ZQL-4c exerts antitumor effects by specifically targeting SCD1 in triple-negative breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo

Abstract Breast cancer represents the most prevalent tumor among women and serves as a primary cause of cancer-associated mortality in China. Oleanolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid isolated from various natural plants, has demonstrated a wide range of biological properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer, etc. Our previous research indicated that ZQL-4c, an oleanolic acid derivative, can inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells, particularly those of triple-negative breast cancer. This study aims to delve deeper into the potential inhibitory mechanisms of ZQL-4c on triple-negative breast cancer. Our results illustrated that ZQL-4c suppressed the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells in both a dose- and time- dependent manner. Furthermore, ZQL-4c induced apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest. Using transcriptomics and rescue experiments, our findings suggest SCD1 as a potential target of ZQL-4c. In vivo, ZQL-4c treatment noticeably curbed tumor growth in a mouse breast cancer xenograft model. In summary, ZQL-4c displays potent antitumor benefits both in vitro and in vivo, making it a potential therapeutic agent for triple-negative breast.