Bruceine D inhibits CAF-promoted angiogenesis of breast cancer via suppressing IL-6-mediated activation of the STAT3/Notch1/VEGFR2 axis

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) facilitate tumor angiogenesis by secreting cytokines. Bruceine D (BD), a natural quassinoid compound extracted from the Chinese herb Brucea javanica (L.) Merr., has demonstrated potential in inhibiting breast Cancer (BC). However, the involvement of CAF-promoted tumor angiogenesis in the antitumor effects of BD remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of BD on CAF-promoted tumor angiogenesis and its underlying mechanisms. In vivo results showed that BD alleviated hypoxia, suppressed CAF activation, and reduced IL-6 secretion in orthotopic BC-bearing mice. These changes led to significant downregulation of phosphorylation of STAT3, Notch1, and phosphorylation of VEGFR2 expression, ultimately inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, BD was demonstrated significantly inhibition of both IL-6 secretion from CAFs and subsequent activation of the STAT3/Notch1/VEGFR2 signaling axis. This effect disrupted CAF-endothelial cell crosstalk, thereby impairing CAF-promoted endothelial cell proliferation, sprouting, invasion, migration, and tube formation. Collectively, these findings identify BD as a promising candidate for inhibiting CAF-driven tumor angiogenesis, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with BC.

Breast cancer; Bruceine D; Cancer-associated fibroblasts; IL-6; Tumor angiogenesis.