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Szymanowska A, Radomska D, Czarnomysy R, Mojzych M, Kotwica-Mojzych K, Bielawski K, Bielawska A. The activity of pyrazolo[4,3- e][1,2,4]triazine and pyrazolo[4,3- e]tetrazolo[1,5- b][1,2,4]triazine sulphonamide derivatives in monolayer and spheroid breast cancer cell cultures. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2343352. [PMID: 38700244 PMCID: PMC11073428 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2024.2343352] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, an increasing interest in compounds containing pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazine moiety is observed. Therefore, the aim of the research was to synthesise a novel sulphonyl pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazines (2a, 2b) and pyrazolo[4,3-e]tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine sulphonamide derivatives (3a, 3b) to assess their anticancer activity. The MTT assay showed that 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b have stronger cytotoxic activity than cisplatin in both breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and exhibited weaker effect on normal breast cells (MCF-10A). The obtained results showed that the most active compound 3b increased apoptosis via caspase 9, caspase 8, and caspase 3/7. It is worth to note that compound 3b suppressed NF-κB expression and promoted p53, Bax, and ROS which play important role in activation of apoptosis. Moreover, our results confirmed that compound 3b triggers autophagy through increased formation of autophagosomes, expression of beclin-1 and mTOR inhibition. Thus, our study defines a possible mechanism underlying 3b-induced anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Szymanowska
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dominika Radomska
- Department of Synthesis and Technology of Drugs, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Robert Czarnomysy
- Department of Synthesis and Technology of Drugs, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Mariusz Mojzych
- Department of Chemistry, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Siedlce, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Bielawski
- Department of Synthesis and Technology of Drugs, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anna Bielawska
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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Chiu FC, Kuo HM, Yu CL, Selvam P, Su IL, Tseng CC, Yuan CH, Wen ZH. Marine-derived antimicrobial peptide piscidin-1 triggers extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma through reactive oxygen species production and inhibits angiogenesis. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 220:28-42. [PMID: 38679300 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.04.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Cancer of the head and neck encompasses a wide range of cancers, including oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Oral cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages and has a dismal prognosis. Piscidin-1, a marine antimicrobial peptide (AMP) containing approximately 22 amino acids, also exhibits significant anticancer properties. We investigated the possible anti-oral cancer effects of piscidin-1 and clarified the mechanisms underlying these effects. We treated the oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines OC2 and SCC4 with piscidin-1. Cell viability and the expression of different hallmark apoptotic molecules, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), were tested using the appropriate MTT assay, flow cytometry and western blotting assays, and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) wound healing, migration, and tube formation (angiogenesis) assays. Piscidin-1 increases cleaved caspase 3 levels to induce apoptosis. Piscidin-1 also increases ROS levels and intensifies oxidative stress in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, it decreases the oxygen consumption rates and activity of mitochondrial complexes I-V. As expected, the antioxidants MitoTEMPOL and N-acetylcysteine reduce piscidin-1-induced ROS generation and intracellular calcium accumulation. Piscidin-1 also inhibits matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/-9 expression in HUVECs, affecting migration and tube formation angiogenesis. We demonstrated that piscidin-1 can promote apoptosis via both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways and findings indicate that piscidin-1 has anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties in oral cancer treatment. Our study on piscidin-1 thus provides a basis for future translational anti-oral cancer drug research and a new theoretical approach for anti-oral cancer clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Ching Chiu
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Mei Kuo
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan; Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Ling Yu
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Padhmavathi Selvam
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - I-Li Su
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan; Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Antai Medical Care Corporation, Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital, Pingtung, 92842, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chih Tseng
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan; Zuoying Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, 80284, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Han Yuan
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, 80284, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan.
| | - Zhi-Hong Wen
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan.
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Zou Y, Xu L, Wang W, Zhu X, Lin J, Li H, Chen J, Xu W, Gao H, Wu X, Yin Z, Wang Q. Muscone restores anoikis sensitivity in TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cells by suppressing TOP2A via the EGFR/Integrin β1/FAK signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155714. [PMID: 38723526 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is the main obstacle faced by glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment. Muscone, one of the primary active pharmacological ingredients of Shexiang (Moschus), can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and is being investigated as an antineoplastic medication. However, muscone treatment for GBM has received little research, and its possible mechanisms are still unclear. PURPOSE This study aims to evaluate the effect and the potential molecular mechanism of muscone on TMZ-resistant GBM cells. METHODS The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TMZ-resistant GBM cells and TMZ-sensitive GBM cells were screened using GEO2R. By progressively raising the TMZ concentration, a relatively stable TMZ-resistant human GBM cell line was established. The drug-resistance traits of U251-TR cells were assessed via the CCK-8 assay and Western Blot analysis of MGMT and TOP2A expression. Cell viability, cell proliferation, cell migration ability, and drug synergism were detected by the CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay, and drug interaction relationship test, respectively. Anoikis was quantified by Calcein-AM/EthD-1 staining, MTT assay, and flow cytometry. Measurements of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were performed using cell cycle staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI labeling, JC-1 assay, and ROS assay, respectively. DNA damage was measured by TUNEL assay, alkaline comet assay, and γ-H2AX foci assay. GEPIA was used to investigate the link between the anoikis marker (FAK)/drug resistance gene and critical proteins in the EGFR/Integrin β1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking was used to anticipate the probable targets of muscone. The intracellular co-localization and expression of EGFR and FAK were shown using immunofluorescence. The U251-TR cell line stably overexpressing EGFR was constructed using lentiviral transduction to assess the involvement of EGFR-related signaling in anoikis resistance. Western Blot was employed to detect the expression of migration-related proteins, cyclins, anoikis-related proteins, DNA damage/repair-related proteins, and associated pathway proteins. RESULTS DEGs analysis identified 97 deregulated chemotherapy-resistant genes and 3779 upregulated genes in TMZ-resistant GBM cells. Subsequent experiments verified TMZ resistance and the hyper-expression of DNA repair-related genes (TOP2A and MGMT) in continuously low-dose TMZ-induced U251-TR cells. Muscone exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of U251-TR cell migration and proliferation, and its co-administration with TMZ showed the potential for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. By downregulating FAK, muscone reduced anoikis resistance in anchorage-independent U251-TR cells. It also caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase by upregulating p21 and downregulating CDK1, CDK2, and Cyclin E1. Muscone-induced anoikis was accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, ROS production, an increase in the BAX/Bcl-2 ratio, as well as elevated levels of Cytochrome c (Cyt c), cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3. These findings indicated that muscone might trigger mitochondrial-dependent anoikis via ROS generation. Moreover, significant DNA damage, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), the formation of γ-H2AX foci, and a reduction in TOP2A expression are also associated with muscone-induced anoikis. Overexpression of EGFR in U251-TR cells boosted the expression of Integrin β1, FAK, β-Catenin, and TOP2A, whereas muscone suppressed the expression levels of EGFR, Integrin β1, β-Catenin, FAK, and TOP2A. Muscone may influence the expression of the key DNA repair enzyme, TOP2A, by suppressing the EGFR/Integrin β1/FAK pathway. CONCLUSION We first demonstrated that muscone suppressed TOP2A expression through the EGFR/Integrin β1/FAK pathway, hence restoring anoikis sensitivity in TMZ-resistant GBM cells. These data suggest that muscone may be a promising co-therapeutic agent for enhancing GBM treatment, particularly in cases of TMZ-resistant GBM with elevated TOP2A expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuheng Zou
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China; Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Lanyang Xu
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Wanyu Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Jiaqi Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Huazhao Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Jiali Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Haiqiong Gao
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Xianghui Wu
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Zhixin Yin
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Qirui Wang
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China; Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
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Pan Q, Zhang Y, Liu T, Xu Q, Wu Q, Xin J. Mycoplasma glycine cleavage system key subunit GcvH is an apoptosis inhibitor targeting host endoplasmic reticulum. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012266. [PMID: 38787906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmas are minimal but notorious bacteria that infect humans and animals. These genome-reduced organisms have evolved strategies to overcome host apoptotic defense and establish persistent infection. Here, using Mycoplasma bovis as a model, we demonstrate that mycoplasma glycine cleavage system (GCS) H protein (GcvH) targets the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to hijack host apoptosis facilitating bacterial infection. Mechanically, GcvH interacts with the ER-resident kinase Brsk2 and stabilizes it by blocking its autophagic degradation. Brsk2 subsequently disturbs unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling, thereby inhibiting the key apoptotic molecule CHOP expression and ER-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway. CHOP mediates a cross-talk between ER- and mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptosis. The GcvH N-terminal amino acid 31-35 region is necessary for GcvH interaction with Brsk2, as well as for GcvH to exert anti-apoptotic and potentially pro-infective functions. Notably, targeting Brsk2 to dampen apoptosis may be a conserved strategy for GCS-containing mycoplasmas. Our study reveals a novel role for the conserved metabolic route protein GcvH in Mycoplasma species. It also sheds light on how genome-reduced bacteria exploit a limited number of genomic proteins to resist host cell apoptosis thereby facilitating pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yujuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Tong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Qingyuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
- Institute of Western Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xinjiang, China
| | - Qi Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Jiuqing Xin
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
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Radisky ES. Extracellular proteolysis in cancer: Proteases, substrates, and mechanisms in tumor progression and metastasis. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107347. [PMID: 38718867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107347] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
A vast ensemble of extracellular proteins influences the development and progression of cancer, shaped and reshaped by a complex network of extracellular proteases. These proteases, belonging to the distinct classes of metalloproteases, serine proteases, cysteine proteases, and aspartic proteases, play a critical role in cancer. They often become dysregulated in cancer, with increases in pathological protease activity frequently driven by the loss of normal latency controls, diminished regulation by endogenous protease inhibitors, and changes in localization. Dysregulated proteases accelerate tumor progression and metastasis by degrading protein barriers within the extracellular matrix (ECM), stimulating tumor growth, reactivating dormant tumor cells, facilitating tumor cell escape from immune surveillance, and shifting stromal cells toward cancer-promoting behaviors through the precise proteolysis of specific substrates to alter their functions. These crucial substrates include ECM proteins and proteoglycans, soluble proteins secreted by tumor and stromal cells, and extracellular domains of cell surface proteins, including membrane receptors and adhesion proteins. The complexity of the extracellular protease web presents a significant challenge to untangle. Nevertheless, technological strides in proteomics, chemical biology, and the development of new probes and reagents are enabling progress and advancing our understanding of the pivotal importance of extracellular proteolysis in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evette S Radisky
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
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Bilgin S. Apoptotic effect of 5-fluorouracil-doxorubicin combination on colorectal cancer cell monolayers and spheroids. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:603. [PMID: 38698270 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09562-x] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug combination studies help to improve new treatment approaches for colon cancer. Tumor spheroids (3D) are better models than traditional 2-dimensional cultures (2D) to evaluate cellular responses to chemotherapy drugs. The cultivation of cancer cells in 2D and 3D cultures affects the apoptotic process, which is a major factor influencing the response of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, the antiproliferative effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and doxorubicin (DOX) were investigated separately and in combination using 2D and 3D cell culture models on two different colon cancer cell lines, HT-29 (apoptosis-resistant cells) and Caco-2 2 (apoptosis-susceptible cells). METHODS The effect of the drugs on the proliferation of both colon cancer cells was determined by performing an MTT assay in 2D culture. The apoptotic effect of 5-FU and DOX, both as single agents and in combination, was assessed in 2D and 3D cultures through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The expression of apoptotic genes, such as caspases, p53, Bax, and Bcl-2, was quantified. RESULTS It was found that the mRNA expression of proapoptotic genes was significantly upregulated, whereas the mRNA expression of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 gene was significantly downregulated in both colon cancer models treated with 5-FU, DOX, and 5-FU + DOX. CONCLUSION The results indicated that the 5-FU + DOX combination therapy induces apoptosis and renders 5-FU and DOX more effective at lower concentrations compared to their alone use. This study reveals promising results in reducing the potential side effects of treatment by enabling the use of lower drug doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sema Bilgin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Tokat Vocational School of Health Services, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, 60000, Tokat, Turkey.
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Zhu H, Yuan Z, Xu H, Sun L. Characterization of the Apoptotic and Antimicrobial Activities of Two Initiator Caspases of Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:540. [PMID: 38790170 PMCID: PMC11121444 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050540] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Caspase (CASP) is a protease family that plays a vital role in apoptosis, development, and immune response. Herein, we reported the identification and characterization of two CASPs, AjCASPX1 and AjCASPX2, from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, an important aquaculture species. AjCASPX1/2 share similar domain organizations with the vertebrate initiator caspases CASP2/9, including the CARD domain and the p20/p10 subunits with conserved functional motifs. However, compared with human CASP2/9, AjCASPX1/2 possess unique structural features in the linker region between p20 and p10. AjCASPX1, but not AjCASPX2, induced marked apoptosis of human cells by activating CASP3/7. The recombinant proteins of AjCASPX2 and the CARD domain of AjCASPX2 were able to bind to a wide range of bacteria, as well as bacterial cell wall components, and inhibit bacterial growth. AjCASPX1, when expressed in Escherichia coli, was able to kill the host bacteria. Under normal conditions, AjCASPX1 and AjCASPX2 expressions were most abundant in sea cucumber muscle and coelomocytes, respectively. After bacterial infection, both AjCASPX1 and AjCASPX2 expressions were significantly upregulated in sea cucumber tissues and cells. Together, these results indicated that AjCASPX1 and AjCASPX2 were initiator caspases with antimicrobial activity and likely functioned in apoptosis and immune defense against pathogen infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanshuo Zhu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- College of Marine Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Zihao Yuan
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- College of Marine Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Hang Xu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Li Sun
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- College of Marine Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266404, China
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Das R, Woo J. Identifying the Multitarget Pharmacological Mechanism of Action of Genistein on Lung Cancer by Integrating Network Pharmacology and Molecular Dynamic Simulation. Molecules 2024; 29:1913. [PMID: 38731403 PMCID: PMC11085736 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29091913] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Food supplements have become beneficial as adjuvant therapies for many chronic disorders, including cancer. Genistein, a natural isoflavone enriched in soybeans, has gained potential interest as an anticancer agent for various cancers, primarily by modulating apoptosis, the cell cycle, and angiogenesis and inhibiting metastasis. However, in lung cancer, the exact impact and mechanism of action of genistein still require clarification. To provide more insight into the mechanism of action of genistein, network pharmacology was employed to identify the key targets and their roles in lung cancer pathogenesis. Based on the degree score, the hub genes AKT1, CASP3, EGFR, STAT3, ESR1, SRC, PTGS2, MMP9, PRAG, and AR were significantly correlated with genistein treatment. AKT1, EGFR, and STAT3 were enriched in the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pathway according to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, indicating a significant connection to lung cancer development. Moreover, the binding affinity of genistein to NSCLC target proteins was further verified by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Genistein exhibited potential binding to AKT1, which is involved in apoptosis, cell migration, and metastasis, thus holding promise for modulating AKT1 function. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of genistein and its therapeutic potential for the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Das
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine,, Dongguk University Wise, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea;
| | - Joohan Woo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine,, Dongguk University Wise, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea;
- Channelopathy Research Center (CRC), College of Medicine, Dongguk University Wise, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsan Dong-gu, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
- Medical Cannabis Research Center, College of Medicine, Dongguk University Wise, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsan Dong-gu, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
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Liu M, Lun J, Huang G, Zhu Y, Zhang W, Jin W, Ding Y, Liu S, Qu Q, Lv W, Guo S. Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus improves production performance and egg quality of laying breeder hens by regulating reproductive hormones, antioxidant function, immunity and intestinal health. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103770. [PMID: 38652955 PMCID: PMC11063526 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103770] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpiniae oxyphylla fructus was extensively utilized both as dietary supplements and traditional herbal medicines for healthcare functions and has exhibited a positive impact on animal health. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus powder (AOP) on production performance, egg quality, egg yolk fatty acid composition, reproductive hormones, antioxidant capacity, immunity, anti-apoptosis ability, and intestinal health in hens. A total of 252 Hainan Wenchang laying hens (30-wk-old) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates, a basic diet with 0 (CON), 1 g/kg AOP (AOP1), and 3 g/kg (AOP3) mixed AOP. The AOP supplementation was found to decrease the feed conversion ratio and embryo mortality but to increase the laying rate, average egg weight, and oviduct index linearly (p < 0.05). Furthermore, AOP treatment reduced the total saturated fatty acids and palmitic acid (C16:0) in the egg yolk while increasing eggshell strength, albumen height, and Haugh unit (p < 0.05). The serum levels of albumin and phosphorus were increased, whereas total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels decreased as a result of AOP treatment (p < 0.05). The inclusion of 3 g/kg AOP had higher 17 β-estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in serum, while it up-regulated follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and gonadotropin-releasing hormone expression in ovary (p < 0.05). Dietary AOP strengthened the expression of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 in ovary and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity, but had a lower malondialdehyde content in serum (p < 0.05). AOP at 3 g/kg up-regulated superoxide dismutase 1 and heme oxygenase 1 expression in jejunum and ovary (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, AOP supplementation down-regulated p53 expression in ovary and bcl-2-associated x expression in liver and jejunum, especially 3 g/kg of AOP had lower caspase-8 concentrations and down-regulated bcl-2-associated x and caspase-3 expression in ovary (p < 0.05). AOP treatment increased serum levels of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M and upregulated interleukin-4 expression in the liver, while decreasing interleukin-1β expression in liver and ovary and nod-like receptor protein 3 expression in jejunum (p < 0.05). Dietary AOP increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth but decreased crypt depth in jejunum, especially when 1 g/kg AOP increased expression levels of occludin, mucin-2, peptide-transporter 1, and sodium glucose cotransporter 1 in jejunum (p < 0.05). AOP treatment altered the composition of the cecal microbial community, as evidenced by increased abundance of Oscillospira and Phascolarctobacterium and reduced richness of Clostridiaceae_Clostridium. Dietary AOP supplementation enriched lipid, amino acid, and propanoate metabolism. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the genera Oscillospira, Blautia, and Megasphaera were related to laying performance and intestinal integrity. In brief, supplementation of AOP, especially at 3 g/kg, could improve production performance and egg quality of hens via modulating reproductive hormones, antioxidant capacity, immunity, intestinal barrier, and cecal microbiota. Overall, the present work recommends the dietary inclusion of AOP as a beneficial additive for improving the performance of hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jianchi Lun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Gengxiong Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yongqi Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Wenxin Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yiqing Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shilong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Qian Qu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Weijie Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Technology Research center for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Natural Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shining Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Technology Research center for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Natural Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China; International Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China.
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Al-Fatlawi INAA, Pouresmaeil V, Davoodi-Dehaghani F, Pouresmaeil A, Akhtari A, Tabrizi MH. Effects of solid lipid nanocarrier containing methyl urolithin A by coating folate-bound chitosan and evaluation of its anti-cancer activity. BMC Biotechnol 2024; 24:18. [PMID: 38600497 PMCID: PMC11005287 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-024-00845-6] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have received much attention over the past decade. In the present study, we synthesized Methyl Urolithin A-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles decorated with the folic acid-linked chitosan layer called MuSCF-NPs and investigated their effects on cancer cells. METHODS MuSCF-NPs were prepared using a high-pressure homogenization method and characterized using FTIR, FESEM, DLS, and zeta potential methods. Drug encapsulation was assessed by spectrophotometry and its cytotoxic effect on various cancer cells (MDA-MB231, MCF-7, PANC, AGS, and HepG2) by the MTT method. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the ABTS and DPPH methods, followed by expression of genes involved in oxidative stress and apoptosis by qPCR and flow cytometry. RESULTS The results showed the formation of monodisperse and stable round nanoparticles with a size of 84.8 nm. The drug loading efficiency in MuSCF-NPs was reported to be 88.6%. MuSCF-NPs exhibited selective cytotoxicity against MDA-MB231 cells (IC50 = 40 μg/mL). Molecular analysis showed a significant increase in the expression of Caspases 3, 8, and 9, indicating that apoptosis was occurring in the treated cells. Moreover, flow cytometry results showed that the treated cells were arrested in his SubG1 phase, confirming the pro-apoptotic effect of the nanoparticles. The results indicate a high antioxidant effect of the nanoparticles with IC50 values of 45 μg/mL and 1500 μg/mL against ABTS and DPPH, respectively. The reduction of catalase gene expression confirmed the pro-oxidant effect of nanoparticles in cancer cells treated at concentrations of 20 and 40 μg/mL. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, our findings suggest that the MuSCF-NPs are suitable candidates, especially for breast cancer preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vahid Pouresmaeil
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Davoodi-Dehaghani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aida Pouresmaeil
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Akhtari
- Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
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11
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Vanli S, Kurtoglu F, Alan BS, Akcakavak G, Ozdemir O. Investigation of the effects of Theranekron and Sorafenib treatments on carcinogenesis, apoptosis and biochemical profile in hepatocellular carcinoma in rats. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38577837 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2024.2332909] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of Tarantula cubensis alcohol extract (TCAE, Theranekron) and Sorafenib (S) treatments on carcinogenesis, apoptosis and biochemical profile of rats with experimentally induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the presented study, 58 male rats were divided into 7 groups; Negative Control (NC, n = 6), NC + TCAE (NCT, n = 6), NC + Sorafenib (NCS, n = 6), Positive Control (PC, n = 10), Positive Control + TCAE (PCT, n = 10), Positive Control + Sorafenib (PCS, n = 10), Positive Control + TCAE + Sorafenib (PCTS, n = 10). The active ingredients Diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 120 mg/kg, single dose) and Nitrosomorpholine (NMOR, 50 ppm, 21 weeks orally) were used to induce HCC in rats. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized under appropriate conditions and samples were collected for biochemical and pathological investigations. In the PC group, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels were higher (p < 0.001) and urea levels were lower (p < 0.001) compared to all other groups. Treatment groups reorganized the relevant markers (ALT, AST, GGT, and urea). A significant increase was detected in Caspase-10, Caspase-3 and Granzyme-B (GrzB) (p < 0.001) in blood and Caspase-10 and GrzB (p < 0.05) in liver tissue in PCT, PCS and PCTS groups compared to the PC group. Histopathological examination revealed that the PC group showed cancer morphology, and the treatment groups caused a decrease in tumor incidence and size. Our current findings suggest that the mechanism of action of TCAE in HCC is through the NKs/CTLs-GrzB-Casp10-Casp3 signaling pathway and can be used in combination with chemotherapy drugs for the development of future drug designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Vanli
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ilgin District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Konya, Turkey
| | - Firuze Kurtoglu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Beyza S Alan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Akcakavak
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Ozdemir
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
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Wang C, Wang B, Mou Y, Liu X, Chen Q, Pu W, Rao Q, Wang C, Song J, Huang Y, Yan L, Huang L, Li Y. Design, Synthesis, and Anti-Leukemic Evaluation of a Series of Dianilinopyrimidines by Regulating the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and STAT3/c-Myc Pathways. Molecules 2024; 29:1597. [PMID: 38611876 PMCID: PMC11013136 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071597] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the long-term survival rate for leukemia has made significant progress over the years with the development of chemotherapeutics, patients still suffer from relapse, leading to an unsatisfactory outcome. To discover the new effective anti-leukemia compounds, we synthesized a series of dianilinopyrimidines and evaluated the anti-leukemia activities of those compounds by using leukemia cell lines (HEL, Jurkat, and K562). The results showed that the dianilinopyrimidine analog H-120 predominantly displayed the highest cytotoxic potential in HEL cells. It remarkably induced apoptosis of HEL cells by activating the apoptosis-related proteins (cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP)), increasing apoptosis protein Bad expression, and decreasing the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL). Furthermore, it induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M; concomitantly, we observed the activation of p53 and a reduction in phosphorylated cell division cycle 25C (p-CDC25C) / Cyclin B1 levels in treated cells. Additionally, the mechanism study revealed that H-120 decreased these phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of transcription 3, rat sarcoma, phosphorylated cellular RAF proto-oncogene serine / threonine kinase, phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (p-STAT3, Ras, p-C-Raf, p-MEK, p-MRK, and c-Myc) protein levels in HEL cells. Using the cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins isolation assay, we found for the first time that H-120 can inhibit the activation of STAT3 and c-Myc and block STAT3 phosphorylation and dimerization. Moreover, H-120 treatment effectively inhibited the disease progression of erythroleukemia mice by promoting erythroid differentiation into the maturation of erythrocytes and activating the immune cells. Significantly, H-120 also improved liver function in erythroleukemia mice. Therefore, H-120 may be a potential chemotherapeutic drug for leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
- College of Basic Medical, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Yu Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
- College of Basic Medical, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Weidong Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Qing Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Chunlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Jingrui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Yubing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Longjia Yan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550000, China
| | - Lei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Yanmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
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Lin M, Xiao Y, Dai Y, Mao Y, Xu L, Zhang Q, Chen Z. Chloroxine inhibits pancreatic cancer progression through targeted antagonization of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:951-965. [PMID: 37848695 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03328-w] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with pancreatic cancer have a dismal prognosis due to tumor cell infiltration and metastasis. Many reports have documented that EMT and PI3K-AKT-mTOR axis control pancreatic cancer cell infiltration and metastasis. Chloroxine is an artificially synthesized antibacterial compound that demonstrated anti-pancreatic cancer effects in our previous drug-screening trial. We have explored the impact of chloroxine on pancreatic cancer growth, infiltration, migration, and apoptosis. METHODS The proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell lines (PCCs) treated with chloroxine was assessed through real-time cell analysis (RTCA), colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, as well as immunofluorescence. Chloroxine effects on the infiltrative and migratory capacities of PCCs were assessed via Transwell invasion and scratch experiments. To assess the contents of EMT- and apoptosis-associated proteins in tumor cells, we adopted Western immunoblotting as well as immunofluorescence assays, and flow cytometry to determine chloroxine effects on PCCs apoptosis. The in vivo chloroxine antineoplastic effects were explored in nude mice xenografts. RESULTS Chloroxine repressed pancreatic cancer cell growth, migration, and infiltration in vitro, as well as in vivo, and stimulated apoptosis of the PCCs. Chloroxine appeared to inhibit PCC growth by Ki67 downregulation; this targeted and inhibited aberrant stimulation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling cascade, triggered apoptosis in PCC via mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, and modulated the EMT to inhibit PCC infiltration and migration. CONCLUSIONS Chloroxine targeted and inhibited the PI3K-AKT-mTOR cascade to repress PCCs growth, migration, as well as invasion, and triggered cellular apoptosis. Therefore, chloroxine may constitute a potential antineoplastic drug for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyi Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Top Key Discipline in Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yile Dai
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Top Key Discipline in Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yefan Mao
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Top Key Discipline in Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Top Key Discipline in Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- Department for Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department for Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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Susanto AC, Hartajanie L, Wu CC. α‑Phellandrene enhances the apoptosis of HT‑29 cells induced by 5‑fluorouracil by modulating the mitochondria‑dependent pathway. Oncol Rep 2024; 51:61. [PMID: 38456489 PMCID: PMC10940876 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8720] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
α‑Phellandrene (α‑PA), a natural constituent of herbs, inhibits cancer cell viability and proliferation. 5‑Fluorouracil (5‑FU) is a frequently utilized chemotherapeutic medicine for the treatment of colon cancer, which works by triggering cancer cell apoptosis. The present study examined how the combination of α‑PA and 5‑FU affects the suppression of human colon cancer cells by promoting apoptosis. The impact of this treatment on cell viability, apoptosis, and the expression levels of Bcl‑2 family members, caspase family members and mitochondria‑related molecules in HT‑29 cells was assessed by the MTT assay, immunocytochemistry, western blotting and quantitative PCR. The combination of 5‑FU and α‑PA had a synergistic inhibitory effect on cell viability, as determined by assessing the combination index value. Bax protein expression levels were higher in the 50, 100 or 250 µM α‑PA combined with 5‑FU groups compared with those in the 5‑FU alone group (P<0.05). By contrast, Bcl‑2 protein expression levels and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) were lower in the 100 or 250 µM α‑PA combined with 5‑FU groups than those in the 5‑FU alone group (P<0.05). In addition, hexokinase‑2 (HK‑2) protein expression levels were lower in the 50, 100 or 250 µM α‑PA combined with 5‑FU groups than those in the 5‑FU alone group (P<0.05). Compared with 5‑FU alone, after HT‑29 cells were treated with 50, 100 or 250 µM α‑PA combined with 5‑FU, the mRNA expression levels of extrinsic‑induced apoptotic molecules, including caspase‑8 and Bid, were higher (P<0.05). Treatment with 50, 100 or 250 µM α‑PA combined with 5‑FU also increased the mRNA expression levels of cytochrome c, caspase‑9 and caspase‑3, regulating intrinsic apoptosis (P<0.05). These results showed that α‑PA and 5‑FU had a synergistic effect on reducing the viability of human colon cancer HT‑29 cells by inducing extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. The mechanism by which apoptosis is induced may involve the intrinsic apoptosis pathway that activates the mitochondria‑dependent pathway, including regulating the expression levels of Bcl‑2 family members, including Bax, Bcl‑2 and Bid, regulating MMP and HK‑2 expression levels, and increasing the expression of caspase cascade molecules, including caspase‑9 and caspase‑3. In addition, it may involve the extrinsic apoptosis pathway that activates caspase‑8 and caspase‑3 leading to apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Caroline Susanto
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Providence University, Taichung 43301, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Faculty of Food Technology, Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang 50234, Indonesia
| | - Laksmi Hartajanie
- Faculty of Food Technology, Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang 50234, Indonesia
| | - Chih-Chung Wu
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Providence University, Taichung 43301, Taiwan, R.O.C
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15
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Samia S, Sandeep Chary P, Khan O, Kumar Mehra N. Recent trends and advances in novel formulations as an armament in Bcl-2/Bax targeted breast cancer. Int J Pharm 2024; 653:123889. [PMID: 38346605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123889] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant health burden worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins, Bcl-2 and Bax, play a crucial role in regulating apoptosis and thus are promising targets for BC therapy. We focus on the recent advancements in novel formulations that specifically target Bcl-2/Bax pathway to combat BC. It provides an overview on biological functions of Bcl-2/Bax in apoptosis regulation, emphasizing their significance in pathogenesis and progression of the disease while covering the numerous therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the Bcl-2/Bax pathway, including small-molecule inhibitors, peptides, gene-based therapies and other repurposed drugs harboured onto cutting-edge technologies and nanocarrier systems employed to enhance the targeted delivery of Bcl-2/Bax inhibitors tumor cells. These advanced formulations aim to improve therapeutic efficacy, minimize off-target effects, and overcome drug resistance, offering promising prospects in its treatment. In conclusion, it illuminates the diverse and evolving landscape of novel formulations as an essential armament in targeting these proteins while bridging and unravelling the obscurity of Bcl-2/Bax pathway-targeted drug delivery systems which are presently in their nascent stages of exploration for BC therapy which can benefit researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaikh Samia
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Padakanti Sandeep Chary
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Omar Khan
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Neelesh Kumar Mehra
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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Scatozza F, Giardina MM, Valente C, Vigiano Benedetti V, Facchiano A. Anti-Melanoma Effects of Miconazole: Investigating the Mitochondria Involvement. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3589. [PMID: 38612401 PMCID: PMC11011910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073589] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Miconazole is an antimycotic drug showing anti-cancer effects in several cancers. However, little is known on its effects in melanoma. A375 and SK-MEL-28 human melanoma cell lines were exposed to miconazole and clotrimazole (up to 100 mM). Proliferation, viability with MTT assay and vascular mimicry were assayed at 24 h treatment. Molecular effects were measured at 6 h, namely, ATP-, ROS-release and mitochondria-related cytofluorescence. A metabolomic profile was also investigated at 6 h treatment. Carnitine was one of the most affected metabolites; therefore, the expression of 29 genes involved in carnitine metabolism was investigated in the public platform GEPIA2 on 461 melanoma patients and 558 controls. After 24 h treatments, miconazole and clotrimazole strongly and significantly inhibited proliferation in the presence of 10% serum on either melanoma cell lines; they also strongly reduced viability and vascular mimicry. After 6 h treatment, ATP reduction and ROS increase were observed, as well as a significant reduction in mitochondria-related fluorescence. Further, in A375, miconazole strongly and significantly altered expression of several metabolites including carnitines, phosphatidyl-cholines, all amino acids and several other small molecules, mostly metabolized in mitochondria. The expression of 12 genes involved in carnitine metabolism was found significantly modified in melanoma patients, 6 showing a significant impact on patients' survival. Finally, miconazole antiproliferation activity on A375 was found completely abrogated in the presence of carnitine, supporting a specific role of carnitine in melanoma protection toward miconazole effect, and was significantly reversed in the presence of caspases inhibitors such as ZVAD-FMK and Ac-DEVD-CHO, and a clear pro-apoptotic effect was observed in miconazole-treated cells, by FACS analysis of Annexin V-FITC stained cells. Miconazole strongly affects proliferation and other biological features in two human melanoma cell lines, as well as mitochondria-related functions such as ATP- and ROS-release, and the expression of several metabolites is largely dependent on mitochondria function. Miconazole, likely acting via carnitine and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, is therefore suggested as a candidate for further investigations in melanoma treatments.
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Verma M, Fatima S, Saeed M, Ansari IA. Anti-proliferative, Pro-apoptotic, and Chemosensitizing Potential of 3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic Acid (AKBA) Against Prostate Cancer Cells. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01089-7. [PMID: 38502429 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01089-7] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer incidences are rising worldwide at an alarming rate. Drug resistance and relapse are two major challenges in the treatment of prostate cancer. Therefore, new multimodal, safe, and effective therapeutic agents are urgently required which could effectively mitigate the menace of tumor recurrence and chemo-resistance. Plant-derived products are increasingly being utilized due to their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-tumor potential. In the current study, 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, a triterpenoid isolated from plant Boswellia, was utilized to ascertain its chemotherapeutic potential against human prostate cancer cells. Various in vitro assays including cell viability, nuclear staining, mitochondria potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and quantification of apoptosis, were performed for the evaluation of the cytotoxic potential of AKBA. We observed that AKBA (10-50 µM) dose-dependently suppressed cell proliferation and caused programmed cell death in PC3 cells via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathway. Intriguingly, AKBA was also found to chemosensitize PC3 cells in synergistic combination with doxorubicin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to document the synergistic chemosensitizing impact of AKBA when combined with doxorubicin in prostate cancer cells.This showcases the potential of AKBA in combinatorial therapy or adjuvant therapy for the management of prostate cancer. In sum, our results suggested that AKBA is a promising drug-like molecule against prostate cancer. Our investigation introduces a novel perspective, elucidating a previously unexplored dimension, and uncovering a compelling chemosensitizing phenomenon along with a strong synergistic effect arising from the concurrent application of these two agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahima Verma
- Department of Biosciences, Integral Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research (ICEIR), Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Shireen Fatima
- Department of Biosciences, Integral Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research (ICEIR), Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
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Filippova TA, Masamrekh RA, Khudoklinova YY, Shumyantseva VV, Kuzikov AV. The multifaceted role of proteases and modern analytical methods for investigation of their catalytic activity. Biochimie 2024; 222:169-194. [PMID: 38494106 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.03.006] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
We discuss the diverse functions of proteases in the context of their biotechnological and medical significance, as well as analytical approaches used to determine the functional activity of these enzymes. An insight into modern approaches to studying the kinetics and specificity of proteases, based on spectral (absorption, fluorescence), mass spectrometric, immunological, calorimetric, and electrochemical methods of analysis is given. We also examine in detail electrochemical systems for determining the activity and specificity of proteases. Particular attention is given to exploring innovative electrochemical systems based on the detection of the electrochemical oxidation signal of amino acid residues, thereby eliminating the need for extra redox labels in the process of peptide synthesis. In the review, we highlight the main prospects for the further development of electrochemical systems for the study of biotechnologically and medically significant proteases, which will enable the miniaturization of the analytical process for determining the catalytic activity of these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A Filippova
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 bld. 8, Pogodinskaya str., 119121, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1, Ostrovityanova Street, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | - Rami A Masamrekh
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 bld. 8, Pogodinskaya str., 119121, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1, Ostrovityanova Street, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | - Yulia Yu Khudoklinova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1, Ostrovityanova Street, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | - Victoria V Shumyantseva
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 bld. 8, Pogodinskaya str., 119121, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1, Ostrovityanova Street, Moscow, 117513, Russia
| | - Alexey V Kuzikov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 bld. 8, Pogodinskaya str., 119121, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1, Ostrovityanova Street, Moscow, 117513, Russia.
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Allani M, Akhilesh, Tiwari V. Caspase-driven cancer therapies: Navigating the bridge between lab discoveries and clinical applications. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3944. [PMID: 38348642 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3944] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Apoptosis is the cell's natural intrinsic regulatory mechanism of normal cells for programmed cell death, which plays an important role in cancer as a classical mechanism of tumor cell death causing minimal inflammation without causing damage to other cells in the vicinity. Induction of apoptosis by activation of caspases is one of the primary targets for cancer treatment. Over the years, a diverse range of natural, synthetic, and semisynthetic compounds and their derivatives have been investigated for their caspase-mediated apoptosis-induced anticancer activities. The review aims to compile the preclinical evidence and highlight the critical mechanistic pathways related to caspase-induced cell apoptosis in cancer treatment. The focus is placed on the key components of the mechanisms, including their chemical nature, and specific attention is given to phytochemicals derived from natural sources and synthetic and semisynthetic compounds. 180+ compounds from the past two decades with potential as anticancer agents are discussed in this review article. By summarizing the current knowledge and advancements in this field, this review provides a comprehensive overview of potential therapeutic strategies targeting apoptosis in cancer cells. The findings presented herein contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat cancer and stimulate further research into the development of effective and targeted anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghana Allani
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Akhilesh
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vinod Tiwari
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Honari P, Shahbazzadeh D, Behdani M, Pooshang Bagheri K. Highly in vitro anti-cancer activity of melittin-loaded niosomes on non-small cell lung cancer cells. Toxicon 2024; 241:107673. [PMID: 38432612 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107673] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of promising medicines from natural sources, specially venom, is of highly necessitated to combat against life-threatening cancers. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a significant percentage of mortalities. Melittin, from bee venom, is a potent anticancer peptide but its toxicity has limited its therapeutic applications. Accordingly, this study aims to synthesize niosomes with suitable stability and capacity for carrying melittin as a drug. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of melittin-loaded niosomes on non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS The niosome was prepared by thin film hydration method. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were assessed on A549, Calu-3, and MRC5 cells. Real-time PCR was used to determine expression of apoptotic and pro-apoptotic Bax, Bcl2, and Casp3 genes. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was also used to confirm expression of the abovementioned genes. Furthermore, wound healing assay was performed to compare inhibition effects of melittin-loaded niosomes with free melittin on migration of cancer cells. RESULTS IC50 values of melittin-loaded niosomes for A549, Calu-3, and MRC5 cells were respectively 0.69 μg/mL, 1.02 μg/mL, and 2.56 μg/mL after 72 h. Expression level of Bax and Casp3 increased '10 and 8' and '9 and 10.5' fold in A549 and Calu-3, whereas Bcl2 gene expression decreased 0.19 and 0.18 fold in the mentioned cell lines. The cell migration inhibited by melittin-loaded niosomes. CONCLUSIONS Melittin-loaded niosomes had more anti-cancer effects and less toxicity on normal cells than free melittin. Furthermore, it induced apoptosis and inhibited cancer cells migration. Our results showed that melittin-loaded niosomes may be a drug lead and it has the potential to be future developed for lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooyan Honari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O BOX. 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O BOX. 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O BOX. 1316943551, Tehran, Iran.
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21
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Mendez-Callejas G, Piñeros-Avila M, Celis CA, Torrenegra R, Espinosa-Benitez A, Pestana-Nobles R, Yosa-Reyes J. Natural 2',4-Dihydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxy Chalcone Isolated from Chromolaena tacotana Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Growth through Autophagy and Mitochondrial Apoptosis. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:570. [PMID: 38475417 DOI: 10.3390/plants13050570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers among women. Effective treatment requires precise tailoring to the genetic makeup of the cancer for improved efficacy. Numerous research studies have concentrated on natural compounds and their anti-breast cancer properties to improve the existing treatment options. Chromolaena tacotana (Klatt) R.M. King and H. Rob (Ch. tacotana) is a notable source of bioactive hydroxy-methylated flavonoids. However, the specific anti-BC mechanisms of these flavonoids, particularly those present in the plant's inflorescences, remain partly undefined. This study focuses on assessing a chalcone derivative extracted from Ch. tacotana inflorescences for its potential to concurrently activate regulated autophagy and intrinsic apoptosis in luminal A and triple-negative BC cells. We determined the chemical composition of the chalcone using ultraviolet (UV) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Its selective cytotoxicity against BC cell lines was assessed using the MTT assay. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis were employed to examine the modulation of proteins governing autophagy and the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Additionally, in silico simulations were conducted to predict interactions between chalcone and various anti-apoptotic proteins, including the mTOR protein. Chalcone was identified as 2',4-dihydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxy-chalcone (DDC). This compound demonstrated a selective inhibition of BC cell proliferation and triggered autophagy and intrinsic apoptosis. It induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and altered mitochondrial outer membrane potential (∆ψm). The study detected the activation of autophagic LC3-II and mitochondrial pro-apoptotic proteins in both BC cell lines. The regulation of Bcl-XL and Bcl-2 proteins varied according to the BC subtype, yet they showed promising molecular interactions with DDC. Among the examined pro-survival proteins, mTOR and Mcl-1 exhibited the most favorable binding energies and were downregulated in BC cell lines. Further research is needed to fully understand the molecular dynamics involved in the activation and interaction of autophagy and apoptosis pathways in cancer cells in response to potential anticancer agents, like the hydroxy-methylated flavonoids from Ch. tacotana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Mendez-Callejas
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas y de Genética Humana Aplicada (GIBGA), Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A.), Calle 222 #55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia
| | - Marco Piñeros-Avila
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas y de Genética Humana Aplicada (GIBGA), Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A.), Calle 222 #55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia
| | - Crispin A Celis
- Grupo de Investigación en Fitoquímica (GIFUJ), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cra. 7 #40-62, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Ruben Torrenegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Productos Naturales de la U.D.C.A. (PRONAUDCA), Laboratorio de Productos Naturales, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A.), Calle 222 #55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia
| | - Anderson Espinosa-Benitez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas y de Genética Humana Aplicada (GIBGA), Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A.), Calle 222 #55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia
| | - Roberto Pestana-Nobles
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Exactas, Física y Naturales Aplicadas, Laboratorio de Simulación Molecular y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Carrera 59 #59-65, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
| | - Juvenal Yosa-Reyes
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Exactas, Física y Naturales Aplicadas, Laboratorio de Simulación Molecular y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Carrera 59 #59-65, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
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Osorio-Cruz Y, Olivares-Corichi IM, Correa-Basurto J, González-Garrido JA, Pereyra-Vergara F, Rivera G, García-Sánchez JR. The Autoxidized Mixture of (-)-Epicatechin Contains Procyanidins and Shows Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Activity in Breast Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:258. [PMID: 38399473 PMCID: PMC10892779 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
For this study, procyanidins generated through the autoxidation of (-)-epicatechin (Flavan-3-ol) under mildly acidic conditions (pH = 6.0) were characterized with ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Two procyanidins (types A and B) and a mix of oligomers were generated through the autoxidation of (-)-epicatechin. The antiproliferative activity of this mixture of procyanidins on MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, and MCF-7 breast cancer cells was evaluated. The results indicate that the procyanidin mixture inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells, where the activity of the procyanidin mixture was stronger than that of (-)-epicatechin. Moreover, the mechanism underlying the antiproliferative activity of procyanidins was investigated. The resulting data demonstrate that the procyanidins induced apoptotic cell death in a manner selective to cancerous cells. In particular, they caused the activation of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways in the breast cancer cells. The findings obtained in this study demonstrate that the generation of procyanidins in vitro by the autoxidation of (-)-epicatechin has potential for the development of anti-breast cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazmin Osorio-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular y Estrés Oxidativo de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (Y.O.-C.); (F.P.-V.)
| | - Ivonne María Olivares-Corichi
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular y Estrés Oxidativo de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (Y.O.-C.); (F.P.-V.)
| | - José Correa-Basurto
- Laboratorio de Diseño y Desarrollo de Nuevos Fármacos e Innovación Biotecnológica, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico;
| | - José Arnold González-Garrido
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación de Ciencia y Tecnología Aplicada de Tabasco (CICTAT), División Académica de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Carretera Cunduacán-Jalpa KM. 1 Colonia la Esmeralda, Villahermosa 86690, Mexico;
| | - Fernando Pereyra-Vergara
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular y Estrés Oxidativo de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (Y.O.-C.); (F.P.-V.)
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico;
| | - José Rubén García-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular y Estrés Oxidativo de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (Y.O.-C.); (F.P.-V.)
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Lu HI, Chen KL, Yen CY, Chen CY, Chien TM, Shu CW, Chen YH, Jeng JH, Chen BH, Chang HW. Michelia compressa-Derived Santamarine Inhibits Oral Cancer Cell Proliferation via Oxidative Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and DNA Damage. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:230. [PMID: 38399445 PMCID: PMC10892349 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The anti-oral cancer effects of santamarine (SAMA), a Michelia compressa var. compressa-derived natural product, remain unclear. This study investigates the anticancer effects and acting mechanism of SAMA against oral cancer (OC-2 and HSC-3) in parallel with normal (Smulow-Glickman; S-G) cells. SAMA selectively inhibits oral cancer cell viability more than normal cells, reverted by the oxidative stress remover N-acetylcysteine (NAC). The evidence of oxidative stress generation, such as the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial superoxide and the depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential and glutathione, further supports this ROS-dependent selective antiproliferation. SAMA arrests oral cancer cells at the G2/M phase. SAMA triggers apoptosis (annexin V) in oral cancer cells and activates caspases 3, 8, and 9. SAMA enhances two types of DNA damage in oral cancer cells, such as γH2AX and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. Moreover, all of these anticancer mechanisms of SAMA are more highly expressed in oral cancer cells than in normal cells in concentration and time course experiments. These above changes are attenuated by NAC, suggesting that SAMA exerts mechanisms of selective antiproliferation that depend on oxidative stress while maintaining minimal cytotoxicity to normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-I Lu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Kuan-Liang Chen
- Department of Dentistry, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan; (K.-L.C.); (C.-Y.Y.)
| | - Ching-Yu Yen
- Department of Dentistry, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan; (K.-L.C.); (C.-Y.Y.)
- School of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yi Chen
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung 83102, Taiwan;
| | - Tsu-Ming Chien
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan;
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Shu
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Bachelor Program of Life Sciences, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Jiiang-Huei Jeng
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Hung Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Wei Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Bachelor Program of Life Sciences, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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24
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Liu Y, Cai JY, Liu Y, Zhang L, Guo RB, Li XT, Ma LY, Kong L. Borneol-modified docetaxel plus tetrandrine micelles for treatment of drug-resistant brain glioma. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2024; 50:135-149. [PMID: 38235554 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2024.2302886] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glioma is the most common and deadly primary malignant tumor in adults. Treatment outcomes are ungratified due to the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB), glioma stem cells (GSCs) and multidrug resistance (MDR). Docetaxel (DTX) is considered as a potential drug for the treatment of brain tumor, but its effectiveness is limited by its low bioavailability and drug resistance. Tetrandrine (TET) reverses the resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapy drugs. Borneol (BO) modified in micelles has been shown to promote DTX plus TET to cross the BBB, allowing the drug to better act on tumors. Therefore, we constructed BO-modified DTX plus TET micelles to inhibit chemotherapeutic drug resistance. SIGNIFICANCE Provide a new treatment method for drug-resistant brain gliomas. METHODS In this study, BO-modified DTX plus TET micelles were prepared by thin film dispersion method, their physicochemical properties were characterized. Its targeting ability was investigated. The therapeutic effect on GSCs was investigated by in vivo and in vitro experiments. RESULTS The BO-modified DTX plus TET micelles were successfully constructed by thin film dispersion method, and the micelles showed good stability. The results showed that targeting micelles increased bEnd.3 uptake and helped drugs cross the BBB in vitro. And we also found that targeting micelles could inhibit cell proliferation, promote cell apoptosis and inhibit the expression of drug-resistant protein, thus provide a new treatment method for GSCs in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS BO-modified DTX plus TET micelles may provide a new treatment method for drug-resistant brain gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, PR China
| | - Jia-Yu Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, PR China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, PR China
| | - Rui-Bo Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, PR China
| | - Xue-Tao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, PR China
| | - Ling-Yue Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Liang Kong
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, PR China
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25
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Wang H, Lian X, Wang K, Wang S. WWP2 binds to NKRF, enhances the NF-κB signaling, and promotes malignant phenotypes of acute myeloid leukemia cells. Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 102:85-95. [PMID: 37921219 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2022-0360] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the hematological malignancies with a high recurrence rate. WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (WWP2) is identified as a pivotal regulator of tumor progression. This study aimed to assess the possible role of WWP2 in AML. Analysis of the GEPIA database indicated an elevated WWP2 expression in AML. We established stable WWP2-overexpressed or WWP2-silenced cells using lentivirus loaded with cDNA encoding WWP2 mRNA or shRNA targeting WWP2. Notably, WWP2 overexpression facilitated cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, which was manifested as the increase of colony formation number, S-phase percentage and cell cycle related protein levels. As observed, WWP2 knockdown presented opposite effects, leading to inhibition of tumorigenicity. Strikingly, WWP2 knockdown induced apoptosis, accompanied by upregulation of pro-apoptosis proteins cleaved caspase-9, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and downregulation of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2. Functionally, we further confirmed that WWP2 overexpression enhanced the NF-κB signaling and upregulated the levels of downstream genes, which may contribute to aggravating the development of AML. More importantly, by co-immunoprecipitation assay, we verified that WWP2 bound to NF-κB-repressing factor (NKRF) and promoted NKRF ubiquitylation. Dramatically, NKRF overexpression abolished the role of WWP2 in facilitating the process of AML. Overall, our observations confirm that WWP2 exerts a critical role in the tumorigenicity of AML, and NKRF is regarded as an essential factor in the WWP2-mediated AML progression. WWP2 may be proposed as a promising target of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjia Wang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xin Lian
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shuye Wang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Tran HT, Pirker T, Pferschy-Wenzig EM, Kunert O, Huynh L, Bauer R. Structures and bioactivities of monomeric and dimeric carvotacetones from Sphaeranthus africanus. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2024; 218:113938. [PMID: 38061483 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Four previously undescribed carvotacetones including one monomeric (1) and three dimeric (8, 9, 10) derivatives, together with six known compounds were isolated from the n-hexane extract of the aerial parts of Sphaeranthus africanus L. The structures of the previously undescribed compounds were elucidated as 3-angeloyloxy-5-isobutanoyloxy-7-hydroxycarvotacetone (1), 7,7'-oxybis{3-angeloyloxy-5-[(2R*,3R*)-2,3-dihydroxy-2-methylbutanoyloxy]carvotacetone} (8), (2″S*,3″R*)-7-{3-angeloyloxy-5-[(2R*,3R*)-2,3-dihydroxy-2-methylbuta-noyloxy]carvotaceton-7-yloxy}-3-angeloyloxy-5-(2,3-dihydroxy-2-methylbutanoyloxy)carvo-tacetone (9), and 7,7'-oxybis{3-angeloyloxy-5-[(2S*,3R*)-2,3-dihydroxy-2-methylbutanoyl-oxy]carvotacetone} (10). The three dimeric derivatives (8-10) showed potent anti-proliferative activity against human cancer cell lines (CCRF-CEM, MDA-MB-231, U-251, HCT-116) with IC50 values ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 μM. Caspases 3 and 7 were found to be activated by all compounds, indicating apoptosis induction activity. Monomers exhibited a specific inhibition of NO production in BV2 and RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values ranging from 4.2 to 6.8 μM which were 2-3.5-fold lower than IC50 values causing cytotoxicity. In addition, the carvotacetones reduced NF-κB1 (p105) mRNA expression at concentrations of 10 and 2.5 μM. Altogether, the results indicate that carvotacetones may be interesting lead structures for the development of anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huyen Thi Tran
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Graz, Beethovenstrasse 8, 8010, Graz, Austria; Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Medicine, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), Hochiminh City, 700000, Viet Nam; Research Center for Genetics and Reproductive Health - CGRH, School of Medicine, Vietnam National University, HCM City, 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Teresa Pirker
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Graz, Beethovenstrasse 8, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Eva-Maria Pferschy-Wenzig
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Graz, Beethovenstrasse 8, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Olaf Kunert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 1, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Loi Huynh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Binh Duong University, 504 Bình Dương Boulevard, Hiệp Thành Ward, Thủ Dầu Một City, Bình Dương Province, 75000, Viet Nam
| | - Rudolf Bauer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Graz, Beethovenstrasse 8, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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Baena-Lopez LA, Wang L, Wendler F. Cellular stress management by caspases. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102314. [PMID: 38215516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Cellular stress plays a pivotal role in the onset of numerous human diseases. Consequently, the removal of dysfunctional cells, which undergo excessive stress-induced damage via various cell death pathways, including apoptosis, is essential for maintaining organ integrity and function. The evolutionarily conserved family of cysteine-aspartic-proteases, known as caspases, has been a key player in orchestrating apoptosis. However, recent research has unveiled the capability of these enzymes to govern fundamental cellular processes without triggering cell death. Remarkably, some of these non-lethal functions of caspases may contribute to restoring cellular equilibrium in stressed cells. This manuscript discusses how caspases can function as cellular stress managers and their potential impact on human health and disease. Additionally, it sheds light on the limitations of caspase-based therapies, given our still incomplete understanding of the biology of these enzymes, particularly in non-apoptotic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Li Wang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX13RE, UK
| | - Franz Wendler
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX13RE, UK. https://twitter.com/wendlerfranz
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28
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Hánělová K, Raudenská M, Masařík M, Balvan J. Protein cargo in extracellular vesicles as the key mediator in the progression of cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:25. [PMID: 38200509 PMCID: PMC10777590 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01408-6] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are small vesicles of endosomal origin that are released by almost all cell types, even those that are pathologically altered. Exosomes widely participate in cell-to-cell communication via transferring cargo, including nucleic acids, proteins, and other metabolites, into recipient cells. Tumour-derived exosomes (TDEs) participate in many important molecular pathways and affect various hallmarks of cancer, including fibroblasts activation, modification of the tumour microenvironment (TME), modulation of immune responses, angiogenesis promotion, setting the pre-metastatic niche, enhancing metastatic potential, and affecting therapy sensitivity and resistance. The unique exosome biogenesis, composition, nontoxicity, and ability to target specific tumour cells bring up their use as promising drug carriers and cancer biomarkers. In this review, we focus on the role of exosomes, with an emphasis on their protein cargo, in the key mechanisms promoting cancer progression. We also briefly summarise the mechanism of exosome biogenesis, its structure, protein composition, and potential as a signalling hub in both normal and pathological conditions. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Hánělová
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Raudenská
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masařík
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prumyslova 595, Vestec, CZ-252 50, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Balvan
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, CZ-625 00, Czech Republic.
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29
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Mohamed WA, El-Nekhily NA, Mahmoud HE, Hussein AA, Sabra SA. Prodigiosin/celecoxib-loaded into zein/sodium caseinate nanoparticles as a potential therapy for triple negative breast cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:181. [PMID: 38168547 PMCID: PMC10761898 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50531-4] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, breast cancer is considered one of the most upsetting malignancies among females. Encapsulation of celecoxib (CXB) and prodigiosin (PDG) into zein/sodium caseinate nanoparticles (NPs) produce homogenous and spherical nanoparticles with good encapsulation efficiencies (EE %) and bioavailability. In vitro cytotoxicity study conducted on human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell lines revealed that there was a significant decline in the IC50 for encapsulated drugs when compared to each drug alone or their free combination. In addition, results demonstrated that there is a synergism between CXB and PDG as their combination indices were 0.62251 and 0.15493, respectively. Moreover, results of scratch wound healing assay revealed enhanced antimigratory effect of free drugs and fabricated NPs in comparison to untreated cells. Furthermore, In vitro results manifested that formulated nanoparticles exhibited induction of apoptosis associated with reduced angiogenesis, proliferation, and inflammation. In conclusion, nanoencapsulation of multiple drugs into nanoparticles might be a promising approach to develop new therapies for the managing of triple negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa A Mohamed
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt
| | - Nefertiti A El-Nekhily
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt
| | - Hoda E Mahmoud
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Hussein
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt
| | - Sally A Sabra
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt.
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30
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Zhang K, Man X, Hu X, Tan P, Su J, Abbas MN, Cui H. GATA binding protein 6 regulates apoptosis in silkworms through interaction with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 256:128515. [PMID: 38040165 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128515] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
The GATA family of genes plays various roles in crucial biological processes, such as development, cell differentiation, and disease progression. However, the roles of GATA in insects have not been thoroughly explored. In this study, a genome-wide characterization of the GATA gene family in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, was conducted, revealing lineage-specific expression profiles. Notably, GATA6 is ubiquitously expressed across various developmental stages and tissues, with predominant expression in the midgut, ovaries, and Malpighian tubules. Overexpression of GATA6 inhibits cell growth and promotes apoptosis, whereas, in contrast, knockdown of PARP mitigates the apoptotic effects driven by GATA6 overexpression. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) has demonstrated that GATA6 can interact with Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), suggesting that GATA6 may induce cell apoptosis by activating the enzyme's activity. These findings reveal a dynamic and regulatory relationship between GATA6 and PARP, suggesting a potential role for GATA6 as a key regulator in apoptosis through its interaction with PARP. This research deepens the understanding of the diverse roles of the GATA family in insects, shedding light on new avenues for studies in sericulture and pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Xu Man
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Peng Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jingjing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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31
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Zamanian MY, Ivraghi MS, Gupta R, Prasad KDV, Alsaab HO, Hussien BM, Ahmed H, Ramadan MF, Golmohammadi M, Nikbakht N, Oz T, Kujawska M. miR-221 and Parkinson's disease: A biomarker with therapeutic potential. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:283-297. [PMID: 38043936 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16207] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to various motor and non-motor symptoms. Several cellular and molecular mechanisms such as alpha-synuclein (α-syn) accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation. They are typically about 21-25 nucleotides in length and are involved in the regulation of gene expression by binding to the messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. miRNAs like miR-221 play important roles in various biological processes, including development, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. miR-221 promotes neuronal survival against oxidative stress and neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation. Additionally, the role of miR-221 in PD has been investigated in several studies. According to the results of these studies, (1) miR-221 protects PC12 cells against oxidative stress induced by 6-hydroxydopamine; (2) miR-221 prevents Bax/caspase-3 signalling activation by stopping Bim; (3) miR-221 has moderate predictive power for PD; (4) miR-221 directly targets PTEN, and PTEN over-expression eliminates the protective action of miR-221 on p-AKT expression in PC12 cells; and (5) miRNA-221 controls cell viability and apoptosis by manipulating the Akt signalling pathway in PD. This review study suggested that miR-221 has the potential to be used as a clinical biomarker for PD diagnosis and stage assignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Yasin Zamanian
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Reena Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - K D V Prasad
- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Hyderabad, India
- Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Hashem O Alsaab
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Beneen M Hussien
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Hazem Ahmed
- Medical Technical College, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Maryam Golmohammadi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nikta Nikbakht
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Tuba Oz
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kujawska
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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32
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Boateng ST, Roy T, Agbo ME, Mahmud MA, Banang-Mbeumi S, Chamcheu RCN, Yadav RK, Bramwell M, Pham LK, Dang DD, Jackson KE, Nagalo BM, Hill RA, Efimova T, Fotie J, Chamcheu JC. Multifaceted approach toward mapping out the anticancer properties of small molecules via in vitro evaluation on melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer cells, and in silico target fishing. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14418. [PMID: 38230791 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14418] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers are among the most prevalent and most lethal forms of skin cancers. To identify new lead compounds with potential anticancer properties for further optimization, in vitro assays combined with in-silico target fishing and docking have been used to identify and further map out the antiproliferative and potential mode of action of molecules from a small library of compounds previously prepared in our laboratory. From screening these compounds in vitro against A375, SK-MEL-28, A431, and SCC-12 skin cancer cell lines, 35 displayed antiproliferative activities at the micromolar level, with the majority being primarily potent against the A431 and SCC-12 squamous carcinoma cell lines. The most active compounds 11 (A431: IC50 = 5.0 μM, SCC-12: IC50 = 2.9 μM, SKMEL-28: IC50 = 4.9 μM, A375: IC50 = 6.7 μM) and 13 (A431: IC50 = 5.0 μM, SCC-12: IC50 = 3.3 μM, SKMEL-28: IC50 = 13.8 μM, A375: IC50 = 17.1 μM), significantly and dose-dependently induced apoptosis of SCC-12 and SK-MEL-28 cells, as evidenced by the suppression of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP protein expression levels. Both agents significantly reduced scratch wound healing, colony formation, and expression levels of deregulated cancer molecular targets including RSK/Akt/ERK1/2 and S6K1. In silico target prediction and docking studies using the SwissTargetPrediction web-based tool suggested that CDK8, CLK4, nuclear receptor ROR, tyrosine protein-kinase Fyn/LCK, ROCK1/2, and PARP, all of which are dysregulated in skin cancers, might be prospective targets for the two most active compounds. Further validation of these targets by western blot analyses, revealed that ROCK/Fyn and its associated Hedgehog (Hh) pathways were downregulated or modulated by the two lead compounds. In aggregate, these results provide a strong framework for further validation of the observed activities and the development of a more comprehensive structure-activity relationship through the preparation and biological evaluation of analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel T Boateng
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Tithi Roy
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Mercy E Agbo
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana, USA
| | - Md Ashiq Mahmud
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Sergette Banang-Mbeumi
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Roxane-Cherille N Chamcheu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Rajesh K Yadav
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Marion Bramwell
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Long K Pham
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Danny D Dang
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Keith E Jackson
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Bolni Marius Nagalo
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Science (UAMS), Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Ronald A Hill
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Tatiana Efimova
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jean Fotie
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jean Christopher Chamcheu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana - Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
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33
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Bachari A, Nassar N, Schanknecht E, Telukutla S, Piva TJ, Mantri N. Rationalizing a prospective coupling effect of cannabinoids with the current pharmacotherapy for melanoma treatment. WIREs Mech Dis 2024; 16:e1633. [PMID: 37920964 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1633] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the leading fatal forms of cancer, yet from a treatment perspective, we have minimal control over its reoccurrence and resistance to current pharmacotherapies. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has recently been accepted as a multifaceted homeostatic regulator, influencing various physiological processes across different biological compartments, including the skin. This review presents an overview of the pathophysiology of melanoma, current pharmacotherapy used for treatment, and the challenges associated with the different pharmacological approaches. Furthermore, it highlights the utility of cannabinoids as an additive remedy for melanoma by restoring the balance between downregulated immunomodulatory pathways and elevated inflammatory cytokines during chronic skin conditions as one of the suggested critical approaches in treating this immunogenic tumor. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Bachari
- The Pangenomics Lab, School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nazim Nassar
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ellen Schanknecht
- The Pangenomics Lab, School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Terrence Jerald Piva
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nitin Mantri
- The Pangenomics Lab, School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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34
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Kopiasz Ł, Dziendzikowska K, Oczkowski M, Harasym J, Gromadzka-Ostrowska J. Low-molar-mass oat beta-glucan impacts autophagy and apoptosis in early stages of induced colorectal carcinogenesis in rats. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127832. [PMID: 37924897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127832] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Oat beta-glucan is one of the soluble dietary fibre fractions with a wide spectrum of biological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties. In the present study, the effect of low-molar-mass oat beta-glucan isolate (OβGl) on the level of autophagy and apoptosis in the colorectum of rats with induced early stages of colorectal cancer was investigated. Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two main groups: control and azoxymethane-induced early-stage colorectal carcinogenesis (CRC). Both groups were divided into three dietary subgroups fed standard feed without OβGl (OβGl-), with 1 % of OβGl (OβGl+1 %) or with 3 % of OβGl (OβGl+3 %). The expression of autophagy (LC3B, beclin-1) and apoptosis (caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, BAX, BCL-2 and PARP-1) markers was determined by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and PCR analysis. The obtained results showed that the expression of LC3B, caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 in the CRC mucosa, and LC3B-II expression in the CRC wall were higher in the OβGl+3 % compared to the OβGl- rats. A higher BAX/BCL-2 ratio was also observed in the CRC OβGl+1 % rats compared to the other CRC animals. In summary, OβGl+3 % has a modulatory effect, stimulating autophagy and the extrinsic apoptosis pathway, while OβGl+1 % has a stimulatory effect on the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Kopiasz
- Department of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Dziendzikowska
- Department of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Michał Oczkowski
- Department of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Joanna Harasym
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Analysis, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, 53-345 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Joanna Gromadzka-Ostrowska
- Department of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
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35
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Amiri S, Pashizeh F, Moeinabadi-Bidgoli K, Eyvazi Y, Akbari T, Salehi Moghaddam Z, Eskandarisani M, Farahmand F, Hafezi Y, Nouri Jevinani H, Seif M, Mousavi-Niri N, Chiani M, Tavakkoli Yaraki M. Co-encapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs into niosomal nanocarrier for enhanced breast cancer therapy: In silico and in vitro studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117292. [PMID: 37806480 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Combination therapy has been considered one of the most promising approaches for improving the therapeutic effects of anticancer drugs. This is the first study that uses two different antioxidants in full-characterized niosomal formulation and thoroughly evaluates their synergistic effects on breast cancer cells. In this study, in-silico studies of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs (ascorbic acid: Asc and curcumin: Cur) interactions and release were investigated and validated by a set of in vitro experiments to reveal the significant improvement in breast cancer therapy using a co-delivery approach by niosomal nanocarrier. The niosomal nanoparticles containing surfactants (Span 60 and Tween 60) and cholesterol at 2:1 M ratio were prepared through the film hydration method. A systematic evaluation of nanoniosomes was carried out. The release profile demonstrated two phases (initial burst followed by sustained release) and a pH-dependent release schedule over 72 h. The optimized niosomal preparation displayed superior storage stability for up to 2 months at 4 °C, exhibiting extremely minor changes in pharmaceutical encapsulation efficiency and size. Free dual drugs (Asc + Cur) and dual-drug loaded niosomes (Niosomal (Asc + Cur)) enhanced the apoptotic activity and cytotoxicity and inhibited cell migration which confirmed the synergistic effect of co-encapsulated drugs. Also, significant up-regulation of p53 and Bax genes was observed in cells treated with Asc + Cur and Niosomal (Asc + Cur), while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene was down-regulated. These results were in correlation with the increase in the enzyme activity of SOD, CAT, and caspase, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon treatment with the mentioned drugs. Furthermore, these anti-cancer effects were higher when using Niosomal (Asc + Cur) than Asc + Cur. Histopathological examination also revealed that Niosomal (Asc + Cur) had a lower mitosis index, invasion, and pleomorphism than Asc + Cur. These findings indicated that niosomal formulation for co-delivery of Asc and Cur would offer a promising delivery system for an effective breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Amiri
- Department of Genetic, Islamic Azad University, Tehran North Branch, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Pashizeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Science Yazd, Iran
| | - Kasra Moeinabadi-Bidgoli
- Departments of Medicine and Endocrinology, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yalda Eyvazi
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tanin Akbari
- Department of Medical Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Salehi Moghaddam
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Faranak Farahmand
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Hafezi
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoda Nouri Jevinani
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Seif
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Mousavi-Niri
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Chiani
- Department of Nano Biotechnology, New Technology Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Tavakkoli Yaraki
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia.
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36
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Baghy K, Ladányi A, Reszegi A, Kovalszky I. Insights into the Tumor Microenvironment-Components, Functions and Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17536. [PMID: 38139365 PMCID: PMC10743805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417536] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Similarly to our healthy organs, the tumor tissue also constitutes an ecosystem. This implies that stromal cells acquire an altered phenotype in tandem with tumor cells, thereby promoting tumor survival. Cancer cells are fueled by abnormal blood vessels, allowing them to develop and proliferate. Tumor-associated fibroblasts adapt their cytokine and chemokine production to the needs of tumor cells and alter the peritumoral stroma by generating more collagen, thereby stiffening the matrix; these processes promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor cell invasion. Chronic inflammation and the mobilization of pro-tumorigenic inflammatory cells further facilitate tumor expansion. All of these events can impede the effective administration of tumor treatment; so, the successful inhibition of tumorous matrix remodeling could further enhance the success of antitumor therapy. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made with the introduction of novel immunotherapy that targets the inhibitory mechanisms of T cell activation. However, extensive research is also being conducted on the stromal components and other cell types of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that may serve as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornélia Baghy
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Andrea Ladányi
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Andrea Reszegi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1091 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ilona Kovalszky
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
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Alzamami A, Radwan EM, Abo-Elabass E, Behery ME, Alshwyeh HA, Al-Olayan E, Altamimi AS, Attallah NGM, Altwaijry N, Jaremko M, Saied EM. Novel 8-Methoxycoumarin-3-Carboxamides with potent anticancer activity against liver cancer via targeting caspase-3/7 and β-tubulin polymerization. BMC Chem 2023; 17:174. [PMID: 38041156 PMCID: PMC10693084 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-023-01063-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we explored the potential of coumarin-based compounds, known for their potent anticancer properties, by designing and synthesizing a novel category of 8-methoxycoumarin-3-carboxamides. Our aim was to investigate their antiproliferative activity against liver cancer cells. Toward this, we developed a versatile synthetic approach to produce a series of 8-methoxycoumarin-3-carboxamide analogues with meticulous structural features. Assessment of their antiproliferative activity demonstrated their significant inhibitory effects on the growth of HepG2 cells, a widely studied liver cancer cell line. Among screened compounds, compound 5 exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activity among the screened compounds (IC50 = 0.9 µM), outperforming the anticancer drug staurosporine (IC50 = 8.4 µM), while showing minimal impact on normal cells. The flow cytometric analysis revealed that compound 5 induces cell cycle arrest during the G1/S phase and triggers apoptosis in HepG2 cells by increasing the percentage of cells arrested in the G2/M and pre-G1 phases. Annexin V-FITC/PI screening further supported the induction of apoptosis without significant necrosis. Further, compound 5 exhibited the ability to activate caspase3/7 protein and substantially inhibited β-tubulin polymerization activity in HepG2 cells. Finally, molecular modelling analysis further affirmed the high binding affinity of compound 5 toward the active cavity of β-tubulin protein, suggesting its mechanistic involvement. Collectively, our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the presented class of coumarin analogues, especially compound 5, as promising candidates for the development of effective anti-hepatocellular carcinoma agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Alzamami
- Clinical Laboratory Science Department, College of Applied Medical Science, Shaqra University, AlQuwayiyah 11961, Sahqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman M Radwan
- Chemistry Department (The Division of Organic Chemistry), Faculty of Science, Port-Said University, Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Eman Abo-Elabass
- Chemistry Department (The Division of Biochemistry), Faculty of Science, Port-Said University, Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Mohammed El Behery
- Chemistry Department (The Division of Biochemistry), Faculty of Science, Port-Said University, Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Hussah Abdullah Alshwyeh
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 31441, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Basic & Applied Scientific Research Centre, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, 31441, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ebtesam Al-Olayan
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmalik S Altamimi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, PO Box 173, 11942, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Najla Altwaijry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, 11671, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Smart-Health Initiative and Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 4700, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Essa M Saied
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
- Institute for Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Str. 2, 12489, Berlin, Germany.
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Asghari Lalami Z, Tafvizi F, Naseh V, Salehipour M. Fabrication, optimization, and characterization of pH-responsive PEGylated nanoniosomes containing gingerol for enhanced treatment of breast cancer. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3867-3886. [PMID: 37368028 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02579-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Multiple potential drug delivery strategies have emerged as a result of recent advances in nanotechnology and nanomedicine. The aim of this research was to prepare an optimized system of PEGylated gingerol-loaded niosomes (Nio-Gin@PEG) as an excellent candidate for the treatment of human breast cancer cells. The preparation procedure was modified by adjusting the drug concentration, lipid content, and Span60/Tween60 ratio, resulting in high encapsulation efficacy (EE%), rapid release rate, and reduced size. The Nio-Gin@PEG exhibited significantly improved storage stability compared to the gingerol-loaded niosomes formulation (Nio-Gin), with minimal changes in EE%, release profile, and size during storage. Furthermore, Nio-Gin@PEG demonstrated pH-dependent release behavior, with delayed drug diffusion at physiological pH and significant drug diffusion under acidic conditions (pH = 5.4), making it a promising option for cancer treatment. Cytotoxicity tests indicated that Nio-Gin@PEG possessed excellent biocompatibility with human fibroblast cells while exerting a remarkable inhibitory effect on MCF-7 and SKBR3 breast cancer cells, attributed to the presence of gingerol and the PEGylated structure in the preparation. Nio-Gin@PEG also exhibited the ability to modulate the expression of target genes. We observed statistically significant down-regulation of the expression of BCL2, MMP2, MMP9, HER2, CCND1, CCNE1, BCL2, CDK4, and VEGF genes, along with up-regulation of the expression of BAX, CASP9, CASP3, and P21 genes. Flow cytometry results revealed that Nio-Gin@PEG could induce a higher rate of apoptosis in both cancerous cells compared to gingerol and Nio-Gin, owing to the optimal encapsulation and efficient drug release from the formulation, as confirmed by cell cycle tests. ROS generation demonstrated the superior antioxidant effect of Nio-Gin@PEG compared to other prepared formulations. The results of this study emphasize the potential of formulating highly biocompatible niosomes in the future of nanomedicine, enabling more precise and effective treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farzaneh Tafvizi
- Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran.
| | - Vahid Naseh
- Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran
| | - Masoud Salehipour
- Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran
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Neumaier EE, Rothhammer V, Linnerbauer M. The role of midkine in health and disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1310094. [PMID: 38098484 PMCID: PMC10720637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1310094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Midkine (MDK) is a neurotrophic growth factor highly expressed during embryogenesis with important functions related to growth, proliferation, survival, migration, angiogenesis, reproduction, and repair. Recent research has indicated that MDK functions as a key player in autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of brain tumors, acute injuries, and other CNS disorders. This review summarizes the modes of action and immunological functions of MDK both in the peripheral immune compartment and in the CNS, particularly in the context of traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Moreover, we discuss the role of MDK as a central mediator of neuro-immune crosstalk, focusing on the interactions between CNS-infiltrating and -resident cells such as astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes. Finally, we highlight the therapeutic potential of MDK and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veit Rothhammer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Kim JW, Choi J, Park MN, Kim B. Apoptotic Effect of Gallic Acid via Regulation of p-p38 and ER Stress in PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 Cells Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15236. [PMID: 37894916 PMCID: PMC10607041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015236] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is currently recognized as the seventh most prevalent cause of cancer-related mortality among individuals of both genders. It is projected that a significant number of individuals will succumb to this disease in the forthcoming years. Extensive research and validation have been conducted on both gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil as viable therapeutic options for PC. Nevertheless, despite concerted attempts to enhance treatment outcomes, PC continues to pose significant challenges in terms of achieving effective treatment alone through chemotherapy. Gallic acid, an endogenous chemical present in various botanical preparations, has attracted considerable attention due to its potential as an anticancer agent. The results of the study demonstrated that gallic acid exerted a decline in cell viability that was dependent on its concentration. Furthermore, it efficiently suppressed cell proliferation in PC cells. This study observed a positive correlation between gallic acid and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, it confirmed the upregulation of proteins associated with the protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) pathway, which is one of the pathways involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, the administration of gallic acid resulted in verified alterations in the transmission of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signals. Notably, an elevation in the levels of p-p38, which represents the phosphorylated state of p38 MAPK was detected. The scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), has shown inhibitory effects on phosphorylated p38 (p-p38), whereas the p38 inhibitor SB203580 inhibited C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). In both instances, the levels of PARP have been successfully reinstated. In other words, the study discovered a correlation between endoplasmic reticulum stress and the p38 signaling pathway. Consequently, gallic acid induces the activation of both the p38 pathway and the ER stress pathway through the generation of ROS, ultimately resulting in apoptosis. The outcomes of this study provide compelling evidence to support the notion that gallic acid possesses considerable promise as a viable therapeutic intervention for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Woo Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Republic of Korea; (J.W.K.); (J.C.); (M.N.P.)
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwon Choi
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Republic of Korea; (J.W.K.); (J.C.); (M.N.P.)
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Nyeo Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Republic of Korea; (J.W.K.); (J.C.); (M.N.P.)
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Republic of Korea; (J.W.K.); (J.C.); (M.N.P.)
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Republic of Korea
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Mendez-Callejas G, Piñeros-Avila M, Yosa-Reyes J, Pestana-Nobles R, Torrenegra R, Camargo-Ubate MF, Bello-Castro AE, Celis CA. A Novel Tri-Hydroxy-Methylated Chalcone Isolated from Chromolaena tacotana with Anti-Cancer Potential Targeting Pro-Survival Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15185. [PMID: 37894866 PMCID: PMC10607159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015185] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromolaena tacotana (Klatt) R. M. King and H. Rob (Ch. tacotana) contains bioactive flavonoids that may have antioxidant and/or anti-cancer properties. This study investigated the potential anti-cancer properties of a newly identified chalcone isolated from the inflorescences of the plant Chromolaena tacotana (Klatt) R. M. King and H. Rob (Ch. tacotana). The chalcone structure was determined using HPLC/MS (QTOF), UV, and NMR spectroscopy. The compound cytotoxicity and selectivity were evaluated on prostate, cervical, and breast cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Apoptosis and autophagy induction were assessed through flow cytometry by detecting annexin V/7-AAD, active Casp3/7, and LC3B proteins. These results were supported by Western blot analysis. Mitochondrial effects on membrane potential, as well as levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins were analyzed using flow cytometry, fluorescent microscopy, and Western blot analysis specifically on a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line. Furthermore, molecular docking (MD) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to evaluate the interaction between the compounds and pro-survival proteins. The compound identified as 2',3,4-trihydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxy chalcone inhibited the cancer cell line proliferation and induced apoptosis and autophagy. MDA-MB-231, a TNBC cell line, exhibited the highest sensitivity to the compound with good selectivity. This activity was associated with the regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of the pro-apoptotic proteins, and reduction of anti-apoptotic proteins, thereby triggering the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The chalcone consistently interacted with anti-apoptotic proteins, particularly the Bcl-2 protein, throughout the simulation period. However, there was a noticeable conformational shift observed with the negative autophagy regulator mTOR protein. Future studies should focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer potential of the new chalcone and other flavonoids from Ch. tacotana, particularly against predominant cancer cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Mendez-Callejas
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas y de Genética Humana Aplicada (GIBGA), Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222 # 55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia;
| | - Marco Piñeros-Avila
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas y de Genética Humana Aplicada (GIBGA), Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222 # 55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia;
| | - Juvenal Yosa-Reyes
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Exactas, Física y Naturales Aplicadas, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Laboratorio de Simulación Molecular y Bioinformática, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Carrera 59 # 59-65, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia; (J.Y.-R.)
| | - Roberto Pestana-Nobles
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Exactas, Física y Naturales Aplicadas, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Laboratorio de Simulación Molecular y Bioinformática, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Carrera 59 # 59-65, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia; (J.Y.-R.)
| | - Ruben Torrenegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Productos Naturales de la U.D.C.A. (PRONAUDCA), Laboratorio de Productos Naturales, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222 # 55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia
| | - María F. Camargo-Ubate
- Grupo de Investigación en Productos Naturales de la U.D.C.A. (PRONAUDCA), Laboratorio de Productos Naturales, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222 # 55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia
| | - Andrea E. Bello-Castro
- Grupo de Investigación en Productos Naturales de la U.D.C.A. (PRONAUDCA), Laboratorio de Productos Naturales, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222 # 55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia
| | - Crispin A. Celis
- Grupo de Investigación en Fitoquímica (GIFUJ), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cra. 7 # 40-62, Bogotá 1115511, Colombia
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Hua T, Robitaille M, Roberts-Thomson SJ, Monteith GR. The intersection between cysteine proteases, Ca 2+ signalling and cancer cell apoptosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119532. [PMID: 37393017 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a highly complex and regulated cell death pathway that safeguards the physiological balance between life and death. Over the past decade, the role of Ca2+ signalling in apoptosis and the mechanisms involved have become clearer. The initiation and execution of apoptosis is coordinated by three distinct groups of cysteines proteases: the caspase, calpain and cathepsin families. Beyond its physiological importance, the ability to evade apoptosis is a prominent hallmark of cancer cells. In this review, we will explore the involvement of Ca2+ in the regulation of caspase, calpain and cathepsin activity, and how the actions of these cysteine proteases alter intracellular Ca2+ handling during apoptosis. We will also explore how apoptosis resistance can be achieved in cancer cells through deregulation of cysteine proteases and remodelling of the Ca2+ signalling toolkit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinh Hua
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Mélanie Robitaille
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | | | - Gregory R Monteith
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; Mater Research Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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43
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Cho E, Mun SJ, Jeon M, Kim HK, Baek H, Ham YS, Gil WJ, Kim JW, Yang CS. Tumor-targeted liposomes with platycodin D2 promote apoptosis in colorectal cancer. Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100745. [PMID: 37576871 PMCID: PMC10415802 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC), though efficacious, is discouraging due to its limited targeting capability, lack of selectivity, and chemotherapy-associated side effects. With the advent of nanomedicines, a liposomal delivery system making use of a combination of anticancer phytochemicals is fast gaining popularity as one of the most promising nanoplatforms for CRC treatment. Rising evidence supports phytochemicals such as platycosides for their anticancer potency. To this end, a combination therapy including tumor-targeted liposomes along with phytochemicals might have a greater therapeutic potential against cancer. In this study, we developed acidity-triggered rational membrane (ATRAM) along with conjugated platycodin D2 (PCD2) and liposomes (PCD2-Lipo-ATRAM) as a tumor-targeting therapy. The PCD2-Lipo-ATRAM treatment demonstrated a successful tumor-targeting ability in the CRC xenografts, in which PCD2 not only exerted a potent antitumor effect by inducing apoptotic cell death and but also functioned as a liposome membrane stabilizer. Moreover, PCD2-Lipo-ATRAM suppressed antiapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, resulting in enhanced cytotoxicity toward CRC cells by inducing intrinsic caspase-9/-3 mediated apoptosis. Thus, our data has shown that tumor-targeting PCD2-based liposomal systems represent a promising strategy for CRC therapy, since they directly target the tumors, unlike other therapies that can miss the target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euni Cho
- Department of Bionano Engineering Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04673, South Korea
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
| | - Seok-Jun Mun
- Department of Bionano Engineering Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04673, South Korea
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
| | - Minha Jeon
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Hyo Keun Kim
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
| | - Hwira Baek
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Yu Seong Ham
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
| | - Woo Jin Gil
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
| | - Jin Woong Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Chul-Su Yang
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
- Department of Medicinal and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
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Anvarbatcha R, Kunnathodi F, Islam M. Induction of G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by thymol through ROS generation and caspase-9/-3 activation in breast and colorectal cancer cell lines. J Cancer Res Ther 2023; 19:1915-1924. [PMID: 38376297 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_308_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is a major malignancy and one of the leading causes of death; it calls for a proactive strategy for the cure. Herbs are reservoirs of novel chemical entities and their phytochemical exploration has contributed considerably to the discovery of new anticancer drugs. Thymol, a natural phenolic monoterpenoid, has been implicated with many medicinal properties, including anticancer ones. However, the anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing ability of thymol on MDA-MB-231 and HCT-8 cell lines has not been studied yet in detail, and hence this study was conceived. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied the cytotoxicity, morphological alterations of the cell, oxidative stress, cell cycle modulation, apoptosis and expression of apoptosis-related proteins that ensued due to thymol treatment in these cancer cells. RESULTS Thymol inhibited the cell proliferation, altered the morphology of the cells, increased the intracellular ROS level, arrested the cells in G0/G1 phase, induced apoptosis, upregulated pro-apoptotic protein p53 expression, downregulated anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL expression, and activated caspase-9 and -3. CONCLUSION These findings elucidate that thymol induces apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway, in MDA-MB-231 breast and HCT-8 colorectal cancer cells through ROS generation and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. This reiterates the broad-spectrum anti-tumor potential of thymol and provides an insight to study further to be developed into an anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riyasdeen Anvarbatcha
- Scientific Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh-11159, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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45
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Hussein MMA, Abdelfattah-Hassan A, Eldoumani H, Essawi WM, Alsahli TG, Alharbi KS, Alzarea SI, Al-Hejaili HY, Gaafar SF. Evaluation of anti-cancer effects of carnosine and melittin-loaded niosomes in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1258387. [PMID: 37808196 PMCID: PMC10552532 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1258387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: We investigated the anti-cancer effect of carnosine-loaded niosomes (Car-NIO) and melittin-loaded niosomes (Mel-NIO) with olaparib in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Methods: The thin film method was used for preparing the niosomes and characterized in terms of morphology, size, and polydispersity index (PDI). We further evaluated the impact of these peptides on breast cancer cells viability, RT-qPCR assays, malondialdehyde (MDA) activity, and cell cycle progression, to determine if these are linked to carnosine and melittin's anti-proliferative properties. Results: Car-NIO and Mel-NIO in vitro study inhibited cancer cell viability. They have also upregulated the expression of protein 53 (P53), BCL2-Associated X Protein (Bax), caspase-9, caspase-3, programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), and Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), while downregulated the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP 1), and MicroRNA-183 (miRNA-183). The MCF-7 cells were arrested at the G2/M phase in Car-NIO, on the other hand, the MDA-MB-231 cells were arrested at the S phase. While the Mel-NIO and olaparib arrested the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells at the G0/1 phase. Conclusion: Our study successfully declared that Mel-NIO had more anti-cancer effects than Car-NIO in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M. A. Hussein
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Abdelfattah-Hassan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Haitham Eldoumani
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Walaa M. Essawi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Tariq G. Alsahli
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Saad Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami I. Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Y. Al-Hejaili
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of Health, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara F. Gaafar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Ismail HS, Khalil A, Taha RA, Lasheen DS, Abou El Ella DA. Design, molecular modelling and synthesis of novel benzothiazole derivatives as BCL-2 inhibitors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15554. [PMID: 37730790 PMCID: PMC10511702 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41783-1] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis plays a crucial role in cancer pathogenesis and drug resistance. BCL-2 family of enzymes is considered as one of the key enzymes which is involved in apoptosis. When there is disruption in the balance between anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 family apoptosis is dysregulated in the affected cells. Herein, 33 novel benzothiazole-based molecules 7a-i, 8a-f, 9a-b, 12a-e, 13a-d, 14a,b, and 17a-j were designed, synthesized and tested for their BCL-2 inhibitory activity. Scaffold hopping strategy was applied in designing of the target compounds. Compounds 13c and 13d showed the highest activity with IC50 values equal to 0.471 and 0.363 µM, respectively. Molecular docking studies of the synthesized compounds showed comparable binding interactions with the lead compound. Structure activity relationship study was performed to show the effects of structural modifications on the inhibitory activities on BCL-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda S Ismail
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira Khalil
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), El-Sherouk City, Cairo, 11837, Egypt.
| | - Rabah A Taha
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Deena S Lasheen
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dalal A Abou El Ella
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
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47
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Zuo M, Chen H, Liao Y, He P, Xu T, Tang J, Zhang N. Sulforaphane and bladder cancer: a potential novel antitumor compound. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1254236. [PMID: 37781700 PMCID: PMC10540234 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1254236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is a common form of urinary tract tumor, and its incidence is increasing annually. Unfortunately, an increasing number of newly diagnosed BC patients are found to have advanced or metastatic BC. Although current treatment options for BC are diverse and standardized, it is still challenging to achieve ideal curative results. However, Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate present in cruciferous plants, has emerged as a promising anticancer agent that has shown significant efficacy against various cancers, including bladder cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that Sulforaphane not only induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in BC cells, but also inhibits the growth, invasion, and metastasis of BC cells. Additionally, it can inhibit BC gluconeogenesis and demonstrate definite effects when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs/carcinogens. Sulforaphane has also been found to exert anticancer activity and inhibit bladder cancer stem cells by mediating multiple pathways in BC, including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1)/beta-catenin (β-Catenin), miR-124/cytokines interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R)/transcription 3 (STAT3). This article provides a comprehensive review of the current evidence and molecular mechanisms of Sulforaphane against BC. Furthermore, we explore the effects of Sulforaphane on potential risk factors for BC, such as bladder outlet obstruction, and investigate the possible targets of Sulforaphane against BC using network pharmacological analysis. This review is expected to provide a new theoretical basis for future research and the development of new drugs to treat BC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Neng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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Tsai MC, Chen CC, Tseng TH, Chang YC, Lin YJ, Tsai IN, Wang CC, Wang CJ. Hibiscus Anthocyanins Extracts Induce Apoptosis by Activating AMP-Activated Protein Kinase in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells. Nutrients 2023; 15:3972. [PMID: 37764756 PMCID: PMC10535221 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis, a programmed cell death process preventing cancer development, can be evaded by cancer cells. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates energy levels and is a key research topic in cancer prevention and treatment. Some bioactive components of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HAs), including anthocyanins, have potential anticancer properties. Our study investigated the in vitro cytotoxic potential and mode of action of HAs extracts containing anthocyanins in colorectal cancer cells. The results showed that Hibiscus anthocyanin-rich extracts induced apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells through the activation of multiple signaling pathways of AMPK. We observed the dose-response and time-dependent induction of apoptosis with HAs. Subsequently, the activation of Fas-mediated proteins triggered apoptotic pathways associated with Fas-mediated apoptosis-related proteins, including caspase-8/tBid. This caused the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria, resulting in caspase-3 cleavage and apoptosis activation in intestinal cancer cells. These data elucidate the relationship between Has' regulation of apoptosis-related proteins in colorectal cancer cells and apoptotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chang Tsai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan;
- School of Medical, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chun Chen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (I.-N.T.)
| | - Tsui-Hwa Tseng
- Department of Medical Applied Chemistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan;
| | - Yun-Ching Chang
- Department of Health Industry Technology Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Yi-Jie Lin
- Department of Health Industry Technology Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - I-Ning Tsai
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (I.-N.T.)
| | - Chi-Chih Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan;
- School of Medical, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Jong Wang
- Department of Health Industry Technology Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (Y.-J.L.)
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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49
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Serda M, Korzuch J, Dreszer D, Krzykawska-Serda M, Musioł R. Interactions between modified fullerenes and proteins in cancer nanotechnology. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103704. [PMID: 37453461 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103704] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Fullerenes have numerous properties that fill the gap between small molecules and nanomaterials. Several types of chemical reaction allow their surface to be ornamented with functional groups designed to change them into 'ideal' nanodelivery systems. Improved stability, and bioavailability are important, but chemical modifications can render them practically soluble in water. 'Buckyball' fullerene scaffolds can interact with many biological targets and inhibit several proteins essential for tumorigeneses. Herein, we focus on the inhibitory properties of fullerene nanomaterials against essential proteins in cancer nanotechnology, as well as the use of dedicated proteins to improve the bioavailability of these promising nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Serda
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Julia Korzuch
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dominik Dreszer
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Robert Musioł
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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50
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Xu J, Li Y, Kang M, Chang C, Wei H, Zhang C, Chen Y. Multiple forms of cell death: A focus on the PI3K/AKT pathway. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:2026-2038. [PMID: 37565518 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Cell death is a natural biological process that occurs in living organisms. Since 1963, extensive research has shed light on the occurrence, progress, and final outcome of cell death. According to different cell phenotypes, it is classified into different types, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, and so on. However, regardless of the form of cell death, what we ultimately expect is the disappearance of abnormal cells, such as tumor cells, while normal cells survive. As a result, it is vital to investigate the details of cell death, including death triggers, potent regulators, and executioners. Although significant progress has been made in understanding molecular pathways of cell death, many aspects remain unclear because of the complex regulatory networks in cells. Among them, the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT) pathway is discovered to be a crucial regulator of the cell death process. AKT, as a proto-oncogene, has become a major focus of attention in the medical community due to its role in regulating a multiplicity of cellular functions counting metabolism, immunity, proliferation, survival, transcription, and protein synthesis. Here, we explored the connection between the PI3K/AKT pathway and cell death, aiming to enhance our comprehension of the mechanism underlying this process. Such knowledge may pave the way for the subsequent development of more effective disease treatments, such as finding suitable targets for drug intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Xu
- Department of Medical Science Research Center, Peihua University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Medical Science Research Center, Peihua University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meili Kang
- Department of Medical Science Research Center, Peihua University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cuicui Chang
- Department of Medical Science Research Center, Peihua University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Teaching and Research, Xi'an Siyuan University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology at Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yuhua Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Life Science Research Laboratory, Bijie Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Bijie, China
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