Geraniin inhibits oral cancer cell migration by suppressing matrix metalloproteinase-2 activation through the FAK/Src and ERK pathways

Extracellular matrix remodeling in tumor progression and immune escape: from mechanisms to treatments

The malignant tumor is a multi-etiological, systemic and complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and distant metastasis. Anticancer treatments including adjuvant therapies and targeted therapies are effective in eliminating cancer cells but in a limited number of patients. Increasing evidence suggests that the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in tumor development through changes in macromolecule components, degradation enzymes and stiffness. These variations are under the control of cellular components in tumor tissue via the aberrant activation of signaling pathways, the interaction of the ECM components to multiple surface receptors, and mechanical impact. Additionally, the ECM shaped by cancer regulates immune cells which results in an immune suppressive microenvironment and hinders the efficacy of immunotherapies. Thus, the ECM acts as a barrier to protect cancer from treatments and supports tumor progression. Nevertheless, the profound regulatory network of the ECM remodeling hampers the design of individualized antitumor treatment. Here, we elaborate on the composition of the malignant ECM, and discuss the specific mechanisms of the ECM remodeling. Precisely, we highlight the impact of the ECM remodeling on tumor development, including proliferation, anoikis, metastasis, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and immune escape. Finally, we emphasize ECM "normalization" as a potential strategy for anti-malignant treatment.

Genistein Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis in Human Cervical Cancer Cells through the Focal Adhesion Kinase Signaling Pathway: A Network Pharmacology-Based In Vitro Study in HeLa Cells

Previous studies have provided evidence that genistein exerts a therapeutic effect on different tumor cells. However, the mechanism of action of genistein against cervical cancer cells remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to comprehensively decipher the anti-metastatic effect and molecular mechanism of genistein action on cervical cancer cells. We developed an integrated strategy from genotype to phenotype, combining network pharmacology and a transcriptome screening approach, to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action of genistein against human cervical cancer cells. In silico studies predicted that the focal adhesion pathway may be an important signaling cascade targeted by genistein treatment. Using RNA sequencing analysis, representative genes of the focal adhesion pathway were demonstrated to be significantly downregulated. Phenotypic studies revealed that genistein demonstrated strong anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activity in HeLa cells. Moreover, genistein modulated this activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Genistein also inhibited both the activation and gene expression of FAK (Focal Adhesion Kinase) and paxillin. In addition, vimentin and β-catenin protein expression, and Snail and Twist gene expression, were strongly inhibited by genistein. Our findings provide strong evidence for a pleiotropic effect of genistein on cervical cancer cells, mediated through the focal adhesion pathway.

CCL3-CCR5 axis promotes cell migration and invasion of colon adenocarcinoma via Akt signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can promote tumorigenesis and development. C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) was reported to be derived from TAMs and tumor cells and facilitate the progression of several cancers. Nevertheless, whether CCL3 can be derived from TAMs and tumor cells of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is unclarified.

METHODS

Peripheral blood monocytes-derived macrophages were polarized by the conditioned medium from COAD cells to establish TAM-like macrophages (TAM1/2). RT-qPCR and western blotting were used for detection of expression levels of CCL3 and its receptors C-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) and CCR5 in TAM1/2 and COAD cells. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized for evaluating CCL3, CD163 and CCR5 expression. The Akt signaling pathway-associated protein levels were measured by western blotting. Transwell assays were used for assessing cell migration and invasiveness.

RESULTS

CCL3 displayed a high level in TAMs and cancer cells of COAD. CCL3 activated the Akt signaling pathway by binding to CCR5. CCL3-CCR5 axis facilitated COAD cell migration and invasiveness by activating the Akt signaling. CCL3 derived from both TAMs and cancer cells contributed to the malignant behaviors of COAD cells. High expression of CCL3/CCR5 was closely associated with poor prognoses of COAD patients.

CONCLUSION

CCL3-CCR5 interaction promotes cell migration and invasiveness, and functions as a prognostic biomarker for COAD.

Natural Products as Anticancer Agents: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Natural products have been an invaluable and useful source of anticancer agents over the years. Several compounds have been synthesized from natural products by modifying their structures or by using naturally occurring compounds as building blocks in the synthesis of these compounds for various purposes in different fields, such as biology, medicine, and engineering. Multiple modern and costly treatments have been applied to combat cancer and limit its lethality, but the results are not significantly refreshing. Natural products, which are a significant source of new therapeutic drugs, are currently being investigated as potential cytotoxic agents and have shown a positive trend in preclinical research and have prompted numerous innovative strategies in order to combat cancer and expedite the clinical research. Natural products are becoming increasingly important for drug discovery due to their high molecular diversity and novel biofunctionality. Furthermore, natural products can provide superior efficacy and safety due to their unique molecular properties. The objective of the current review is to provide an overview of the emergence of natural products for the treatment and prevention of cancer, such as chemosensitizers, immunotherapeutics, combinatorial therapies with other anticancer drugs, novel formulations of natural products, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their anticancer properties.

Role of Nrf2, STAT3, and Src as Molecular Targets for Cancer Chemoprevention

Cancer is a complex and multistage disease that affects various intracellular pathways, leading to rapid cell proliferation, angiogenesis, cell motility, and migration, supported by antiapoptotic mechanisms. Chemoprevention is a new strategy to counteract cancer; to either prevent its incidence or suppress its progression. In this strategy, chemopreventive agents target molecules involved in multiple pathways of cancer initiation and progression. Nrf2, STAT3, and Src are promising molecular candidates that could be targeted for chemoprevention. Nrf2 is involved in the expression of antioxidant and phase II metabolizing enzymes, which have direct antiproliferative action as well as indirect activities of reducing oxidative stress and eliminating carcinogens. Similarly, its cross-talk with NF-κB has great anti-inflammatory potential, which can be utilized in inflammation-induced/associated cancers. STAT3, on the other hand, is involved in multiple pathways of cancer initiation and progression. Activation, phosphorylation, dimerization, and nuclear translocation are associated with tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Src, being the first oncogene to be discovered, is important due to its convergence with many upstream stimuli, its cross-talk with other potential molecular targets, such as STAT3, and its ability to modify the cell cytoskeleton, making it important in cancer invasion and metastasis. Therefore, the development of natural/synthetic molecules and/or design of a regimen that can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the tumor microenvironment and stop multiple cellular targets in cancer to stop its initiation or retard its progression can form newer chemopreventive agents.

Deoxyshikonin Mediates Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction and Apoptotic Response via p38 Signaling in Tongue Cancer Cell Lines

Deoxyshikonin (DSK), a phytochemical constituent, has been documented to elicit various oncostatic properties alone or in combination with established therapeutics. However, its role in restraining oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is mostly unclear. Here, we examined the tumor-suppressive effect of DSK and explored the molecular mechanisms underlying DSK’s activities on controlling oral cancer. Our results showed that DSK dose-dependently lessened the cell viability of tongue cancer cell lines, involving induction of cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 phase and apoptotic cell death. Moreover, a unique signature of apoptosis-related proteins, including augmented nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and caspase activation, was observed in DSK-treated tongue cancer cell lines. Furthermore, DSK-mediated upregulation of HO-1 and cleavage of caspase-9 and -3 were significantly inhibited by pharmacological blockage of p38 kinase. Collectively, these data revealed that DSK halted cell cycle progression and elicited cell apoptosis in tongue cancer cell lines, reshaping a p38-dependent profile of apoptotic proteome. Our findings provided novel insights into the therapeutic implications of a natural compound on the management of OSCC.

The impact of ALDH7A1 variants in oral cancer development and prognosis

The gene encoding aldehyde dehydrogenase 7 family member A1 (ALDH7A1) has been associated with the development and prognosis in multiple cancers; however, the role of ALDH7A1 polymorphisms in oral cancer remains unknown. For this purpose, the influences of ALDH7A1 rs13182402 and rs12659017 on oral cancer development and prognosis were analyzed. Our resulted showed that ALDH7A1 rs13182402 genotype had less pathologic nodal metastasis among betel quid chewer. ALDH7A1 rs13182402 also corresponded to higher expressions in upper aerodigestive mucosa, whole blood, the musculoskeletal system and oral cancer tissues than did the ALDH7A1 wild type. Furthermore, ALDH7A1 overexpression in oral cancer cells increased in vitro migration, whereas its silencing reduced cell migration. Conversely, ALDH7A1 expression in tumor tissues and in patients with advanced disease was lower than that in normal tissues and in patients with early-stage disease. When the patients were classified into ALDH7A1-high and -low-expression groups, the high-ALDH7A1 group had superior outcomes in progression-free survival than the low-ALDH7A1 group (5-year survival of 58.7% vs. 48.0%, P = 0.048) did. In conclusion, patients with high ALDH7A1 expression might, however, have more favorable prognoses than those with low ALDH7A1 expression have.

Curcumin analog HO-3867 triggers apoptotic pathways through activating JNK1/2 signalling in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

Human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the common head and neck malignancy in the world. While surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are emerging as the standard treatment for OSCC patients, the outcome is limited to the recurrence and side effects. Therefore, patients with OSCC require alternative strategies for treatment. In this study, we aimed to explore the therapeutic effect and the mode of action of the novel curcumin analog, HO-3867, against human OSCC cells. We analysed the cytotoxicity of HO-3867 using MTT assay. In vitro mechanic studies were performed to determine whether MAPK pathway is involved in HO-3867 induced cell apoptosis. As the results, we found HO-3867 suppressed OSCC cells growth effectively. The flow cytometry data indicate that HO-3867 induce the sub-G1 phase. Moreover, we found that HO-3867 induced cell apoptosis by triggering formation of activated caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9 and PARP. After dissecting MAPK pathway, we found HO-3867 induced cell apoptosis via the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2 pathway. Our results suggest that HO-3867 is an effective anticancer agent as its induction of cell apoptosis through JNK1/2 pathway in human oral cancer cells.

Geraniin inhibits whole blood IFN-γ and IL-6 and promotes IL-1β and IL-8, and stimulates calcium-dependent and sucrose-sensitive erythrocyte death

Correlations between circulating cytokine levels and disease states are well established, and pharmacological modulation of the immune response is thus an important aspect of the assessment of investigational new drugs. Moreover, chemotherapy-related anemia is a major obstacle in cancer treatment. Geraniin (GRN), a tannin extracted from Geranium and other plants, possesses promising antitumor potential. However, the effect of GRN on whole blood (WB) cytokine response and RBC physiology remains unexplored. Heparinized blood from consented, healthy adults was challenged with 100 ng/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with and without pretreatment with 10 μM of GRN for 24 h at 37 °C, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were assayed by ELISA. Moreover, single-cell RBC suspensions were treated with 5-100 μM of GRN for 24 or 48 h at 37 °C and cytotoxicity and canonical eryptotic markers were examined by flow cytometry. It was revealed that GRN significantly attenuated LPS-induced IFN-γ levels, increased IL-1β, decreased IL-6 only in absence of LPS, and aggravated LPS-induced IL-8 while together with LPS significantly diminished IL-10. Furthermore, GRN induced dose-responsive, Ca²⁺-dependent, and sucrose-sensitive hemolysis, along with phosphatidylserine exposure and Ca²⁺ accumulation with no appreciable cell shrinkage or oxidative damage. GRN was also selectively toxic to platelets, significantly delayed reticulocyte maturation, and significantly disrupted leukocyte proportions. In conclusion, GRN regulates the WB cytokine response and promotes premature hemolysis and eryptosis. This study provides insights into the therapeutic utility of GRN in a highly relevant cellular model system.

Geraniin inhibits cell growth and promoted autophagy-mediated cell death in the nasopharyngeal cancer C666-1 cells

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignant tumor developing from epithelial linings of nasopharynx, and 10–50 out of 100,000 NPC cases were recorded globally particularly in the Asian countries.

Methodology

The cytotoxicity of geraniin against the NPC C666-1 cells were analyzed using MTT assay. The influences of geraniin on the C666-1 cell viability with the presence of ROS and apoptosis inhibitors were also studied. The expressions of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and autophagic markers LC3, ATG7, P62/SQSTM1 expressions in the C666-1 cells were studied by western blotting analysis. The ROS production was assayed using DCFH-DA staining. The immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect the NF-κB and β-catenin expressions in the C666-1 cells.

Results

The cell viability of C666-1 cells were appreciably prevented by the geraniin. The geraniin treatment also inhibited the C666-1 cell growth with the presence of apoptotic inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. The geraniin-treatment effectively improved the ROS production and inhibited the NF-κB and β-catenin expressions in the C666-1 cells. Geraniin appreciably modulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling axis and improved the autophagy-mediated cell death via improving the autophagic markers LC3 and ATG7 expressions in the C666-1 cells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our results proved that geraniin inhibits C666-1 cell growth and initiated autophagy-mediated cell death via modulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade and improving LC3 and ATG7 expressions in the C666-1. Geraniin and it could be a hopeful and efficient candidate to treat the human NPC in the future.

Shenxiong glucose injection inhibits H2O2-induced H9c2 cell apoptosis by activating the ERK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Shenxiong glucose injection (SGI) is a traditional Chinese medicine injection composed of water extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Ligustrazine hydrochloride. SGI has shown strong antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. However, the mechanisms underlying its anti-apoptotic effect need to be addressed.

METHODS

H9c2 cell apoptosis model was established by treatment of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Cell survival rates were examined by MTS assay, cell apoptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry, levels of intracellular ROS were assessed by ROS kit, proteome phosphorylation was determined by phosphoproteomic analysis, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylated ERK, phosphorylated c-Jun, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 were examined by Western blot.

RESULT

SGI showed protective effects against H₂O₂-induced reduced cell viability, elevated ROS, and increased apoptosis in H9c2 cells. Phosphorylation proteomics detected a total of 3369 proteins with 78 protein of upregulated phosphorylation and 104 protein of downregulated phosphorylation. Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of differentially phosphorylated proteins showed that the ERK pathway, the downstream pathway of the focal adhesion pathway related to apoptosis, was highly enriched, and the phosphorylation levels of ERK and c-Jun were confirmed by Western blot. In addition, the ERK pathway inhibitor PD98059 significantly inhibited the anti-apoptotic effect of SGI.

CONCLUSION

SGI antagonizes H₂O₂-induced cell apoptosis by activating the ERK pathway.

Drug Delivery (Nano)Platforms for Oral and Dental Applications: Tissue Regeneration, Infection Control, and Cancer Management

The oral cavity and oropharynx are complex environments that are susceptible to physical, chemical, and microbiological insults. They are also common sites for pathological and cancerous changes. The effectiveness of conventional locally-administered medications against diseases affecting these oral milieus may be compromised by constant salivary flow. For systemically-administered medications, drug resistance and adverse side-effects are issues that need to be resolved. New strategies for drug delivery have been investigated over the last decade to overcome these obstacles. Synthesis of nanoparticle-containing agents that promote healing represents a quantum leap in ensuring safe, efficient drug delivery to the affected tissues. Micro/nanoencapsulants with unique structures and properties function as more favorable drug-release platforms than conventional treatment approaches. The present review provides an overview of newly-developed nanocarriers and discusses their potential applications and limitations in various fields of dentistry and oral medicine.

Current herbal medicine as an alternative treatment in dentistry: In vitro, in vivo and clinical studies

Since the time that human population comprehended the importance of general health maintenance and the burden of disease, there has been a search for healing properties in the natural environment. Herbal medicine is the use of plants with medical properties for prevention and treatment of conditions that can affect general health. Recently, a growing interest has been observed toward the use of traditional herbal medicine alongside synthetic modern drugs. Around 80% of the population, especially in developing countries relies on it for healthcare. Oral healthcare is considered a major part of general health. According to the world health organization (WHO), oral health is considered an important part of general health and quality of life. The utilization of natural medications for the management of pathologic oro-dental conditions can be a logical alternative to pharmaceutical methods due to their availability, low costs, and lower side effects. The current literature review aimed at exploration of the variety and extent of herbal products application in oral health maintenance including different fields of oral healthcare such as dental caries, periodontal maintenance, microbial infections, oral cancers, and inflammatory conditions.

Cyclin G2 Inhibits Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Growth and Metastasis by Binding to IGFBP3 and Regulating the FAK-SRC-STAT Signaling Pathway

The cell cycle protein cyclin G2 is considered a tumor suppressor. However, its regulatory effects and potential mechanisms in oral cancers are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cyclin G2 on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The data from 80 patients with OSCC were utilized to predict the abnormal expression of cyclin G2. The proliferation and metastasis were determined by a cell counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, a wound-healing assay, and a cell invasion assay. The expression of key proteins and genes associated with the cyclin G2 signaling pathways was determined by western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively. The orthotopic nude mice model was established by a mouth injection of SCC9 cells overexpressing cyclin G2. We showed that the low level of cyclin G2 in OSCC, which is negatively correlated with clinical staging, was a negative prognostic factor for the disease. We also found that cyclin G2 inhibited the proliferation, metastasis, and blocked the cell cycle at G1/S of OSCC cells, suggesting that cyclin G2 has an inhibitory effect in OSCC. Mechanistically, cyclin G2 inhibited the growth and metastasis of OSCC by binding to insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) and regulating the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) -SRC-STAT signal transduction pathway. Cyclin G2 competed with integrin to bind to IGFBP3; the binding between integrin and IGFBP3 was reduced after cyclin G2 overexpression, thereby inhibiting the phosphorylation of FAK and SRC. These results showed that cyclin G2 inhibited the progression of OSCC by interacting with IGFBP3 and that it may be a new target for OSCC treatment.

Morusin Suppresses Cancer Cell Invasion and MMP-2 Expression through ERK Signaling in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

The most important cause of treatment failure of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients is metastasis, including regional lymph nodes or distant metastasis, resulting in a poor prognosis and challenges for treatment. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro anti- tumoral properties of morusin on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma HONE-1, NPC-39, and NPC-BM cells. Our study revealed that morusin suppressed the migration and invasion abilities of the three NPC cells. Gelatin zymography assay and Western blotting demonstrated that the enzyme activity and the level of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) protein were downregulated by the treatment of morusin. Mitogen-activated protein kinase proteins were examined to identify the signaling pathway, which showed that phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was inhibited after the treatment of morusin. In summary, our data showed that morusin inhibited the migration and invasion of NPC cells by suppressing the expression of MMP-2 by downregulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, suggesting that morusin may be a potential candidate for chemoprevention or adjuvant therapy of NPC.

Role of Focal Adhesion Kinase in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Therapeutic Prospect

Head and neck cancers are one of the most prevalent cancers globally. Among them, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for approximately 90% of head and neck cancers, which occurs in the oral cavity, oral pharynx, hypopharynx and larynx. The 5-year survival rate of HNSCC patients is only 63%, mainly because about 80–90% of patients with advanced HNSCC tend to suffer from local recurrence or even distant metastasis. Despite the more in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of HNSCC in recent years, effective targeted therapies are unavailable for HNSCC, which emphasize the urgent demand for studies in this area. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is an intracellular non-receptor tyrosine kinase that contributes to oncogenesis and tumor progression by its significant function in cell survival, proliferation, adhesion, invasion and migration. In addition, FAK exerts an effect on the tumor microenvironment, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, radiation (chemotherapy) resistance, tumor stem cells and regulation of inflammatory factors. Moreover, the overexpression and activation of FAK are detected in multiple types of tumors, including HNSCC. FAK inhibition can induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, significantly decrease cell growth, invasion and migration in HNSCC cell lines. In this article, we mainly review the research progress of FAK in the occurrence, development and metastasis of HNSCC, and put forward the prospects for the therapeutic targets of HNSCC.

Arecoline induces epithelial mesenchymal transition in HK2 cells by upregulating the ERK-mediated signaling pathway

Arecoline, a component of betel nuts, is a known carcinogen that causes oral cancers among those who chew betel nuts. Betel nut chewing is also associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the role of arecoline in this association is unclear. This in vitro study investigates the effects of arecoline on cultured human kidney (HK2) cells. We observed that arecoline had no effect on cell viability but increased cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that arecoline treatment caused a dose-dependent decrease in E-cadherin expression and dose-dependent increases in N-cadherin, vimentin, α-SMA, and collagen expression; reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed dose-dependent increases in α-SMA and collagen mRNA. Arecoline treatment upregulated the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase through epithelial mesenchymal transition and renal fibrosis in HK2 cells. These findings demonstrate that arecoline plays a role in inducing the epithelial mesenchymal transition and fibrogenesis in renal tubule cells and suggest that arecoline promotes the progression of CKD.

Pomegranate extract inhibits migration and invasion of oral cancer cells by downregulating matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Discovering drug candidates for the modulation of metastasis is of great importance in inhibiting oral cancer malignancy. Although most pomegranate extract applications aim at the antiproliferation of cancer cells, its antimetastatic effects remain unclear, especially for oral cancer cells. The aim of this study is to evaluate the change of two main metastasis characters, migration and invasion of oral cancer cells. Further, we want to explore the molecular mechanisms of action of pomegranate extract (POMx) at low cytotoxic concentration. We found that POMx ranged from 0 to 50 μg/mL showing low cytotoxicity to oral cancer cells. In the case of oral cancer HSC-3 and Ca9-22 cells, POMx inhibits wound healing migration, transwell migration, and matrix gel invasion. Mechanistically, POMx downregulates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activities and expressions as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling. POMx upregulates extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 expression. Addition of ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059) significantly recovered the POMx-suppressed transwell migration and MMP-2/-9 activities in HSC-3 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest to further test low cytotoxic concentrations of POMx as a potential antimetastatic therapy against oral cancer cells.

Low Concentration of Withaferin a Inhibits Oxidative Stress-Mediated Migration and Invasion in Oral Cancer Cells

Withaferin A (WFA) has been reported to inhibit cancer cell proliferation based on high cytotoxic concentrations. However, the low cytotoxic effect of WFA in regulating cancer cell migration is rarely investigated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the changes in migration and mechanisms of oral cancer Ca9-22 cells after low concentrations of WFA treatment. WFA under 0.5 μM at 24 h treatment shows no cytotoxicity to oral cancer Ca9-22 cells (~95% viability). Under this condition, WFA triggers reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inhibits 2D (wound healing) and 3D cell migration (transwell) and Matrigel invasion. Mechanically, WFA inhibits matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activities but induces mRNA expression for a group of antioxidant genes, such as nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2), heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR), and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1)) in Ca9-22 cells. Moreover, WFA induces mild phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, including extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 expression. All WFA-induced changes were suppressed by the presence of ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Therefore, these results suggest that low concentration of WFA retains potent ROS-mediated anti-migration and -invasion abilities for oral cancer cells.

The Geraniin-Rich Extract from Reunion Island Endemic Medicinal Plant Phyllanthus phillyreifolius Inhibits Zika and Dengue Virus Infection at Non-Toxic Effect Doses in Zebrafish

The mosquito-borne viruses dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses are two medically important pathogens in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. There is an urgent need of therapeutics against DENV and ZIKV, and medicinal plants are considered as a promising source of antiviral bioactive metabolites. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of Phyllanthus phillyreifolius, an endemic medicinal plant from Reunion Island, to prevent DENV and ZIKV infection in human cells. At non-cytotoxic concentration in vitro, incubation of infected A549 cells with a P. phillyreifolius extract or its major active phytochemical geraniin resulted in a dramatic reduction of virus progeny production for ZIKV as well as four serotypes of DENV. Virological assays showed that P. phillyreifolius extract-mediated virus inhibition relates to a blockade in internalization of virus particles into the host cell. Infectivity studies on ZIKV showed that both P. phillyreifolius and geraniin cause a loss of infectivity of the viral particles. Using a zebrafish model, we demonstrated that administration of P. phillyreifolius and geraniin has no effect on zebrafish locomotor activity while no morbidity nor mortality was observed up to 5 days post-inoculation. Thus, P. phillyreifolius could act as an important source of plant metabolite geraniin which is a promising antiviral compound in the fight against DENV and ZIKV.

Salvianolic acid A suppresses MMP-2 expression and restrains cancer cell invasion through ERK signaling in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, as known as Danshen, has used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases clinically and anti-cancer activities. Salvianolic acid A (SAA), one of the most abundant ingredients, hydrophilic derivatives of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, exerts a variety of pharmacological actions, such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. However, the impact of SAA on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) invasion and metastasis remains unexplored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the potential of SAA to prevent migration and invasion on NPC cell.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MTT assay and Boyden chamber assay were performed to determine cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities, respectively. The activity and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were determined by gelatin zymography and western blotting.

RESULTS

Here, we showed that SAA considerably suppressed the migrative and invasive activity of human NPC cells but not rendered cytotoxicity. In SAA-treated NPC cells, the activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), a key regulator of cancer cell invasion, were reduced. Additionally, the presence of high concentrations of SAA dramatically abolished the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and moderately inhibited the phosphorylation of Src and ERK in NPC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that SAA inhibited the migration and invasion of NPC cells, accompanied by downregulation of MMP-2 and inactivation of FAK, Src, and ERK pathways. These findings indicate a usefulness of SAA on restraining NPC invasion and metastasis.

Luteolin-7-O-Glucoside Inhibits Oral Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion by Regulating Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Expression and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Pathway

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the sixth most common type of cancer globally, which is associated with high rates of cancer-related deaths. Metastasis to distant organs is the main reason behind worst prognostic outcome of oral cancer. In the present study, we aimed at evaluating the effects of a natural plant flavonoid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, on oral cancer cell migration and invasion. The study findings showed that in addition to preventing cell proliferation, luteolin-7-O-glucoside caused a significant reduction in oral cancer cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, luteolin-7-O-glucoside caused a reduction in cancer metastasis by reducing p38 phosphorylation and downregulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression. Using a p38 inhibitor, SB203580, we proved that luteolin-7-O-glucoside exerts anti-migratory effects by suppressing p38-mediated increased expression of MMP-2. This is the first study to demonstrate the luteolin-7-O-glucoside inhibits cell migration and invasion by regulating MMP-2 expression and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway in human oral cancer cell. The study identifies luteolin-7-O-glucoside as a potential anti-cancer candidate that can be utilized clinically for improving oral cancer prognosis.

Carbonic Anhydrase III Promotes Cell Migration and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is strongly correlated with tumor metastasis and contains several protein markers, such as E-cadherin. Carbonic anhydrase III (CA III) exhibits low carbon dioxide hydratase activity in cancer. However, the detailed mechanisms of CA III and their roles in oral cancer are still unknown. This study established a CA III-overexpressed stable clone and observed the expression of CA III protein in human SCC-9 and SAS oral cancer cell lines. The migration and invasion abilities were determined using a Boyden chamber assay. Our results showed that the overexpression of CA III protein significantly increased the migration and invasion abilities in oral cancer cells. Moreover, a whole genome array analysis revealed that CA III regulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition by reducing the expression of epithelial markers. Data from the GEO database also demonstrated that CA III mRNA is negatively correlated with CDH1 mRNA. Mechanistically, CA III increased the cell motility of oral cancer cells through the FAK/Src signaling pathway. In conclusion, this suggests that CA III promotes EMT and cell migration and is potentially related to the FAK/Src signaling pathway in oral cancer.

Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 regulates cell migration through Orai1

The EP4 prostanoid receptors are one of four receptor subtypes for prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ ). Therefore, EP4 may play an important role in cancer progression. However, little information is available regarding their function per se, including migration and the cellular signaling pathway of EP4 in oral cancer. First, we found that mRNA and protein expression of EP4 was abundantly expressed in human-derived tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell lines HSC-3 and OSC-19. The EP4 agonist (ONO-AE1-437) significantly promoted cell migration in HSC-3 cells. In contrast, knockdown of EP4 reduced cell migration. Furthermore, we confirmed that knockdown of EP4 suppressed metastasis of oral cancer cells in the lungs of mice in vivo. Therefore, we focused on the mechanism of migration/metastasis in EP4 signaling. Interestingly, EP4 agonist significantly induced intracellular Ca²⁺ elevation not in only oral cancer cells but also in other cells, including normal cells. Furthermore, we found that EP4 activated PI3K and induced Ca²⁺ influx through Orai1 without activation of store depletion and stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). Immunoprecipitation showed that EP4 formed complexes with Orai1 and TRPC1, but not with STIM. Moreover, the EP4 agonist ONO-AE1-437 phosphorylated ERK and activated MMP-2 and MMP-9. Knockdown of Orai1 negated EP4 agonist-induced ERK phosphorylation. Taken together, our data suggested that EP4 activated PI3K and then induced Ca²⁺ influx from the extracellular space through Orai1, resulting in ERK phosphorylation and promoting cell migration. Migration is regulated by EP4/PI3K/Orai1 signaling in oral cancer.