Abstract: Objective: To study the effect and possible mechanism of iron induced vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation in breast cancer cell. Methods: We devided MDA-MB-231 cells into seven groups: control group, 500μmol/L DFO group, 300μmol/L and 30μmol/L mimosine group, 50μmol/L and 500μmol/L ferrous lactate group. MTT was used to observe the proliferation of breast cancer cell. Formation of VM was identified by both 3D culture and PAS stain method. Change of ROS in cells was measured by immunofluoresence staining method. Under difference concentrations of iron, the expression of p-ERK1/2 in MDA-MB-231 was tested by Western blot. Results: Pipeline structure was obviously inhibited in vitro in DFO- and mimosine-treated groups(P<0.05), while ferrous lactate promoted the formation of vessel-like structure(P<0.05). PAS staining demonstated that vessel-like structure was VM. Immunofluoresence staining and Western blot showed that ROS in cells were consistent with the expression of p-ERK1/2. Specific inhibitor (PD98059) significantly decreased the formation of VM(P<0.05). Conclusions: ROS is positively involved in iron-induced VM formation. Abnormal activation of ERK1/2 pathway may be the principal mechanism of regulation of ROS.

Key words: Key Word: iron, tripe-negative breast cancer cell, vasculigenice mimicry, p-ERK1/2.