A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON THE GENETIC MODULATION AND THERAPEUTIC REPURPOSING POTENTIAL OF HINOKITIOL IN THE TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER

Muhsinah Parveen, Monish Kumar, Mohamed Zerein Fathima*

Hinokitiol (β-thujaplicin) is a naturally occurring tropolone derivative was obtained from the wood of Cupressaceae family plants. Its numerous pharmacological characteristics,including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Recent studies shows its potential in oncology, particularly for treating breast cancer (BC). Due to impaired DNA repair processes and tumor aggressiveness, breast cancer associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations often has a bleak outlook. Hinokitiol emerged as a promising candidate for drug repurposing in this scenario due to its remarkable ability to simultaneously modify multiple cellular pathways. Recent research indicates that hinokitiol activates caspase-dependent pathways which lead to apoptosis. Furthermore, it possesses chemosensitizing properties that enhance the efficacy of conventional anticancer drugs while reducing the dosage and associated sideeffects. Hinokitiol's anticancer effects are also backed by findings that it reduces metastasis,inhibits autophagy, and manages oxidative stress. Its therapeutic potential is additionally enhanced by its ability to bind metal ions and interfere with crucial enzymatic functions. In-silico research suggests that hinokitiol could be beneficial in personalized medicine for individuals with hereditary breast cancer, indicating its potential to directly engage with target BRCA1 and BRCA2 related molecular pathways. These findings indicate hinokitiol as a novel, safe (natural compound), and adaptable therapeutic option that could be utilized to develop targeted strategies for treating breast cancers associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2.