Mangiferin blocks proliferation and induces apoptosis of breast cancer cells via suppression of the mevalonate pathway and by proteasome inhibition

Mangiferin is a natural xanthone glycoside with therapeutic potential. Herein, its cytotoxic properties were explored in a human cell model of breast adenocarcinoma. The results supported the multi-target nature of mangiferin action, as the inhibition of three enzymatic systems, namely HMG-CoA reductase, the proteasome and plasmin, respectively in charge of regulating cholesterol homeostasis, protein turnover and cell adhesion, was documented for the first time. Globally, mangiferin was able to selectively block breast cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and by arresting cell proliferation through a combined action on cholesterol and proteasome pathways, as well as to inhibit plasmin-mediated mechanisms of cell migration.