Induction of human adenocarcinoma cell differentiation by the phytoestrogen genistein is independent of its antiestrogenic function

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine if genistein can induce human breast adenocarcinoma cell maturation. To gain understanding on its mechanism of action, we used estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) MCF-7, and ER-MDA-MB-468 cells. Treating these cells with genistein resulted in growth inhibition accompanied by increased cell maturation, which was evaluated by the production of casein and lipids. These maturation markers were optimally expressed after nine days of treatment with 30 μM of genistein. Since both ER+ and ER- cells became differentiated, we conclude that the ER is not a component of the genistein-initiated scheme of cellular differentiation.