The Bcl-2 protein family: arbiters of cell survival

Effects of neoadjuvant therapies on genetic regulation of targeted pathways in ER+ primary ductal breast carcinoma: A meta-analysis of microarray datasets

Breast cancer arises as a result of multiple interactions between environmental and genetic factors. Conventionally, breast cancer is treated based on histopathological and clinical features. DNA technologies like the human genome microarray are now partially integrated into clinical practice and are used for developing new "personalized medicines" and "pharmacogenetics" for improving the efficiency and safety of cancer medications. We investigated the effects of four established therapies-for ER+ ductal breast cancer-on the differential gene expression. The therapies included single agent tamoxifen, two-agent docetaxel and capecitabine, or combined three-agents CAF (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil) and CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil). Genevestigator 8.1.0 was used to compare five datasets from patients with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, untreated or treated with selected drugs, to those from the healthy control. We identified 74 differentially expressed genes involved in three pathways, i.e., apoptosis (extrinsic and intrinsic), oxidative signaling, and PI3K/Akt signaling. The treatments affected the expression of apoptotic genes (TNFRSF10B [TRAIL], FAS, CASP3/6/7/8, PMAIP1 [NOXA], BNIP3L, BNIP3, BCL2A1, and BCL2), the oxidative stress-related genes (NOX4, XDH, MAOA, GSR, GPX3, and SOD3), and the PI3K/Akt pathway gene (ERBB2 [HER2]). Breast cancer treatments are complex with varying drug responses and efficacy among patients. This necessitates identifying novel biomarkers for predicting the drug response, using available data and new technologies. GSR, NOX4, CASP3, and ERBB2 are potential biomarkers for predicting the treatment response in primary ER+ ductal breast carcinoma.

Innovations in Biomaterial Design toward Successful RNA Interference Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Gene regulation using RNA interference (RNAi) therapy has been developed as one of the frontiers in cancer treatment. The ability to tailor the expression of genes by delivering synthetic oligonucleotides to tumor cells has transformed the way scientists think about treating cancer. However, its clinical application has been limited due to the need to deliver synthetic RNAi oligonucleotides efficiently and effectively to target cells. Advances in nanotechnology and biomaterials have begun to address the limitations to RNAi therapeutic delivery, increasing the likelihood of RNAi therapeutics for cancer treatment in clinical settings. Herein, innovations in the design of nanocarriers for the delivery of oligonucleotides for successful RNAi therapy are discussed.

Chloroquine suppresses proliferation and invasion and induces apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells associated with inhibition of phosphorylation of STAT3

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma (OS) is characterized by a high rate of metastasis. It has been found that tumor cells can bypass apoptosis which leads to an uncontrolled proliferation, but chloroquine (CQ) can have an effect on the tumors by inducing apoptosis. We aimed to explore the effects and the hypothetical mechanism of CQ effects on OS.

METHODS

We first estimated the CQ effects on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and lamellipodia formation of OS cells. Mice bearing xenograft model were used to test the anti-tumor growth and lung metastasis effects of CQ in OS. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to explore the mechanism of CQ effects and the association between p-STAT3 expression and lung metastasis of OS patients.

RESULTS

CQ induces the apoptosis and suppressed the viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and lamellipodia formation of OS cells in vitro. In vivo experiments demonstrated that CQ inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis. CQ induced apoptosis was dependent on the lysosomal inhibition and inhibition of protein turnover. The lung metastasis was associated with the p-STAT3 expression in OS patients.

CONCLUSION

CQ inhibited progression of OS cells in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. p-STAT3 can be a predictive biomarker for lung metastasis in osteosarcoma patients.

Anti-Inflammatory Dipeptide, a Metabolite from Ambioba Secretion, Protects Cerebral Ischemia Injury by Blocking Apoptosis Via p-JNK/Bax Pathway

MQ (l-methionyl-l-glutamic acid), anti-inflammatory dipeptide, is one of the metabolites of monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor, a thermostable pentapeptide secreted by Entamoeba histolytica. Monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor injection has been approved as an investigational drug for the potential neural protection in acute ischemic stroke. This study further investigated the neuroprotective effect of MQ in ischemic brain damage. Ischemia-reperfusion injury of the brain was induced in the rat model by middle cerebral artery occlusion. 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining assay was used to measure cerebral infarction areas in rats. Laser Doppler measurement instrument was used to detect blood flow changes in the rat model. Nissl staining and NeuN staining were utilized to observe the numbers and structures of neuron cells, and the pathological changes in the brain tissues were examined by hematoxylin–eosin staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to assess cell apoptosis. The changes in oxidative stress indexes, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured in serum. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium was used to measure the survival rates of PC12 cells. Flow cytometry assessed the apoptosis rates and the levels of reactive oxygen species. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the mRNA expression levels, and Western blotting was used to analyze the changes in protein levels of p-JNK, Bax, cleaved Caspase3. We revealed that MQ improved neurobehavior, decreased cerebral infarction areas, altered blood flow volume, and the morphology of the cortex and hippocampus. On the other hand, it decreased the apoptosis of cortical neurons and the levels of MDA, and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase. In vitro studies demonstrated that MQ enhanced the cell survival rates and decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species. Compared to the oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion group, the protein and mRNA expressions of p-JNK, Bax, cleaved Caspase3 was decreased significantly. These findings suggested that MQ exerts a neuroprotective effect in cerebral ischemia by blocking apoptosis via the p-JNK/Bax pathway.

G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Agonist G-1 Inhibits Mantle Cell Lymphoma Growth in Preclinical Models

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s B-cell lymphoma with poor prognosis. Despite recent advances, resistance to therapy and relapse remain significant clinical problems. G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER)-mediated estrogenic rapid signaling is implicated in the development of many cancers. However, its role in MCL is unknown. Here we report that GPER activation with selective agonist G-1 induced cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, mitochondria membrane potential abnormality, and eventually apoptosis of MCL cell lines. We found that G-1 induced DNA damage and apoptosis of MCL cells by promoting the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and the generation of reactive oxygen species. In addition, G-1 inhibited MCL cell proliferation by inactivation of NF-κB signaling and exhibited anti-tumor functions in MCL xenografted mice. Most significantly, G-1 showed synergistic effect with ibrutinib making it a potential candidate for chemotherapy-free therapies against MCL.

Cell Death and Exosomes Regulation After Myocardial Infarction and Ischemia-Reperfusion

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the global population, accounting for about one-third of all deaths each year. Notably, with CVDs, myocardial damages result from myocardial infarction (MI) or cardiac arrhythmias caused by interrupted blood flow. Significantly, in the process of MI or myocardial ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury, both regulated and non-regulated cell death methods are involved. The critical factor for patients' prognosis is the infarct area's size, which determines the myocardial cells' survival. Cell therapy for MI has been a research hotspot in recent years; however, exosomes secreted by cells have attracted much attention following shortcomings concerning immunogens. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles containing several biologically active substances such as lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. New evidence suggests that exosomes play a crucial role in regulating cell death after MI as exosomes of various stem cells can participate in the cell damage process after MI. Hence, in the review herein, we focused on introducing various cell-derived exosomes to reduce cell death after MI by regulating the cell death pathway to understand myocardial repair mechanisms better and provide a reference for clinical treatment.

Metabolic and Epigenetics Action Mechanisms of Antiobesity Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals

Ever-growing research efforts are demonstrating the potential of medicinal plants and their phytochemicals to prevent and manage obesity, either individually or synergistically. Multiple combinations of phytochemicals can result in a synergistic activity that increases their beneficial effects at molecular, cellular, metabolic, and temporal levels, offering advantages over chemically synthesized drug-based treatments. Herbs and their derived compounds have the potential for controlling appetite, inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity, stimulating thermogenesis and lipid metabolism, increasing satiety, promoting lipolysis, regulating adipogenesis, and inducing apoptosis in adipocytes. Furthermore, targeting adipocyte life cycle using various dietary bioactives that affect different stages of adipocyte life cycle represents also an important target in the development of new antiobesity drugs. In this regard, different stages of adipocyte development that are targeted by antiobesity drugs can include preadipocytes, maturing preadipocytes, and mature adipocytes. Various herbal-derived active compounds, such as capsaicin, genistein, apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, docosahexaenoic acid, quercetin, resveratrol, and ajoene, affect adipocytes during specific stages of development, resulting in either inhibition of adipogenesis or induction of apoptosis. Although numerous molecular targets that can be used for both treatment and prevention of obesity have been identified, targeted single cellular receptor or pathway has resulted in limited success. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art knowledge about antiobesity medicinal plants and their active compounds and their effects on several cellular, molecular, and metabolic pathways simultaneously with multiple phytochemicals through synergistic functioning which might be an appropriate approach to better management of obesity. In addition, epigenetic mechanisms (acetylation, methylation, miRNAs, ubiquitylation, phosphorylation, and chromatin packaging) of phytochemicals and their preventive and therapeutic perspective are explored in this review.

N-trans-Feruloyloctopamine Wakes Up BBC3, DDIT3, CDKN1A, and NOXA Signals to Accelerate HCC Cell Apoptosis

N-trans-Feruloyloctopamine (FO), a natural compound, was reported in our previous study to inhibit a tumor cell malignant phenotype by AKT- and EMT-related signals and might be used as a promising drug for HCC treatment. However, the specific targets and detailed mechanisms still need to be clarified. Screening with RNA-Seq in Huh7 cells treated with FO revealed that 317 genes were modulated, of which 188 genes were upregulated and 129 genes were downregulated. Real-time cell analyzer and flow cytometry data reveal that tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis were impacted by FO. DAVID bioinformatic data showed that most of the biological process GO terms are related to proliferation and apoptosis. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that FO mainly regulates PI3K-AKT- and apoptosis-related signals, in which BBC3, DDIT3, NOXA, and CDKN1A on the surface serve as the novel targets of FO inducing HCC cell apoptosis. The result implied that FO might exacerbate HCC cell apoptosis by regulating BBC3, DDIT3, CDKN1A, and NOXA signals. The obstacle effect of FO can provide new targets and new credibility for the treatment of liver cancer.

Oxidative Stress-Induced Unscheduled CDK1-Cyclin B1 Activity Impairs ER-Mitochondria-Mediated Bioenergetic Metabolism

Targeting the activities of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondrial-dependent metabolic reprogramming is considered one of the most promising strategies for cancer treatment. Here, we present biochemical subcellular fractionation, coimmunoprecipitation, gene manipulation, and pharmacologic evidence that induction of mitochondria-localized phospho (p)-cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) (Thr 161)-cyclin B1 complexes by apigenin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells impairs the ER-mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox regulation of calcium (Ca⁺⁺) homeostasis through suppressing the B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2)/BCL-2/B-cell lymphoma-extra large (BCL-x_L)-modulated anti-apoptotic and metabolic functions. Using a specific inducer, inhibitor, or short hairpin RNA for acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) demonstrated that enhanced lipid raft-associated ASM activity confers alteration of the lipid composition of lipid raft membranes, which leads to perturbation of protein trafficking, and induces formation of p110α free p85α-unphosphorylated phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 complexes in the lipid raft membranes, causing disruption of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt)-GTP-ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1)-mediated signaling, thus triggering the p-CDK1 (Thr 161))-cyclin B1-mediated BCL-2 (Thr 69/Ser 87)/BCL-x_L (Ser 62) phosphorylation and accompanying impairment of ER-mitochondria-regulated bioenergetic, redox, and Ca⁺⁺ homeostasis. Inhibition of apigenin-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by a ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine blocked the lipid raft membrane localization and activation of ASM and formation of ceramide-enriched lipid raft membranes, returned PI3K-Akt-GTP-Rac1-modulated CDK1-cyclin B1 activity, and subsequently restored the BCL-2/BCL-x_L-regulated ER-mitochondrial bioenergetic activity. Thus, this study reveals a novel molecular mechanism of the pro-apoptotic activity of ASM controlled by oxidative stress to modulate the ER-mitochondrial bioenergetic metabolism, as well as suggests the disruption of CDK1-cyclin B1-mediated BCL-2/BCL-x_L oncogenic activity by triggering oxidative stress-ASM-induced PI3K-Akt-GTP-Rac1 inactivation as a therapeutic approach for NPC.

Computational Modeling as a Tool to Investigate PPI: From Drug Design to Tissue Engineering

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) mediate a large number of important regulatory pathways. Their modulation represents an important strategy for discovering novel therapeutic agents. However, the features of PPI binding surfaces make the use of structure-based drug discovery methods very challenging. Among the diverse approaches used in the literature to tackle the problem, linear peptides have demonstrated to be a suitable methodology to discover PPI disruptors. Unfortunately, the poor pharmacokinetic properties of linear peptides prevent their direct use as drugs. However, they can be used as models to design enzyme resistant analogs including, cyclic peptides, peptide surrogates or peptidomimetics. Small molecules have a narrower set of targets they can bind to, but the screening technology based on virtual docking is robust and well tested, adding to the computational tools used to disrupt PPI. We review computational approaches used to understand and modulate PPI and highlight applications in a few case studies involved in physiological processes such as cell growth, apoptosis and intercellular communication.

Human Cytomegalovirus Host Interactions: EGFR and Host Cell Signaling Is a Point of Convergence Between Viral Infection and Functional Changes in Infected Cells

Viruses have evolved diverse strategies to manipulate cellular signaling pathways in order to promote infection and/or persistence. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) possesses a number of unique properties that allow the virus to alter cellular events required for infection of a diverse array of host cell types and long-term persistence. Of specific importance is infection of bone marrow derived and myeloid lineage cells, such as peripheral blood monocytes and CD34⁺ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) because of their essential role in dissemination of the virus and for the establishment of latency. Viral induced signaling through the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and other receptors such as integrins are key control points for viral-induced cellular changes and productive and latent infection in host organ systems. This review will explore the current understanding of HCMV strategies utilized to hijack cellular signaling pathways, such as EGFR, to promote the wide-spread dissemination and the classic life-long herpesvirus persistence.

Chemotherapeutic drugs: Cell death- and resistance-related signaling pathways. Are they really as smart as the tumor cells?

Chemotherapeutic drugs kill cancer cells or control their progression all over the patient's body, while radiation- and surgery-based treatments perform in a particular site. Based on their mechanisms of action, they are classified into different groups, including alkylating substrates, antimetabolite agents, anti-tumor antibiotics, inhibitors of topoisomerase I and II, mitotic inhibitors, and finally, corticosteroids. Although chemotherapeutic drugs have brought about more life expectancy, two major and severe complications during chemotherapy are chemoresistance and tumor relapse. Therefore, we aimed to review the underlying intracellular signaling pathways involved in cell death and resistance in different chemotherapeutic drug families to clarify the shortcomings in the conventional single chemotherapy applications. Moreover, we have summarized the current combination chemotherapy applications, including numerous combined-, and encapsulated-combined-chemotherapeutic drugs. We further discussed the possibilities and applications of precision medicine, machine learning, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and whole-exome sequencing (WES) in promoting cancer immunotherapies. Finally, some of the recent clinical trials concerning the application of immunotherapies and combination chemotherapies were included as well, in order to provide a practical perspective toward the future of therapies in cancer cases.

A Combined Phytochemistry and Network Pharmacology Approach to Reveal Potential Anti-NSCLC Effective Substances and Mechanisms in Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon (Stem)

Marsdeniae tenacissimae Caulis is a traditional Chinese medicine, named Tongguanteng (TGT), that is often used for the adjuvant treatment of cancer. In our previous study, we reported that an ethyl acetate extract of TGT had inhibitory effects against adenocarcinoma A549 cells growth. To identify the components of TGT with anti-tumor activity and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms of action, we developed a technique for isolating compounds, which was then followed by cytotoxicity screening, network pharmacology analysis, and cellular and molecular experiments. We isolated a total of 19 compounds from a TGT ethyl acetate extract. Two novel steroidal saponins were assessed using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass (UPLC-ESI-Q/TOF-MS). Then, we screened these constituents for anti-cancer activity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vitro and obtained six target compounds. Furthermore, a compound-target-pathway network of these six bioactive ingredients was constructed to elucidate the potential pathways that controlled anticancer effects. Approximately 205 putative targets that were associated with TGT, as well as 270 putative targets that were related to NSCLC, were obtained from online databases and target prediction software. Protein-protein interaction networks for drugs as well as disease putative targets were generated, and 18 candidate targets were detected based on topological features. In addition, pathway enrichment analysis was performed to identify related pathways, including PI3K/AKT, VEGF, and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, which are all related to metabolic processes and intrinsic apoptotic pathways involving reactive oxygen species (ROS). Then, various cellular experiments were conducted to validate drug-target mechanisms that had been predicted using network pharmacology analysis. The experimental results showed the four C21 steroidal saponins could upregulate Bax and downregulate Bcl-2 expression, thereby changing the mitochondrial membrane potential, producing ROS, and releasing cytochrome C, which finally activated caspase-3, caspase-9, and caspase-8, all of which induced apoptosis in A549 cells. In addition, these components also downregulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins, further weakening their degradation of extracellular matrix components and type IV collagen, and inhibiting the migration and invasion of A549 cells. Our study elucidated the chemical composition and underlying anti-tumor mechanism of TGT, which may be utilized in the treatment of lung cancer.

Neutron reflectometry and NMR spectroscopy of full-length Bcl-2 protein reveal its membrane localization and conformation

B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) proteins are the main regulators of mitochondrial apoptosis. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins possess a hydrophobic tail-anchor enabling them to translocate to their target membrane and to shift into an active conformation where they inhibit pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins to ensure cell survival. To address the unknown molecular basis of their cell-protecting functionality, we used intact human Bcl-2 protein natively residing at the mitochondrial outer membrane and applied neutron reflectometry and NMR spectroscopy. Here we show that the active full-length protein is entirely buried into its target membrane except for the regulatory flexible loop domain (FLD), which stretches into the aqueous exterior. The membrane location of Bcl-2 and its conformational state seems to be important for its cell-protecting activity, often infamously upregulated in cancers. Most likely, this situation enables the Bcl-2 protein to sequester pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins at the membrane level while sensing cytosolic regulative signals via its FLD region.

Amelioration of Combination of Paclitaxel and Di Allyl Sulfide on the Alterations of Bcl2, P53 and Apoptosis Changes Against 7,12 Di Methyl Benz (A) Anthracene Induced Skin Cancer in Experimental Animals

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Bcl2, P⁵³ and apoptosis changes against skin cancer in experimental animals. Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is estimated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern. It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 are likely to develop skin cancer at least once. Skin cancer was induced in rats by Di Methyl Benz (a) Anthracene at the dosage of DMBA (5 µg) per animal, three times a week for 28 weeks after conformation of skin cancer treated with Paclitaxel and Di allyl sulfide for 30 days. The levels of Bcl2 gene expression were significantly decreased and P⁵³gene expression were markedly increased in Paclitaxel and Di allyl sulfide treated animals when compared with cancer bearing animals. The treatment with combination of Paclitaxel and Di allyl sulfide effectively reduced Bcl2 protein expression and also increased P⁵³gene expression. Moreover, the levels of Bcl2 and P⁵³ a good indicators of restoring the skin architecture, were also reversed in skin damage subjects after treatment with the herbal compounds preparation. So, from the obtained results it is concluded that a combination of Paclitaxel and Di allyl sulfide is capable of restoring the skin architecture and can also increase the apoptosis activities in skin cancer rats.

The orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 plays a vital role in BPA-induced PC12 cell apoptosis

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a typical environmental endocrine disruptor that can migrate into organisms through skin contact, breathing, diet and various other approaches. The reproductive toxicity and neurotoxicity of BPA has been confirmed by several toxicological studies. However, the neurotoxicity of BPA is still controversial. In the present study, we used PC12 cells as a model to investigate the mechanism of BPA-induced neuronal apoptosis. BPA exposure reduced cell viability, altered cell morphology and aggravated intracellular Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, apoptosis and the reduction in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm). Moreover, the results of the Western blot (WB) and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays indicated that the expression levels of Nur77 in the BPA group were down-regulated and accompanied by the downregulation of the NF-κb/Bcl-2 proteins and the upregulation of cleaved-caspase 3, which is a marker of apoptosis. However, these changes were significantly reversed with the upregulation of the Nur77 protein by introducing plasmids carrying the nur77 gene. These results indicated that BPA-induced apoptosis was closely related to Nur77-mediated inhibition of the NF-κb/Bcl-2 pathway.

Cell competition removes segmental aneuploid cells from Drosophila imaginal disc-derived tissues based on ribosomal protein gene dose

Aneuploidy causes birth defects and miscarriages, occurs in nearly all cancers and is a hallmark of aging. Individual aneuploid cells can be eliminated from developing tissues by unknown mechanisms. Cells with ribosomal protein (Rp) gene mutations are also eliminated, by cell competition with normal cells. Because Rp genes are spread across the genome, their copy number is a potential marker for aneuploidy. We found that elimination of imaginal disc cells with irradiation-induced genome damage often required cell competition genes. Segmentally aneuploid cells derived from targeted chromosome excisions were eliminated by the RpS12-Xrp1 cell competition pathway if they differed from neighboring cells in Rp gene dose, whereas cells with normal doses of the Rp and eIF2γ genes survived and differentiated adult tissues. Thus, cell competition, triggered by differences in Rp gene dose between cells, is a significant mechanism for the elimination of aneuploid somatic cells, likely to contribute to preventing cancer.

Aneuploid cells emerge when cellular division goes awry and a cell ends up with the wrong number of chromosomes, the tiny genetic structures carrying the instructions that control life’s processes. Aneuploidy can lead to fatal conditions during development, and to cancer in an adult organism.

A safety mechanism may exist that helps the body to detect and remove these cells. Yet, exactly this happens is still poorly understood: in particular, it is unclear how cells manage to ‘count’ their chromosomes.

One way they could do so is through the ribosomes, the molecular ‘factories’ that create the building blocks required for life. In a cell, every chromosome carries genes that code for the proteins (known as Rps) forming ribosomes. Aneuploidy will alter the number of Rp genes, and in turn the amount and type of Rps the cell produces, so that ribosomes and the genes for Rps could act as a ‘readout’ of aneuploidy. Ji et al set out to test this theory in fruit flies.

The first experiment used a genetic manipulation technique called site-specific recombination to remove parts of chromosomes from cells in the developing eye and wing. Cells which retained all their Rp genes survived, while those that were missing some usually died – but only when the surrounding cells were normal. In this situation, healthy cells eliminated their damaged neighbours through a process known as cell competition. A second experiment, using radiation as an alternative method of damaging chromosomes, also gave similar results.

The work by Ji et al. reveals how the body can detect and eliminate aneuploid cells, potentially before they can cause harm. If the same mechanism applies in humans, boosting cell competition may, one day, helps to combat diseases like cancer.

Da Cheng Qi Decoction Alleviates Cerulein-Stimulated AR42J Pancreatic Acinar Cell Injury via the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common acute abdomen inflammation, characterized by the dysregulation of digestive enzyme production and secretion. Many studies have shown that Da Cheng Qi Decoction (DCQD) is a secure, effective prescription on AP. In this study, cerulein-stimulated AR42J cells damage model was established to further explore the feasibility and underlying mechanism of DCQD as a potential inhibitor of JAK2/STAT3 pathway for the treatment of AP.

Methods

Cell viability of DCQD was measured using a cell counting Kit-8 assay. Pancreatic biochemical markers such as amylase, lipase, and C-reactive protein production were measured by assay kits, respectively. Cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1β) were assayed by ELISA. Protein location and protein expression were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting, respectively. Gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR. For mechanistic analysis of the effect of DCQD on JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, selective JAK2 inhibitor (Fedratinib) and STAT3 inhibitor (Stattic) as well as STAT3 activator (Garcinone D) were used.

Results

DCQD protected cells by regulating cerulein-induced inflammation and reducing the secretion of pancreatic biochemical markers. Moreover, DCQD could not only inhibit the nuclear translocation of p-STAT3, but also decrease the mRNA expression of JAK2 and STAT3 as well as the ratio of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 in protein level. Additionally, DCQD could regulate the mRNA and protein expression of JAK2/STAT3 downstream effectors, Bax and Bcl-XL. The activated effect of cerulein on JAK2/STAT3 pathway was also reversed by JAK2 inhibitor Fedratinib or STAT3 inhibitor Stattic. And the overexpression of JAK2/STAT3 pathway, via STAT3 activator Garcinone D, did exert damage on cells, which bore a resemblance to cerulein.

Conclusion

The activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway may play a key role in the pathogenesis of cerulein-stimulated AR42J pancreatic acinar cell injury. DCQD could improve inflammatory cytokines and cell injury, which might be mediated by suppressing the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Paeoniflorin protects PC12 cells from oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced injury via activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, and it has become a major health issue as it is characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates. Paeoniflorin (PF) is a natural compound and the main active ingredient of Radix Paeoniae. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of PF in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced injury of PC12 cells and its association with the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. An in vitro model of OGD/R injury was established in PC12 cells. Subsequently, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and ELISA were used to evaluate cell viability and the secretion of inflammatory factors, respectively, in PC12 cells subjected to OGD/R and treated with PF. The levels of oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory factors were measured using corresponding commercial kits. In addition, the apoptosis rate of PC12 cells subjected to OGD/R and treated with PF was determined by flow cytometry, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was analyzed by western blotting. Additionally, the expression levels of JAK2/STAT3 pathway-related proteins were also evaluated. The cell viability, levels of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis were also measured in OGD/R-induced PC12 cell injury models following co-treatment of cells with PF and FLLL32, a specific inhibitor of JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Cell viability was reduced, while oxidative stress and inflammation were increased after OGD/R-induced injury. However, the treatment of cells with PF significantly enhanced cell viability, and alleviated oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis of OGD/R-treated PC12 cells. Furthermore, PF activated the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Following FLLL32 intervention, the effects of PF on oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis of OGD/R-treated PC12 cells were reversed. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that PF may protect PC12 cells from OGD/R-induced injury via activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, thus providing novel insight into the mechanism through which PF may alleviate ischemic stroke and indicating a potential strategy for ischemic stroke treatment.

Protective Effects of Taif Rosewater Against Testicular Impairment Induced By Lead Intoxication In Rats

This study explored treatment with Taif rosewater (RW) to protect against lead acetate-(PbAc) induced male testicular impairment. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and provided drinking water containing 4% Taif RW, PbAc, 4% Taif RW followed by PbAc or normal water (controls). Serum for hormonal assays and testicular tissue for histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations and molecular study were obtained. Epididymal spermatozoa were collected for analysis. PbAc significantly reduced serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and testosterone, as well as sperm count and motility percentage. It also caused a significant reduction in SOD and catalase activities, testicular CYTP450_SCC , CYP17α, StAR mRNA expressions and the percentage of Bcl-2 immunoreactivity. The percentage of caspase-3 and NF-ĸB immunoreactivities, as well as sperm abnormalities, was increased, as did the testicular degeneration associated with vacuolation and necrosis of spermatogenic cells. Pretreatment with Taif RW significantly reduced the negative effects of PbAc as shown by the increases in serum gonadotropins level, SOD and catalase activities, and percentage of Bcl-2 immunoreactivity, decreases in the percentage of caspase-3 and NF-ĸB immunoreactivities, and improved testicular histology and sperm parameters. These data provide evidence that Taif RW protects against testicular toxicity caused by PbAc.

RNA Interference-Mediated Aurora Kinase A Gene Silencing Inhibits Human Glioma Cells Proliferation and Tumor Growth in Mice

Objective: This study aims to explore the roles of Aurora Kinase A (Aurora A) in human glioma progression and relevant molecular mechanisms involved. Methods: RNA interference (RNAi) technology was performed to silence the Aurora A gene in human glioma cell line U251 and U87. Western blot and real-time PCR were used to determine the protein and mRNA expression levels of Aurora A. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the cell cycle distribution and MTT was used to examine the cell viability. Annexin V/FITC double staining and Hoechst 33258 staining were carried out to examine cell apoptosis. Xenograft tumor model was established to examine the effect of Aurora A siRNA on tumor growth in vivo. Results: RNAi-mediated Aurora A gene silencing with specific short interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly decreased Aurora A protein and mRNA expression levels in human glioma cell line U251 and U87. Aurora A knockdown in glioma cells with siRNA strongly inhibited cell proliferation, along with the accumulation of cells in the G1, G2/M phase and decrease in S phase. Furthermore, the enhancement of cell apoptosis in vitro and the suppression of xenograft tumor growth in vivo were also observed after Aurora A silencing in U251 cell. In addition, Aurora A knockdown resulted in decreased expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and cell cycle protein Cyclin D1, while increased expression of pro-apoptotic factor caspase-3. Conclusion: Aurora A can be used as a candidate targeting gene and inhibition of Aurora A is a potentially promising therapy for glioblastoma.

A homologous-targeting "nanoconverter" with variable size for deep tumor penetration and immunotherapy

Tumor-associated immunosuppression, as a key barrier, prevents immunotherapy-resistant tumors. In this study, an ingenious "nanoconverter" was designed to convert immunosuppression into immunoactivation, which was a C6-ceramide (C6)-modified tumor cytomembrane-coated polydopamine-paclitaxel system (PTX/PDA@M-C6). The co-administration of C6-ceramide and tumor cytomembrane changed an adaptive immune state to an activation state, which induced a robust antigen presentation ability of tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells to activate T1 helper cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Meanwhile, C6-ceramide regulated the phenotype of macrophages via the reactive oxygen species pathway, which resulted in the conversion of M2-like macrophages by infiltration within tumors into M2-like macrophages, and therefore, M2-like macrophage-mediated immunosuppression was weakened distinctly. The "nanoconverter"-mediated conversion process upregulated the expression of related immune factors including interleukin-12, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ and executed positive anti-tumor effects. In addition, under the protection of tumor-homologous cytomembrane, the "nanoconverter" exhibited excellent delivery efficiency (23.22%), and subsequently, accumulated special structural "nanoconverter" could break down into smaller nanoparticles for deep penetration into the tumor tissue under a NIR laser. Ultimately, chemo/thermal therapy-assisted immunotherapy completely eliminated the tumors of tumor-bearing mice, and a potent memory response relying on effector memory T cells still persisted to protect against tumor relapse after the end of treatment. The "nanoconverter" serves as a promising nanodrug delivery system for the conversion of immunosuppression and enhanced chemo/thermal therapy. Therefore, the highly cumulative "nanoconverter" has great potential for promoting the effect and clinical application of immunotherapy.

Molecular Docking and Biophysical Studies for Antiproliferative Assessment of Synthetic Pyrazolo-Pyrimidinones Tethered with Hydrazide-Hydrazones

Chemotherapy represents the most applied approach to cancer treatment. Owing to the frequent onset of chemoresistance and tumor relapses, there is an urgent need to discover novel and more effective anticancer drugs. In the search for therapeutic alternatives to treat the cancer disease, a series of hybrid pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-ones tethered with hydrazide-hydrazones, 5a-h, was synthesized from condensation reaction of pyrazolopyrimidinone-hydrazide 4 with a series of arylaldehydes in ethanol, in acid catalysis. In vitro assessment of antiproliferative effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, unveiled that 5a, 5e, 5g, and 5h were the most effective compounds of the series and exerted their cytotoxic activity through apoptosis induction and G0/G1 phase cell-cycle arrest. To explore their mechanism at a molecular level, 5a, 5e, 5g, and 5h were evaluated for their binding interactions with two well-known anticancer targets, namely the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the G-quadruplex DNA structures. Molecular docking simulations highlighted high binding affinity of 5a, 5e, 5g, and 5h towards EGFR. Circular dichroism (CD) experiments suggested 5a as a stabilizer agent of the G-quadruplex from the Kirsten ras (KRAS) oncogene promoter. In the light of these findings, we propose the pyrazolo-pyrimidinone scaffold bearing a hydrazide-hydrazone moiety as a lead skeleton for designing novel anticancer compounds.

Thymoquinone improves testicular damage and sperm quality in experimentally varicocele-induced adolescent rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of thymoquinone against the negative effects of varicocele on testicular tissue and sperm morphology. Five groups were formed by random selection from a total of 40 adult male Wistar rats (n = 8). Thymoquinone (5 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally to the varicocele-dimethyl sulfoxide-olive oil-thymoquinone (VT) group and the sham-thymoquinone group. At the end of the 60th day, all groups were anaesthetised and the left testis was removed from the body quickly. One half of the testis tissue, which was divided into two, was separated for biochemical and Western blot analysis, while the other half were fixed in Bouin's fixative. As a result of biochemical, molecular and histopathological analyses, a statistically significant increase was found in the varicocele group testicular tissues in the malondialdehyde level, apoptotic index, Bax expression, cytochrome c expression and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio compared with the sham group. In addition, histopathological changes characterised by partial or complete degeneration of the germinal epithelium were observed in the seminiferous tubules in the same group. Total oxidant status level and sperm count with abnormal morphology increased in varicocele group, whereas total antioxidant status level decreased. In the VT group, all of the biochemical, molecular and histopathological changes detected in the varicocele group were statistically significantly reduced. When the findings obtained in this study are evaluated, it can be said that thymoquinone has the potential to be used as a preventive and therapeutic pharmacological agent in the medical treatment of varicocele. Although the exact mechanism of action of thymoquinone has not been fully elucidated, the findings obtained in this study support the view that thymoquinone showed a cytoprotective effect by reducing apoptosis, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.

Bid is involved in apoptosis induced by Chinese giant salamander iridovirus and contributes to the viral replication in an amphibian cell line

Bid is a pro-apoptotic BH3-only member of the Bcl-2 superfamily that functions to link the extrinsic apoptotic pathway and the mitochondrial amplification loop of the intrinsic pathway. In this study, the expression and functions of Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) Bid (AdBid) were investigated. The AdBid cDNA sequence contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 576 nucleotides, encoding a putative protein of 191 aa. AdBid possesses the conserved BH3 interacting domain and shared 34-52% sequence identities with other amphibian Bid. mRNA expression of AdBid was most abundant in muscle. The expression level of AdBid in Chinese giant salamander muscle, kidney and spleen significantly increased after Chinese giant salamander iridovirus (GSIV) infection. Additionally, a plasmid expressing AdBid was constructed and transfected into the Chinese giant salamander muscle cell line (GSM cells). The morphology and cytopathic effect (CPE) and apoptotic process in AdBid over-expressed GSM cells was significantly enhanced during GSIV infection compared with that in control cells. Moreover, a higher level of the virus major capsid protein (MCP) gene copies and protein synthesis was confirmed in the AdBid over-expressed cells. These results indicated that AdBid played a positive role in GSIV induced apoptosis and the viral replication. This study may contribute to the better understanding on the infection mechanism of iridovirus-induced apoptosis.

Lycopene sensitizes the cervical cancer cells to cisplatin via targeting nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB) pathway

Background/aim

Lycopene is associated with anticancer effects in various tumor types. However, the exact underlying mechanisms of action of lycopene in human cervical cancer remain to be determined. This study aimed to determine anticancer efficacy and mechanism of lycopene in human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells.

Materials and methods

HeLa cells were treated with cisplatin (1 μM) alone, lycopene (10 μM) alone, and in combination for 72 h. The cell viability of HeLa cells was assessed via MTS assay. Western blot was used to analyze the expression levels of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), B-cell-associated X protein (Bax), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2).

Results

We found that lycopene acts as a synergistic agent with cisplatin in preventing the growth of HeLa cells. The rates of HeLa cells’ viability were 65.6% and 71.1% with lycopene and cisplatin treatment alone compared to the control group, respectively (P < 0.001). The inhibitory effect of cisplatin was enhanced with lycopene addition by declining the cell viability to 37.4% (P < 0.0001). Lycopene treatment significantly increased Bax expression (P < 0.0001) and decreased Bcl-2 expression (P < 0.0001) in HeLa cells. Furthermore, lycopene markedly activated the Nrf2 expression (P < 0.001) and suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Lycopene increases the sensitization of cervical cancer cells to cisplatin via inhibition of cell viability, up-regulation of Bax expression, and down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, the anticancer effect of lycopene might be also associated with suppression of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses, and modulation of Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress. The results of the present study suggest that lycopene and concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy might have a role in improving the treatment of cervical cancer.

The Role of Mitochondria in the Chemoresistance of Pancreatic Cancer Cells

The first-line chemotherapies for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer (PC) are 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and gemcitabine therapy. However, due to chemoresistance the prognosis of patients with PC has not been significantly improved. Mitochondria are essential organelles in eukaryotes that evolved from aerobic bacteria. In recent years, many studies have shown that mitochondria play important roles in tumorigenesis and may act as chemotherapeutic targets in PC. In addition, according to recent studies, mitochondria may play important roles in the chemoresistance of PC by affecting apoptosis, metabolism, mtDNA metabolism, and mitochondrial dynamics. Interfering with some of these factors in mitochondria may improve the sensitivity of PC cells to chemotherapeutic agents, such as gemcitabine, making mitochondria promising targets for overcoming chemoresistance in PC.

Aloperine Induces Apoptosis by a Reactive Oxygen Species Activation Mechanism in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide with poor prognosis owing to chemotherapy resistance and cancer relapse. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop novel anticancer agents against ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research is to investigate the possible anticancer activity of aloperine, an active ingredient from a traditional Chinese medicine Sophora alopecuroides, and to explore the possible Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-related mechanism.

METHODS

Cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, ROS generation, and oxidant stress indicators were analyzed.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that aloperine significantly induced inhibition of cell viability, promoted cytotoxicity and mitochondrial-related apoptosis, and increased ROS generation in ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, the antioxidant α-lipoic acid reversed apoptosis in aloperinetreated cells. In addition, we identified hydrogen peroxide as the main type of ROS, and the antioxidant catalase suppressed the apoptotic inducing effect of aloperine whereas hydrogen peroxide supplement exacerbated the effect of aloperine in ovarian cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results indicated that aloperine could exert anti-ovarian cancer cell activity through a reactive oxygen species activation mechanism and suggested aloperine as a potential agent against ovarian cancer.

Shikonin inhibits proliferation of melanoma cells by MAPK pathway-mediated induction of apoptosis

Shikonin, a natural product isolated from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exhibits pharmacological effects against inflammation, ulcers, infections, and tumors. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the antitumor effects of shikonin on the human melanoma cell line, A375SM, and in an in vivo mouse xenograft model. We examined the anticancer effects of shikonin by in vitro experiments (MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) stain, annexin V/ propidium iodide (PI) stain, and protein analysis of apoptosis and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways). Further, the anticancer effect in vivo was confirmed through a xenograft model. Our results showed that shikonin inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, shikonin significantly increased nucleus and chromatin condensation and early/late apoptosis. Shikonin also increased the pro-apoptotic proteins and decreased the anti-apoptotic proteins. Additionally, shikonin was overexpressed in MAPK pathways. Investigation of the effects of shikonin in a mouse xenograft model not only showed decreased A375SM tumor volume but also increased apoptosis as determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Furthermore, pathologic changes were not observed in the liver and kidney of mice. Collectively, the study indicated that shikonin inhibited the proliferation of the human melanoma cells by inducing apoptosis, mediated by MAPK pathway and that it is a potential candidate for an anticancer drug against melanoma cancer.

Pinoresinol diglucoside attenuates neuroinflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in a mice model with Alzheimer's disease

For Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is still no effective treatment strategy. Pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG) is one of the major lignans isolated from Eucommia ulmoides. It is endowed with multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activities. In this study, we investigated the potential neuroprotective functions of PDG in AD. Mice model with AD was established adopting stereotactic hippocampal injection of Aβ1-42 (410 pmol/mouse), and 3 days later, mice were administrated with 5 and 10 mg/kg PDG by intragastric administration every day for 3 weeks. Morris water maze and Y-maze tests demonstrated that PDG treatment could markedly reverse Aβ1-42-induced memory impairment in mice. It is found that PDG restrained the release of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β), reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, and promoted the activity of the antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and catalase) by quantitative real-time-PCR, colorimetric method and ELISA assay. Western blot assay results have shown that PDG could also upregulate the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and downregulate cytochrome c and cleaved caspase-3 expressions, thereby inhibiting neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, PDG also significantly reduced the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, and promoted nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expressions. In conclusion, PDG can attenuate neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress through the TLR4/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, and ameliorate memory dysfunction induced by Aβ1-42 in mice.

Downregulation of SDCBP inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in gastric carcinoma

Syndecan-binding protein (SDCBP) has been reported to critically process a core role in tumorigenesis. This study was conducted to characterize a novel regulatory network of SDCBP in gastric carcinoma (GC) cells. Our findings indicated that overexpression of SDCBP promoted the proliferation of GC cell and increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. Moreover, the overexpression of SDCBP suppressed the apoptosis of GC cell along with a decrease of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and induction of PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation. However, knockdown of SDCBP exhibited opposed effects on GC cells. Furthermore, silencing SDCBP significantly inhibited GC cell viability and PCNA expression accompanied with the upregulated cell apoptosis and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, which was regulated by PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. And it was further determined that PI3K inhibitor LY294002, AKT inhibitor Torin1, and mTOR inhibitor MK-2206 suppressed the apoptosis. In conclusion, SDCBP promotes the growth ability of GC by inducing the PCNA expression and inhibiting GC cell apoptosis via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Role of Transportome in the Gills of Chinese Mitten Crabs in Response to Salinity Change: A Meta-Analysis of RNA-Seq Datasets

Chinese mitten crab (CMC) or Eriocheir sinensis is a strong osmoregulator that can keep rigorous cellular homeostasis. CMC can flourish in freshwater, as well as seawater, habitats and represents the most important species for freshwater aquaculture. Salt stress can have direct effects on several stages (e.g., reproduction, molting, growth, etc.) of the CMC life cycle. To get a better overview of the genes involved in the gills of CMC under different salinity conditions, we conducted an RNA-Seq meta-analysis on the transcriptomes of four publicly available datasets. The meta-analysis identified 405 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs), of which 40% were classified into various transporter classes, including accessory factors and primary active transporters as the major transport classes. A network analysis of the DETs revealed that adaptation to salinity is a highly regulated mechanism in which different functional modules play essential roles. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to conduct a transcriptome meta-analysis of gills from crab RNA-Seq datasets under salinity. Additionally, this study is also the first to focus on the differential expression of diverse transporters and channels (transportome) in CMC. Our meta-analysis opens new avenues for a better understanding of the osmoregulation mechanism and the selection of potential transporters associated with salinity change.

Alterations of Nigral Dopamine Levels in Parkinson's Disease after Environmental Enrichment and PACAP Treatment in Aging Rats

The neuroprotective effects of environmental enrichment and PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide) are well-described in Parkinson’s disease. The aim of our study is to investigate the beneficial effects of these factors in aging parkinsonian rats. Newborn Wistar rats were divided into standard and enriched groups according to their environmental conditions. Standard animals were raised under regular conditions. During the first five postnatal weeks, enriched pups were placed in larger cages with different objects. Aging animals received (1) saline, (2) 6-hydroxidopamine (6-OHDA), or (3) 6-OHDA + PACAP injections into the left substantia nigra (s.n.). On the seventh postoperative day, the left and right s.n. were collected. The s.n. of young and aging unoperated animals were also examined in our experiment. We determined the dopamine (DA) levels by the HPLC-MS technique, while the sandwich ELISA method was used to measure the Parkinson disease protein 7 (PARK7) protein levels. In healthy animals, we found an age-related decrease of DA levels. In aging parkinsonian-enriched rats, the operation did not result in a significant DA loss. PACAP treatment could prevent the DA loss in both the standard and enriched groups. All injured PACAP-treated rats showed remarkably higher protective PARK7 levels. The protective effect of PACAP correlated with the increase of the DA and PARK7 levels.

Musa acuminata lectin exerts anti-cancer effects on HeLa and EAC cells via activation of caspase and inhibitions of Akt, Erk, and Jnk pathway expression and suppresses the neoangiogenesis in in-vivo models

In the present study aimed to purify the lectin from the sap of Musa acuminata pseudostem and elucidate the apoptotic and angiogenic molecular mechanism in both in-vitro and in-vivo model. Mannose specific lectin was purified by using mannose affinity column chromatography and analyzed by RP-HPLC, SDS-PAGE, and PAS staining method. Furthermore, the protein was identified by MALDI-MS/MS. MAL effectively agglutinates trypsinized RBCs and showed effective cytotoxicity against various human cancer cell lines. MAL mitigates the cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, arrest the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, and induce apoptosis by altering the expression of apoptotic proteins/mRNA level (Bax and Bcl-2) via caspase 8/9, 3 dependent pathway in both in-vitro and in-vivo. Supporting this, in-vivo EAC tumor mice models prove the efficacy of MAL by inducing cell death and inhibiting the neovessel formation by targeting the MVD, inhibition of VEGF secretion, suppressing the expression of MMPs, HIF-1α, Flt-1, Akt, Jnk, and Erk1/2. More importantly, the MAL treatment leads to effective inhibition of tumor growth and an increase in the survivability of EAC mice. Our study summarizes that the MAL having a significant anticancer potential expressively degenerates the tumor development by inducing apoptosis and suppressing neoangiogenesis.

The Identification of a Novel Unsymmetrical Azine as an Apoptosis Inducer in Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Defects in the physiological mechanisms of apoptosis are one of the pivotal factors implicated in carcinogenesis. Thus, the development of novel compounds that target various apoptotic pathways has provided promising anticancer therapeutic opportunities.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the cytotoxic effects of a novel unsymmetrical azine against specific cancer cell lines and investigates the mechanism of cytotoxicity.

METHODS

Molecular modeling was used to test the binding affinity of four new unsymmetrical azines to a model of an apoptosis inhibitor protein (XIAP). The compound with the highest binding affinity, C4, was further tested on different cell lines. Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) were used to study apoptosis induction biochemically and morphologically.

RESULTS

In comparison to cisplatin as a control, the compound C4 exhibited notable cytotoxicity against all tested cancer cell lines, especially the human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116). Furthermore, C4-treated cells demonstrated marked overexpression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3 as well as the tumor suppressor p53. On the other hand, the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was inhibited. On TEM examination, C4-treated HCT-116 cells showed classical structural signs of apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

This study identifies a novel azine (C4), which induces remarkable cytotoxicity against the colorectal carcinoma cell line, mediated through apoptosis induction. These novel insights suggest C4 as a promising therapeutic agent in colorectal cancer.

Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus and Alzheimer's disease: An update and current perspective on this traditional Chinese medicine

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common progressive neuro-degenerative disease, and the morbidity and mortality are still on the rise. In spite of recent advances in AD treatment, their clinical efficacy has been limited, non-curative and easy to drug resistance. Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus (AOF), derived from the dried and mature fruits of the Zingiberaceae plant Alpinia oxyphylla Miq, is a choice in traditional Chinese medicine to treat AD, which has a good effect and has been used for a long time. Recent studies have demonstrated its potent activities in modulating multiple signaling pathways associated with β-amyloid deposition, tau protein phosphorylation, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress. The neuropharmacological mechanism of AOF in AD have been fully illustrated in numerous studies. In this review, we first briefly described the active components of AOF and related mechanism for treating AD. And we also provide a systematic overview of recent progress on the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the active ingredients of AOF and analyzed their bioavailability differences in the development of AD. Thus, AOF hold a great therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD and is worthy of further research and promotion.

Diclofenac Sodium Triggers p53-Dependent Apoptosis in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells via ROS-Mediated Crosstalk

Diclofenac sodium (DFS), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is frequently used in ophthalmology, but it causes negative effects on corneas. The mechanisms underlying the toxicities to corneas remains unclear. The present study was designed to assess the cytotoxicity of DFS to human corneal epithelial (HCEP) cells in vitro and further investigate its related mechanisms. The HCEP cells were treated with DFS at different concentrations ranging from 0.003 125% to 0.1%. DFS showed a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity to HCEP cells including abnormal morphology and declined viability. The 0.05% DFS-treated HCEP cells presented cell cycle arrest at S phase, reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, and positive staining of phosphorylated H2AX, suggesting that DFS caused ROS-mediated DNA damage. The upregulation of p53 expression, formation of apoptotic body, phosphatidylserine externalization, and DNA ladder demonstrated that the p53-dependent apoptosis pathway was involved in the cytotoxicity of DFS. Furthermore, DFS activated caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3 altered the expression levels of Bcl-2 family proteins including tBid, Bax, and Bcl-2, as well as increased poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. DFS also induced ΔΨm disruption, resulting in the release of cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor into the cytoplasm. Additionally, the DFS-induced apoptosis was alleviated by p53 inhibitor. Taken together, DFS triggered p53-dependent apoptosis in HCEP cells via ROS-mediated crosstalk between the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.

Discovery of novel 2-aryl-3-sulfonamido-pyridines (HoAns) as microtubule polymerization inhibitors with potent antitumor activities

Microtubules play a vital role in cell mitosis. Drugs targeting taxol or vinca binding site of tubulin have been proved an effective way to against cancer. However, drug resistance and cancer recurrence are inevitable, there is an urgent need to search for new microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs). In our study, a series of novel 2-aryl-3-sulfonamido-pyridines (HoAns) had been designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antiproliferative activities in vitro and in vivo. Among them, compound HoAn32 exhibited the most potent activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.170 to 1.193 μM in a panel of cancer cell lines. Mechanism studies indicated that compound HoAn32 bound to the colchicine site of β-tubulin, resulting in colony formation inhibition, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, cell apoptosis as well as increased the generation of ROS in both RKO and SW620 cells. In addition, compound HoAn32 showed potent anti-vascular activity in vitro. Furthermore, compound HoAn32 also exhibited outstanding antitumor activity in SW620 xenograft tumor models without observable toxic effects, which was more potent than that of ABT-751. In conclusion, our findings suggest that compound HoAn32 may be a promising microtubule destabilizing agent and deserves for further development in cancer therapy.

Polystyrene microplastics cause granulosa cells apoptosis and fibrosis in ovary through oxidative stress in rats

Microplastics (MPs) are receiving increased attention as a harmful environmental pollutant. Studies have investigated that MPs have reproductive toxicity, but the mechanism is little known. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on ovary in rats and the underlying molecular mechanisms. in vivo, thirty-two female Wistar rats were exposed to 0.5 μm PS-MPs at different concentrations (0, 0.015, 0.15 and 1.5 mg/d) for 90 days. And then, all animals were sacrificed, ovaries and blood were collected for testing. in vitro, granulosa cells (GCs) were separated from rat ovary and treated with 0、1、5、25 μg/mL PS-MPs and reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) respectively. Our results showed that PS-MPs could enter into GCs and result in the reducing of growing follicles number. And the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) manifested that PS-MPs could obviously decrease the level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). In addition, PS-MPs induced oxidative stress, apoptosis of GCs and ovary fibrosis evidenced by assay kits, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining. Moreover, the western blot assay manifested that PS-MPs exposure significantly increased the expression levels of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathways-related proteins (Wnt, β-catenin, p-β-catenin) and the main fibrosis markers (transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Additionally, the expression levels of Wnt and p-β-catenin, apoptosis of GCs decreased after NAC treatment. In summary, polystyrene microplastics cause fibrosis via Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway activation and granulosa cells apoptosis of ovary through oxidative stress in rats, both of which ultimately resulted in decrease of ovarian reserve capacity.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Ameliorates Cardiac Remodelling After Myocardial Infarction Through PI3K/AKT Pathway in Mice

Myocardial infarction is one of the most serious fatal diseases in the world, which is due to acute occlusion of coronary arteries. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is an active compound extracted from grape seeds that has anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor pharmacological effects. Natural products are cheap, easy to obtain, widely used and effective. It has been used to treat numerous diseases, such as cancer, brain injury and diabetes complications. However, there are limited studies on its role and associated mechanisms in myocardial infarction in mice. This study showed that GSPE treatment in mice significantly reduced cardiac dysfunction and improved the pathological changes due to MI injury. In vitro, GSPE inhibited the apoptosis of H9C2 cells after hypoxia culture, resulting in the expression of Bax decreased and the expression of Bcl-2 increased. The high expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT was detected in MI model in vivo and in vitro. The use of the specific PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002 regressed the cardio-protection of GSPE. Our results showed that GSPE could improve the cardiac dysfunction and remodeling induced by MI and inhibit cardiomyocytes apoptosis in hypoxic conditions through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Impact of neurotrophic factors combination therapy on retinitis pigmentosa

Objective

We aimed to determine the location of neurotrophic receptors tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk)B, TrkC, and ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR)α in the retina of retinal degeneration (rd) mice and to explore the dynamic changes of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X-protein (Bax), and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) expression and ultrastructure in the retina of rd mice intravitreally injected with neurotrophic factors.

Methods

Rd mice aged 2 and 3 weeks post-natally (PN) received intravitreal injections of neurotrophic factors. Two weeks later, their retinas were harvested for the detection of Bax, Bcl-2, and LC3 mRNA and protein expression.

Results

TrkB and TrkC expression levels were lower at 3 weeks PN compared with 0, 1, and 2 weeks PN, but CNTFRα expression was still detected in certain layers. The three receptors were expressed in different retinal layers at the same timepoint. Bax expression was downregulated in, rhBDNF + rhCNTF, rhBDNF + rhNT-3, groups 2 weeks after intravitreal injection; Bcl-2 expression was upregulated in the rhBDNF + rhCNTF + rhNT-3 group at PN-4w; and LC3 expression was upregulated in rhBDNF + rhCNTF + rhNT-3 groups.

Conclusions

The combined use of neurotrophic factors had a more significant effect on Bax, Bcl-2, and LC3 expression than the same factors used alone.

Hair growth potential of Salvia plebeia extract and its associated mechanisms

Context: Although Salvia plebeia (SP) R. Brown (Labiatae) is known to possess various biological activities, the effects of SP on hair growth have not been elucidated.Objective: To investigate the hair growth potential of SP extract by using human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and C57BL/6 mice.Materials and methods: The entire SP plant sample was ground into powder and extracted with 99.9% methyl alcohol. Various concentrations of SP extract were added to hDPCs to evaluate the proliferation, migration, and factors related to hair growth and cycling. Effect of topical SP administration on hair regrowth was tested in vivo in male C57BL/6 mice for 21 days.Results: SP extract significantly increased the proliferation of cultured hDPCs at doses of 15.6 and 31.3 μg/mL compared to control group by 123% and 132%, respectively. Expression of hepatocyte growth factor increased while the level of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3 decreased when treated with SP extract. At the molecular level, the extract activated Wnt/β-catenin signalling by raising β-catenin and phospho-GSK3β expression. SP extract also exerted anti-apoptotic and proliferative effects in hDPCs by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and activating cell proliferation-related proteins, ERK and Akt. Finally, the extract caused an induction of the anagen phase leading to significantly enhanced hair growth in treated male mice.Discussion and conclusion: Our results indicate that SP extract has the capacity to activate hDPCs into a proliferative state to promote hair growth. Further research is necessary to determine the bioactive components and their mechanisms of action responsible for SP-related hair growth effect.

Triptolidenol, isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii, disrupted NF-κB/COX-2 pathway by targeting ATP-binding sites of IKKβ in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Triptolidenol (TPD) is an epoxy diterpene lactone from Tripterygium wilfordii, which has been used for chronic nephritis in China，and possessed various pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. However, the precise molecular antitumor mechanism of TPD remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of TPD on human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and investigated its precise anti-tumor mechanisms. It was showed that TPD significantly suppressed ccRCC cell proliferation, cell migration, and induced cell cycle arrest at S phase. Furthermore, TPD also induced apoptosis by activating the cytochrome c (cyt c)/caspase cascade signaling pathway. Moreover, using confocal immunofluorescence, a dual-luciferase reporter assay and molecular docking study, the results showed that TPD obviously reduced the expression of COX-2 by inhibiting the kinase activity of IKKβ via targeting its ATP-binding domain, and then attenuating the transactivation of NF-κB. Collectively, our study demonstrated that TPD suppressed renal cell carcinoma growth through disrupting NF-κB/COX-2 pathway by targeting ATP-binding sites of IKKβ, and provided pharmacological evidence that TPD exhibits potential use in the treatment of COX-2-mediated diseases such as ccRCC.

Beta-elemene inhibits differentiated thyroid carcinoma metastasis by reducing cellular proliferation, metabolism and invasion ability

Background

Accelerated glycolysis is a characteristic of carcinoma. The herb-derived compound, beta (β)-elemene, has shown promising anticancer effects against various tumors by inhibiting aerobic glycolysis. However, its activity against thyroid carcinoma and the mechanism is still unknown.

Methods

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) cell lines, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cell lines (IHH-4, TPC-1, K1), and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) cell line (FTC133) were treated with different concentration of β-elemene. The viability of DTC cells was analyzed using the CCK8 method. Cell cycle and apoptosis analysis were performed by flow cytometry and western blotting. The cell invasion ability was evaluated in Transwell assays. Energy metabolism in living cells was measured using a Seahorse XF analyzer. The antitumor effects of β-elemene were analyzed in vivo in a nude mouse xenograft tumors model.

Results

CCK8 assays showed β-elemene significantly inhibited DTC cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. β-elemene promoted cell apoptosis, with increased expression of cleaved caspase-9 and decreased BCL-2 expression. Transwell assays showed that β-elemene significantly inhibited the invasion ability of DTC cells. β-elemene also reduced angiogenesis by decreasing VEGF expression in DTC cells. β-elemene reduces the basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR), extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), and maximal glycolytic capacity as well as maximal respiration and ATP production. Moreover, β-elemene inhibited tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model in vivo.

Conclusions

In this study, we have provided the first evidence of the antitumor effects of β-elemene, which was shown to inhibit cell proliferation, promote apoptosis, induce cell cycle arrest, inhibit cell invasion ability and reduce angiogenesis. Furthermore, we showed that β-elemene significantly inhibits the respiratory and glycolytic ability of human DTC cells. Thus, our findings show the potential of β-elemene as a novel treatment for DTC.

Role of Bcl-2 Family Proteins in Photodynamic Therapy Mediated Cell Survival and Regulation

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality that involves three components: combination of a photosensitizer, light and molecular oxygen that leads to localized formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS generated from this promising therapeutic modality can be lethal to the cell and leads to consequential destruction of tumor cells. However, sometimes the ROS trigger a stress response survival mechanism that helps the cells to cope with PDT-induced damage, resulting in resistance to the treatment. One preferred mechanism of cell death induced by PDT is apoptosis, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins have been described as a major determinant of life or death decision of the death pathways. Apoptosis is a cellular self-destruction mechanism to remove old cells through the biological event of tissue homeostasis. The Bcl-2 family proteins act as a critical mediator of a life–death decision of cells in maintaining tissue homeostasis. There are several reports that show cancer cells developing resistance due to the increased interaction of the pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins. However, the key mechanisms leading to apoptosis evasion and drug resistance have not been adequately understood. Therefore, it is critical to understand the mechanisms of PDT resistance, as well as the Bcl-2 family proteins, to give more insight into the treatment outcomes. In this review, we describe the role of Bcl-2 gene family proteins’ interaction in response to disease progression and PDT-induced resistance mechanisms.

Oxidative stress, NF-κB signaling, NLRP3 inflammasome, and caspase apoptotic pathways are activated in mammary gland of ketotic Holstein cows

Ketosis is a serious metabolic disorder characterized by systemic and hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as reduced milk yield. Because of the paucity of data on mammary responses during ketosis, the aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in oxidative stress, NF-κB signaling, NLRP3 inflammasome, and caspase apoptotic pathways in mammary gland of dairy cows with ketosis. Blood, mammary gland tissue, and milk samples were collected from healthy cows [Control, blood concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) <0.6 mM, n = 10] and cows with subclinical ketosis (SCK, blood concentration of BHB >1.2 mM and <3 mM, n = 10) or clinical ketosis (CK, blood concentration of BHB >3 mM, n = 10) at median 8 d in milk (range = 6-12). Compared with Control, serum concentration of glucose was lower (3.91 vs. 2.86 or 2.12 mM) in cows with SCK or CK, whereas concentrations of fatty acids (0.25 vs. 0.57 or 1.09 mM) and BHB (0.42 vs. 1.81 or 3.85 mM) were greater. Compared with Control, the percentage of milk fat was greater in cows with SCK or CK. In contrast, the percentage of milk protein was lower in cows with SCK or CK. We detected no differences in milk lactose content across groups. Compared with Control, activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were lower in mammary gland tissue of cows with SCK or CK. In contrast, concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde were greater in cows with SCK or CK. Compared with Control, mRNA abundances of TNFA, IL6, and IL1B were greater in mammary tissues of cows with SCK or CK. In addition, activity of IKKβ and the ratio of phosphorylated inhibitor of κBα to IκBα, and of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 to NF-κB p65, were also greater in mammary tissues of cows with SCK or CK. Subclinical or clinical ketosis also led to greater activity of caspase 1 and protein abundance of caspase 1, NLRP3, Bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9. In contrast, abundance of the antiapoptotic protein was lower in SCK or CK cows. The data indicate that the mammary gland of SKC or CK cows undergoes severe oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death.

Alprostadil Injection Attenuates Coronary Microembolization-Induced Myocardial Injury Through GSK-3β/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling-Mediated Apoptosis Inhibition

Objective

Coronary microembolization (CME) results in progressive contractile dysfunction associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Alprostadil injection improves microcirculation, which is effective in treating various cardiovascular disorders. However, the therapeutic effects of alprostadil in CME-induced myocardia injury remain unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of alprostadil injection on cardiac protection in a rat model of CME and explored the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

A rat model of CME was established by injecting polyethylene microspheres into the left ventricle. After injection of microspheres, rats in the alprostadil group received alprostadil via tail vein within 2 minutes. Cardiac function, histological alterations in myocardium, serum c-troponin I (cTnI) levels, myocardium adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in myocardium, and myocardial apoptosis-related proteins were detected 12 hours after CME modeling.

Results

Compared with the Sham group, ATP concentrations, SOD activity in the myocardium, and cardiac function were significantly decreased in a rat model of CME. In addition, serum cTnI levels, MDA content, expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins, and the number of TUNEL-positive nuclei were remarkably higher in CME group than those in the Sham group. However, alprostadil treatment notably reduced serum cTnI levels and expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins, while noticeably improved cardiac function, and accelerated SOD activity in the myocardium following CME. Additionally, it was unveiled that the protective effects of alprostadil injection inhibit CME-induced myocardial apoptosis in the myocardium potentially through regulation of the GSK-3β/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Alprostadil injection seems to significantly suppress oxidative stress, alleviate myocardial apoptosis in the myocardium, and improve cardiac systolic and diastolic functions following CME by regulating the GSK-3β/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Carbon Nanodots for On Demand Chemophotothermal Therapy Combination to Elicit Necroptosis: Overcoming Apoptosis Resistance in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Simple Summary

Carbon nanodots (CDs) are considered a versatile family of fluorescent, near infrared (NIR) active, and bioeliminable nanoparticles. Accordingly, the CDs application in photothermal therapy and theranostics increased. Problems limiting their use arise from the heterogeneity of most CDs and the lack of exhaustive information on their nanotoxicity at cellular and molecular levels. The lack of these data is often quite dramatic and causes substantial loss of translational value. To overcome this, we developed biocompatible homogenous CDs with a well-known structure as well as efficient red fluorescence and NIR photothermal conversion. The controlled photothermal effect and the on-demand release of the irinotecan successfully kill breast cancer cell lines in absence of relevant cell stress after internalization. We believe that these results provide insights to advance the field with significant impact, paving the way for the design of effective and safe nanomedicines for precision photothermal cancer therapies.

Abstract

Background: Engineered luminescent carbon nanodots (CDs) are appealing nanomaterials for cancer image-guided photothermal therapy combining near infrared (NIR)–triggered hyperthermia, imaging, and drug delivery in a single platform for efficient killing of cancer cells. This approach would allow eliciting synergistic regulated cell death (RCD) routes such as necroptosis, targeting breast cancer cells refractory to apoptosis, thus overcoming drug resistance. Methods: We report the preparation of CDs bearing biotin as a targeting agent (CDs-PEG-BT), which are able to load high amounts of irinotecan (23.7%) to be released in a pulsed on-demand fashion. CDs-PEG-BT have narrow size distribution, stable red luminescence, and high photothermal conversion in the NIR region, allowing imaging of MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cancer cells and killing them by photothermal and chemotherapeutic insults. Results: Cellular uptake, viability profiles, and RCD gene expression analyses provided insights about the observed biocompatibility of CDs-PEG-BT, indicating that necroptosis can be induced on-demand after the photothermal activation. Besides, photothermal activation of drug-loaded CDs-PEG-BT implies both necroptosis and apoptosis by the TNFα and RIPK1 pathway. Conclusions: The controlled activation of necroptosis and apoptosis by combining phototherapy and on-demand release of irinotecan is the hallmark of efficient anticancer response in refractory breast cancer cell lines in view of precision medicine applications.

Regulation of Cell Death by Mitochondrial Transport Systems of Calcium and Bcl-2 Proteins

Mitochondria represent the fundamental system for cellular energy metabolism, by not only supplying energy in the form of ATP, but also by affecting physiology and cell death via the regulation of calcium homeostasis and the activity of Bcl-2 proteins. A lot of research has recently been devoted to understanding the interplay between Bcl-2 proteins, the regulation of these interactions within the cell, and how these interactions lead to the changes in calcium homeostasis. However, the role of Bcl-2 proteins in the mediation of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, and therefore the induction of cell death pathways, remain underestimated and are still not well understood. In this review, we first summarize our knowledge about calcium transport systems in mitochondria, which, when miss-regulated, can induce necrosis. We continue by reviewing and analyzing the functions of Bcl-2 proteins in apoptosis. Finally, we link these two regulatory mechanisms together, exploring the interactions between the mitochondrial Ca2+ transport systems and Bcl-2 proteins, both capable of inducing cell death, with the potential to determine the cell death pathway-either the apoptotic or the necrotic one.