Umbelliprenin Co-Formulated With Selenium Nanoparticles Downregulates Mmp-2, Mmp-9 and Icam-1 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Mda-Mb-231 Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Can selenium nanoparticles slow cancer-cell spread? Lab tests found less breast cancer cell migration and lower metastatic markers, not proven clinical benefit. #BreastCancer #Nanomedicine

Azimi F ; Shahverdi A R ; Shamsnia H S ; Yazdi M H
Source: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Published:2026

Abstract

Objectives: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer with high invasiveness, few treatment options, and a poor prognosis. The key molecules involved in its metastasis include ICAM-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. Although Umbelliprenin (UMB), a sesquiterpene coumarin compound, has anticancer potential, its poor solubility and bioavailability limit its effectiveness. This study investigated the antimetastatic effects of Umbelliprenin in combination with selenium nanoparticles (UMB-SeNPs) in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. Methods: The effects of UMB and SeNPs on the viability of the MDA-MB-231 cell line were assessed via an MTT test. The gene expression of MMP2, MMP9 (two matrix metalloproteinases), and ICAM1 (transmembrane glycoproteins) was assessed via real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) following RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Additionally, a scratch test was performed to assess cell migration following treatment with UMB-SeNPs. Results: UMB decreased the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner, whereas SeNPs exhibited time-dependent cytotoxicity. The combined treatment elicited significant cell death. Both treatment approaches reduced the expression of MMP2, MMP9, and ICAM1. They also reduced cells’ migration capacity, providing evidence of strong antimetastatic effects. Conclusion: UMB and selenium nanoparticles additively inhibited breast cancer cell viability and migration by downregulating the key metastatic markers MMP-2, MMP-9, and ICAM-1. This combined treatment shows promising potential as an effective anticancer strategy for targeting tumor invasion and metastasis. © The Author(s) 2026.