Abstract

Background: The dysregulation of the CDK1/Cyclin B1 complex drives tumor progression in breast cancer (BC). The natural flavonoid luteolin (LT) shows anti-cancer potential, but its mechanism targeting CDK1/CCNB1 remains unclear. Methods: CDK1, CCNB1, and CCNB2 expression were profiled in normal and BC cell lines. An engineered HEK293T GST-CDK1/CCNB1 cell model was used to evaluate LT’s effects on proliferation, ROS levels, and target gene transcription. Computational approaches (molecular docking, dynamics simulations, pharmacophore modeling, MM/GBSA, ADMET, and network pharmacology) assessed LT and its analogues. Results: CDK1/CCNB1 expression was lower in MCF7 BC cells than in normal cells, suggesting the loss of a growth barrier. In engineered HEK293T cells, LT suppressed CCNB1 transcription with minimal effect on CDK1 levels, correlating with anti-proliferative and ROS-modulating effects. Computational analyses confirmed stable LT binding to the CDK1/CCNB1 complex. Designed LT analogues showed improved binding and favorable ADMET profiles. Network pharmacology identified cell cycle regulation, particularly in BC stem cells, as the primary pathway targeted. Conclusions: LT and its analogues inhibit the CDK1/Cyclin B1 complex, revealing a dual mechanism that suppresses both tumor growth and BC stemness.

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