CXCR4 expression is elevated in TNBC patient derived samples and Z-guggulsterone abrogates tumor progression by targeting CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis in mice model

CXCR4/CXCL12 blockade therapy; a new horizon in TNBC therapy

The only subtype of breast cancer (BC) without specific therapy is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which represents 15-20% of incidence cases of BC. TNBC encompasses transformed and nonmalignant cells, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), endothelial vasculature, and tumor-infiltrating cells. These nonmalignant cells, soluble factors (e.g., cytokines), and the extracellular matrix (ECM) form the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is made up of these nonmalignant cells, ECM, and soluble components, including cytokines. Direct cell-to-cell contact and soluble substances like cytokines (e.g., chemokines) may facilitate interaction between cancer cells and the surrounding TME. Through growth-promoting cytokines, TME not only enables the development of cancer but also confers therapy resistance. New treatment targets will probably be suggested by comprehending the processes behind tumor development and progression as well as the functions of chemokines in TNBC. In this light, several investigations have shown the pivotal function of the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12 or SDF-1) axis and chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in the pathophysiology of TNBC. This review provides an overview of the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis' function in TNBC development, metastasis, angiogenesis, and treatment resistance. A synopsis of current literature on targeting the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis for treating and managing TNBC has also been provided.

Assessment of CuFeSe2 ternary nanozymes for multimodal triple negative breast cancer theranostics

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a challenge for clinical diagnosis and therapy due to its poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Hence, new methods to achieve TNBC imaging and imaging-guided TNBC therapy are urgently needed. Currently, the combination of chemotherapy with phototherapy/catalytic therapy has become a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Here, multifunctional CuFeSe2 ternary nanozymes (CuFeSe2-AMD3100-Gem nanosheets) were prepared as high-performance nanotheranostic agents for imaging-guided synergistic therapy of TNBC in vitro and in vivo. CuFeSe2-AMD3100-Gem nanosheets not only exhibited outstanding CXCR4-targeted capability and superior photothermal properties, but also produced exact chemical cytotoxicity through the loading of the chemotherapy drug Gemcitabine. Specifically, the CuFeSe2-AMD3100-Gem nanosheets simultaneously possessed peroxidase-like activities capable of converting endogenous H2O2 to hydroxyl radicals (•OH), which could be significantly enhanced under light irradiation. Furthermore, these nanosheets showed remarkable multimodal imaging ability for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and infrared thermography in TNBC tumor-bearing mice (4T1 cells). More importantly, the in vitro and in vivo results verified the significant synergistic anticancer effect of the CuFeSe2-AMD3100-Gem nanosheets by combining photothermal therapy and enzyme catalytic therapy with chemotherapy. In conclusion, these advantages demonstrate the powerful potential of CuFeSe2 ternary nanozymes for imaging-guided synergistic photothermal/catalytic/chemical therapy for TNBC.

Role, mechanisms and effects of Radix Bupleuri in anti‑breast cancer (Review)

The prevalence of breast cancer among women has led to a growing need for innovative anti-breast cancer medications and an in-depth investigation into their molecular mechanisms of action, both of which are essential tactics in clinical intervention. In the clinical practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Radix Bupleuri and its active components have shown promise as potential anti-breast cancer agents due to their ability to target multiple pathways, exhibit synergistic effects and reduce toxicity. These compounds are considered to enhance the prognosis of patients with cancer, prolong survival and combat chemotherapy resistance. The present review aimed to delve into the anti-breast cancer properties of Radix Bupleuri and its active ingredients, highlighting their mechanisms, such as inhibition of cell proliferation, promotion of apoptosis, metastasis prevention, microenvironment improvement and synergy with certain chemotherapeutic agents. These findings may provide a scientific rationale for combining Radix Bupleuri and its active components with traditional chemotherapy agents for the management of breast cancer.

Combating Antibiotic Resistance: Mechanisms, Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens, and Novel Therapeutic Approaches: An Updated Review

The escalating global health crisis of antibiotic resistance, driven by the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens, necessitates urgent and innovative countermeasures. This review comprehensively examines the diverse mechanisms employed by bacteria to evade antibiotic action, including alterations in cell membrane permeability, efflux pump overexpression, biofilm formation, target site modifications, and the enzymatic degradation of antibiotics. Specific focus is given to membrane transport systems such as ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, resistance-nodulation-division (RND) efflux pumps, major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporters, multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) systems, small multidrug resistance (SMR) families, and proteobacterial antimicrobial compound efflux (PACE) families. Additionally, the review explores the global burden of MDR pathogens and evaluates emerging therapeutic strategies, including quorum quenching (QQ), probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), stem cell applications, immunotherapy, antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), and bacteriophage. Furthermore, this review discusses novel antimicrobial agents, such as animal-venom-derived compounds and nanobiotics, as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. The interplay between clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) in bacterial adaptive immunity is analyzed, revealing opportunities for targeted genetic interventions. By synthesizing current advancements and emerging strategies, this review underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration among biomedical scientists, researchers, and the pharmaceutical industry to drive the development of novel antibacterial agents. Ultimately, this comprehensive analysis provides a roadmap for future research, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable and cooperative approaches to combat antibiotic resistance and safeguard global health.

Triterpenes of Prunella vulgaris Inhibit Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Regulating PTP1B/PI3K/AKT/mTOR and IL-24/CXCL12/CXCR4 Pathways

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer characterized by high molecular heterogeneity. Owing to the lack of effective therapeutic strategies, patients with TNBC have a poor prognosis. Prunella vulgaris L. has the effects of reducing swelling, dissolving knots and treating breast carbuncles and mammary rocks. Modern pharmacological studies have reported that it can effectively inhibit the growth of breast cancer. The main active antitumor components of Prunella vulgaris are triterpenoids (PVT); however, the role and potential mechanism of PVT in TNBC remain unexplored. Our study aimed to further explore the inhibitory effects of PVT on TNBC and the associated mechanism. The results showed that 19 compounds associated with PVT were identified, 9 of which were triterpenoids. The percentages of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid in PVT were 34.51% and 11.32%, respectively. Triterpenes of Prunella vulgaris significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells and promoted their apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. PVT could also effectively downregulate the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ptp1b, Pi3k, Akt and mtor and upregulate the mRNA and protein expression levels of Il-24 in MDA-MB-231 cells. In mice with tumors of TNBC, PVT significantly reduced tumor growth and the expression levels of PTP1B, CXCL12, CXCR4, PI3K, AKT, mTOR and other proteins in TNBC tumor tissue and upregulated the expression of IL-24. This study showed that PVT played an anti-TNBC role by regulating the PTP1B/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and the IL-24/CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis.

CXC chemokine receptor 4 - mediated immune modulation and tumor microenvironment heterogeneity in gastric cancer: Utilizing multi-omics approaches to identify potential therapeutic targets

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) are critical regulators of various biological behaviors, and their role in gastric cancer (GC) progression is gaining increasing attention. Among them, the immune regulatory mechanisms mediated by chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) remain insufficiently understood. This study aims to explore the immune regulatory functions of CXCR4 and the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) by examining GPR-related gene expression in GC. Through multi-omics approaches, including spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing, we investigated the oncogenic mechanisms of CXCR4, particularly its role in T cell immune exhaustion. In vitro experiments, including ELISA, PCR, CCK8 assays, cell scratch assays, and colony formation assays, were used to validate the role of CXCR4 in the migration and invasion of AGS and SNU-1 cell lines. CXCR4 silencing using siRNA further demonstrated its regulatory effects on these cellular processes. Our results revealed a strong correlation between elevated CXCR4 expression and increased exhaustion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the TME. Furthermore, heightened CXCR4 expression was linked to increased TME heterogeneity, driven by oxidative stress and activation of the NF-κB pathway, promoting immune evasion and tumor progression. Silencing CXCR4 significantly inhibited the invasive and proliferative abilities of AGS and SNU-1 cells, while also reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and interleukin-6, thus alleviating chronic inflammation and improving TME conditions. In conclusion, our comprehensive investigation highlights CXCR4 as a key mediator of TME dynamics and immune modulation in GC. Targeting CXCR4 presents a promising therapeutic strategy to slow tumor progression by reducing Tregs-mediated immune exhaustion and TME heterogeneity, positioning it as a novel therapeutic target in GC treatment.

Pyrimidine-triazole-tethered tert-butyl-piperazine-carboxylate suppresses breast cancer by targeting estrogen receptor signaling and β-catenin activation

Several chemotherapeutics against breast cancer are constrained by their adverse effects and chemoresistance. The development of novel chemotherapeutics to target metastatic breast cancer can bring effective clinical outcomes. Many breast cancer patients present with tumors that are positive for estrogen receptors (ERs), highlighting the importance of targeting the ER pathway in this particular subtype. Although selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are commonly used, their side effects and resistance issues necessitate the development of new ER-targeting agents. In this study, we report that a newly synthesized compound, TTP-5, a hybrid of pyrimidine, triazole, and tert-butyl-piperazine-carboxylate, effectively binds to estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and suppresses breast cancer cell growth. We assessed the impact of TTP-5 on cell proliferation using MTT and colony formation assays and evaluated its effect on cell motility through wound healing and invasion assays. We further explored the mechanism of action of this novel compound by detecting protein expression changes using Western blotting. Molecular docking was used to confirm the interaction of TTP-5 with ERα. The results indicated that TTP-5 significantly reduced the proliferation of MCF-7 cells by blocking the ERα signaling pathway. Conversely, although it did not influence the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells, TTP-5 hindered their motility by modulating the expression of proteins associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), possibly via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Discovery of oxazine-linked pyrimidine as an inhibitor of breast cancer growth and metastasis by abrogating NF-κB activation

Introduction

Nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) plays a key role in cancer cell proliferation; thus, small molecule inhibitors of NF-κB activity can effectively inhibit breast cancer (BC) progression. We have previously reported oxazine and piperazine-linked pyrimidines as novel anti-cancer agents that can suppress NF-κB activation in BC cells. Moreover, the TRX-01 compound, an oxazine-linked pyrimidine, inhibited MCF-7 cells at a concentration of 9.17 µM in the Alamar Blue assay.

Methods

This work involved the analysis of frontier molecular orbitals, HOMO-LUMO interactions, and molecular electrostatic potential for the TRX-01 structure. Additionally, the TRX-01 compound was studied for cytotoxicity, and migration as well as invasion assays were performed on BC cells.

Results

Finally, TRX-01 blocked the translocation of NF-κB from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in MCF-7 cells and reduced NF-κB and IκBα levels in a dose-dependent manner. It also suppressed migratory and invasive properties of BC cells.

Conclusion

Overall, the data indicates that TRX-01 can function as a novel blocker of BC growth and metastasis by targeting NF-κB activation.

C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 inhibition promotes the effect of plantamajoside in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and, more than half of these cases are diagnosed in China. However, effective treatment for HCC is still limited.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) was first activated and inhibited in HepG2 cells using a pharmacological method. HepG2 cell proliferation was detected using the CCK-8 method. Metastasis and apoptosis of HepG2 cells were detected using wound healing and flow cytometry. The expression of each target molecule related to metastasis and invasion, such as MMPs, E-cadherin and the PI3K/AKT/Mcl-1/PARP signaling pathway was detected by western blotting. The secretion of molecular metastases was detected using competitive ELISA.

RESULTS

This study constructed a CXCR4 activation and inhibition model in HepG2 cells. CXCR4 inhibition promoted the inhibitory effect of plantamajoside on the proliferation and metastasis of cells, which led to apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was increased after treatment with plantamajoside combined with CXCR4 inhibition. In addition, the expression and secretion of pro-metastatic proteins, including MMPs and E-cadherin were decreased. We also noticed that this effect might be mediated by the PI3K/AKT/Mcl-1/PARP signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

CXCR4 inhibition may contribute to the treatment of HCC. Inhibition of CXCR4 expression contributes to the therapeutic effect of plantamajoside; the effect of plantamajoside might be mediated by the PI3K/AKT/Mcl-1/PARP signaling pathway; and CXCR4 might be a therapeutic target of HCC.

Downregulation of complement factor H attenuates the stemness of MDA‑MB‑231 breast cancer cells via modulation of the ERK and p38 signaling pathways

The complement system is a powerful innate immune system deployed in the immediate response to pathogens and cancer cells. Complement factor H (CFH), one of the regulators involved in the complement cascade, can interrupt the death of target cells. Certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, can adopt an aggressive phenotype, such as breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), through enhancement of the defense system against complement attack by amplifying various complement regulators. However, little is known about the association between CFH and BCSCs. In the present study, the roles of CFH in the CSC characteristics and radioresistance of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells were investigated. CFH knockdown in MDA-MB-231 cells decreased the viability of the cells upon complement cascade activation. Notably, CFH knockdown also decreased cell survival and suppressed mammosphere formation, cell migration and cell invasion by attenuating radioresistance. Additionally, CFH knockdown further enhanced irradiation-induced apoptosis through G2/M cell cycle arrest. It was also discovered that CFH knockdown attenuated the aggressive phenotypes of cancer cells by regulating CSC-associated gene expression. Finally, by microarray analysis, it was found that the expression of erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1-like 3 (EPB41L3) was markedly increased following CFH knockdown. EPB41L3 inhibited ERK and activated the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Taken together, these results indicated that CFH knockdown attenuated CSC properties and radioresistance in human breast cancer cells via controlling MAPK signaling and through upregulation of the tumor suppressor, EPB41L3.

Different Modes of Mechanism of Gamma-Mangostin and Alpha-Mangostin to Inhibit Cell Migration of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Concerning CXCR4 Downregulation and ROS Generation

Background

Two mangostin compounds, gamma-mangostin and alpha-mangostin, show anticancer properties through the inhibition of cell proliferation and cell migration. Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, including MDA-MB-231, highly express C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) to maintain reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell migration.

Objectives

This study was performed to analyze and compare different modes of action of γ-mangostin and α-mangostin as antimigratory effects targeted on CXCR4 in MDA-MB-231 as a model of TNBC cell.

Methods

This study investigated the effect of γ-mangostin and α-mangostin using a series of assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay for cytotoxicity, wound healing assay for migration study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for gene expression analysis, and flow cytometry for ROS measurement, along with in silico study to observe the binding between the compound and CXCR4.

Results

The findings revealed half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 25 and 20 μM for γ-mangostin and α-mangostin in MDA-MB 231 cells, respectively. Moreover, a concentration of 10 μM was used for the migration assay. Both γ-mangostin and α-mangostin significantly suppressed cell migration within 24 hours. The present gene expression studies revealed the downregulation of key migration-associated genes, namely Farp, CXCR4, and LPHN2, upon γ-mangostin treatment but not α-mangostin. Additionally, both γ-mangostin and α-mangostin increased cellular ROS generation, highlighting the same effect of γ-mangostin and α-mangostin ROS elevation to inhibit cancer cell migration. Molecular docking simulations further suggested a potential interaction between γ-mangostin and α-mangostin with CXCR4 in high affinity.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that both γ-mangostin and α-mangostin inhibit breast cancer cell migration and induce cellular ROS levels in MDA-MB-231 cells; notably, γ-mangostin suppresses CXCR4 mRNA expression that might correlate to its activity to inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell migration.