The involvement of Parkin-dependent mitophagy in the anti-cancer activity of Ginsenoside

Vicenin-2 in Suhuang antitussive capsule attenuates mitophagy-dependent ferroptosis via LRP1 for treating post-infectious cough

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Suhuang antitussive capsule (SH) is the only clinically approved traditional Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of post-infectious cough (PIC). During the past decade, our lab has conducted intensive researches on SH, including its efficacy and mechanism on PIC, and determined that SH has favorable anti-inflammatory, antitussive, expectorant, and anti-asthmatic pharmacological effects. Recently, we found that vicenin-2 (VIC-2) could be detected in SH and showed activity in vitro primary screening on PIC.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the therapeutic effects of VIC-2 on PIC and its potential mechanisms, and want to elucidate VIC-2 as one of the efficacious components of SH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PIC mouse model was established with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced combined cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed ICR mice, while the in vitro assay was constructed to induce BEAS-2B cells with cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The therapeutic effects of VIC-2 on PIC in vitro and in vivo were assessed by pathological sections, cough assay, immune cell counting, and quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). The mechanisms of VIC-2 on ferroptosis and mitophagy in PIC were further explored by cell viability assay, Prussian blue staining, lipid peroxidation assessment, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and western blotting. Subsequently, virtual docking, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) verified the target relationship between VIC-2 and LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). In addition, the link between LRP1 and mitophagy-dependent ferroptosis was explored by knocking down LRP1.

RESULTS

VIC-2 significantly improved lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and airway remodeling in PIC and inhibited mitophagy-dependent ferroptosis, confirming that it is one of the antitussive components of SH for the treatment of PIC. LRP1 is one of the pharmacological targets of VIC-2, in which VIC-2 exerted the above effects through up-regulating LRP1 by influencing the LRP1-Parkin interaction. The blockade of LRP1 reversed the both in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities of VIC-2. Furthermore, our results showed for the first time that defects in LRP1 lead to ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that VIC-2 inhibits mitophagy-dependent ferroptosis via LRP1 for the treatment of PIC, constituting one of the antitussive components of SH.

Molecular regulation of mitophagy signaling in tumor microenvironment and its targeting for cancer therapy

Aberrations emerging in mitochondrial homeostasis are restrained by mitophagy to control mitochondrial integrity, bioenergetics signaling, metabolism, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The mitophagy-accompanied mitochondrial processes that occur in a dysregulated condition act as drivers for cancer occurrence. In addition, the enigmatic nature of mitophagy in cancer cells modulates the cellular proteome, creating challenges for therapeutic interventions. Several reports found the role of cellular signaling pathways in cancer to modulate mitophagy to mitigate stress, immune checkpoints, energy demand, and cell death. Thus, targeting mitophagy to hinder oncogenic intracellular signaling by promoting apoptosis, in hindsight, might have an edge against cancer. This review highlights the receptors and adaptors, and the involvement of many proteins in mitophagy and their role in oncogenesis. It also provides insight into using mitophagy as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in various cancer types.

Ginsenoside-Re-rich ethanol extract of Panax ginseng berry enhances healthspan extension via mitostasis and NAD metabolism

Background

Ginseng Berry Concentrate (GBC) enhances exercise capacity in mice, but the effects of its key component, ginsenoside Re (G-Re), on aging and mitochondrial function are not well understood. This study investigates the impact of G-Re on mitophagy and its potential to promote healthy aging.

Methods

Experiments in C2C12 myocytes and HeLa-mitoKeima-PARKIN cells assessed GBC and G-Re's effects on mitophagy, supported by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. G-Re was identified as the primary component of GBC via high-performance liquid chromatography. The influence of G-Re on lifespan and healthspan was examined in Caenorhabditis elegans, with a focus on mitophagy pathways.

Results

GBC and G-Re significantly induced mitophagy and enhanced mitochondrial gene expression, improving mitochondrial function. G-Re extended lifespan and healthspan in C. elegans, effects absent in mitophagy-impaired mutants.

Conclusion

G-Re enhances mitochondrial function and promotes healthy aging through mitophagy, suggesting its potential for mitigating age-related functional declines.

The tumor suppressor Parkin exerts anticancer effects through regulating mitochondrial GAPDH activity

Cancer cells preferentially utilize glycolysis for energy production, and GAPDH is a critical enzyme in glycolysis. Parkin is a tumor suppressor and a key protein involved in mitophagy regulation. However, the tumor suppression mechanism of Parkin has still not been elucidated. In this study, we identified mitochondrial GAPDH as a new substrate of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin, which mediated GAPDH ubiquitination in human cervical cancer. The translocation of GAPDH into mitochondria was driven by the PINK1 kinase, and either PINK1 or GAPDH mutation prevented the accumulation of GAPDH in mitochondria. Parkin caused the ubiquitination of GAPDH at multiple sites (K186, K215, and K219) located within the enzyme-catalyzed binding domain of the GAPDH protein. GAPDH ubiquitination was required for mitophagy, and stimulation of mitophagy suppressed cervical cancer cell growth, indicating that mitophagy serves as a type of cell death. Mechanistically, PHB2 served as a key mediator in GAPDH ubiquitination-induced mitophagy through stabilizing PINK1 protein and GAPDH mutation resulted in the reduced distribution of PHB2 in mitophagic vacuole. In addition, ubiquitination of GAPDH decreased its phosphorylation level and enzyme activity and inhibited the glycolytic pathway in cervical cancer cells. The results of in vivo experiments also showed that the GAPDH mutation increased glycolysis in cervical cancer cells and accelerated tumorigenesis. Thus, we concluded that Parkin may exert its anticancer function by ubiquitinating GAPDH in mitochondria. Taken together, our study further clarified the molecular mechanism of tumor suppression by Parkin through the regulation of energy metabolism, which provides an experimental basis for the development of new drugs for the treatment of human cervical cancer.

Regulation of Autophagy Signaling Pathways by Ginseng Saponins: A Review

Ginseng saponins (ginsenosides), bioactive compounds derived from ginseng, are widely used natural products with potent therapeutic properties in the management of various ailments, particularly tumors, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and immune system disorders. Autophagy, a highly regulated and multistep process involving the breakdown of impaired organelles and macromolecules by autophagolysosomes and autophagy-related genes (ATGs), has gained increasing attention as a potential target for ginsenoside-mediated disease treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent research advances in the understanding of autophagy-related signaling pathways and the role of ginsenoside-mediated autophagy regulation. By delving into the intricate autophagy signaling pathways underpinning the pharmacological properties of ginsenosides, we highlight their therapeutic potential in addressing various conditions. Our findings serve as a comprehensive reference for further investigation into the medicinal properties of ginseng or ginseng-related products.

CgPHB2 involved in the haemocyte mitophagy in response to Vibrio splendidus stimulation in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

Prohibitin2 (PHB2) is recently identified as a novel inner membrane mitophagy receptor to mediate mitophagy. In the present study, the function of CgPHB2 in mediating mitophagy in response to Vibrio splendidus stimulation was investigated in Crassostrea gigas. CgPHB2 protein was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of three subpopulations of haemocytes. After V. splendidus stimulation, the expressions of CgPHB2 mRNA in haemocytes were up-regulated significantly at 6, 12 and 24 h, and the abundance of CgPHB2 protein was also enhanced at 12-24 h compared to control group. Furthermore, the green signals of CgPHB2 were colocalized respectively with the red signals of mitochondria and CgLC3 in the haemocytes at 12 h after V. splendidus stimulation, and the co-localization value of CgPHB2 and mtphagy Dye was significantly increased. The direct interaction between CgPHB2 and CgLC3 was simulated by molecular docking. In PHB2-inhibitor Fluorizoline-treated oysters, the mRNA expressions of mitophagy-related genes and the ratio of mitophagy were significantly decreased in haemocytes of oysters after V. splendidus stimulation. All the results collectively suggested that CgPHB2 participated in mediating the haemocyte mitophagy in the antibacterial immune response of oysters.

Unveiling the experimental proof of the anticancer potential of ginsenoside Rg3 (Review)

Ginsenoside Rg3 (GS-Rg3), a sterol molecule isolated from ginseng, has demonstrated various immunological properties, including inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, reversal of drug resistance and enhancement of chemotherapy sensitivity. The recent surge in attention towards GS-Rg3 can be attributed to its potential as an antitumor angiogenesis agent and as a therapeutic candidate for immunotherapy. The development of GS-Rg3 as an agent for these purposes has accelerated research on its mechanisms of action. The present review summarizes recent studies investigating the antitumor activity of GS-Rg3 and its underlying mechanisms, as well as providing essential information for future studies on GS-Rg3.

Ubiquitin E3 ligases assisted technologies in protein degradation: Sharing pathways in neurodegenerative disorders and cancer

E3 ligases, essential components of the ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated protein degradation system, play a critical role in cellular regulation. By covalently attaching ubiquitin (Ub) molecules to target proteins, these ligases mark them for degradation, influencing various bioprocesses. With over 600 E3 ligases identified, there is a growing realization of their potential as therapeutic candidates for addressing proteinopathies in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Recent research has highlighted the need to delve deeper into the intricate roles of E3 ligases as nexus points in the pathogenesis of both cancer and NDDs. Their dysregulation is emerging as a common thread linking these seemingly disparate diseases, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their molecular intricacies. Herein, we have discussed (i) the fundamental mechanisms through which different types of E3 ligases actively participate in selective protein degradation in cancer and NDDs, followed by an examination of common E3 ligases playing pivotal roles in both situations, emphasising common players. Moving to, (ii) the functional domains and motifs of E3 ligases involved in ubiquitination, we have explored their interactions with specific substrates in NDDs and cancer. Additionally, (iii) we have explored techniques like PROTAC, molecular glues, and other state-of-the-art methods for hijacking neurotoxic and oncoproteins. Lastly, (iv) we have provided insights into ongoing clinical trials, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of E3-based therapeutics for cancer and NDDs. Unravelling the intricate network of E3 ligase-mediated regulation holds the key to unlocking targeted therapies that address the specific molecular signatures of individual patients, heralding a new era in personalized medicines.

Natural products targeting macroautophagy signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy: Recent evidence and perspectives

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), presently the second leading cause of global cancer-related mortality, continues to pose significant challenges in the realm of medical oncology, impacting both clinical drug selection and mechanistic research. Recent investigations have unveiled autophagy-related signaling as a promising avenue for HCC treatment. A growing body of research has highlighted the pivotal role of autophagy-modulating natural products in inhibiting HCC progression. In this context, we provide a concise overview of the fundamental autophagy mechanism and delineate the involvement of autophagic signaling pathways in HCC development. Additionally, we review pertinent studies demonstrating how natural products regulate autophagy to mitigate HCC. Our findings indicate that natural products exhibit cytotoxic effects through the induction of excessive autophagy, simultaneously impeding HCC cell proliferation by autophagy inhibition, thereby depriving HCC cells of essential energy. These effects have been associated with various signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK, AMPK, Wnt/β-catenin, Beclin-1, and ferroautophagy. These results underscore the considerable therapeutic potential of natural products in HCC treatment. However, it is important to note that the present study did not establish definitive thresholds for autophagy induction or inhibition by natural products. Further research in this domain is imperative to gain comprehensive insights into the dual role of autophagy, equipping us with a better understanding of this double-edged sword in HCC management.

Inhibition of Multifunctional Protein p32/C1QBP Promotes Cytostatic Effects in Colon Cancer Cells by Altering Mitogenic Signaling Pathways and Promoting Mitochondrial Damage

The protein p32 (C1QBP) is a multifunctional and multicompartmental homotrimer that is overexpressed in many cancer types, including colon cancer. High expression levels of C1QBP are negatively correlated with the survival of patients. Previously, we demonstrated that C1QBP is an essential promoter of migration, chemoresistance, clonogenic, and tumorigenic capacity in colon cancer cells. However, the mechanisms underlying these functions and the effects of specific C1QBP protein inhibitors remain unexplored. Here, we show that the specific pharmacological inhibition of C1QBP with the small molecule M36 significantly decreased the viability rate, clonogenic capacity, and proliferation rate of different colon cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of the inhibitor of C1QBP were cytostatic and non-cytotoxic, inducing a decreased activation rate of critical pro-malignant and mitogenic cellular pathways such as Akt-mTOR and MAPK in RKO colon cancer cells. Additionally, treatment with M36 significantly affected the mitochondrial integrity and dynamics of malignant cells, indicating that p32/C1QBP plays an essential role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. Altogether, our results reinforce that C1QBP is an important oncogene target and that M36 may be a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of colon cancer.

Natural compounds modulating mitophagy: Implications for cancer therapy

Cancer is considered as the second leading cause of mortality, and cancer incidence is still growing rapidly worldwide, which poses an increasing global health burden. Although chemotherapy is the most widely used treatment for cancer, its effectiveness is limited by drug resistance and severe side effects. Mitophagy is the principal mechanism that degrades damaged mitochondria via the autophagy/lysosome pathway to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. Emerging evidence indicates that mitophagy plays crucial roles in tumorigenesis, particularly in cancer therapy. Mitophagy can exhibit dual effects in cancer, with both cancer-inhibiting or cancer-promoting function in a context-dependent manner. A variety of natural compounds have been found to affect cancer cell death and display anticancer properties by modulating mitophagy. In this review, we provide a systematic overview of mitophagy signaling pathways, and examine recent advances in the utilization of natural compounds for cancer therapy through the modulation of mitophagy. Furthermore, we address the inquiries and challenges associated with ongoing investigations concerning the application of natural compounds in cancer therapy based on mitophagy. Overcoming these limitations will provide opportunities to develop novel interventional strategies for cancer treatment.

PA2G4/EBP1 ubiquitination by PRKN/PARKIN promotes mitophagy protecting neuron death in cerebral ischemia

Cerebral ischemia induces massive mitochondrial damage, leading to neuronal death. The elimination of damaged mitochondria via mitophagy is critical for neuroprotection. Here we show that the level of PA2G4/EBP1 (proliferation-associated 2G4) was notably increased early during transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and prevented neuronal death by eliciting cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced mitophagy. Neuron-specific knockout of Pa2g4 increased infarct volume and aggravated neuron loss with impaired mitophagy and was rescued by introduction of adeno-associated virus serotype 2 expressing PA2G4/EBP1. We determined that PA2G4/EBP1 is ubiquitinated on lysine 376 by PRKN/PARKIN on the damaged mitochondria and interacts with receptor protein SQSTM1/p62 for mitophagy induction. Thus, our study suggests that PA2G4/EBP1 ubiquitination following cerebral IR-injury promotes mitophagy induction, which may be implicated in neuroprotection.Abbreviations: AAV: adeno-associated virus; ACTB: actin beta; BNIP3L/NIX: BCL2 interacting protein 3 like; CA1: Cornu Ammonis 1; CASP3: caspase 3; CCCP: carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; PA2G4/EBP1: proliferation-associated 2G4; FUNDC1: FUN14 domain containing 1; IB: immunoblotting; ICC: immunocytochemistry; IHC: immunohistochemistry; IP: immunoprecipitation; MCAO: middle cerebral artery occlusion; MEF: mouse embryonic fibroblast; OGD: oxygen-glucose deprivation; PRKN/PARKIN: parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase; PINK1: PTEN induced kinase 1; RBFOX3/NeuN: RNA binding fox-1 homolog 3; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TIMM23: translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 23; TOMM20: translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20; TUBB: tubulin beta class I; WT: wild-type.

Novel ginsenoside monomer RT4 promotes colitis repair in mice by regulating miR-144-3p/SLC7A11 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Ginsenoside RT4 (RT4) is a new biologically active compound extracted from ginseng that possesses numerous medicinal and pharmacological properties. However, its potential therapeutic effect of ginsenoside RT4 on ulcerative colitis remains unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside RT4 and its underlying molecular mechanism in the treatment of ulcerative colitis mice induced with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Our results demonstrate that ginsenoside RT4 effectively reduced weight, shortening of colonic tract length, colonic bowel damage, and disease activity index (DAI) scores in DSS-induced colitis mice. Additionally, ginsenoside RT4 regulates miR-144-3p expression in DSS-induced colitis mice, and we further confirmed that the solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) was the target gene of miR-144-3p by database analysis. Finally, ginsenoside RT4 inhibits the activation of the miR-144-3p/SLC7A11 signaling pathway, which alleviates colitis. Ginsenoside RT4 significantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that ginsenoside RT4 may have therapeutic potential for treating ulcerative colitis by downregulating levels of miR-144-3p/SLC7A11 signaling pathway, which are expected to be useful in treating clinical ulcerative colitis.

Activation of ULK1 to trigger FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy in heart failure: Effect of Ginsenoside Rg3 intervention

BACKGROUND

Although the development of therapies for heart failure (HF) continues apace, clinical outcomes are often far from ideal. Unc51-like-kinase 1 (ULK1)-mediated mitophagy prevents pathological cardiac remodeling and heart failure (HF). Molecularly ULK1-targeted agent to enhance mitophagy is scanty.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate whether Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) can activate ULK1 to trigger FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy for protecting heart failure.

METHODS

Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance were used to detect the ULK1 binding behavior of Rg3. Established HF model in rats and transcriptome sequencing were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect and regulatory mechanism of Rg3. Loss-of-function approaches in vivo and in vitro were performed to determine the role of ULK1 in Rg3-elicited myocardial protection against HF. FUNDC1 recombinant plasmid of site mutation was applied to elucidate more in-depth mechanisms.

RESULTS

Structurally, a good binding mode was unveiled between ULK1 and Rg3. In vivo, Rg3 improved cardiac dysfunction, adverse remodeling, and mitochondrial damage in HF rats. Furthermore, Rg3 promoted Ulk1-triggered mitophagy both in vivo and in vitro, manifested by the impetus of downstream Fundc1-Lc3 interaction. Of note, the protective effects conferred by Rg3 against mitophagy defects, pathological remodeling, and cardiac dysfunction were compromised by Ulk1 gene silencing both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, Rg3 activated mitophagy by inducing ULK1-mediated phosphorylation of FUNDC1 at the Ser17 site, not the Ser13 site.

CONCLUSION

Together these observations demonstrated that Rg3 acts as a ULK1 activator for the precise treatment of HF, which binds to ULK1 to activate FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy.

Red Ginseng Dietary Fiber Shows Prebiotic Potential by Modulating Gut Microbiota in Dogs

Red ginseng, widely used in traditional medicine for various conditions, imparts health benefits mainly by modulating the gut microbiota in humans. Given the similarities in gut microbiota between humans and dogs, red ginseng-derived dietary fiber may have prebiotic potential in dogs; however, its effects on the gut microbiota in dogs remain elusive. This double-blinded, longitudinal study investigated the impact of red ginseng dietary fiber on the gut microbiota and host response in dogs. A total of 40 healthy household dogs were randomly assigned to low-dose (n = 12), high-dose (n = 16), or control (n = 12) groups and fed a normal diet supplemented with red ginseng dietary fiber (3 g/5 kg body weight per day, 8 g/5 kg per day, or no supplement, respectively) for 8 weeks. The gut microbiota of the dogs was analyzed at 4 weeks and 8 weeks using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples. Alpha diversity was significantly increased at 8 and 4 weeks in the low-dose and high-dose groups, respectively. Moreover, biomarker analysis showed that short-chain fatty acid producers such as Sarcina and Proteiniclasticum were significantly enriched, while potential pathogens such as Helicobacter were significantly decreased, indicating the increased gut health and pathogen resistance by red ginseng dietary fiber. Microbial network analysis showed that the complexity of microbial interactions was increased by both doses, indicating the increased stability of the gut microbiota. These findings suggest that red ginseng-derived dietary fiber could be used as a prebiotic to modulate gut microbiota and improve gut health in dogs. IMPORTANCE The canine gut microbiota is an attractive model for translational studies, as it responds to dietary interventions similarly to those in humans. Investigating the gut microbiota of household dogs that share the environment with humans can produce highly generalizable and reproducible results owing to their representativeness of the general canine population. This double-blind and longitudinal study investigated the impact of dietary fiber derived from red ginseng on the gut microbiota of household dogs. Red ginseng dietary fiber altered the canine gut microbiota by increasing diversity, enriching short-chain fatty acid-producing microbes, decreasing potential pathogens, and increasing the complexity of microbial interactions. These findings indicate that red ginseng-derived dietary fiber may promote canine gut health by modulating gut microbiota, suggesting the possibility of its use as a potential prebiotic.

Role of the HIF-1α/BNIP3 Signaling Pathway in Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) negatively affects the quality of life of patients and leads to death. Studies have shown that recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC) is closely related to tissue hypoxia and autophagy. It has been shown that hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and its downstream factor BCL-2 19 kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) promote cellular autophagy under hypoxic conditions, resulting in metastasis and RHCC. In this article, the molecular structures of HIF-1α and BNIP3 are described, and the significance of the HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway in RHCC is explained. Moreover, the role and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating RHCC by modulating the HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway is discussed. Studies have shown that the HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway is a potential target of TCM in the treatment of RHCC. The mechanism of the HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway in RHCC and the progress achieved in TCM research on targeting and regulating this pathway are also reviewed in this article. The objective was to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of RHCC, as well as further drug development.

Advances in the biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of rare ginsenosides

Rare ginsenosides are the deglycosylated secondary metabolic derivatives of major ginsenosides, and they are more readily absorbed into the bloodstream and function as active substances. The traditional preparation methods hindered the potential application of these effective components. The continuous elucidation of ginsenoside biosynthesis pathways has rendered the production of rare ginsenosides using synthetic biology techniques effective for their large-scale production. Previously, only the progress in the biosynthesis and biotechnological production of major ginsenosides was highlighted. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in the identification of key enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of rare ginsenosides, especially the glycosyltransferases (GTs). Then the construction of microbial chassis for the production of rare ginsenosides, mainly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was presented. In the future, discovery of more GTs and improving their catalytic efficiencies are essential for the metabolic engineering of rare ginsenosides. This review will give more clues and be helpful for the characterization of the biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of rare ginsenosides. KEY POINTS: • The key enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of rare ginsenosides are summarized. • The recent progress in metabolic engineering of rare ginsenosides is presented. • The discovery of glycosyltransferases is essential for the microbial production of rare ginsenosides in the future.

Parkin exerts the tumor-suppressive effect through targeting mitochondria

The role of PARKIN in Parkinson's disease is well established but its role in cancer has recently emerged. PARKIN serves as a tumor suppressor in many cancers and loses the tumor-suppressive function due to loss of heterozygosity and DNA copy number. But how PARKIN protects against cancer is poorly understood. Through the analysis of PARKIN substrates and their association with mitochondria, this viewpoint discussed that PARKIN exerts its anti-cancer activity through targeting mitochondria. Mitochondria function as a convergence point for many signaling pathways and biological processes, including apoptosis, cell cycle, mitophagy, energy metabolism, oxidative stress, calcium homeostasis, inflammation, and so forth. PARKIN participates in these processes through regulating its mitochondrial targets. Conversely, these mitochondrial substrates also influence the function of PARKIN under different cellular circumstances. We believe that future studies in this area may lead to novel therapeutic targets and strategies for cancer therapy.

A Focused Review on Molecular Signalling Mechanisms of Ginsenosides Anti-Lung Cancer and Anti-inflammatory Activities

BACKGROUND

Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is a cultivated medicinal herb that has been widely available in the Asian region since the last century. Ginseng root is used worldwide in Oriental medicine. Currently, the global mortality and infection rates for lung cancer and inflammation are significantly increasing. Therefore, various preventative methods related to the activity of ginsenosides have been used for lung cancer as well as inflammation.

METHODS

Web-based searches were performed on Web of Science, Springer, PubMed, and Scopus. A cancer statistical analysis was also conducted to show the current ratio of affected cases and death from lung cancer around the world.

RESULTS

Ginsenosides regulate the enzymes that participate in tumor growth and migration, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signalregulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), the gelatinase network metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2/9) and activator protein 1 (AP-1). In addition, ginsenosides also possess anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the formation of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α) (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and controlling the activities of inflammatory signalling pathways, such as NF-κB, Janus kinase2/signal transducer, and activator of transcription 3 (Jak2/Stat3).

CONCLUSION

In several in vitro and in vivo models, P. ginseng showed potential beneficial effects in lung cancer and inflammation treatment. In this review, we provide a detailed and up-to-date summary of research evidence for antilung cancer and anti-inflammatory protective effects of ginsenosides and their potential molecular mechanisms.

How ginseng regulates autophagy: Insights from multistep process

BACKGROUND

Although autophagy is a recognized contributor to the pathogenesis of human diseases, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are the only two FDA-approved autophagy inhibitors to date. Emerging evidence has revealed the potential therapeutic benefits of various extracts and active compounds isolated from ginseng, especially ginsenosides and their derivatives, by mediating autophagy. Mechanistically, active components from ginseng mediate key regulators in the multistep processes of autophagy, namely, initiation, autophagosome biogenesis and cargo degradation.

AIM OF REVIEW

To date, a review that systematically described the relationship between ginseng and autophagy is still lacking. Breakthroughs in finding the key players in ginseng-autophagy regulation will be a promising research area, and will provide positive insights into the development of new drugs based on ginseng and autophagy.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

Here, we comprehensively summarized the critical roles of ginseng-regulated autophagy in treating diseases, including cancers, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and neurotoxicity. The dual effects of the autophagy response in certain diseases are worthy of note; thus, we highlight the complex impacts of both ginseng-induced and ginseng-inhibited autophagy. Moreover, autophagy and apoptosis are controlled by multiple common upstream signals, cross-regulate each other and affect certain diseases, especially cancers. Therefore, this review also discusses the cross-signal transduction pathways underlying the molecular mechanisms and interaction between ginseng-regulated autophagy and apoptosis.

Mitophagy: A novel perspective for insighting into cancer and cancer treatment

BACKGROUND

Mitophagy refers to the selective self-elimination of mitochondria under damaged or certain developmental conditions. As an important regulatory mechanism to remove damaged mitochondria and maintain the internal and external cellular balance, mitophagy plays pivotal roles in carcinogenesis and progression as well as treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, we combined data from recent years to comprehensively describe the regulatory mechanisms of mitophagy and its multifaceted significance in cancer, and discusse the potential of targeted mitophagy as a cancer treatment strategy.

RESULTS

The molecular mechanisms regulating mitophagy are complex, diverse, and cross-talk. Inducing or blocking mitophagy has the same or completely different effects in different cancer contexts. Mitophagy plays an indispensable role in regulating cancer metabolic reprogramming, cell stemness, and chemotherapy resistance for better adaptation to tumor microenvironment. In cancer cell biology, mitophagy is considered to be a double-edged sword. And to fully understand the role of mitophagy in cancer development can provide new targets for cancer treatment in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

This review synthesizes a large body of data to comprehensively describe the molecular mechanisms of mitophagy and its multidimensional significance in cancer and cancer treatment, which will undoubtedly deepen the understanding of mitophagy.

Examination of Combined Treatment of Ginsenoside Rg3 and 5-Fluorouracil in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells

Chemotherapy is a commonly used strategy for advanced lung cancer patients. However, its clinical application is restrained due to its toxicity and drug resistance. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) has a strong anticancer influence on colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and other malignant tumors. However, it is still unclear whether Rg3 can cooperate with 5-FU to inhibit the tumor growth and angiogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This study examined the combined treatment of Rg3 and 5-FU in LUAD. It was revealed that the combined treatment could notably enhance the suppression on proliferative, invasive, and migratory abilities and angiogenesis in LUAD cells A549 and SPC-A-1. On the other hand, we also discovered that Rg3 or 5-FU could suppress the activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway and downregulate VEGFA expression in LUAD cells. Collectively, this study suggested that Rg3 combined chemotherapy may perform a more powerful drug efficiency in LUAD cells.