GABA-containing product from Lactobacillus fermentum-fermented rice bran suppresses breast cancer cell migration

Abstract

Abstract Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-protein amino acid widely distributed in several natural products, has potential for the regulation of various cancers. In this study, the suppressive effect of GABA-containing product (GCP) from Lactobacillus fermentum-fermented rice bran on breast cancer cell development was investigated. MTT method was used for the cytotoxic test of GCP. Moreover, qPCR analysis was applied for evaluation of target gene expression, while flow cytometry assay was used for the investigation of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The results showed that GCP significantly suppressed the migration of MCF-7 cells at a non-cytotoxic concentration of 400 µg/mL. Moreover, GCP downregulated the gene and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and − 9 in the cells. Notably, the treatment of GCP caused cell cycle arrest in the phase of G2/M and induced an early apoptotic process via upregulation of caspase-8, -9, and Bax expression. Accordingly, GCP can be suggested as a promising food ingredient for the management of breast cancer metastasis.