Fig. 6.

Schematic depiction of the general LACTB mechanism in breast cancer. LACTB induces the production of mitochondrial ROS and a decrease of ATP levels and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as was previously shown [2]. ROS can lead to DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and/or ER stress. Further cell fate is dependent on the levels of ROS in the cells, the amount of DNA damage and the existing antioxidants mechanisms. Most of the cells will go under cell cycle arrest in G1. Some cells will enter the apoptosis process by the release of AIF from the mitochondria. Cells that are able to survive and re-start their growth develop a more differentiated phenotype, as was previously shown [2]