Annexin-1 protects MCF7 breast cancer cells against heat-induced growth arrest and DNA damage

Stress proteins protect cells against the effects of heat stress, such as cell death and DNA damage. We wished to determine if Annexin-1 (ANXA1) could mediate heat-induced growth arrest and DNA damage in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Heat induced a significant growth arrest at 4 h–24 h. Growth arrest and heat-induced DNA damage were significantly inhibited in MCF7 cells over-expressing ANXA1. These effects were associated with enhanced ERK activation and reduction in JNK phosphorylation. This study demonstrates that ANXA1, which we recently reported as a possible tumor suppressor gene, can protect cells from heat-induced growth arrest and DNA damage.