1
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Wu SY, Peng ZM, Deng FY, Xiong JY, Luo PY, Han XJ, Zhang Z. SP1 promotes triple-negative breast cancer progression by targeting USP5. Cancer Cell Int 2025; 25:177. [PMID: 40375299 PMCID: PMC12083124 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-025-03802-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2025] [Indexed: 05/18/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of targeted therapies and a dismal prognosis, necessitating a critical exploration of the molecular mechanisms driving TNBC pathogenesis and the identification of novel therapeutic targets. While dysregulated USP5 expression has been observed in various malignancies, its specific functions and mechanisms in TNBC remain poorly understood. METHODS The study utilized a combination of TCGA database analysis, immunohistochemistry staining (IHC), quantitative RT-PCR, and western blotting assay to investigate the expression of USP5 and SP1 in TNBC. Furthermore, the study examined the role of the SP1-USP5 axis and the USP5 inhibitor periplocin in TNBC progression through CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, EDU incorporation assay, and tumor xenograft experiments. Additionally, the study explored the underlying mechanisms involved in the regulation of USP5 expression in TNBC using luciferase assay, ChIP-qPCR, quantitative RT-PCR, and western blotting assay. In order to ascertain potential inhibitors of USP5 activity, a combination of the Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) multi-functional docking platform, cellular thermal shift assay, and in vitro USP5 activity assay were utilized. RESULTS In the current investigation, it was observed that the expression of USP5 was elevated in TNBC and was significantly correlated with decreased overall survival rates among patients. The upregulation of USP5 was found to be mediated by the transcription factor SP1 through its binding to the USP5 promoter, consequently facilitating the progression of TNBC. Notably, the natural compound periplocin was identified as a promising inhibitor of USP5, demonstrating potential efficacy in impeding the advancement of TNBC. CONCLUSIONS Our research findings indicate that the SP1-USP5 signaling pathway is significantly involved in the advancement of TNBC, and periplocin's ability to target USP5 presents a potential therapeutic approach for managing TNBC. These results offer valuable insights for the development of novel treatment strategies for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yi Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Zi-Mei Peng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Feng-Yi Deng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Jin-Yong Xiong
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Pu-Ying Luo
- Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiao-Jian Han
- Institute of Geriatrics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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2
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Bae ES, Hong J, Lim Y, Byun WS, Chun S, Hong S, Lee SK. Evo312: An Evodiamine Analog and Novel PKCβI Inhibitor with Potent Antitumor Activity in Gemcitabine-Resistant Pancreatic Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:14885-14911. [PMID: 39151060 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
As an obstinate cancer pancreatic cancer (PC) poses a major challenge due to limited treatment options which include resection surgery, radiation therapy, and gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. In cancer cells, protein kinase C βI (PKCβI) participates in diverse cellular processes, including cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptotic pathways. In the present study, we created a scaffold to develop PKCβI inhibitors using evodiamine-based synthetic molecules. Among the candidate inhibitors, Evo312 exhibited the highest antiproliferative efficacy against PC cells, PANC-1, and acquired gemcitabine-resistant PC cells, PANC-GR. Additionally, Evo312 robustly inhibited PKCβI activity. Mechanistically, Evo312 effectively suppressed the upregulation of PKCβI protein expression, leading to the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in PANC-GR cells. Furthermore, Evo312 exerted an antitumor activity in a PANC-GR cell-implanted xenograft mouse model. These findings position Evo312 as a promising lead compound for overcoming gemcitabine resistance in PC through novel mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Seo Bae
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhwa Hong
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yijae Lim
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Sub Byun
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Simin Chun
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Suckchang Hong
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Kook Lee
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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3
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Baiskhanova D, Schäfer H. The Role of Nrf2 in the Regulation of Mitochondrial Function and Ferroptosis in Pancreatic Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:696. [PMID: 38929135 PMCID: PMC11201043 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060696] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) represents the master regulator of the cellular antioxidant response and plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. This includes a preventive effect of Nrf2 on cell death through ferroptosis, which represents an essential mechanism of therapy resistance in malignant tumors, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as one of the most aggressive and still incurable tumors. Addressing this issue, we provide an overview on Nrf2 mediated antioxidant response with particular emphasis on its effect on mitochondria as the organelle responsible for the execution of ferroptosis. We further outline how deregulated Nrf2 adds to the progression and therapy resistance of PDAC, especially with respect to the role of ferroptosis in anti-cancer drug mediated cell killing and how this is impaired by Nrf2 as an essential mechanism of drug resistance. Our review further discusses recent approaches for Nrf2 inhibition by natural and synthetic compounds to overcome drug resistance based on enhanced ferroptosis. Finally, we provide an outlook on therapeutic strategies based on Nrf2 inhibition combined with ferroptosis inducing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinara Baiskhanova
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology and Tumor Biology, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
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4
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Gu M, Liu Y, Xin P, Guo W, Zhao Z, Yang X, Ma R, Jiao T, Zheng W. Fundamental insights and molecular interactions in pancreatic cancer: Pathways to therapeutic approaches. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216738. [PMID: 38401887 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216738] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract can be affected by a number of diseases that pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant manifestation of them. The prognosis of PC patients is unfavorable and because of their diagnosis at advanced stage, the treatment of this tumor is problematic. Owing to low survival rate, there is much interest towards understanding the molecular profile of PC in an attempt in developing more effective therapeutics. The conventional therapeutics for PC include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as emerging immunotherapy. However, PC is still incurable and more effort should be performed. The molecular landscape of PC is an underlying factor involved in increase in progression of tumor cells. In the presence review, the newest advances in understanding the molecular and biological events in PC are discussed. The dysregulation of molecular pathways including AMPK, MAPK, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin and non-coding RNA transcripts has been suggested as a factor in development of tumorigenesis in PC. Moreover, cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and necroptosis demonstrate abnormal levels. The EMT and glycolysis in PC cells enhance to ensure their metastasis and proliferation. Furthermore, such abnormal changes have been used to develop corresponding pharmacological and nanotechnological therapeutics for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Peng Xin
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Zimo Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Ruiyang Ma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Taiwei Jiao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Wenhui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
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5
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Prashanth N, Meghana P, Sandeep Kumar Jain R, Pooja S Rajaput, Satyanarayan N D, Raja Naika H, Kumaraswamy H M. Nicotine promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition and gemcitabine resistance via hENT1/RRM1 signalling in pancreatic cancer and chemosensitizing effects of Embelin-a naturally occurring benzoquinone. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169727. [PMID: 38163613 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169727] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is lethal due to poor prognosis with 5-year survival rate lesser than 5 %. Gemcitabine is currently used to treat pancreatic cancer and development of chemoresistance is a major obstacle to overcome pancreatic cancer. Nicotine is a known inducer of drug resistance in pancreatic tumor micro-environment. Present study evaluates chemoresistance triggered by nicotine while treating with gemcitabine and chemosensitization using Embelin. Embelin is a naturally occurring benzoquinone from Embelia ribes possessing therapeutic potency. To develop nicotine-induced chemo-resistance, pancreatic cancer cells PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 were continuously treated with nicotine followed by exposure to gemcitabine. Gemcitabine sensitivity assay and immunoblotting was performed to assess the chemo-resistance. Antiproliferative assays such as migration assay, clonogenic assay, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP) assay, dual staining assay, comet assay, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) assay, cell cycle analysis and immunoblotting assays were performed to witness the protein expression involved in chemoresistance and chemosensitization. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition was observed in nicotine induced chemoresistant cells. Gemcitabine sensitivity assay revealed that relative resistance was increased to 6.26 (p < 0.0001) and 6.45 (p < 0.0001) folds in resistant PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 compared to parental cells. Protein expression studies confirmed resistance markers like hENT1 and dCK were downregulated with subsequent increase in RRM1 expression in resistant cells. Embelin considerably decreased the cell viability with an IC50 value of 4.03 ± 0.08 μM in resistant PANC-1 and 2.11 ± 0.04 μM in resistant MIA PaCa-2. Cell cycle analysis showed Embelin treatment caused cell cycle arrest at S phase in resistant PANC-1 cells; in resistant MIA PaCa-2 cells there was an escalation in the Sub G1. Embelin upregulated Bax, γH2AX, p53, ERK1/2 and hENT1 expression with concomitant down regulation of Bcl-2 and RRM1. Bioactive molecule embelin, its combination with gemcitabine could provide new vistas to overcome chemo resistance in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth N
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, 577451, Karnataka, India
| | - Meghana P
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, 577451, Karnataka, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Jain R
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, 577451, Karnataka, India
| | - Pooja S Rajaput
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, 577451, Karnataka, India
| | - Satyanarayan N D
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kuvempu University, Post Graduate Centre, Kadur, Chikkamagaluru, 577548, Karnataka, India
| | - Raja Naika H
- Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod 671320, Kerala, India
| | - Kumaraswamy H M
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, 577451, Karnataka, India.
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6
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Han J, Kim D, Park HJ, Park HJ, Lee SK. Antiproliferative Activity of Gibbosic Acid H through Induction of G 0/G 1 Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Lung Cancer Cells. J Cancer Prev 2023; 28:201-211. [PMID: 38205360 PMCID: PMC10774477 DOI: 10.15430/jcp.2023.28.4.201] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common causative cancers worldwide. Particularly, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. NSCLC is a serious form of lung cancer that requires prompt diagnosis, and the 5-year survival rate for patients with this disease is only 24%. Gibbosic acid H (GaH), a natural lanostanoid obtained from the Ganoderma species (Ganodermataceae), has antiproliferative activities against colon and lung cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of GaH in NSCLC cells and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. GaH was found to induce G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and autophagy by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase in A549 and H1299 cells. The induction of this cell cycle arrest was associated with the downregulation of cyclin E1 and CDK2. Additionally, the induction of autophagy by GaH was correlated with the upregulation of LC3B, beclin-1, and p53 expression. GaH also induced apoptosis by upregulating cleaved caspase-3 and Bax in the lung cancer cells. These findings suggest that GaH has a potential in the growth inhibition of human lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeho Han
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Donghwa Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyen Joo Park
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee-Juhn Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Sangji University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Sang Kook Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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7
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Zhou X, An B, Lin Y, Ni Y, Zhao X, Liang X. Molecular mechanisms of ROS-modulated cancer chemoresistance and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115036. [PMID: 37354814 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is the main obstacle to achieving a cure in many cancer patients. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are master regulators of cancer development that act through complex mechanisms. Remarkably, ROS levels and antioxidant content are typically higher in drug-resistant cancer cells than in non-resistant and normal cells, and have been shown to play a central role in modulating drug resistance. Therefore, determining the underlying functions of ROS in the modulation of drug resistance will contribute to develop therapies that sensitize cancer resistant cells by leveraging ROS modulation. In this review, we summarize the notable literature on the sources and regulation of ROS production and highlight the complex roles of ROS in cancer chemoresistance, encompassing transcription factor-mediated chemoresistance, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and their impact on the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss the potential of ROS-targeted therapies in overcoming tumor therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Biao An
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yanghong Ni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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8
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Periplocin Overcomes Bortezomib Resistance by Suppressing the Growth and Down-Regulation of Cell Adhesion Molecules in Multiple Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051526. [PMID: 36900317 PMCID: PMC10001131 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological malignant disorder of bone marrow. Patients with MM receive multiple lines of chemotherapeutic treatments which often develop bortezomib (BTZ) resistance and relapse. Therefore, it is crucial to identify an anti-MM agent to overcome the BTZ resistance of MM. In this study, we screened a library of 2370 compounds against MM wild-type (ARP1) and BTZ-resistant type (ARP1-BR) cell lines and found that periplocin (PP) was the most significant anti-MM natural compound. We further investigated the anti-MM effect of PP by using annexin V assay, clonogenic assays, aldefluor assay, and transwell assay. Furthermore, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to predict the molecular effects of PP in MM followed by verification through qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Moreover, ARP1 and ARP1-BR xenograft mice models of MM were established to confirm the anti-MM effects of PP invivo. The results showed that PP significantly induced apoptosis, inhibited proliferation, suppressed stemness, and reduced the cell migration of MM. The expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) was suppressed upon PP treatment in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our data recommend PP as an anti-MM natural compound with the potential to overcome BTZ resistance and downregulate CAMs in MM.
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