Trans-(-)-kusunokinin, an anticancer compound, binds CSF1R with low affinity in breast cancer cells. Therefore, finding an additional possible target of trans-(-)-kusunokinin remains of importance for further development. Here, a computational study was completed followed by indirect proof of specific target proteins using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Ten proteins in breast cancer were selected for molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. A preferred active form in racemic trans-(±)-kusunokinin was trans-(-)-kusunokinin, which had stronger binding energy on HER2 trans-(+)-kusunokinin; however, it was weaker than the designed HER inhibitors (03Q and neratinib). Predictively, trans-(-)-kusunokinin bound HER2 similarly to a reversible HER2 inhibitor. We then verified the action of (±)-kusunokinin compared with neratinibon breast cancer cells (MCF-7). (±)-Kusunokinin exhibited less cytotoxicity on normal L-929 and MCF-7 than neratinib. (±)-Kusunokinin and neratinib had stronger inhibited cell proliferation than siRNA-HER2. Moreover, (±)-kusunokinin decreased Ras, ERK, CyclinB1, CyclinD and CDK1. Meanwhile, neratinib downregulated HER, MEK1, ERK, c-Myc, CyclinB1, CyclinD and CDK1. Knocking down HER2 downregulated only HER2. siRNA-HER2 combination with (±)-kusunokinin suppressed HER2, c-Myc, CyclinB1, CyclinD and CDK1. On the other hand, siRNA-HER2 combination with neratinib increased HER2, MEK1, ERK, c-Myc, CyclinB1, CyclinD and CDK1 to normal levels. We conclude that trans-(±)-kusunokinin may bind HER2 with low affinity and had a different action from neratinib.
Keywords: HER2; breast cancer; kusunokinin; neratinib.