Expression of CYP2S1 and CYP2W1 in breast cancer epithelial cells and modulation of their expression by synthetic methoxy stilbenes

Background “Orphan” cytochromes are a new group of P450 cytochromes without a fully recognized biological role. The expression of these CYPs in tumors is higher than that in normal tissues, which makes them attractive as chemopreventive and/or therapeutic targets. In this study, we compared the effect of synthetic methoxy stilbenes and resveratrol on the expression of two orphan cytochromes, CYP2S1 and CYP2W1, in breast cancer cells. Methods Breast cancer cells, lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231, were treated for 72 h with tested compounds. The expression of CYP2S1 and CYP2W1 was evaluated at the transcript and protein levels by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results The constitutive expression of both isoforms was confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels. CYP2S1 and CYP2W1 showed higher expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. In MCF7 cells treated with stilbenes, the expression of both CYPs was increased at the mRNA level, whereas at the protein level this effect was confirmed for CYP2S1 alone. In contrast, in estrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB-231 cells treated with stilbenes, the expression of both CYPs decreased, but mostly at the transcript level. Conclusions The results of the present study confirmed the constitutive expression of CYP2S1 and CYP2W1 in breast cancer cells, although their relatively low level of expression suggests that they may be less involved in the transformation of therapeutic agents in these types of tumors. Stilbenes, particularly 3MS and 4MS, can modulate the expression of “orphan” CYPs more efficiently than resveratrol.