NR3C2 suppresses triple-negative breast cancer progression by regulating mitochondrial ROS homeostasis via NDUFB3

Abstract

Highlights • NR3C2 expression is significantly decreased in triple-negative breast cancer and is associated with poor prognosis.• NR3C2 suppresses TNBC cell proliferation and migration both in vitro and in zebrafish xenograft models.• Transcriptomic analysis identifies NDUFB3 as a potential downstream target of NR3C2.• NR3C2 regulates mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS production, ATP levels, and apoptosis through NDUFB3-associated pathways.• The NR3C2–NDUFB3–ROS regulatory axis may represent a potential target for mitochondrial redox regulation in TNBC.