To investigate the effect of down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2)by down-regulating the cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)signaling pathway on the migration and invasion of uterine fibroids cells.Methods:A total of 65 female SD rats were randomly divided into five groups after being adaptively fed for 7 d.Except for the blank group,the remaining four groups of rats were injected with 0.05 mg/(100 g·d)estradiol benzoate and 0.5 mg/(100g·d)progesterone into the muscle to establish a uterine fibroids rat model.After successful modeling,the blank group and model group were given 200 mg/(kg·d)physiological saline by gavage,the low-dose group was given 100 mg/(kg·d)mifepristone by gavage,the medium-dose group was given 200 mg/(kg·d)mifepristone by gavage,and the high-dose group was given 300 mg/(kg·d)mifepristone by gavage.After continuous gavage treatment for 21 d,serum and uterine tissues were collected from rats to observe and compare the expression levels of MMP-2 mRNA,TIMP-2 mRNA,estradiol(E2),cAMP signaling pathway related proteins,and the migration and invasive ability of uterine fibroids cells in the five groups of rats.Results:The expression levels of MMP-2 mRNA and E2in the high-dose group were lower than those in the low-dose group and the medium-dose group,and the expression level of TIMP-2 mRNA was higher than that in the low-dose group and the medium-dose group(P<0.05).The number of cell migration in a single visual field of rats in the high-dose group was lower than that in the low-dose group and the medium-dose group(P<0.05).The number of cell invasion in a single visual field of rats in the high-dose group was lower than that in the low-dose group and the medium-dose group(P<0.05).The mRNA expression levels of cAMP,PDE and PK in the high-dose group were higher than those in the low-dose group,and the mRNA expression levels of AC in the high-dose group were lower than those in the low-dose group(P<0.05).The mRNA expression levels of cAMP and PDE in the high-dose group were higher than those in the mediumdose group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Letrozole may down-regulate the expression level of MMP-2 through the cAMP signaling pathway to inhibit the migration and invasion of uterine fibroids cells.With increasing doses of letrozole,its inhibitory effect on the migration and invasion of uterine fibroids cells will be enhanced.However,the optimal dosage of letrozole for inhibiting the migration and invasion of uterine fibroids cells is yet to be determined.

Cancer-associated adipocyte-derived G-CSF promotes breast cancer malignancy via Stat3 signaling

Adipocyte is the most predominant cell type in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer and plays a pivotal role in cancer progression,yet the underlying mechanisms and functional mediators remain elusive.We isolated primary preadipocytes from mammary fat pads of human breast cancer patients and generated mature adipocytes and cancer-associated adipocytes(CAAs)in vitro.The CAAs exhibited significantly different gene expression profiles as assessed by transcriptome sequencing.One of the highly expressed genes in CAAs is granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF).Treatment with recombinant human G-CSF protein or stable expression of human G-CSF in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)cell lines enhanced epithelial–mesenchymal transition,migration,and invasion of cancer cells,by activating Stat3.Accordantly,targeting G-CSF/Stat3 signaling with G-CSF-neutralizing antibody,a chemical inhibitor,or siRNAs for Stat3 could all abrogate CAA-or G-CSF-induced migration and invasion of breast cancer cells.The pro-invasive genes MMP2 and MMP9 were identified as target genes of G-CSF in TNBC cells.Furthermore,in human breast cancer tissues,elevated G-CSF expression in adipocytes is well correlated with activated Stat3 signal in cancer cells.Together,our results suggest a novel strategy to intervene with invasive breast cancers by targeting CAA-derived G-CSF.

Lycorine inhibits breast cancer growth and metastasis via inducing apoptosis and blocking Src/FAK-involved pathway

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer type worldwide among women and more than 90% of patients die from tumor metastasis. Lycorine, a natural alkaloid, has been widely reported possessing potential efficacy against cancer proliferation and metastasis. In our study, the anti-tumor potency on breast cancer was evaluated in vitro and in vivo for the first time. Our results indicated that lycorine inhibited breast cancer cells growth, migration and invasion as well as induced their apoptosis.In in vivo study, lycorine not only suppressed breast tumor growth in xenograft models and inhibited breast tumor metastasis in MDA-MB-231 tail vein model. More importantly, we found lycorine had less toxicity than first-line chemotherapy drug paclitaxel at the same effective dose in vivo. Furthermore, on mechanism, lycorine inhibited tumor cell migration and invasion via blocking the Src/FAK(focal adhesion kinase)-involved pathway. In conclusion, our study implied lycorine was a potential candidate for the treatment of breast cancer by inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis.