Metformin ameliorates BMP2 induced adipocyte-like property in breast cancer cells

Abstract

Neighboring adipocytes of tumor cells/cancer associated adipocytes supply many factors and fatty acids as fuel to cancer cells for inducing cancer progression and development. Epithelial breast cancer cells also differentiate into several cell types to meet various demands. This study reports that breast cancer cells exhibit inherent adipocyte-like property which is further enhanced in presence of BMP2. Antidiabetic metformin inhibits BMP2 induced adipocyte-like potential in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, breast cancer cells not only show lipid accumulation but also have ability to release lipid content. Thus, this study centers around the presence of the adipocyte cell-like property in breast cancer cells, the significance of BMP2 and metformin that may be explored in designing therapeutics against breast cancer.

Keywords: Adipocyte; BMP2; Breast cancer cells; Lipids; Metformin.