Green tea catechin (-)-epicatechin gallate induces tumour suppressor protein ATF3 via EGR-1 activation

The landscape of ATF3 in tumors: Metabolism, expression regulation, therapy approach, and open concerns

Cellular stress response is a pivotal process in tumor development and therapy. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), a representative stress-responsive protein, plays pleiotropic roles in various biological processes. Over the past decade, studies have described not only the general role of ATF3 in tumor metabolism but also the complexity of ATF3 expression regulation and its associated modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and NEDDylation. Interestingly, beyond being a transcription factor, ATF3 can act as a modifier to control the ubiquitination of target molecules, such as p53, to exert its function in tumors. These advances in uncovering ATF3 biological function have yielded new insights into the cellular stress response during tumor development and will be instrumental in developing novel interventions. In this review, we update the role of ATF3 as a nexus in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, glycometabolism, and other metabolic pathways in tumors; delineate the underlying mechanisms involving DNA level regulation, epigenetic regulation, and post-translational modifications of ATF3; and summarize the progression of tumor mono/combination therapies related to ATF3. In particular, we discuss the challenges that need to be addressed to provide a new conceptual framework for further understanding the potential therapeutic value of ATF3 in ongoing clinical trials.

Molecular mechanisms underlying health benefits of tea compounds

Tea is one of the three most widely consumed beverages in the world, not only because of its unique flavor but also due to its various health benefits. The bioactive components in tea, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, polypeptides, pigments, and alkaloids, are the main contributors to its health functions. Based on epidemiological surveys, the consumption of tea and its compounds in daily life has positive effects on cardiovascular diseases, cancers, hepatopathy, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. In experimental studies, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, cardiovascular protective, liver protective, and hypoglycemic activities of tea and the related mechanisms of action have been widely investigated. The regulation of several classical signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), and wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling, is involved. Clinical trials have also demonstrated the potential of tea products to be applied as dietary supplements and natural medicines. In this paper, we reviewed and discussed the recent literature on the health benefits of tea and its compounds, and specifically explored the molecular mechanisms involved.

Natural Products in the Prevention of Metabolic Diseases: Lessons Learned from the 20th KAST Frontier Scientists Workshop

The incidence of metabolic and chronic diseases including cancer, obesity, inflammation-related diseases sharply increased in the 21st century. Major underlying causes for these diseases are inflammation and oxidative stress. Accordingly, natural products and their bioactive components are obvious therapeutic agents for these diseases, given their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research in this area has been significantly expanded to include chemical identification of these compounds using advanced analytical techniques, determining their mechanism of action, food fortification and supplement development, and enhancing their bioavailability and bioactivity using nanotechnology. These timely topics were discussed at the 20th Frontier Scientists Workshop sponsored by the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, held at the University of Hawaii at Manoa on 23 November 2019. Scientists from South Korea and the U.S. shared their recent research under the overarching theme of Bioactive Compounds, Nanoparticles, and Disease Prevention. This review summarizes presentations at the workshop to provide current knowledge of the role of natural products in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Oxidative stress, antioxidants, hormesis and calorie restriction: The current perspective in the biology of aging

Aging, in a large measure, has long been defined as the resultant of oxidative stress acting on the cells. The cellular machinery eventually malfunctions at the basic level by the damage from the processes of oxidation and the system starts slowing down because of intrinsic eroding. To understand the initial destruction at the cellular level spreading outward to affect tissues, organs and the organism, the relationship between molecular damage and oxidative stress is required to understand. Retarding the aging process is a matter of cumulatively decreasing the rate of oxidative damage to the cellular machinery. Along with the genetic reasons, the decrease of oxidative stress is somehow a matter of lifestyle and importantly of diet. In the current review, the theories of aging and the understanding of various levels of molecular damage by oxidative stress have been emphasized. A broader understanding of mechanisms of aging have been elaborated in terms of effects of oxidative at molecular, mitochondrial, cellular and organ levels. The antioxidants supplementation, hormesis and calorie restriction as the prominent anti-aging strategies have also been discussed. The relevance and the efficacy of the antiaging strategies at system level have also been presented.

Vitex rotundifolia Fruit Extract Induces Apoptosis Through the Downregulation of ATF3-Mediated Bcl-2 Expression in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells

Fruit from Vitex rotundifolia L. (VF) has been reported to initiate apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells through the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Since various regulatory factors are involved in the apoptotic pathway, further study of the potential mechanisms of VF associated with the induction of apoptosis may be important despite the fact that the molecular target of VF for apoptosis has already been elucidated. In this study, we showed a new potential mechanism for the relationship between VF-mediated ATF3 expression and apoptosis to better understand the apoptotic mechanism of VF in human colorectal cancer cells. VF reduced the cell viability and induced apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. VF treatment increased both the protein and mRNA level of ATF3 and upregulated ATF3 promoter activity. The cis-element responsible for ATF3 transcriptional activation by VF was CREB which is located between [Formula: see text]147 to [Formula: see text]85 of ATF3 promoter. Inhibitions of ERK1/2, p38, JNK and GSK3[Formula: see text] blocked VF-mediated ATF3 expression. ATF3 knockdown by ATF3 siRNA attenuated the cleavage of PARP by VF, while ATF3 overexpression increased VF-mediated cleaved PARP. ATF3 knockdown also attenuated VF-mediated cell viability and cell death. In addition, VF downregulated Bcl-2 expression at both protein and mRNA level. ATF3 knockdown by ATF3 siRNA blocked VF-mediated downregulation of Bcl-2. In conclusion, VF may activate ATF3 expression through transcriptional regulation and subsequently suppress Bcl-2 expression as an anti-apoptotic protein, which may result in the induction of apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells.

Kahweol from Coffee Induces Apoptosis by Upregulating Activating Transcription Factor 3 in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells

Kahweol as a coffee-specific diterpene has been reported to induce apoptosis in human cancer cells. Although some molecular targets for kahweol-mediated apoptosis have been elucidated, the further mechanism for apoptotic effect of kahweol is not known. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) has been reported to be associated with apoptosis in colorectal cancer. The present study was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which kahweol stimulates ATF3 expression and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. Kahweol increased apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. It also increased ATF3 expression through the transcriptional activity. The responsible cis-element for ATF3 transcriptional activation by kahweol was CREB located between -147 to -85 of ATF3 promoter. ATF3 overexpression increased kahweol-mediated cleaved PARP, while ATF3 knockdown attenuated the cleavage of PARP by kahweol. Inhibition of ERK1/2 and GSK3β blocked kahweol-mediated ATF3 expression. The results suggest that kahweol induces apoptosis through ATF3-mediated pathway in human colorectal cancer cells.

A novel ECG analog 4-(S)-(2,4,6-trimethylthiobenzyl)-epigallocatechin gallate selectively induces apoptosis of B16-F10 melanoma via activation of autophagy and ROS

Autophagy-induced cancer cell death has become a novel strategy for the development of cancer therapeutic drugs. Numerous studies have indicated that green tea polyphenols induce both autophagy and apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. Here, we synthesized a series of green tea polyphenol analogues, among which JP8 was shown to potently activate autophagy. JP8 treatment had a stronger effect on apoptosis in B16-F10 melanoma cells than that in normal AML-12 hepatocytes. JP8 selectively resulted in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in B16-F10 cells, and this effect was associated with corresponding increases in key components of the ER stress-mediated apoptosis pathway. Pharmacological inhibition of ROS by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) attenuated JP8-induced autophagy and apoptosis, indicating an upstream role of ROS in JP8-induced autophagy. An in vivo study showed that JP8 had significant antitumor effects in a B16-F10 xenograft mouse model. Our results indicate that JP8 is a novel anticancer candidate with both autophagy and ROS induction activities.

Oxygen tension during biofilm growth influences the efficacy antimicrobial agents

Abstract Objective To compare the antimicrobial efficacy of a 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) and herbal green tea (Camellia sinensis) solution on established biofilms formed at different oxygen tensions in an in situ model. Method Twenty-five dental students were eligible for the study. In situ devices with standardized enamel specimens (ES) facing the palatal and buccal sides were inserted in the mouths of volunteers for a 7 day period. No agent was applied during the first four days. From the fifth day onward, both agents were applied to the test ES group and no agent was applied to the control ES group. After 7 days the ES fragments were removed from the devices, sonicated, plated on agar, and incubated for 24 h at 37 °C to determine and quantify the colony forming units (CFUs). Result CHX had significantly higher efficacy compared to green tea on the buccal (1330 vs. 2170 CFU/µL) and palatal (2250 vs. 2520 CFU/µL) ES. In addition, intragroup comparisons showed significantly higher efficacy in buccal ES over palatal ES (1330 vs. 2250 CFU/µL for CHX and 2170 vs, 2520 CFU/µL for CV) for both solutions. Analysis of the ES controls showed significantly higher biofilm formation in palatal ES compared to buccal ES. Conclusion CHX has higher efficacy than green tea on 4-day biofilms. The efficacy of both agents was reduced for biofilms grown in a low oxygen tension environment. Therefore, the oxygen tension environment seems to influence the efficacy of the tested agents.

In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Phlorofucofuroeckol A via Upregulation of Activating Transcription Factor 3 against Human Colorectal Cancer Cells

Phlorofucofuroeckol A (PFF-A), one of the phlorotannins found in brown algae, has been reported to exert anti-cancer property. However, the molecular mechanism for the anti-cancer effect of PFF-A has not been known. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) has been reported to be associated with apoptosis in colorectal cancer. The present study was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which PFF-A stimulates ATF3 expression and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. PFF-A decreased cell viability through apoptosis of human colorectal cancer cells. PFF-A increased ATF3 expression through regulating transcriptional activity. The responsible cis-element for ATF3 transcriptional activation by PFF-A was cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), located between positions −147 and −85 of the ATF3 promoter. Inhibition of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β, and IκB kinase (IKK)-α blocked PFF-A-mediated ATF3 expression. ATF3 knockdown by ATF3 siRNA attenuated the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) by PFF-A, while ATF3 overexpression increased PFF-A-mediated cleaved PARP. These results suggest that PFF-A may exert anti-cancer property through inducing apoptosis via the ATF3-mediated pathway in human colorectal cancer cells.

EGR-1/Bax pathway plays a role in vitamin E δ-tocotrienol-induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells

The anticancer activity of δ-tocotrienol, a bioactive vitamin E present in whole grain cereals, annatto beans and palm fruit, is strongly dependent on its effect on the induction of apoptosis. δ-Tocotrienol-induced apoptosis is associated with consistent induction in the expression of the proapoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). The molecular mechanism by which δ-tocotrienol regulates Bax expression is unknown. We carried out a DNA microarray study that identified δ-tocotrienol induction of the zinc finger transcription factor EGR-1 in pancreatic cancer cells. Here, we provide evidence linking δ-tocotrienol-induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells to EGR-1 regulation of Bax expression. Forced expression of EGR-1 induces Bax expression and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. In contrast, knockdown of δ-tocotrienol-induced EGR-1 by small interfering RNA attenuated δ-tocotrienol-induced Bax expression and reduced δ-tocotrienol-induced apoptosis. Further analyses showed that de novo protein synthesis was not required for δ-tocotrienol-induced EGR-1 expression, suggesting a direct effect of δ-tocotrienol on EGR-1 expression. Furthermore, a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that EGR-1 binds to the Bax gene promoter. Finally, δ-tocotrienol treatment induced Bax expression and activated EGR-1 in the pancreatic neoplastic cells of the PDX-Cre Kras genetically engineered model of pancreatic cancer. Our study provides the first evidence for EGR-1 as a direct target of vitamin E δ-tocotrienol, suggesting that EGR-1 may act as a proapoptotic factor in pancreatic cancer cells via induction of Bax.

The induction of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) contributes to anti-cancer activity of Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai in human colorectal cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Recently, Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai (A. distichum) has been reported to exert the inhibitory effect on angiotensin converting enzyme. However, no specific pharmacological effects from A. distichum have been described. We performed in vitro study to evaluate anti-cancer properties of A. distichum and then elucidate the potential mechanisms.

METHODS

Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. ATF3 expression level was evaluated by Western blot or RT-PCR and ATF3 transcriptional activity was determined using a dual-luciferase assay kit after the transfection of ATF3 promoter constructs. In addition, ATF3-dependent apoptosis was evaluated by Western blot after ATF3 knockdown using ATF3 siRNA.

RESULTS

Exposure of ethyl acetate fraction from the parts of A. distichum including flower, leaf and branch to human colorectal cancer cells, breast cancer cells and hepatocellular carcinoma reduced the cell viability. The branch extracts from A. distichum (EAFAD-B) increased the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and promoter activity, indicating transcriptional activation of ATF3 gene by EAFAD-B. In addition, our data showed that EAFAD-B-responsible sites might be between -147 and -85 region of the ATF3 promoter. EAFAD-B-induced ATF3 promoter activity was significantly decreased when the CREB site was deleted. However, the deletion of Ftz sites did not affect ATF3 promoter activity by EAFAD-B. We also observed that inhibition of p38MAPK and GSK3β attenuated EAFAD-B-mediated ATF3 promoter activation. Also, EAFAD-B contributes at least in part to increase of ATF3 accumulation.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the anti-cancer activity of EAFAD-B may be a result of ATF3 promoter activation and subsequent increase of ATF3 expression.

Anti-cancer activity of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) leaf through the expression of activating transcription factor 3 in human colorectal cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Ginger leaf (GL) has long been used as a vegetable, tea and herbal medicine. However, its pharmacological properties are still poorly understood. Thus, we performed in vitro studies to evaluate anti-cancer properties of ginger leaf and then elucidate the potential mechanisms involved.

METHODS

Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. ATF3 expression level was evaluated by Western blot or RT-PCR and ATF3 transcriptional activity was determined using a dual-luciferase assay kit after the transfection of ATF3 promoter constructs. In addition, ATF3-dependent apoptosis was evaluated by Western blot after ATF3 knockdown using ATF3 siRNA.

RESULTS

Exposure of GL to human colorectal cancer cells (HCT116, SW480 and LoVo cells) reduced the cell viability and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, GL reduced cell viability in MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and HepG-2 cells. ATF3 knockdown attenuated GL-mediated apoptosis. GL increased activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) expressions in both protein and mRNA level and activated ATF3 promoter activity, indicating transcriptional activation of ATF3 gene by GL. In addition, our data showed that GL-responsible sites might be between -318 and -85 region of the ATF3 promoter. We also observed that ERK1/2 inhibition by PD98059 attenuated GL-mediated ATF3 expression but not p38 inhibition by SB203580, indicating ERK1/2 pathway implicated in GL-induced ATF3 activation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the reduction of cell viability and apoptosis by GL may be a result of ATF3 promoter activation and subsequent increase of ATF3 expression through ERK1/2 activation in human colorectal cancer cells.

The contribution of activating transcription factor 3 to apoptosis of human colorectal cancer cells by protocatechualdehyde, a naturally occurring phenolic compound

Protocatechualdehyde (PCA) is one of the important compounds found in barley, green cavendish bananas and grapevine leaves. PCA shows anti-cancer activities in breast, leukemia and colorectal cancer cells. Previous study reported that PCA exerts anti-cancer activity through down-regulating cyclin D1 and HDAC2 in human colorectal cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanisms for the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) by PCA has not been studied. Thus, we performed in vitro study to investigate if treatment of PCA affects ATF3 expression and ATF3-mediated apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. PCA decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner in HCT116 and SW480 cells. In addition, PCA reduced cell viability in MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and HepG-2 cells. Exposure of PCA activated the levels of ATF3 protein and mRNA in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Inhibition of ERK1/2/ by PD98059 and p38 by SB203580 inhibited PCA-induced ATF3 expression and transcriptional activation. ATF3-knockdown inhibited PCA-induced apoptosis and cell viability. In addition, ATF3 overexpression enhanced PCA-mediated cleavage of PARP. These findings suggest that inhibition of cell viability and apoptosis by PCA may be result of ATF3 expression through ERK1/2 and p38-mediated transcriptional activation.

Repression of phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 expression by ciglitazone via Egr-1 represents a new approach for inhibition of lung cancer cell growth

Background

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gamma (PPARγ) ligands have been shown to inhibit the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain incompletely elucidated.

Methods

Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by cell viability, MTT and caspase3/7 activity assays. Phosphorylation/protein expression and gene silence/overexpression of AMPKα, phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), Egr-1 and PPARγ were performed by Western blot and siRNA/transfection assays. Dual-Luciferase Reporter Kit was used to measure the PPAR response elements (PPRE) reporter and PDK1 promoter activities, and ChIP assay was used to detect the Egr-1 protein binding to the DNA site in the PDK1 gene promoter.

Results

We found that ciglitazone, one synthetic PPARγ ligand, inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of NSCLC cells through decreased expression of PDK1, which was not blocked by GW9662 (a specific PPARγ antagonist). Overexpression of PDK1 overcame the effect of ciglitazone on cell growth and caspase 3/7 activity. Ciglitazone increased the phosphorylation of AMPKα and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and the inhibitor of AMPK (compound C), but not JNK (SP600125), reversed the effect of ciglitazone on PDK1 protein expression. Ciglitazone reduced PDK1 gene promoter activity, which was not observed in cells exposed to compound C, but not silenced of PPARγ siRNA. Combination of ciglitazone and metformin further reduced PDK1 expression and promoter activity. Furthermore, we showed that ciglitazone induced the protein expression of Egr-1, which was not observed in cells silencing of AMPKα. Moreover, silencing of Egr-1 abrogated the effect of ciglitazone on PDK1 promoter activity and cell growth. On the contrary, overexpression of Egr-1 enhanced the effect of ciglitazone on PDK1 gene promoter activity. ChIP assays demonstrated that ciglitazone induced Egr-1 protein bind to the specific DNA site in the PDK1 gene promoter.

Conclusion

Collectively, our results demonstrate that ciglitazone inhibits PDK1 expression through AMPKα-mediated induction of Egr-1 and Egr-1 binding to the specific DNA site in the PDK1 gene promoter, which is independent of PPARγ. Activation of AMPKα by metformin enhances the effect of ciglitazone. In turn, this leads to inhibition of NSCLC cell proliferation.

Propriedades reológicas de sucos mistos de manga, goiaba e acerola adicionados de fitoquímicos

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o comportamento reológico dos sucos mistos de manga, goiaba e acerola, adicionados de fitoquímicos, em sete temperaturas (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 e 70 ºC), e o efeito da temperatura na viscosidade aparente. As análises reológicas foram conduzidas em um reômetro de cilindros concêntricos, marca Brookfield, modelo R/S plus SST 2000. Os valores experimentais de tensão de cisalhamento versus taxa de deformação foram ajustados pelos modelos de Ostwald-de-Waele (Lei da Potência), Casson e Herschel-Bulkley. Observou-se que os três modelos apresentaram altos coeficientes de determinação (R² > 0,978), indicando que qualquer um destes pode ser utilizado para descrever o comportamento reológico dos sucos, caracterizados como fluidos não newtonianos com características pseudoplásticas. O efeito da temperatura no comportamento reológico dos sucos foi descrito pela Equação de Arrhenius e foi possível observar um decréscimo no valor da viscosidade aparente com o aumento da temperatura.

3,3'-diindolylmethane induces activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) via ATF4 in human colorectal cancer cells

3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a major in vivo condensation product of indole-3-carbinol, which is present in cruciferous vegetables. Although these compounds have been widely implicated in antitumorigenic and proapoptotic properties in animal as well as in vitro models of cancer, the underlying cellular mechanisms regulated by DIM are only partially understood. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a member of the ATF/c-AMP response element-binding (CREB) subfamily of the basic-region leucine zipper family and has been known to induce apoptosis in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. The present study was performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of ATF3 induction by DIM in human CRC cells. The DIM treatment induced apoptosis and induced ATF3 gene expression at protein and messenger RNA levels. DIM increased ATF3 promoter activity, and the region of -84 to +34 within ATF3 promoter was responsible for promoter activation by DIM. This region contained an ATF binding site. Deletion and point mutation of the ATF binding site (-23 to -16) abolished ATF3 promoter activation by DIM, and overexpression of ATF4 enhanced ATF3 transactivation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirmed the binding of ATF4 in the ATF3 promoter. Inhibition of ATF4 expression by small interference RNA results in repression of DIM-induced ATF3 expression. The current study demonstrates that DIM stimulates ATF3 expression through ATF4-mediated pathway and subsequently induces apoptosis in human CRC cells.

COX inhibitors directly alter gene expression: role in cancer prevention?

Inflammation is an important contributor to the development and progression of human cancers. Inflammatory lipid metabolites, prostaglandins, formed from arachidonic acid by prostaglandin H synthases commonly called cyclooxygenases (COXs) bind to specific receptors that activate signaling pathways driving the development and progression of tumors. Inhibitors of prostaglandin formation, COX inhibitors, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well documented as agents that inhibit tumor growth and with long-term use prevent tumor development. NSAIDs also alter gene expression independent of COX inhibition and these changes in gene expression also appear to contribute to the anti-tumorigenic activity of these drugs. Many NSAIDs, as illustrated by sulindac sulfide, alter gene expressions by altering the expression or phosphorylation status of the transcription factors specificity protein 1 and early growth response-1 with the balance between these two events resulting in increases or decreases in specific target genes. In this review, we have summarized and discussed the various genes altered by this mechanism after NSAID treatment and how these changes in expression relate to the anti-tumorigenic activity. A major focus of the review is on NSAID-activated gene (NAG-1) or growth differentiation factor 15. This unique member of the TGF-β superfamily is highly induced by NSAIDs and numerous drugs and chemicals with anti-tumorigenic activities. Investigations with a transgenic mouse expressing the human NAG-1 suggest it acts to suppress tumor development in several mouse models of cancer. The biochemistry and biology of NAG-1 were discussed as potential contributor to cancer prevention by COX inhibitors.

Integrative oncology in the Middle East: from traditional herbal knowledge to contemporary cancer care

BACKGROUND

Based on traditional, historical, ethnobotanical, laboratory, and clinical findings, we present research framework aiming to identify Middle Eastern herbs that are worthy of further research for their anticancer potential.

METHODS

A comprehensive research project was developed by a multinational team comprising family physicians, medicine specialists, oncologists, an Islamic medicine history specialist, a traditional medicine ethnobotanist, and a basic research scientist. The project followed two consecutive phases: (i) historical and ethnobotanical search for cancer-related keywords and (ii) Medline search for in vitro and in vivo studies.

RESULTS

This search yielded 44 herbs associated with cancer care. The Medline search yielded 34 herbs of which 9 herbs were reported in various clinical studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This multidisciplinary survey was found to be a valuable way to identify herbs with potential clinical significance in cancer care. Based on this pilot study, it is suggested that the Middle East can serve as a valuable region for future multicultural-oriented cancer research.

Patulin induces colorectal cancer cells apoptosis through EGR-1 dependent ATF3 up-regulation

Patulin is a fungal mycotoxin of Aspergilus and Penicillium that is commonly found in rotting fruits and exerts its potential toxic effect mainly by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. However, the effect of patulin on cancer cells as well as its intracellular mechanism has been controversial and not clearly defined yet. In this study, patulin was found to induce G1/S accumulation and cell growth arrest accompanied by caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage and ATF3 expression in human colon cancer cell line HCT116. Ser/Thr phosphorylation of a transcription factor, EGR-1, was increased while its expression did not change upon patulin treatment to the cells. Knockdown of ATF3 and EGR-1 using their respective siRNAs showed EGR-1 dependent ATF3 expression. Moreover, treatment of the cells with antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH) revealed that patulin induced ATF3 expression and apoptosis were dependent on ROS generation. ATF3 expression was also increased by patulin in other colorectal cancer cell types, Caco2 and SW620. Collectively, our data present a new anti-cancer molecular mechanism of patulin, suggesting EGR-1 and ATF3 as critical targets for the development of anti-cancer chemotherapeutics. In this regard, patulin could be a candidate for the treatment of colorectal cancers.

Resveratrol-induced apoptosis is mediated by early growth response-1, Krüppel-like factor 4, and activating transcription factor 3

Resveratrol, a dietary phytoalexin readily available in the diet, is reported to possess antitumorigenic properties in several cancers, including colorectal. However, the underlying mechanism(s) involved is not completely understood. In the present study, we investigated the effect of resveratrol treatment on gene modulation in human colorectal cancer cells and identified activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) as the most highly induced gene after treatment. We confirmed that resveratrol upregulates ATF3 expression, both at the mRNA and protein level, and showed resveratrol involvement in ATF3 transcriptional regulation. Analysis of the ATF3 promoter revealed the importance of early growth response-1 (Egr-1; located at -245 to -236) and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4; located at -178 to -174) putative binding sites in resveratrol-mediated ATF3 transactivation. Specificity of these sites to the Egr-1 and KLF4 protein was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Resveratrol increased Egr-1 and KLF4 expression, which preceded ATF3 expression, and further suggests Egr-1 and KLF4 involvement in resveratrol-mediated activity. We provide evidence for Egr-1 and KLF4 interaction in the presence of resveratrol, which may facilitate ATF3 transcriptional regulation by this compound. Furthermore, we demonstrate that induction of apoptosis by resveratrol is mediated, in part, by increased ATF3 expression. Taken together, these results provide a novel mechanism by which resveratrol induces ATF3 expression and represent an additional explanation of how resveratrol exerts its antitumorigenic effects in human colorectal cancer cells.

A non-targeted approach to chemical discrimination between green tea dietary supplements and green tea leaves by HPLC/MS

Green tea-based dietary supplements (GTDSs) have gained popularity in the U.S. market in recent years. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition difference of GTDS in comparison with green tea leaves using an HPLC/MS fingerprinting technique coupled with chemometric analysis. Five components that are most responsible for class separation among samples were identified as (-) epicatechin gallate, strictinin, trigalloylglucose, quercetin-3-O-glucosyl-rhamnosylglucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-galactosyl-rhamnosylglucoside, according to the accurate mass measurements and MS/MS data. The similarity coefficients between the GTDSs in solid form with green tea were 0.55 to 0.91, while for the GTDSs in liquid form they were 0.12 to 0.89, which suggested that chemical composition variance across the GTDSs was significant. Flavonol aglycone concentrations were higher in GTDSs than in tea leaves, indicating the degradation of flavonol glycosides or the oxidation of catechin during the manufacturing and storage processes. In some GTDS samples, compounds were identified that were on the label. The results demonstrate the urgency of QC for GTDS products.

Multistage carcinogenesis process as molecular targets in cancer chemoprevention by epicatechin-3-gallate

The consumption of green tea has long been associated with a reduced risk of cancer development. (-)-Epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) or (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are the major antioxidative polyphenolic compounds of green tea. They have been shown to exert growth-inhibitory potential of various cancer cells in culture and antitumor activity in vivo models. ECG or EGCG could interact with various molecules like proteins, transcription factors, and enzymes, which block multiple stages of carcinogenesis via regulating intracellular signaling transduction pathways. Moreover, ECG and EGCG possess pharmacological and physiological properties including induction of phase II enzymes, mediation of anti-inflammation response, regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis effects and prevention of tumor angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Numerous review articles have been focused on EGCG, however none have been focused on ECG despite many studies supporting the cancer preventive potential of ECG. To develop ECG as an anticarcinogenic agent, more clear understanding of the cell signaling pathways and the molecular targets responsible for chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects are needed. This review summarizes recent research on the ECG-induced cellular signal transduction events which implicate in cancer management.

Gene expression analysis of cell death induction by taurolidine in different malignant cell lines

Background

The anti-infective agent Taurolidine (TRD) has been shown to have cell death inducing properties, but the mechanism of its action is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to identify potential common target genes modulated at the transcriptional level following TRD treatment in tumour cell lines originating from different cancer types.

Methods

Five different malignant cell lines (HT29, Chang Liver, HT1080, AsPC-1 and BxPC-3) were incubated with TRD (100 μM, 250 μM and 1000 μM). Proliferation after 8 h and cell viability after 24 h were analyzed by BrdU assay and FACS analysis, respectively. Gene expression analyses were carried out using the Agilent -microarray platform to indentify genes which displayed conjoint regulation following the addition of TRD in all cell lines. Candidate genes were subjected to Ingenuity Pathways Analysis and selected genes were validated by qRT-PCR and Western Blot.

Results

TRD 250 μM caused a significant inhibition of proliferation as well as apoptotic cell death in all cell lines. Among cell death associated genes with the strongest regulation in gene expression, we identified pro-apoptotic transcription factors (EGR1, ATF3) as well as genes involved in the ER stress response (PPP1R15A), in ubiquitination (TRAF6) and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways (PMAIP1).

Conclusions

This is the first conjoint analysis of potential target genes of TRD which was performed simultaneously in different malignant cell lines. The results indicate that TRD might be involved in different signal transduction pathways leading to apoptosis.

Activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) controls tolfenamic acid-induced ATF3 expression via MAP kinase pathways

Tolfenamic acid (TA) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug associated with anti-tumorigenic and pro-apoptotic properties in animal and in vitro models of cancer. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms by which TA exerts its effects are only partially understood. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a member of the ATF/CREB subfamily of the basic region-leucine zipper family and has been known as a tumor suppressor in human colorectal cancer cells. The present study was performed to observe whether ATF3 mediates TA-induced apoptosis and to elucidate the molecular mechanism of ATF3 transcription induced by TA. TA treatment and ectopic expression of ATF3 increased apoptosis whereas knockdown of ATF3 resulted in significant repression of TA-activated apoptosis. The TA treatment also induced ATF3 promoter activity. Internal deletion and point mutation of the predicted ATF/C/EBP binding site in ATF3 promoter abolished luciferase activation by TA. Overexpression of ATF2 resulted in significant increase of ATF3 promoter activity, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay identified this region as a core sequence to which ATF2 binds. TA treatment resulted in an increase of ATF2 phosphorylation, which was followed by a subsequent increase of ATF3 transcription. Knockdown of ATF2 abolished TA-induced ATF3 expression. We further provide evidence that TA leads to increases of phospho-p38 MAPK, JNK, and ERK levels. Inhibition of these pathways using selective inhibitors and dominant negative constructs ameliorated TA-induced ATF3 expression and promoter activities. The current study demonstrates that TA stimulates ATF3 expression and subsequently induces apoptosis. These pathways are mediated through phosphorylation of ATF2, which is mediated by p38 MAPK, JNK, and ERK-dependent pathways.

In vitro anti-proliferative activity of alcoholic stem extract of Coscinium fenestratum in human colorectal cancer cells

Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr. is traditionally used for the treatment of cancer, arthritis and diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to determine the molecular mechanisms by which this plant shows beneficial effects. An 80% ethanolic extract of C. fenestratum (80ET) was separated by its polarity into dichloromethane (DCM) and aqueous fractions (WF), and the anti-proliferative effects of 80ET, DCM and WF were investigated. Berberine, one of the major components of C. fenestratum, was used as a control. The 80ET, DCM, WF and berberine showed anti-proliferative activity as assessed by cell growth assay. Subsequently, the pro-apoptotic proteins NAG-1 and ATF3 were increased and the cell cycle protein cyclin D1 was decreased by the extract and its fractions. Interestingly, only the DCM fraction exhibited the induction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) binding activity, which represents a pro-apoptotic activity in colorectal cancer cells. The overall results of this study indicate that the extract from this plant has anti-proliferative activity through the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins and PPARγ, and may have potential as a preventive regimen in the treatment of cancer.

A potential proliferative gene, NUDT6, is down-regulated by green tea catechins at the posttranscriptional level

The main aims of this study were to elucidate the effect of green tea catechins on Nudix-type motif 6 (NUDT6) suppression and to characterize NUDT6's biological activity. Our microarray data showed that the green tea component epicatechin-3-gallate suppressed NUDT6 expression, and this was confirmed by RT-PCR. Subsequently, the use of different catechins showed that the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was stronger than that of other catechins. At the posttranscriptional level, EGCG decreased the RNA stability of NUDT6, indicating it as a potential mechanism of NUDT6 suppression. Further cloning of the 3' untranslated region of human NUDT6 mRNA resulted in reduced luciferase activity by EGCG treatment. This effect was at least, in part, mediated by the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase and p38MAPK pathways. Finally, increased cell proliferation and cell growth in soft agar were observed in NUDT6-overexpressing cells. These findings provide a novel mechanism for the suppression of the proliferative gene NUDT6 by green tea catechins in human colorectal cancer.

ESE-1/EGR-1 pathway plays a role in tolfenamic acid-induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to prevent colorectal tumorigenesis. Although antitumor effects of NSAIDs are mainly due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity, there is increasing evidence that cyclooxygenase-independent mechanisms may also play an important role. The early growth response-1 (EGR-1) gene is a member of the immediate-early gene family and has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene. Tolfenamic acid is a NSAID that exhibits anticancer activity in a pancreatic cancer model. In the present study, we investigated the anticancer activity of tolfenamic acid in human colorectal cancer cells. Tolfenamic acid treatment inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis as measured by caspase activity and bioelectric impedance. Tolfenamic acid induced EGR-1 expression at the transcription level, and analysis of the EGR-1 promoter showed that a putative ETS-binding site, located at -400 and -394 bp, was required for activation by tolfenamic acid. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirmed that this sequence specifically bound to the ETS family protein epithelial-specific ETS-1 (ESE-1) transcription factor. Tolfenamic acid also facilitated translocation of endogenous and exogenous ESE-1 to the nucleus in colorectal cancer cells, and gene silencing using ESE-1 small interfering RNA attenuated tolfenamic acid-induced EGR-1 expression and apoptosis. Overexpression of EGR-1 increased apoptosis and decreased bioelectrical impedance, and silencing of endogenous EGR-1 prevented tolfenamic acid-induced apoptosis. These results show that activation of ESE-1 via enhanced nuclear translocation mediates tolfenamic acid-induced EGR-1 expression, which plays a critical role in the activation of apoptosis.

A green tea component suppresses posttranslational expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Green tea catechins are known to have anticarcinogenic effects. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) accounts for almost 50% of the total catechin content in green tea extract and has very potent antioxidant effects. EGCG also inhibits angiogenesis, possibly through the inhibition of proangiogenic factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which in turn, inhibits tumor growth and metastasis. However, the exact molecular mechanism by which EGCG suppresses bFGF expression is not known. Our objective was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which EGCG inhibits bFGF expression in colorectal cancer.

METHODS

We examined posttranslational regulation of bFGF by EGCG in human colorectal cancer cells. We also examined bFGF in intestinal tumor formation of APC(Min/+) mice with and without catechin treatment.

RESULTS

The bFGF protein was quickly degraded in the presence of EGCG, but a proteasome inhibitor suppressed this degradation. EGCG was also found to increase ubiquitination of bFGF and trypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome, thereby resulting in the degradation of bFGF protein. Furthermore, EGCG suppressed tumor formation in APC(Min/+) mice, compared with vehicle-treated mice, in association with reduced bFGF expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The ubiquitin-proteasome degradation pathway contributes significantly to down-regulation of bFGF expression by EGCG. Catechin compounds have fewer adverse effects than chemotherapeutic agents and hence can be used as proof-of-concept in cancer therapeutics to suppress growth and metastasis by targeting proteins such as bFGF.