4'-hydroxywogonin inhibits colorectal cancer angiogenesis by disrupting PI3K/AKT signaling

Myo1b promotes tumor progression and angiogenesis by inhibiting autophagic degradation of HIF-1α in colorectal cancer

Myosin 1b (Myo1b) is an important single-headed membrane-associated motor of class I myosins that participate in many critical physiological and pathological processes. Mounting evidence suggests that the dysregulation of Myo1b expression has been extensively investigated in the development and progression of several tumors. However, the functional mechanism of Myo1b in CRC angiogenesis and autophagy progression remains unclear. Herein, we found that the expression of Myo1b was upregulated in CRC tissues and its high expression was correlated with worse survival. The overexpression of Myo1b promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. Conversely, silencing of Myo1b suppressed tumor progression both in vitro and in vivo. Further studies indicated that Myo1b inhibited the autophagosome-lysosome fusion and potentiated the VEGF secretion of CRC cells to promote angiogenesis. Mechanistically, Myo1b blocked the autophagic degradation of HIF-1α and then led to the accumulation of HIF-1α, thus enhancing VEGF secretion and then promoting tumor angiogenesis in CRC. Together, our study provided novel insights into the role of Myo1b in CRC progression and revealed that it might be a feasible predictive biomarker and promising therapeutic target for CRC patients.

The genus Porana (Convolvulaceae) - A phytochemical and pharmacological review

There are about 20 species of Porana Burm. f. worldwide in tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa and neighboring islands, Oceania, and the Americas. In China, India, and other places, this genus enjoys a wealth of experience in folk applications. Nevertheless, the chemical composition of only five species has been reported, and 59 compounds have been isolated and identified, including steroids, coumarins, flavonoids, quinic acid derivatives, and amides. Pharmacological studies revealed that extracts from this genus and their bioactive components exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-gout, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic effects. Although this genus is abundant, the development of its pharmacological applications remains limited. This review will systematically summarize the traditional and current uses, chemical compositions, and pharmacological activities of various Porana species. Network analysis was introduced to compare and confirm its output with current research progress to explore the potential targets and pathways of chemical components in this genus. We hope to increase understanding of this genus’s medicinal value and suggest directions for rational medicinal development.

miR-1290 contributes to oncogenesis and angiogenesis via targeting of THBS1, DKK3 and, SCAI

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world with high mortality, hence, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the tumor progression are important for CRC diagnosis and treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key gene expression regulators that can function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes in tumor cells, and modulate angiogenesis as a critical process in tumor metastasis. MiR-1290 has been demonstrated as an onco-miRNA in various types of cancer, however, the role of miR-1290 in CRC is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the oncogenic and angiogenic potential of miR-1290 in CRC. Methods: Lenti-miR-1290 was transduced into HCT116, SW480, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). By bioinformatics analysis, we identified thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) as a novel predicted target for miR-1290. Quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, and luciferase reporter assay were used to demonstrate suppression of miR-1290 target genes including THBS1, Dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor 3 (DKK3), and suppressor of cancer cell invasion (SCAI) in HCT116 and HUVECs. Cell cycle analysis, proliferation, migration and, tube formation were determined by flow cytometry, MTT, wound healing, and tube formation assays, respectively. Results: MiR-1290 significantly decreased the expression of THBS1, DKK3, and SCAI. We demonstrated that miR-1290 enhanced proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis partially through suppression of THBS1, DKK3, and SCAI in CRC. Conclusion: These results suggest a novel function of miR-1290 which may contribute to tumorigenesis and angiogenesis in CRC.

microRNA-16-5p suppresses cell proliferation and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer by negatively regulating forkhead box K1 to block the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have aroused increasing attention in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. This study is designed for a detailed analysis of the roles of miR-16-5p and forkhead box K1 (FOXK1) in cell angiogenesis and proliferation during CRC in addition to their underlying mechanisms. CRC tissues and colon cancer cell lines (SW620 and HCT8) were investigated. qRT-PCR and Western blot were utilized to evaluate miR-16-5p and FOXK1 expression. Following gain- and loss-of-function assays on miR-16-5p or FOXK1, the effects of miR-16-5p and FOXK1 were assessed on cell angiogenesis and proliferation in CRC cells. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to evaluate the binding relationship of miR-16-5p and FOXK1. Western blot was used to determine the effects of miR-16-5p and FOXK1 on key molecules of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Highly expressed FOXK1 and lowly expressed miR-16-5p were observed in CRC cells and tissues. miR-16-5p overexpression or FOXK1 knockdown reduced CRC cell proliferation and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells co-cultured with the supernatant of CRC cells, whereas miR-16-5p silencing or FOXK1 upregulation caused opposite trends. Additionally, miR-16-5p negatively modulated FOXK1 expression. The blockade of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was triggered by miR-16-5p overexpression or FOXK1 silencing. In conclusion, miR-16-5p hampers cell angiogenesis and proliferation during CRC by targeting FOXK1 to block the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

LINC00337 promotes tumor angiogenesis in colorectal cancer by recruiting DNMT1, which suppresses the expression of CNN1

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common human malignancies. An increasing body of evidence has revealed the important roles long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plays in the growth dynamics of CRC cells. In this study, we aimed to define the role of LINC00337 in the malignant phenotypes, especially angiogenesis, of CRC and clarify the underlying molecular basis. Bioinformatic analyses identified promoter region methylation of CNN1 in CRC, which was further validated by BSP and MSP assays. Loss- and gain- of function approaches were used to determine the roles of CNN1 and LINC00337 in vitro and in vivo. MTT-based method, Transwell migration/invasion assays, and tube formation assay were adopted to evaluate the cancer cell proliferation, migration/invasion, and proangiogenetic potency respectively in vitro. The tumor growth, microvascular density (MVD) and markers of proliferation (Ki67) and angiogenesis (VEGF) were quantified in nude mice xenografted with CRC cells. It was found that CNN1 downregulation and LINC00337 overexpression occurred in CRC tissues and cells. Besides, the CNN1 promoter region was hypermethylated in CRC. CNN1 overexpression or LINC00337 knockdown restricted CRC cell proliferation, migration/invasion, and proangiogenetic potency in vitro, which was substantiated by the in vivo experiments evidenced by facilitated tumor growth and MVD as well as elevated Ki67 and VEGF. Furthermore, our mechanistic evidence revealed that LINC00337 recruited DNMT1 to the promoter region of CNN1 and restricted the transcription of CNN1. Taken together, this study indicates that LINC00337 facilitates the tumorigenesis and angiogenesis in CRC via recruiting DNMT1 to inhibit the expression of CNN1.

Simple and Rapid Method for Wogonin Preparation and Its Biotransformation

Wogonin is one of the most active flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (baikal skullcap), widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It exhibits a broad spectrum of health-promoting and therapeutic activities. Together with baicalein, it is considered to be the one of main active ingredients of Chinese medicines for the management of COVID-19. However, therapeutic use of wogonin may be limited due to low market availability connected with its low content in baikal skullcap and lack of efficient preparative methods for obtaining this compound. Although the amount of wogonin in skullcap root often does not exceed 0.5%, this material is rich in wogonin glucuronide, which may be used as a substrate for wogonin production. In the present study, a rapid, simple, cheap and effective method of wogonin and baicalein preparation, which provides gram quantities of both flavonoids, is proposed. The obtained wogonin was used as a substrate for biotransformation. Thirty-six microorganisms were tested in screening studies. The most efficient were used in enlarged scale transformations to determine metabolism of this xenobiotic. The major phase I metabolism product was 4′-hydroxywogonin—a rare flavonoid which exhibits anticancer activity—whereas phase II metabolism products were glucosides of wogonin. The present studies complement and extend the knowledge on the effect of substitution of A- and B-ring on the regioselective glycosylation of flavonoids catalyzed by microorganisms.

Worenine reverses the Warburg effect and inhibits colon cancer cell growth by negatively regulating HIF-1α

Background

Some natural compounds inhibit cancer cell growth in various cancer cell lines with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Here, we explore the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of worenine (isolated from Coptis chinensis) against colorectal cancer.

Methods

The effects of worenine on colorectal cancer cell proliferation, colony formation and cell cycle distribution were measured. Glycolysis was investigated by examining glucose uptake and consumption, lactate production, and the activities and expressions of glycolysis enzymes (PFK-L, HK2 and PKM2). HIF-1α was knocked down and stimulated in vitro to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Results

Worenine somewhat altered the glucose metabolism and glycolysis (Warburg effect) of cancer cells. Its anti-cancer effects and capability to reverse the Warburg effect were similar to those of HIF-1α siRNA and weakened by deferoxamine (an HIF-1α agonist).

Conclusion

It is suggested that worenine targets HIF-1α to inhibit colorectal cancer cell growth, proliferation, cell cycle progression and the Warburg effect.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-021-00263-y.

MicroRNAs and angiogenesis: a new era for the management of colorectal cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNA molecules containing only 20–22 nucleotides. MiRNAs play a role in gene silencing and translation suppression by targeting and binding to mRNA. Proper control of miRNA expression is very important for maintaining a normal physiological environment because miRNAs can affect most cellular pathways, including cell cycle checkpoint, cell proliferation, and apoptosis pathways, and have a wide range of target genes. With these properties, miRNAs can modulate multiple signalling pathways involved in cancer development, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration pathways. MiRNAs that activate or inhibit the molecular pathway related to tumour angiogenesis are common topics of research. Angiogenesis promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis by providing oxygen and diffusible nutrients and releasing proangiogenic factors and is one of the hallmarks of tumour progression. CRC is one of the most common tumours, and metastasis has always been a difficult issue in its treatment. Although comprehensive treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, have prolonged the survival of CRC patients, the overall response is not optimistic. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new therapeutic targets to improve CRC treatment. In a series of recent reports, miRNAs have been shown to bidirectionally regulate angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. Many miRNAs can directly act on VEGF or inhibit angiogenesis through other pathways (HIF-1a, PI3K/AKT, etc.), while some miRNAs, specifically many exosomal miRNAs, are capable of promoting CRC angiogenesis. Understanding the mechanism of action of miRNAs in angiogenesis is of great significance for finding new targets for the treatment of tumour angiogenesis. Deciphering the exact role of specific miRNAs in angiogenesis is a challenge due to the high complexity of their actions. Here, we describe the latest advances in the understanding of miRNAs and their corresponding targets that play a role in CRC angiogenesis and discuss possible miRNA-based therapeutic strategies.

Anti-angiogenic activity of ShengMaBieJia decoction in vitro and in acute myeloid leukaemia tumour-bearing mouse models

Context: ShengMaBieJia decoction (SMBJD) is used to treat solid and hematological tumours; however, its anti-angiogenesis activity remains unclear.Objective: This study verified the anti-angiogenic effects of SMBJD in vitro and in tumour-bearing acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) mouse models.Materials and methods: In vivo, the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and BALB/c null mouse xenograft models were treated with SMBJD (0, 2, 4, and 8 mg/mL) for 48 h and for 2 weeks, respectively. Anti-angiogenic activity was assessed according to microvessel density (MVD) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) targeting CD31 and VEGFR2. In vitro, proliferation viability, migratory activity and tube formation were measured. Western blots and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to examine the levels of PI3K, Akt, and VEGF.Results: HPLC analyses revealed the active constituents of SMBJD such as liquiritin, cimifugin, ferulic, isoferulic, and glycyrrhizic acids. In vitro, SMBJD treatment decreased cellular migration, chemotaxis, and tube formation at non-cytotoxic concentrations (2, 4, and 8 mg/mL) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The dosage of less than IC₂₀ is considered safe. In vivo, CAM models exhibited a decrease in MVD, and the tissues of xenografted mice possessed reduced CD31 and VEGFR2 expression. Conditioned media (CM) from AML cells (HL60 and NB4 cells) treated with non-cytotoxic doses of SMBJD inhibited chemotactic migration and tube formation in vitro. Both CM (HL60) and CM (NB4) exhibited downregulated expression of PI3K, Akt, and VEGF.Discussion and conclusions: SMBJD inhibited angiogenesis in AML through the PI3K/AKT pathway, which might be combined with targeted therapy to provide more effective treatment.

Implications of flavonoids as potential modulators of cancer neovascularity

PURPOSE

The formation of new blood vessels from previous ones, angiogenesis, is critical in tissue repair, expansion or remodeling in physiological processes and in various pathologies including cancer. Despite that, the development of anti-angiogenic drugs has great potential as the treatment of cancer faces many problems such as development of the resistance to treatment or an improperly selected therapy approach. An evaluation of predictive markers in personalized medicine could significantly improve treatment outcomes in many patients.

METHODS

This comprehensive review emphasizes the anticancer potential of flavonoids mediated by their anti-angiogenic efficacy evaluated in current preclinical and clinical cancer research.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Flavonoids are important groups of phytochemicals present in common diet. Flavonoids show significant anticancer effects. The anti-angiogenic effects of flavonoids are currently a widely discussed topic of preclinical cancer research. Flavonoids are able to regulate the process of tumor angiogenesis through modulation of signaling molecules such as VEGF, MMPs, ILs, HIF or others. However, the evaluation of the anti-angiogenic potential of flavonoids within the clinical studies is not frequently discussed and is still of significant scientific interest.

Triterpenoids from Liquidambar Fructus induced cell apoptosis via a PI3K-AKT related signal pathway in SMMC7721 cancer cells

A previously undescribed taraxerene-type triterpenoid possessing a class of rare natural taraxerene triterpenoid possessing skeleton with 14, 28-lactone, two undescribed oleane-type triterpenoids, and twenty-five known triterpenoids were isolated from Liquidambar formosana (Hamamelidaceae). The structures of undescribed compounds were determined on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic, HR-ESI-MS, and X-ray crystallographic data analysis. Among the isolates, ursolic acid, 3,6-dion-20(29)-lupen-28-oic acid, and 3-oxo-12α-hydroxyoleanan-28,13β-olide induced a significant apoptosis in SMMC7721 cells in the flow cytometer experiment with apoptosis rates of 94.5%, 57.3% and 89.9% at 8.0 μM, respectively, exhibiting near equivalent apoptosis-inducing abilities to that positive drug taxol (apoptotic rate of 71.2% at 1.4 μM). Mechanism studies suggested that these three compounds could regulate the mitochondrial pathway by up-regulating the expressions of pro-apoptotic factors (Bad and Bax) and activating caspase-3 and caspase-9 to induce apoptosis. Further studies indicated that the pro-apoptotic effects of these three compounds were associated with PI3K-AKT pathway inhibition. Taken together, these studies provide evidence that triterpenoids from L. Fructus are promising candidates for the hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.

PI3K/ Akt/ mTOR Pathway as a Therapeutic Target for Colorectal Cancer: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

Background:

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Ks) is a member of intracellular lipid kinases and involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation and survival. Overexpression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling has been reported in various forms of cancers, especially in colorectal cancers (CRC). Due to their significant roles in the initiation and progression events of colorectal cancer, they are recognized as a striking therapeutic target.

Objective:

The present review is aimed to provide a detailed outline on the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in the initiation and progression events of colorectal cancers as well as its function in drug resistance. Further, the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors alone and in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs, in alleviating colorectal cancer is also discussed. The review contains preclinical and clinical evidence as well as patent literature of the pathway inhibitors which are natural and synthetic in origin.

Methods:

The data were obtained from PubMed/Medline databases, Scopus and Google patent literature.

Results:

PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling is an important event in colorectal carcinogenesis. In addition, it plays significant roles in acquiring drug resistance as well as metastatic initiation events of CRCs. Several small molecules of natural and synthetic origin have been found to be potent inhibitors of CRCs by effectively downregulating the pathway. Data from various clinical studies also support these pathway inhibitors and several among them are patented.

Conclusion:

Inhibitors of the PI3K/mTOR pathway have been successful for the treatment of primary and metastatic colorectal cancers, rendering the pathway as a promising clinical cancer therapeutic target.

Polyphenols of Chinese skullcap roots: from chemical profiles to anticancer effects

Great efforts have been made to identify the principle bioactive constituents of Chinese herbs and to unravel the molecular mechanisms behind their anticancer effects.