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Bailly C. Covalent binding of withanolides to cysteines of protein targets. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116405. [PMID: 38969301 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Withanolides represent an important category of natural products with a steroidal lactone core. Many of them contain an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety with a high reactivity toward sulfhydryl groups, including protein cysteine thiols. Different withanolides endowed with marked antitumor and anti-inflammatory have been shown to form stable covalent complexes with exposed cysteines present in the active site of oncogenic kinases (BTK, IKKβ, Zap70), metabolism enzymes (Prdx-1/6, Pin1, PHGDH), transcription factors (Nrf2, NFκB, C/EBPβ) and other structural and signaling molecules (GFAP, β-tubulin, p97, Hsp90, vimentin, Mpro, IPO5, NEMO, …). The present review analyzed the covalent complexes formed through Michael addition alkylation reactions between six major withanolides (withaferin A, physalin A, withangulatin A, 4β-hydroxywithanolide E, withanone and tubocapsanolide A) and key cysteine residues of about 20 proteins and the resulting biological effects. The covalent conjugation of the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system of withanolides with reactive protein thiols can occur with a large set of soluble and membrane proteins. It points to a general mechanism, well described with the leading natural product withaferin A, but likely valid for most withanolides harboring a reactive (electrophilic) enone moiety susceptible to react covalently with cysteinyl residues of proteins. The multiplicity of reactive proteins should be taken into account when studying the mechanism of action of new withanolides. Proteomic and network analyses shall be implemented to capture and compare the cysteine covalent-binding map for the major withanolides, so as to identify the protein targets at the origin of their activity and/or unwanted effects. Screening of the cysteinome will help understanding the mechanism of action and designing cysteine-reactive electrophilic drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, OncoLille Institute, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lille, F-59006 Lille, France; OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, F-59290 Lille, France.
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Kołodziejska R, Tafelska-Kaczmarek A, Pawluk M, Sergot K, Pisarska L, Woźniak A, Pawluk H. Ashwagandha-Induced Programmed Cell Death in the Treatment of Breast Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7668-7685. [PMID: 39057095 PMCID: PMC11275341 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to provide experimental evidence for the programmed-death activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in the anti-cancer therapy of breast cancer. The literature search was conducted using online electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus). Collection schedule data for the review article covered the years 2004-2024. Ashwagandha active substances, especially Withaferin A (WA), are the most promising anti-cancer compounds. WS exerts its effect on breast cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death, especially apoptosis, at the molecular level. Ashwagandha has been found to possess a potential for treating breast cancer, especially estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-positive and triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Kołodziejska
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karłowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.P.); (L.P.); (H.P.)
| | - Agnieszka Tafelska-Kaczmarek
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Pawluk
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karłowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.P.); (L.P.); (H.P.)
| | - Krzysztof Sergot
- Laboratory of Laser Molecular Spectroscopy, Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Wroblewskiego 15, 93-590 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Lucyna Pisarska
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karłowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.P.); (L.P.); (H.P.)
| | - Alina Woźniak
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karłowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.P.); (L.P.); (H.P.)
| | - Hanna Pawluk
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karłowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.P.); (L.P.); (H.P.)
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Devabattula G, Panda B, Yadav R, Godugu C. The Potential Pharmacological Effects of Natural Product Withaferin A in Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges for Clinical Translation. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:440-453. [PMID: 38588695 DOI: 10.1055/a-2289-9600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the biggest health concerns with a complex pathophysiology. Currently, available chemotherapeutic drugs are showing deleterious side effects, and tumors often show resistance to treatment. Hence, extensive research is required to develop new treatment strategies to fight against cancer. Natural resources from plants are at the forefront of hunting novel drugs to treat various types of cancers. Withaferin A (WA) is a naturally occurring withanolide, a biologically active component obtained from the plant Ashwagandha. Various in vitro and in vivo oncological studies have reported that Withaferin A (WA) has shown protection from cancer. WA shows its activity by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of malignant cells, apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis, metastasis, and cancer stem cells (CSCs). In addition, WA also showed chemo- and radio-sensitizing properties. Besides the beneficiary pharmacological activities of WA, a few aspects like pharmacokinetic properties, safety, and toxicity studies are still lacking, hindering this potent natural product from entering clinical development. In this review, we have summarized the various pharmacological mechanisms shown by WA in in vitro and in vivo cancer studies and the challenges that must be overcome for this potential natural product's clinical translation to be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetanjali Devabattula
- Pharamacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Balanagar, India
| | - Biswajit Panda
- Pharamacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Balanagar, India
| | - Rachana Yadav
- Pharamacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Balanagar, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Pharamacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Balanagar, India
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Zhang Q, Yuan Y, Cao S, Kang N, Qiu F. Withanolides: Promising candidates for cancer therapy. Phytother Res 2024; 38:1104-1158. [PMID: 38176694 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Natural products have played a significant role throughout history in the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases, particularly cancers. As a natural product primarily derived from various medicinal plants in the Withania genus, withanolides have been shown in several studies to exhibit potential activities in cancer treatment. Consequently, understanding the molecular mechanism of withanolides could herald the discovery of new anticancer agents. Withanolides have been studied widely, especially in the last 20 years, and attracted the attention of numerous researchers. Currently, over 1200 withanolides have been classified, with approximately a quarter of them having been reported in the literature to be able to modulate the survival and death of cancer cells through multiple avenues. To what extent, though, has the anticancer effects of these compounds been studied? How far are they from being developed into clinical drugs? What are their potential, characteristic features, and challenges? In this review, we elaborate on the current knowledge of natural compounds belonging to this class and provide an overview of their natural sources, anticancer activity, mechanism of action, molecular targets, and implications for anticancer drug research. In addition, direct targets and clinical research to guide the design and implementation of future preclinical and clinical studies to accelerate the application of withanolides have been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - YongKang Yuan
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijie Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Kang
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Abeesh P, Guruvayoorappan C. The Therapeutic Effects of Withaferin A against Cancer: Overview and Updates. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:404-418. [PMID: 37076466 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230418094708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a rapidly rising health problem among the global population, and this burden causes a significant challenge for public health. Current chemotherapeutic agents have different limitations, including drug resistance and severe side effects, and it demands a robust approach to accessing promising anti-cancer therapeutics. The natural compounds have been extensively studied to identify improved therapeutic agents for cancer therapy. Withaferin A (WA) is a steroidal lactone found in Withania somnifera and possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenesis, and anticancer properties. Multiple studies have shown that WA treatment attenuated various cancer hallmarks by inducing apoptosis and reducing angiogenesis and metastasis with reduced side effects. WA is a promising agent for the treatment of various cancer, and it targets various signaling pathways. With recent updates, the current review highlights the therapeutic implications of WA and its molecular targets in different cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prathapan Abeesh
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre, (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Chandrasekaran Guruvayoorappan
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre, (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Zhang Z, Yang Y, Xu Y, Liu Y, Li H, Chen L. Molecular targets and mechanisms of anti-cancer effects of withanolides. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 384:110698. [PMID: 37690745 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Withanolides are a class of natural products with a steroidal lactone structure that exhibit a broad spectrum of anti-cancer effects. To date, several studies have shown that their possible mechanisms in cancer development and progression are associated with the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Withanolides can also attenuate inflammatory responses, as well as modulate the genomic instability and energy metabolism of cancer cells. In addition, they may improve the safety and efficacy of cancer treatments as adjuvants to traditional cancer therapeutics. Herein, we summarize the molecular targets and mechanisms of withanolides in different cancers, as well as their current clinical studies on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiruo Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yueying Yang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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Xing Z, Su A, Mi L, Zhang Y, He T, Qiu Y, Wei T, Li Z, Zhu J, Wu W. Withaferin A: A Dietary Supplement with Promising Potential as an Anti-Tumor Therapeutic for Cancer Treatment - Pharmacology and Mechanisms. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:2909-2929. [PMID: 37753228 PMCID: PMC10519218 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s422512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, as the leading cause of death worldwide, poses a serious threat to human health, making the development of effective tumor treatments a significant challenge. Natural products continue to serve as crucial resources for drug discovery. Among them, Withaferin A (WA), the most active phytocompound extracted from the renowned dietary supplement Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, exhibits remarkable anti-tumor efficacy. In this manuscript, we aim to comprehensively summarize the pharmacological characteristics of WA as a potential anti-tumor drug candidate, with the objective of contributing to its further development and the discovery of prospective drugs. Through an extensive review of literature from PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, we have gathered substantial evidence showcasing WA's significant anti-tumor effects against a wide range of cancers in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Mechanistically, WA exerts its anti-tumor influence by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Additionally, it inhibits cell proliferation, cancer stem cells, tumor metastasis, and also suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis. Several studies have identified direct target proteins of WA, such as vimentin, Hsp90, annexin II and mFAM72A, while BCR-ABL, Mortalin (mtHsp70), Nrf2, and c-MYB are potential targets of WA. Notwithstanding its remarkable anti-tumor efficacy, there are some limitations associated with WA, including potential toxicity and poor oral bioavailability, which need to be addressed when considering it as an anti-tumor candidate agent. Nevertheless, I given its promising anti-tumor attributes, WA remains an encouraging candidate for future drug development. Unveiling the exact target and comprehensive mechanism of WA's action represents a crucial research direction to pursue in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Xing
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Anping Su
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Mi
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting He
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuxuan Qiu
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Wei
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingqiang Zhu
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenshuang Wu
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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Patouret R, Barluenga S, Winssinger N. Withaferin A, a polyfunctional pharmacophore that includes covalent engagement of IPO5, is an inhibitor of influenza A replication. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 69:116883. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Vashi R, Patel BM, Goyal RK. Keeping abreast about ashwagandha in breast cancer. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 269:113759. [PMID: 33359916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ashwagandha has been used as an ayurvedic medicine in the form of 'Rasayana' (as a tonic) even before 3000 BCE in India. As per Ayurveda, it has long been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, weakness, impotence, pulmonary tuberculosis. This plant is also beneficial in lumbago and leucorrhea in the female. In the recent past, Withania has shown its anti-cancerous activity in various experimental models. In addition, Withania also possesses many other properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-stress, adaptogenic, and regenerative which will eventually be beneficial and safe in treating cancer patients. AIM OF THE STUDY This review aims to provide experimental evidence along with a deeper insight into molecular mechanisms of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) through which it acts as a chemotherapeutic agent against different types of breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature searches with the help of electronic online databases (Elsevier, Google Scholar, Scopus, Springer Link, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, PubMed) were carried out. The timeline for collection of data for the review article was from 2000 to 2019. The plant name was validated from The Plant List (2013). Version 1.1. Published on http://www.theplantlist.org/(accessed 21st March 2020). RESULTS Various forms of Withania somnifera were used and several in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies were reported by researchers. They found ashwagandha to exhibit anti-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-invasive and anti-inflammatory properties and gave the evidence that ashwagandha has a capability for averting and treating breast cancer. CONCLUSION Various in vitro and in vivo studies suggested Ashwagandha may possess a potential for treating breast cancer, especially ER/PR positive breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. A clinical trial has also been conducted in the past that suggested its potential in refining quality of life in breast cancer patients. Studies directed towards molecular pathways have helped in unravelling the key mechanisms of ashwagandha. Future research should be directed towards translational studies involving breast cancer patients. These will reinforce the ancient power of our Ayurvedic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruju Vashi
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, 382 481, India.
| | - Bhoomika M Patel
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, 382 481, India.
| | - Ramesh K Goyal
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences Research University, Delhi, India.
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Hahm ER, Kim SH, Singh KB, Singh K, Singh SV. A Comprehensive Review and Perspective on Anticancer Mechanisms of Withaferin A in Breast Cancer. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2020; 13:721-734. [PMID: 32727824 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-20-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Withaferin A (hereafter abbreviated as WA) is a promising anticancer steroidal lactone abundant in a medicinal plant (Withania somnifera) native to Asia. The root/leaf extract of Withania somnifera, which belongs to the Solanaceae family, continues to be included in the Ayurvedic medicine formulations of alternative medicine practice. Numerous chemicals are detectable in the root/leaf extract of Withania somnifera [e.g., withanolides (WA, withanone, withanolide A, etc.), alkaloids, sitoindosides, etc.], but the anticancer effect of this medicinal plant is largely attributed to WA. Anticancer effect of WA was initially reported in the early 70s in the Ehrlich ascites tumor cell model in vitro Since then, numerous preclinical studies have been performed using cellular and animal models of different cancers including breast cancer to determine cancer therapeutic and chemopreventive effects of WA. Chemoprevention, a word first introduced by Dr. Michael B. Sporn, was intended to impede, arrest, or reverse carcinogenesis at its earliest stages with pharmacologic agents. This review succinctly summarizes the published findings on anticancer pharmacology of WA in breast cancer focusing on pharmacokinetic behavior, in vivo efficacy data in preclinical models in a therapeutic and chemoprevention settings, and its known effects on cancer-relevant cellular processes (e.g., growth arrest, apoptosis induction, autophagy, metabolic adaptation, immune function, etc.) and molecular targets (e.g., suppression of oncogenes such as estrogen receptor-α, STAT3, etc.). Potential gaps in knowledge as well as future research directions essential for clinical development of WA for chemoprevention and/or treatment of breast cancer are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ryeong Hahm
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Su-Hyeong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Krishna B Singh
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kamayani Singh
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Shivendra V Singh
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. .,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Withaferin A suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation by inhibition of the two-pore domain potassium (K2P9) channel TASK-3. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110383. [PMID: 32563149 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Withaferin A (WFA), a C5,C6-epoxy steroidal lactone isolated from the medicinal plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, inhibits growth of tumor cells in different cancer types. However, the mechanisms underlying the effect of WFA on tumor cells are not fully understood. In the present study, we evaluated the blockade of TASK-3 channels by WFA in TASK-3-expressing HEK-293 cells. Explore if the WFA-mediated TASK-3 blockade can be used as a pharmacological tool to decrease the cell viability in cancer cells. A combination of functional experiments (patch-clamp, gene downregulation, overexpression and pharmacological inhibition) and molecular docking analysis were used to get insights into the mechanism by which the inhibition of TASK-3 by WFA affects the growth and viability of cancer cells. Withaferin A was found to inhibit the activity of TASK-3 channels. The inhibitory effect of Withaferin A on TASK-3 potassium currents was dose-dependent and independent of voltage. Molecular modeling studies identified putative WFA-binding sites in TASK-3 channel involved the channel blockade. In agreements with the molecular modeling predictions, mutation of residues F125 to A (F125A), L197 to V (L197 V) and the double mutant F125A-L197 V markedly decreased the WFA-induced inhibition of TASK-3. Finally, the cytotoxic effect of WFA was tested in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells transfected with TASK-3 or shRNA that decreases TASK-3 expression. Together, our results show that the cytotoxic effect of WFA on fully transformed MDA-MB-231 cells depends on the expression of TASK-3. Herein, we also provide insights into the mechanism of TASK-3 inhibition by WFA.
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Dom M, Vanden Berghe W, Van Ostade X. Broad-spectrum antitumor properties of Withaferin A: a proteomic perspective. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:30-50. [PMID: 33479603 PMCID: PMC7523023 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00296k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The multifunctional antitumor properties of Withaferin A (WA), the manifold studied bioactive compound of the plant Withania somnifera, have been well established in many different in vitro and in vivo cancer models. This undoubtedly has led to a much better insight in the underlying mechanisms of WAs broad antitumor activity range, but also raises additional challenging questions on how all these antitumor properties could be explained on a molecular level. Therefore, a lot of effort was made to characterize the cellular WA target proteins, since these binding events will lead and initiate the observed downstream effects. Based on a proteomic perspective, this review provides novel insights in the molecular chain of events by which WA potentially exercises its antitumor activities. We illustrate that WA triggers multiple cellular stress pathways such as the NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response, the heat shock response and protein translation events and at the same time inhibits these cellular protection mechanisms, driving stressed cancer cells towards a fatal state of collapse. If cancer cells manage to restore homeostasis and survive, a stress-independent WA antitumor response comes into play. These include the known inhibition of cytoskeleton proteins, NFκB pathway inhibition and cell cycle inhibition, among others. This review therefore provides a comprehensive overview which integrates the numerous WA-protein binding partners to formulate a general WA antitumor mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Dom
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry , Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling (PPES) , Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Antwerp (UA) , Universiteitsplein 1 , 2610 Wilrijk , Belgium . ; Tel: +3232562319
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry , Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling (PPES) , Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Antwerp (UA) , Universiteitsplein 1 , 2610 Wilrijk , Belgium . ; Tel: +3232562319
| | - Xaveer Van Ostade
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry , Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling (PPES) , Department of Biomedical Sciences , University of Antwerp (UA) , Universiteitsplein 1 , 2610 Wilrijk , Belgium . ; Tel: +3232562319
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13
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Qiu C, Huang F, Zhang Q, Chen W, Zhang H. miR-205-3p promotes proliferation and reduces apoptosis of breast cancer MCF-7 cells and is associated with poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. J Clin Lab Anal 2019; 33:e22966. [PMID: 31578772 PMCID: PMC6805278 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To study the expression of microribonucleic acid (miR)‐205 in breast cancer and its effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Methods Breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 cells with stable expression of miR‐205‐3p were constructed. Cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis were detected via MTT assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. The expressions of Ezrin, LaminA/C, cleaved caspase‐3, Bcl‐2, and Bax were detected via Western blotting. The expressions of miR‐205‐3p in breast cancer tissues and para‐carcinoma tissues were detected via quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results In transfection group, cell proliferation and invasion capacities were increased significantly (P < 0.01), but apoptotic cells were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). In addition, the expressions of Ezrin, LaminA/C, and cleaved caspase‐3 in the transfection group were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), but the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio was significantly increased (P < 0.01). The miR‐205‐3p expression in tumor tissues of breast cancer patients was significantly higher than that in para‐carcinoma tissue, but Ezrin, LaminA/C, and cleaved caspase‐3 expressions in tumor tissues were remarkably declined (P < 0.01), while the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio was remarkably increased (P < 0.01). Moreover, the 5‐year survival of patients with high expression of miR‐205‐3p was significantly shorter than patients with normal or low expression (P < 0.01). Conclusion Highly expressed miR‐205‐3p can promote the proliferation and invasion and reduce the apoptosis of breast cancer cells, and the high expression of miR‐205‐3p can significantly reduce the survival time of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of ZhaoQing, ZhaoQing, China
| | - Fei Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (Shen Zhen), Shen Zhen, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of ZhaoQing, ZhaoQing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of ZhaoQing, ZhaoQing, China
| | - Huiting Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of ZhaoQing, ZhaoQing, China
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Hahm ER, Lee J, Abella T, Singh SV. Withaferin A inhibits expression of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase and enhances sensitivity of human breast cancer cells to cisplatin. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:2139-2148. [PMID: 31441116 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) is a serine/threonine-specific kinase that plays an important role in the maintenance of genomic integrity. In this study, we investigated the role of ATR in cell-cycle arrest by withaferin A (WA), a cancer preventative steroidal lactone derived from Withania somnifera plant abundant in India and surrounding countries. The WA treatment decreased the viability of MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and SUM159 cells. Exposure of breast cancer cells to WA also resulted in suppression of protein level as well as phosphorylation of ATR and its downstream effector kinase (checkpoint kinase 1; CHK1). Both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms were involved in the WA-mediated downregulation of ATR protein. Downregulation of ATR protein expression resulting from WA exposure was not attenuated by overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase. In contrast, the overexpression of CHK1 attenuated WA-mediated G2 /M arrest and augmented S10 phosphorylation of histone H3, a marker of mitotic arrest. The protein level of ATR was lowered by about 50% in breast tumors of WA-treated mouse mammary tumor virus-neu mice when compared with vehicle-treated controls but the difference was not significant due to small sample size. WA treatment sensitized MDA-MB-231 and SUM159 cells to growth inhibition and apoptosis induction by cisplatin. Cisplatin treatment resulted in increased autophosphorylation of ATR (T1989) and CHK1 (S345) phosphorylation that was markedly suppressed in the presence of WA. These results indicate that WA is an inhibitor of ATR in human breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ryeong Hahm
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Joomin Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Terric Abella
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Shivendra V Singh
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Das M, Kandimalla R, Gogoi B, Dutta KN, Choudhury P, Devi R, Dutta PP, Talukdar NC, Samanta SK. Mahanine, A dietary phytochemical, represses mammary tumor burden in rat and inhibits subtype regardless breast cancer progression through suppressing self-renewal of breast cancer stem cells. Pharmacol Res 2019; 146:104330. [PMID: 31251988 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Mahanine (MH), a carbazole alkaloid isolated from an edible plant (Murraya koenigii), potentially inhibits the growth of altered subtypes of breast cancer cells in vitro and significantly reduced the mammary tumor burden in N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) induced rat. The experimental results showed that 20-25 μM of MH for 24 h of treatment was very potent to reduce the cell proliferation through apoptosis with arresting the cells in G0/G1 in both ER+/p53WT MCF-7 and triple negative/p53Mut MDA-MB-231 cells. On the other hand, 10-15 μM of MH exposure to those two cell lines, caused inhibition of mammosphere formation and reduction of CD44high/CD24low/epithelial-specific antigen-positive (ESA+) population, which ultimately led to loss of self-renewal ability of breast cancer stem cells. Further, in vivo observation indicated that intraperitoneal injection of MH for four weeks with a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight thrice in a week, significantly (P = 0.03) reduced the mammary tumor weight in MNU induced rat. In conclusion, this study provides the novel insight into the mechanism of MH mediated growth arrest in subtype irrespective breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momita Das
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Life Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India
| | - Raghuram Kandimalla
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Life Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India
| | - Bhaskarjyoti Gogoi
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Life Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India
| | - Krishna Nayani Dutta
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Life Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India
| | - Paramita Choudhury
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Life Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India
| | - Rajlakshmi Devi
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Life Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India
| | - Partha Pratim Dutta
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Life Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India
| | - Narayan Chandra Talukdar
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Life Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India.
| | - Suman Kumar Samanta
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Life Sciences Division, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati-781035, Assam, India.
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Siddharth S, Muniraj N, Saxena NK, Sharma D. Concomitant Inhibition of Cytoprotective Autophagy Augments the Efficacy of Withaferin A in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E453. [PMID: 30934990 PMCID: PMC6521104 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality, and despite recent advances in early diagnosis and therapeutics, HCC related morbidity and mortality rate continue to rise. Clearly, it is imperative to develop novel effective therapies for HCC to improve long-term survival of HCC patients. We found that Withaferin A (WFA), a bioactive compound derived from Withania somnifera, is an effective agent for HCC inhibition. Interestingly, we observed that in addition to inducing apoptotic cell death, WFA also induces autophagy in HCC cells. Utilizing mRFP-EGFP-LC3B, LC3B-GFP/Lysotracker and LC3B-GFP/Rab7-RFP, we show that WFA induces autophagosomes-lysosomes fusion. WFA-induced autolysosomes exhibit intact protein degradation activity as evident with cathepsin-D activation and DQ-BSA assays. Importantly, we present that inhibiting WFA-induced autophagy either by blocking autophagosome-formation or by elevating lysosomal pH (Chloroquine and Bafilomycin) enhances WFA-induced growth-inhibition and apoptosis, indicating the presence of cytoprotective autophagy. Indeed, WFA and CQ combination shows synergism and higher efficacy in comparison to either monotherapy. Collectively, we reveal that the efficacy of WFA is somewhat diminished by the concomitant induction of cytoprotective autophagy which can be successfully conquered by cotreatment with CQ, and we pave the way for development of a novel combination therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Siddharth
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
| | - Nethaji Muniraj
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
| | - Neeraj K Saxena
- Early Detection Research Group, 22 National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Dipali Sharma
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
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