Amurensin G inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer via Pin1 inhibition

Acquired resistance to tamoxifen (TAM) is a serious therapeutic problem among estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer patients. We have previously reported that TAM-resistant MCF-7 (TAMR-MCF-7) cells have elevated angiogenic potential via Pin1-dependent vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production. Vitis amurensis grape consumed as wine and fruit contains several resveratrol-like stilbenes or oligostilbenes. In this study, we screened for the most active compound to inhibit VEGF production from V. amurensis. Among the tested compounds, amurensin G most potently suppressed VEGF production in TAMR-MCF-7 cells. The enhanced VEGF gene transcription in TAMR-MCF-7 cells was suppressed by amurensin G. Molecular analyses using reporter genes with hypoxia response elements and activator protein-1 (AP-1) elements, and western blots revealed that the activities and the nuclear levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)α and AP-1 in TAMR-MCF-7 cells were decreased by amurensin G. Moreover, amurensin G concentration-dependently inhibited protein expression and gene transcription of Pin1 in TAMR-MCF-7 cells, which was dependent on E2F1 inhibition. Chick chorioallantoic membrane assays confirmed that amurensin G had significant antiangiogenic and antitumor growth effects in TMAR-MCF-7 cells. These results demonstrate for the first time that amurensin G may have therapeutic potential for TAM-resistant breast cancer through blocking of Pin1-mediated VEGF gene transcription.