Bisdemethoxycurcumin suppresses human brain glioblastoma multiforme GBM 8401 cell migration and invasion via affecting NF-κB and MMP-2 and MMP-9 signaling pathway in vitro

Potential of Curcumin and Its Analogs in Glioblastoma Therapy

Curcumin, a polyphenol found in turmeric, demonstrates multifaceted anti-cancer activity against glioblastoma. Its therapeutic potential stems from its ability to modulate various molecular pathways implicated in glioblastoma development and progression, enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy, and induce cancer cell death through diverse mechanisms, including apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest. These combined actions make curcumin a promising candidate for glioblastoma treatment, warranting further investigation into its clinical application. In this review, we summarize the latest research on curcumin and its analogs' potential in glioblastoma therapy.

Potential of Natural Products in the Treatment of Glioma: Focus on Molecular Mechanisms

Despite the waning of traditional treatments for glioma due to possible long-term issues, the healing possibilities of substances derived from nature have been reignited in the scientific community. These natural substances, commonly found in fruits and vegetables, are considered potential alternatives to pharmaceuticals, as they have been shown in prior research to impact pathways surrounding cancer progression, metastases, invasion, and resistance. This review will explore the supposed molecular mechanisms of different natural components, such as berberine, curcumin, coffee, resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, quercetin, tanshinone, silymarin, coumarin, and lycopene, concerning glioma treatment. While the benefits of a balanced diet containing these compounds are widely recognized, there is considerable scope for investigating the efficacy of these natural products in treating glioma.

Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification to Explore the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Radix Paeoniae Rubra Against Glioma

Glioma has a high mortality and can hardly be completely cured. Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR) is a prevalent component in traditional Chinese medicine used for tumor treatments. We explored the mechanism of RPR in treating glioma using network pharmacology and experiments. A network pharmacology approach was used to screen active ingredients, targets of RPR and glioma. We then constructed a herb-active ingredient-target-pathway network and conducted protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, as well as Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was also performed. Using CCK-8, colony formation, and xenograft experiments, we evaluated the effect of RPR on glioma. The involved pathway and proteins were identified by Western blot. From public databases, we identified nine active RPR ingredients and 40 overlapping targets among 109 RPR targets and 1360 glioma-associated targets. The PPI analysis revealed ten targets, such as AKT1, TP53, and VEGFA, which were identified as hub genes. The results from GO and KEGG analysis highlighted the involvement of the PI3K/AKT pathway. A herb-active ingredient-target-pathway network was constructed. By docking molecular structures, six suitable conformations have been identified. The RPR extract demonstrated anti-tumor properties by inhibiting glioma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, likely achieved by suppressing the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. RPR concurrently downregulated the phosphorylation level of AKT1 and the protein expression level of VEGFA, while upregulating the expression of P53 in the U251 cell line. Utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking, our study not only predicted the impact of RPR on glioma but also delineated the herb-active ingredient-target-pathway network. Experimentally, we confirmed that RPR may exert its anti-tumor properties by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, including AKT1, and by regulating the expression levels of VEGFA and P53.

STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitor Bt354 exhibits anti-neoplastic activity in glioblastoma multiforme cells

The high mortality rate of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a lethal primary brain tumor, is attributable to postsurgical recurrence. STAT3, an oncogenic protein, is a signal transducer and transcription activator encourages cancer cell migration and proliferation, which results in resistance to therapy. STAT3 inhibition reduces cancer metastasis and improves patient prognosis. Bt354, a small molecule STAT inhibitor, exhibits significant cytotoxic and anti-proliferative activities against certain cancer types. Here, we demonstrated that exposure of GBM cells (U87 MG) to Bt354 had a significant, concentration-dependent growth suppression. Bt354 also induced apoptosis and downregulated the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes. Therefore, this study suggests the potential of Bt354 for treating GBM owing to its ability to induce cytotoxicity.

Terpinen-4-ol Induces Ferroptosis of Glioma Cells via Downregulating JUN Proto-Oncogene

According to previous research, turmeric seeds exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-malignancy, and anti-aging properties due to an abundance of terpinen-4-ol (T4O). Although it is still unclear how T4O works on glioma cells, limited data exist regarding its specific effects. In order to determine whether or not glioma cell lines U251, U87, and LN229 are viable, CCK8 was used as an assay and a colony formation assay was performed using different concentrations of T4O (0, 1, 2, and 4 μM). The effect of T4O on the proliferation of glioma cell line U251 was detected through the subcutaneous implantation of the tumor model. Through high-throughput sequencing, a bioinformatic analysis, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions, we identified the key signaling pathways and targets of T4O. Finally, for the measurement of the cellular ferroptosis levels, we examined the relationship between T4O, ferroptosis, and JUN and the malignant biological properties of glioma cells. T4O significantly inhibited glioma cell growth and colony formation and induced ferroptosis in the glioma cells. T4O inhibited the subcutaneous tumor proliferation of the glioma cells in vivo. T4O suppressed JUN transcription and significantly reduced its expression in the glioma cells. The T4O treatment inhibited GPX4 transcription through JUN. The overexpression of JUN suppressed ferroptosis in the cells rescued through T4O treatment. Taken together, our data suggest that the natural product T4O exerts its anti-cancer effects by inducing JUN/GPX4-dependent ferroptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation, and T4O will hope-fully serve as a prospective compound for glioma treatment.

Progesterone and its metabolite allopregnanolone promote invasion of human glioblastoma cells through metalloproteinase‑9 and cSrc kinase

Glioblastomas are the most aggressive and common primary brain tumors in adults. Glioblastoma cells have a great capacity to migrate and invade the brain parenchyma, often reaching the contralateral hemisphere. Progesterone (P4) and its metabolite, allopregnanolone (3α-THP), promote the migration and invasion of human glioblastoma-derived cells. P4 induces migration in glioblastoma cells by the activation of the proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (cSrc) and focal adhesion kinase (Fak). In breast cancer cells, cSrc and Fak promote invasion by increasing the expression and activation of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). However, the mechanism of action by which P4 and 3a-THP promote invasion in glioblastoma cells remains unclear. The effects of P4 and 3α-THP on the protein expression levels of MMP-2 and -9 and the participation of cSrc in progestin effects in U251 and U87 human glioblastoma-derived cells were evaluated. It was determined by western blotting that the P4 increased the protein expression level of MMP-9 in U251 and U87 cells, and 3α-THP increased the protein expression level of MMP-9 in U87 cells. None of these progestins modified MMP-2 protein expression levels. The increase in MMP-9 expression was reduced when the intracellular progesterone receptor and cSrc expression were blocked with small interfering RNAs. Cell invasion induced by P4 and 3α-THP was also blocked by inhibiting cSrc activity with PP2 or by cSrc gene silencing. These results suggest that P4 and its metabolite 3α-THP induce the invasion of glioblastoma cells by increasing MMP-9 expression through the cSrc kinase family. The results of this study provide information of interest in the context of targeted therapies against molecular pathways involved in glioblastoma invasion.

Borax regulates iron chaperone- and autophagy-mediated ferroptosis pathway in glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) is classified as a stage-IV glioma. Unfortunately, there are currently no curative treatments for GBM. Poly(rC)-binding protein 1 (PCBP1) is a cytosolic iron chaperone with diverse functions. PCBP1 is also known to regulate autophagy, but the role of PCBP1 in ferroptosis, iron-dependent cell death pathway, remains unrevealed in GBM cells. Here, we investigated the effects of borax, a boron compound, on the ferroptosis signaling pathway mediated by PCBP1 and autophagy. The study analyzed cell viability, proliferation, and cell cycle on U87-MG and HMC3 cells to investigate the effects of borax. After determining the cytotoxic concentrations of borax, morphological analyzes and measurement of PCBP1, Beclin1, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) and acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) levels were performed. Finally, expression levels of PCBP1, Beclin1, GPx4 and ACSL4, and caspase-3/7 activity were determined. We found that borax reduced U87-MG cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, borax altered cell proliferation and remarkably reduced S phase in the U87-MG cells and exhibited selectivity by having an opposite effect on normal cells (HMC3). According to DAPI staining, borax caused nuclear deficits in U87-MG cells. The result showed that borax in U87-MG cells induced reduction of the PCBP1, GSH, and GPx4 and enhancement of Beclin1, MDA, and ACSL4. Furthermore, borax triggered apoptosis by activating caspase 3/7 in U87-MG cells. Our study indicated that the borax has potential as an anticancer treatment for GBM via regulating PCBP1/Beclin1/GPx4/ACSL4 signaling pathways.

Antrodia camphorata and coenzyme Q0 , a novel quinone derivative of Antrodia camphorata, impede HIF-1α and epithelial-mesenchymal transition/metastasis in human glioblastoma cells

Antrodia camphorata (AC) and Coenzyme Q₀ (CoQ₀ ), a novel quinone derivative of AC, exhibits antitumor activities. The present study evaluated EMT/metastasis inhibition and autophagy induction aspects of AC and CoQ₀ in human glioblastoma (GBM8401) cells. Our findings revealed that AC treatment (0-150 μg/mL) hindered tumor cell proliferation and migration/invasion in GBM8401 cells. Notably, AC treatment inhibited HIF-1α and EMT by upregulating epithelial marker protein E-cadherin while downregulating mesenchymal proteins Twist, Slug, Snail, and β-catenin. There was an appearance of the autophagy markers LC3-II and p62/SQSTM1, while ATG4B was downregulated by AC treatment. We also found that CoQ₀ (0-10 μM) could inhibit migration and invasion in GBM8401 cells. In particular, E-cadherin was elevated and N-cadherin, Vimentin, Twist, Slug, and Snail, were reduced upon CoQ₀ treatment. In addition, MMP-2/-9 expression and Wnt/β-catenin pathways were downregulated. Furthermore, autophagy inhibitors 3-MA or CQ reversed the CoQ₀ -elicited suppression of migration/invasion and metastasis-related proteins (Vimentin, Snail, and β-catenin). Results suggested autophagy-mediated antiEMT and antimetastasis upon CoQ₀ treatment. CoQ₀ inhibited HIF-1α and metastasis in GBM8401 cells under normoxia and hypoxia. HIF-1α knockdown using siRNA accelerated CoQ₀ -inhibited migration. Finally, CoQ₀ exhibited a prolonged survival rate in GBM8401-xenografted mice. Treatment with Antrodia camphorata/CoQ₀ inhibited HIF-1α and EMT/metastasis in glioblastoma.

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.

Investigating the Mechanisms of Bisdemethoxycurcumin in Ulcerative Colitis: Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder that is hard to cure once diagnosed. Bisdemethoxycurcumin has shown positive effects on inflammatory diseases. However, the underlying bioactive interaction between bisdemethoxycurcumin and ulcerative colitis is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the core target and potential mechanism of action of bisdemethoxycurcumin as a therapy for ulcerative colitis. The public databases were used to identify potential targets for bisdemethoxycurcumin and ulcerative colitis. To investigate the potential mechanisms, the protein-protein interaction network, gene ontology analysis, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis have been carried out. Subsequently, experimental verification was conducted to confirm the findings. A total of 132 intersecting genes of bisdemethoxycurcumin, as well as ulcerative coli-tis-related targets, were obtained. SRC, EGFR, AKT1, and PIK3R1 were the targets of highest potential, and the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways may be essential for the treatment of ulcerative colitis by bisdemethoxycurcumin. Molecular docking demonstrated that bisdemethoxycurcumin combined well with SRC, EGFR, PIK3R1, and AKT1. Moreover, the in vitro experiments suggested that bisdemethoxycurcumin might reduce LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in RAW264.7 cells by suppressing PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways. Our study provided a comprehensive overview of the potential targets and molecular mechanism of bisdemethoxycurcumin against ulcerative colitis. Furthermore, it also provided a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of ulcerative colitis, as well as compelling evidence for further study on the mechanism of bisdemethoxycurcumin in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.