Structural analysis of cannabinoids against EGFR-TK leads a novel target against EGFR-driven cell lines

Cannabinoids as Promising Inhibitors of HER2-Tyrosine Kinase: A Novel Strategy for Targeting HER2-Positive Ovarian Cancer

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a transmembrane receptor within the ErbB family that plays a pivotal role in the progression of various aggressive cancers. HER2-positive tumors often develop resistance to standard therapies, necessitating the exploration of innovative treatment options. Cannabinoids, bioactive compounds from Cannabis sativa such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN), have gained attention for their potential anticancer properties. This study evaluates the efficacy of CBD, CBG, and CBN in targeting HER2-positive ovarian cancer through kinase inhibition assays, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), molecular docking, and cell viability assessments. SPR analysis revealed that cannabinoids bind strongly to HER2-tyrosine kinase (HER2-TK), with CBD showing the highest affinity (K D = 6.16 μM), significantly better than afatinib (K D = 26.30 μM), and CBG demonstrating moderate affinity (K D = 17.07 μM). In kinase inhibition assays, CBG was the most potent inhibitor (IC50 = 24.7 nM), followed by CBD (IC50 = 38 nM), suggesting their ability to disrupt HER2-mediated signaling pathways. Molecular docking studies highlighted critical interactions between cannabinoids and essential HER2 residues (Leu796, Thr862, Asp863). In cell viability assays, CBD and CBG effectively inhibited the growth of HER2-positive SKOV3 cells (IC50 = 13.8 μM and 16.6 μM, respectively), comparable to traditional tyrosine kinase inhibitors. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, particularly CBD and CBG, as alternative or adjunct therapies for HER2-positive cancers, with the promise of mitigating resistance and adverse effects associated with existing treatments.

Understanding the Anticancer Effects of Phytochemicals: From Molecular Docking to Anticarcinogenic Signaling

As nontraditional nutrients, the biological activity of phytochemicals have been extensively studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptosis-promoting effects in various diseases. The general anticancer benefits of phytochemicals have been demonstrated in both basic researches and clinical trials. However, researchers understanding of how phytochemicals target cancer-related signaling pathways is still in its infancy. Molecular docking simulation analyses have yielded a large amount of cellular target molecules of phytochemicals. Herein, we review the potential signaling pathways that may be involved in the phytochemical-driven cancer benefits. We expect these findings to help in the design of potential cancer treatments designed by manipulating the binding modes and sites of these plant chemicals.

Cannabigerol (CBG): A Comprehensive Review of Its Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

Cannabigerol (CBG), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent with a diverse range of potential applications. Unlike its well-known counterpart tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBG does not induce intoxication, making it an attractive option in the clinic. Recent research has shed light on CBG's intriguing molecular mechanisms, highlighting its potential to modulate multiple physiological processes. This review delves into the current understanding of CBG's molecular interactions and explores its therapeutic power to alleviate various conditions, including cancer, metabolic, pain, and inflammatory disorders, amongst others. We discuss how CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system and other key signaling pathways, such as CB1, CB2, TPR channels, and α2-adrenoceptor, potentially influencing inflammation, pain, neurodegeneration, and other ailments. Additionally, we highlight the ongoing research efforts aimed at elucidating the full spectrum of CBG's therapeutic potential and its safety profile in clinical settings. Through this comprehensive analysis, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of CBG's role in promoting human health and pave the way for future research endeavors.

Therapeutic Approaches to Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: From Available Therapies to Promising Drug Targets

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem disorder caused by heterozygous loss-of-function pathogenic variants in the tumour suppressor genes TSC1 and TSC2 encoding the tuberin and hamartin proteins, respectively. Both TSC1 and TSC2 inhibit the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes pathway, which is crucial for cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation, and is stimulated by various energy sources and hormonal signaling pathways. Pathogenic variants in TSC1 and TSC2 lead to mTORC1 hyperactivation, producing benign tumours in multiple organs, including the brain and kidneys, and drug-resistant epilepsy, a typical sign of TSC. Brain tumours, sudden unexpected death from epilepsy, and respiratory conditions are the three leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Even though several therapeutic options are available for the treatment of TSC, there is further need for a better understanding of the pathophysiological basis of the neurologic and other manifestations seen in TSC, and for novel therapeutic approaches. This review provides an overview of the main current therapies for TSC and discusses recent studies highlighting the repurposing of approved drugs and the emerging role of novel targets for future drug design.

Cannabigerol Induces Autophagic Cell Death by Inhibiting EGFR-RAS Pathways in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most frequent infiltrating type of pancreatic cancer. The poor prognosis associated with this cancer is due to the absence of specific biomarkers, aggressiveness, and treatment resistance. PDAC is a deadly malignancy bearing distinct genetic alterations, the most common being those that result in cancer-causing versions of the KRAS gene. Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychomimetic cannabinoid with anti-inflammatory properties. Regarding the anticancer effect of CBG, up to now, there is only limited evidence in human cancers. To fill this gap, we investigated the effects of CBG on the PDAC cell lines, PANC-1 and MIAPaCa-2. The effect of CBG activity on cell viability, cell death, and EGFR-RAS-associated signaling was investigated. Moreover, the potential synergistic effect of CBG in combination with gemcitabine (GEM) and paclitaxel (PTX) was investigated. MTT was applied to investigate the effect of CBG on PDAC cell line viabilities. Annexin-V and Acridine orange staining, followed by cytofluorimetric analysis and Western blotting, were used to evaluate CBG's effect on cell death. The modulation of EGFR-RAS-associated pathways was determined by Western blot analysis and a Milliplex multiplex assay. Moreover, by employing the MTT data and SynergyFinder Plus software analysis, the effect of the combination of CBG and chemotherapeutic drugs was determined.

Repositioning Cannabinoids and Terpenes as Novel EGFR-TKIs Candidates for Targeted Therapy Against Cancer: A virtual screening model using CADD and biophysical simulations

This study examines the potential of Cannabis sativa L. plants to be repurposed as therapeutic agents for cancer treatment through designing of hybrid Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). A set of 50 phytochemicals was taken from Cannabinoids and Terpenes and subjected for screening using Semi-flexible and Flexible Molecular Docking methods, MM-GBSA free binding energy computations, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (ADME-Tox) predictions. Nine promising phytochemicals, Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), Cannabidiol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), Dronabinol (Δ-9-THC), Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-8-THC), Cannabicyclol (CBL), Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP), and Gamma-Elemene (γ-Ele) were identified as potential EGFR-TKIs natural product candidates for cancer therapy. To further validate these findings, a set of Molecular Dynamics simulations were conducted over a 200 ns trajectory. This hybrid early drug discovery screening strategy has the potential to yield a new generation of EGFR-TKIs based on natural cannabis products, suitable for cancer therapy. In addition, the application of this computational strategy in the virtual screening of both natural and synthetic chemical libraries could support the discovery of a wide range of lead drug agents to address numerous diseases.