Advances in Squalene Epoxidase as A Potential Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer

Ningxin ZHANG; Li LI; Shan LIU; Jianyun NIE

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Ningxin ZHANG, Li LI, Shan LIU, Jianyun NIE. Advances in Squalene Epoxidase as A Potential Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer[J]. Journal of Kunming Medical University.

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Ningxin ZHANG, Li LI, Shan LIU, Jianyun NIE. Advances in Squalene Epoxidase as A Potential Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer[J]. Journal of Kunming Medical University.

Ningxin ZHANG, Li LI, Shan LIU, Jianyun NIE. Advances in Squalene Epoxidase as A Potential Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer[J]. Journal of Kunming Medical University.

Citation:

Ningxin ZHANG, Li LI, Shan LIU, Jianyun NIE. Advances in Squalene Epoxidase as A Potential Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer[J]. Journal of Kunming Medical University.

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Advances in Squalene Epoxidase as A Potential Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer

Ningxin ZHANG¹,
Li LI²,
Shan LIU^{1, 2},
Jianyun NIE^{1
,
,}

1.
Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery，The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University，Kunming Yunnan 650101
2.
Department of Breast Surgery Ⅱ，The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University，Kunming Yunnan 650108，China

Received Date: 2025-12-31
Available Online: 2026-04-08

Abstract

Abstract

［Abstract］ Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women, with treatment resistance severely affecting prognosis. Squalene epoxidase （SQLE）, a key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, is highly expressed as an oncogene in approximately 67% of breast cancers and is associated with tumor grade, HER2 positivity, and poor prognosis, particularly closely related to endocrine resistance in ER-positive subtypes. SQLE promotes tumor progression and multidrug resistance through activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, inhibiting ferroptosis, and remodeling of the immunosuppressive microenvironment. SQLE inhibitors （such as NB-598） and terbinafine demonstrate antitumor activity, with synergistic potential when combined with targeted or immunotherapies. Currently, clinical translation faces challenges including toxicity, subtype heterogeneity, and lack of biomarkers. SQLE represents an important target for prognosis assessment and treatment of breast cancer. Future directions require development of highly selective drugs, optimization of combination regimens, and establishment of precision stratification systems.
- SQLE,
- Breast cancer,
- Therapeutic resistance,
- PI3K/AKT pathway,
- Tumor microenvironment,
- Ferroptosis

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References(51)

References

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