Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor by ferulic acid and 4-vinylguaiacol in human breast cancer cells.

Objectives: To examine the potential of ferulic acid and 4-vinylguaiacol for inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in human breast cancer cells in vitro.

Results: Ferulic acid and 4-vinylguaiacol limit the EGF (epidermal growth factor)-induced breast cancer proliferation and new DNA synthesis. Western blot analysis revealed both ferulic acid and 4-vinylguaiacol exhibit sustained inhibition of EGFR activation through down-regulation of Tyr 1068 autophosphorylation. Molecular docking analysis shows ferulic acid forming hydrogen bond interaction with Lys 745 and Met 793 whereas, 4-vinylguaiacol forms two hydrogen bonds with Phe 856 and exhibits stronger hydrophobic interactions with multiple amino acid residues at the EGFR kinase domain.

Conclusions: Ferulic acid and 4-vinylguaiacol could serve as a potential structure for the development of new small molecule therapeutics against EGFR.