IMPACT OF MITOPHAGY UNDER METFORMIN TREATMENT IN BREAST CANCER CELL LINES

Abstract

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic drug, has gained attention for its potential anticancer properties, particularly through mechanisms involving mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy regulation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of metformin on mitophagy activation in two breast cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative) and MCF-7 (hormone receptor-positive). Cell viability following metformin treatment was assessed using the MTT assay. Results demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in viability in both cell lines. Western blot analysis evaluated the expression of mitochondrial markers PINK1, COX6, and TOM20 to assess mitophagy response. The findings suggest that metformin promotes mitophagy via PINK1- Parkin pathway. This study highlights the therapeutic relevance of targeting mitochondrial quality control in breast cancer subtypes and supports further investigation of metformin as an adjunct therapy in treating breast cancer.