Inflammation-related signaling pathways implicating TGFβ are revealed in the expression profiling of MCF7 cell treated with fermented soybean, chungkookjang.

Chungkookjang is a Korean fermented soybean containing microorganisms, proteinase, and diverse bioactive compounds, including a high concentration of isoflavones and peptides. Growth of breast cancer MCF7 cells decreased dependent on the concentration of fermented soybean extracts. The effect of fermented soybean on cellular gene expression was determined in a systematic manner comprehensively. DNA microarray analysis was performed using 25,804 probes. Ninety one genes whose expression levels were significantly changed were selected. TGFβI and Smad3 were upregulated. Downregulation of inflammation-related CSF2, CSF2RA, and CSF3 was found. Differential expression of chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CCL3L3, CXCL1, and CXCL2 were observed. Network analysis identified ERβ in the network. Based on the experimental results, taking fermented soybean might be helpful for preventing breast cancer by a mechanism activating TGFβ pathway and depressing inflammation.