Methyl jasmonate: a plant stress hormone as an anti-cancer drug

Decoding the Secrets of Odor-Active Compounds in Dark Tea

Dark tea has received growing attention in recent years due to its distinctive aroma and potential health benefits. The overall aroma profile of dark tea is determined by the combined effects of diverse odor-active compounds (OACs). However, comprehensive studies on these compounds remain limited. Beyond its role in sensory perception, could the distinctive aroma of dark tea also exert physiological functions? Existing research has primarily focused on the health benefits of non-volatile components in dark tea, such as tea polyphenols, tea polysaccharides, and theanine. However, the potential of OACs to influence physiological processes via olfactory receptors (ORs) remains underexplored in the literature. Accordingly, we systematically classify and comprehensively review OACs. Furthermore, we examine OAC-OR interactions, encompassing not only their roles in olfactory recognition and emotion regulation via nasal ORs but also their health benefits and potential therapeutic applications mediated by non-nasal ORs. Interestingly, our findings reveal that OACs follow a "structure-similarity-function-convergence" trend in both bioactivity and aromatic properties. Specifically, structurally similar OACs not only impart analogous aromatic profiles but may also share comparable physiological functions. This phenomenon provides new insights into the health potential of flavor compounds. This review not only enhances our understanding of OACs in dark tea but also systematically, and for the first time, explores the potential health-related functions mediated by interactions between OACs and ORs. It offers new insights for future integrative research on food flavor and health and may shed light on the synergistic role of odor and bioactive compounds in health regulation.

Green and cost-effective voltammetric assay based on activated glassy carbon electrode for determination of the plant growth regulator methyl jasmonate

A green, cost-effective, and efficient square-wave voltammetric (SWV) assay based on an electrochemically activated glassy carbon electrode (aGCE) for the determination of the plant growth regulator methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was developed. The activation was performed by anodization in 0.1 mol L-1 NaOH by 5 cyclic voltammetric measurements in the potential range of 0-2 V at a scan rate of 100 mV s-1. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were applied to analyze the difference between the bare GCE and the aGCE in terms of their electrochemical properties. The functionalization of the GCE surface by oxygen-containing groups not only creates new active sites but also improves electron transfer dynamics and electrocatalytic activity. The SWV procedure displays a wide linear response from 0.1 to 50.0 μmol L-1, a low LOD = 0.027 μmol L-1, and LOQ = 0.097 μmol L-1. The aGCE was successfully applied to MeJA analysis in Phaseolus coccineus leaf extracts.

Toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles in barley: induction of oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance, and systemic resistances

BACKGROUND

Over the years, nanoparticles have emerged as a promising approach for improving crop growth, yield, and overall agricultural sustainability. However, there has been growing concern about the potential adverse effects of nanoparticles in the agricultural sector and the environment. The present study aimed to investigate the detrimental effects of high (1000 mg L-1) concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) on barley seedlings. The equivalent concentrations of CuO bulk and the ionic form of copper were also used in the experiments for comparative analysis. CuO NPs were characterized by Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, Zeta Potential analysis, and X-ray Diffraction prior to the application. Barley seedlings were subjected to the foliar application of CuO NP, CuO bulk, ionic Cu, and control group. The presence of CuO NPs in barley leaves was confirmed 72 hours after treatment by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed a CuO NPs treatment led to an impairment of nutrient balance in barley leaves. An increase in hydrogen peroxide content followed by the higher specific activity of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase was also observed in response to CuO NPs, CuO bulk, and Cu2+ ions. The profile of phytohormones including auxins (IAA and IBA), Gibberellins (GA1, GA4, and GA9), abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), and jasmonic acid (JA) significantly affected by CuO NPs, CuO bulk, and Cu2+ ions. The transcripts of the PR1 gene involved in systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and LOX-1 and PAL involved in induced systemic resistance (ISR) were significantly upregulated in response to CuO NPs treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the systemic resistances in barley seedlings were induced by higher accumulation of ABA, ET, and JA under CuO NPs treatment. The activation of systemic resistances indicated the involvement of both SAR and SAR pathways in the response to CuO NPs in barley.

"Methyl jasmonate: bridging plant defense mechanisms and human therapeutics"

A volatile organic substance produced from jasmonic acid, methyl jasmonate (MJ/MeJA), is an important plant hormone involved in stress responses and plant defense. Apart from its role in plants, MJ has garnered significant attention because of its pharmacological effects and possible therapeutic use in human health. This thorough analysis looks into the many biological actions of MJ, such as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. The underlying mechanism of these actions is examined, emphasizing MJ's ability to modulate important signaling pathways, cause cancer cells to undergo apoptosis, and boost immunological responses. Furthermore, MJ's capacity to manage long-term illnesses like cancer and neurological conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's is examined. Preclinical and clinical research are beginning to provide evidence that MJ may be a useful medicinal drug. Nevertheless, more research is needed to fully understand its mode of action, enhance its administration methods, and evaluate its efficacy and safety in humans. This review highlights MJ's therapeutic promise and supports earlier research into its pharmacological capabilities and possible medical applications. This abstract highlights methyl jasmonate's pharmacological effects and therapeutic potential by providing a concise overview of the main topics covered in a thorough review.

The stunting effect of an oxylipins-containing macroalgae extract on sea urchin reproduction and neuroblastoma cells viability

Different bioactive molecules extracted from macroalgae, including oxylipins, showed interesting potentials in different applications, from healthcare to biomaterial manufacturing and environmental remediation. Thus far, no studies reported the effects of oxylipins-containing macroalgae extracts on embryo development of marine invertebrates and on neuroblastoma cancer cells. Here, the effects of an oxylipins-containing extract from Ericaria brachycarpa, a canopy-forming brown algae, were investigated on the development of Arbacia lixula sea urchin embryos and on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells viability. Embryos and cells were exposed to concentrations covering a full 0-100% dose-response curve, with doses ranging from 0 to 40 μg mL-1 for embryos and from 0 to 200 μg mL-1 for cells. These natural marine toxins caused a dose-dependent decrease of normal embryos development and of neuroblastoma cells viability. Toxicity was higher for exposures starting from the gastrula embryonal stage if compared to the zygote and pluteus stages, with an EC50 significantly lower by 33 and 68%, respectively. Embryos exposed to low doses showed a general delay in development with a decrease in the ability to calcify, while higher doses caused 100% block of embryo growth. Exposure of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to 40 μg mL-1 for 72 h caused 78% mortality, while no effect was observed on their neuronal-like cells derivatives, suggesting a selective targeting of proliferating cells. Western Blot experiments on both model systems displayed the modulation of different molecular markers (HSP60, HSP90, LC3, p62, CHOP and cleaved caspase-7), showing altered stress response and enhanced autophagy and apoptosis, confirmed by increased fragmented DNA in apoptotic nuclei. Our study gives new insights into the molecular strategies that marine invertebrates use when responding to their environmental natural toxins and suggests the E. brachycarpa's extract as a potential source for the development of innovative, environmentally friendly products with larvicide and antineoplastic activity.

The Hexokinase 1 5'-UTR Mutation in Charcot-Marie-Tooth 4G Disease Alters Hexokinase 1 Binding to Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel-1 and Leads to Dysfunctional Mitochondrial Calcium Buffering

Demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth 4G (CMT4G) results from a recessive mutation in the 5'UTR region of the Hexokinase 1 (HK1) gene. HK participates in mitochondrial calcium homeostasis by binding to the Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel (VDAC), through its N-terminal porin-binding domain. Our hypothesis is that CMT4G mutation results in a broken interaction between mutant HK1 and VDAC, disturbing mitochondrial calcium homeostasis. We studied a cohort of 25 CMT4G patients recruited in the French gypsy population. The disease was characterized by a childhood onset, an intermediate demyelinating pattern, and a significant phenotype leading to becoming wheelchair-bound by the fifth decade of life. Co-IP and PLA studies indicated a strong decreased interaction between VDAC and HK1 in the patients' PBMCs and sural nerve. We observed that either wild-type HK1 expression or a peptide comprising the 15 aa of the N-terminal wild-type HK1 administration decreased mitochondrial calcium release in HEK293 cells. However, mutated CMT4G HK1 or the 15 aa of the mutated HK1 was unable to block mitochondrial calcium release. Taken together, these data show that the CMT4G-induced modification of the HK1 N-terminus disrupts HK1-VDAC interaction. This alters mitochondrial calcium buffering that has been shown to be critical for myelin sheath maintenance.

Interkingdom Hormonal Regulations between Plants and Animals Provide New Insight into Food Safety

Food safety has become an attractive topic among consumers. Raw material production for food is also a focus of social attention. As hormones are widely used in agriculture and human disease control, consumers' concerns about the safety of hormone agents have never disappeared. The present review focuses on the interkingdom regulations of exogenous animal hormones in plants and phytohormones in animals, including physiology and stress resistance. We summarize these interactions to give the public, researchers, and policymakers some guidance and suggestions. Accumulated evidence demonstrates comprehensive hormonal regulation across plants and animals. Animal hormones, interacting with phytohormones, help regulate plant development and enhance environmental resistance. Correspondingly, phytohormones may also cause damage to the reproductive and urinary systems of animals. Notably, the disease-resistant role of phytohormones is revealed against neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. These resistances derive from the control for abnormal cell cycle, energy balance, and activity of enzymes. Further exploration of these cross-kingdom mechanisms would surely be of greater benefit to human health and agriculture development.

The Multifaceted Role of Jasmonic Acid in Plant Stress Mitigation: An Overview

Plants, being sessile, have developed complex signaling and response mechanisms to cope with biotic and abiotic stressors. Recent investigations have revealed the significant contribution of phytohormones in enabling plants to endure unfavorable conditions. Among these phytohormones, jasmonic acid (JA) and its derivatives, collectively referred to as jasmonates (JAs), are of particular importance and are involved in diverse signal transduction pathways to regulate various physiological and molecular processes in plants, thus protecting plants from the lethal impacts of abiotic and biotic stressors. Jasmonic acid has emerged as a central player in plant defense against biotic stress and in alleviating multiple abiotic stressors in plants, such as drought, salinity, vernalization, and heavy metal exposure. Furthermore, as a growth regulator, JA operates in conjunction with other phytohormones through a complex signaling cascade to balance plant growth and development against stresses. Although studies have reported the intricate nature of JA as a biomolecular entity for the mitigation of abiotic stressors, their underlying mechanism and biosynthetic pathways remain poorly understood. Therefore, this review offers an overview of recent progress made in understanding the biosynthesis of JA, elucidates the complexities of its signal transduction pathways, and emphasizes its pivotal role in mitigating abiotic and biotic stressors. Moreover, we also discuss current issues and future research directions for JAs in plant stress responses.

Transcriptome analysis of Artemisia argyi following methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment and the mining of genes related to the stress resistance pathway

Artemisia argyi Lev. et Vant. (A. argyi) is a perennial grass in the Artemisia family, the plant has a strong aroma. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is critical to plant growth and development, stress response, and secondary metabolic processes. The experimental material Artemisia argyi was utilized in this study to investigate the treatment of A. argyi with exogenous MeJA at concentrations of 100 and 200 μmol/L for durations of 9 and 24 h respectively. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted using the Illumina HiSeq platform to identify stress resistance-related candidate genes. Finally, a total of 102.43 Gb of data were obtained and 162,272 unigenes were identified. Differential analysis before and after MeJA treatment resulted in the screening of 20,776 differentially expressed genes. The GO classification revealed that the annotated unigenes were categorized into three distinct groups: cellular component, molecular function, and biological process. Notably, binding, metabolic process, and cellular process emerged as the most prevalent categories among them. The results of KEGG pathway statistical analysis revealed that plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathway-plant, and plant-pathogen interaction were significant transduction pathways in A. argyi's response to exogenous MeJA-induced abiotic stress. With the alteration of exogenous MeJA concentration and duration, a significant upregulation was observed in the expression levels of calmodulin CaM4 (ID: EVM0136224) involved in MAPK signaling pathway-plant and auxin response factor ARF (ID: EVM0055178) associated with plant-pathogen interaction. The findings of this study establish a solid theoretical foundation for the future development of highly resistant varieties of A. argyi.

EZH2 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in human uterine fibroids, which is inhibited by the natural compound methyl jasmonate

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the link between EZH2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its role in uterine fibroids (UFs) pathogenesis and explore the potential effect of natural compound methyl jasmonate (MJ) against UFs.

DESIGN

EZH2 overexpression or inhibition was achieved in human uterine leiomyoma (HuLM) cells using EZH2-expressing adenovirus or chemical EZH2 inhibitor (DZNep), respectively. The HuLM and normal uterine smooth muscle cells were treated with 0.1-3 mM of MJ, and several experiments were employed.

SETTING

Laboratory study.

PATIENTS(S)

None.

INTERVENTION(S)

Methyl jasmonate.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Protein expression of EZH2, β-catenin, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was measured by Western blot as well as gene expression alterations of Wnt ligands (Wnt5A, Wnt5b, and Wnt9A), WISP1, CTNNB1, and its responsive gene PITX2 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein and ribonucleic acid (RNA) levels of several markers were measured in MJ-treated or untreated HuLM cells, including EZH2 and β-catenin, extracellular matrix markers collagen type 1 (COL1A1) and fibronectin (FN), proliferation markers cyclin D1 (CCND1) and PCNA, tumor suppressor marker p21, and apoptotic markers (BAX, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase 3).

RESULT(S)

EZH2 overexpression significantly increased the gene expression of several Wnt ligands (PITX2, WISP1, WNT5A, WNT5B, and WNT9A), which increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin and PCNA and eventually HuLM cell proliferation. EZH2 inhibition blocked Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation where the aforementioned genes significantly decreased as well as PCNA, cyclin D1, and PITX2 protein expression compared with those in untreated HuLM. Methyl jasmonate showed a potent antiproliferative effect on HuLM cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Interestingly, the dose range (0.1-0.5 mM) showed a selective growth inhibitory effect on HuLM cells, not on normal uterine smooth muscle cells. Methyl jasmonate treatment at 0.5 mM for 24 hours significantly decreased both protein and RNA levels of EZH2, β-catenin, COL1A1, FN, CCND1, PCNA, WISP1, and PITX2 but increased the protein levels of p21, BAX, cytochrome, c and cleaved caspase 3 compared with untreated HuLM. Methyl jasmonate-treated cells exhibited down-regulation in the RNA expression of 36 genes, including CTNNB1, CCND1, Wnt5A, Wnt5B, and Wnt9A, and up-regulation in the expression of 34 genes, including Wnt antagonist genes WIF1, PRICKlE1, and DKK1 compared with control, confirming the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results.

CONCLUSION(S)

Our studies provide a novel link between EZH2 and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in UFs. Targeting EZH2 with MJ interferes with the activation of wnt/β-catenin signaling in our model. Methyl jasmonate may offer a promising therapeutic option as a nonhormonal and cost-effective treatment against UFs with favorable clinical utility, pending proven safe and efficient in human clinical trials.

Therapeutic Potential of Plant Oxylipins

For immobile plants, the main means of protection against adverse environmental factors is the biosynthesis of various secondary (specialized) metabolites. The extreme diversity and high biological activity of these metabolites determine the researchers' interest in plants as a source of therapeutic agents. Oxylipins, oxygenated derivatives of fatty acids, are particularly promising in this regard. Plant oxylipins, which are characterized by a diversity of chemical structures, can exert protective and therapeutic properties in animal cells. While the therapeutic potential of some classes of plant oxylipins, such as jasmonates and acetylenic oxylipins, has been analyzed thoroughly, other oxylipins are barely studied in this regard. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic potential of all major classes of plant oxylipins, including derivatives of acetylenic fatty acids, jasmonates, six- and nine-carbon aldehydes, oxy-, epoxy-, and hydroxy-derivatives of fatty acids, as well as spontaneously formed phytoprostanes and phytofurans. The presented analysis will provide an impetus for further research investigating the beneficial properties of these secondary metabolites and bringing them closer to practical applications.

Chemotherapy Resistance: Role of Mitochondrial and Autophagic Components

Simple Summary

Chemotherapy resistance is a common occurrence during cancer treatment that cancer researchers are attempting to understand and overcome. Mitochondria are a crucial intracellular signaling core that are becoming important determinants of numerous aspects of cancer genesis and progression, such as metabolic reprogramming, metastatic capability, and chemotherapeutic resistance. Mitophagy, or selective autophagy of mitochondria, can influence both the efficacy of tumor chemotherapy and the degree of drug resistance. Regardless of the fact that mitochondria are well-known for coordinating ATP synthesis from cellular respiration in cellular bioenergetics, little is known its mitophagy regulation in chemoresistance. Recent advancements in mitochondrial research, mitophagy regulatory mechanisms, and their implications for our understanding of chemotherapy resistance are discussed in this review.

Abstract

Cancer chemotherapy resistance is one of the most critical obstacles in cancer therapy. One of the well-known mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance is the change in the mitochondrial death pathways which occur when cells are under stressful situations, such as chemotherapy. Mitophagy, or mitochondrial selective autophagy, is critical for cell quality control because it can efficiently break down, remove, and recycle defective or damaged mitochondria. As cancer cells use mitophagy to rapidly sweep away damaged mitochondria in order to mediate their own drug resistance, it influences the efficacy of tumor chemotherapy as well as the degree of drug resistance. Yet despite the importance of mitochondria and mitophagy in chemotherapy resistance, little is known about the precise mechanisms involved. As a consequence, identifying potential therapeutic targets by analyzing the signal pathways that govern mitophagy has become a vital research goal. In this paper, we review recent advances in mitochondrial research, mitophagy control mechanisms, and their implications for our understanding of chemotherapy resistance.

Effect of exogenous silicon and methyl jasmonate on the alleviation of cadmium-induced phytotoxicity in tomato plants

In the present study, a hydroponic experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of exogenous silicon (Si) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the mitigation of Cd toxicity in tomato seedlings. The results revealed that Cd-stressed plants exhibited growth inhibition, increased lipid peroxidation, and impaired photosynthetic pigment accumulation. However, Si and MeJA applied alone or in combination significantly ameliorated the above-mentioned adverse effects induced by Cd. Among all treatments, Cd+Si+MeJA treatment elevated the dry mass of roots, stems, and leaves by 317.39%, 110.85%, and 119.71%, respectively. The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents in Cd+Si+MeJA-treated group were dramatically elevated (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the malondialdehyde content in roots and shoots were reduced by 32.24% and 69.94%, respectively. The Si and MeJA applied separately or in combination also resulted in a prominent decrease of Cd influxes in tomato roots; therefore, a reduction of Cd content in tomato tissues were detected, and the Cd concentration in tomato roots were decreased by 27.19%, 25.18%, and 17.51% in Cd+Si, Cd+MeJA and Cd+Si+MeJA-treated plants, respectively. Moreover, in Cd+Si+MeJA-treated group, the percentage of Cd in cell wall fraction was enhanced while that in organelle fraction was decreased as compared with Cd-stressed plants. Collectively, our findings indicated that Si and MeJA application provide a beneficial role in enhancing Cd tolerance and reducing Cd uptake in tomato plants.

Therapeutic Potential of Jasmonic Acid and Its Derivatives

A modern method of therapeutic use of natural compounds that would protect the body are jasmonates. The main representatives of jasmonate compounds include jasmonic acid and its derivatives, mainly methyl jasmonate. Extracts from plants rich in jasmonic compounds show a broad spectrum of activity, i.e., anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and cosmetic. Studies of the biological activity of jasmonic acid and its derivatives in mammals are based on their structural similarity to prostaglandins and the compounds can be used as natural therapeutics for inflammation. Jasmonates also constitute a potential group of anti-cancer drugs that can be used alone or in combination with other known chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, due to their ability to stimulate exfoliation of the epidermis, remove discoloration, regulate the function of the sebaceous glands and reduce the visible signs of aging, they are considered for possible use in cosmetics and dermatology. The paper presents a review of literature data on the biological activity of jasmonates that may be helpful in treatment and prevention.

Novel Mitochondria-targeted Drugs for Cancer Therapy

The search for mitochondria-targeted drugs has dramatically risen over the last decade. Mitochondria are essential organelles serving not only as a powerhouse of the cell but also as a key player in cell proliferation and cell death. Their central role in the energetic metabolism, calcium homeostasis and apoptosis makes them an intriguing field of interest for cancer pharmacology. In cancer cells, many mitochondrial signaling and metabolic pathways are altered. These changes contribute to cancer development and progression. Due to changes in mitochondrial metabolism and changes in membrane potential, cancer cells are more susceptible to mitochondria-targeted therapy. The loss of functional mitochondria leads to the arrest of cancer progression and/or a cancer cell death. Identification of mitochondrial changes specific for tumor growth and progression, rational development of new mitochondria-targeted drugs and research on delivery agents led to the advance of this promising area. This review will highlight the current findings in mitochondrial biology, which are important for cancer initiation, progression and resistance, and discuss approaches of cancer pharmacology with a special focus on the anti-cancer drugs referred to as 'mitocans'.

Strigolactones, from Plants to Human Health: Achievements and Challenges

Strigolactones (SLs) are a class of sesquiterpenoid plant hormones that play a role in the response of plants to various biotic and abiotic stresses. When released into the rhizosphere, they are perceived by both beneficial symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi and parasitic plants. Due to their multiple roles, SLs are potentially interesting agricultural targets. Indeed, the use of SLs as agrochemicals can favor sustainable agriculture via multiple mechanisms, including shaping root architecture, promoting ideal branching, stimulating nutrient assimilation, controlling parasitic weeds, mitigating drought and enhancing mycorrhization. Moreover, over the last few years, a number of studies have shed light onto the effects exerted by SLs on human cells and on their possible applications in medicine. For example, SLs have been demonstrated to play a key role in the control of pathways related to apoptosis and inflammation. The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms behind their action has inspired further investigations into their effects on human cells and their possible uses as anti-cancer and antimicrobial agents.

Discovery and development of tumor glycolysis rate-limiting enzyme inhibitors

Tumor cells mainly provide necessary energy and substances for rapid cell growth through aerobic perglycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation. This phenomenon is called the "Warburg effect". The mechanism of glycolysis in tumor cells is more complicated, which is caused by the comprehensive regulation of multiple factors. Abnormal enzyme metabolism is one of the main influencing factors and inhibiting the three main rate-limiting enzymes in glycolysis is thought to be important strategy for cancer treatment. Therefore, numerous inhibitors of glycolysis rate-limiting enzyme have been developed in recent years, such as the latest HKII inhibitor and PKM2 inhibitor Pachymic acid (PA) and N-(4-(3-(3-(methylamino)-3-oxopropyl)-5-(4'-(trifluoromethyl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)propiolamide. The review focuses on source, structure-activity relationship, bioecological activity and mechanism of the three main rate-limiting enzymes inhibitors, and hopes to guide the future research on the design and synthesis of rate-limiting enzyme inhibitors.

Moonlighting Proteins: The Case of the Hexokinases

Moonlighting proteins are defined as proteins with two or more functions that are unrelated and independent to each other, so that inactivation of one of them should not affect the second one and vice versa. Intriguingly, all the glycolytic enzymes are described as moonlighting proteins in some organisms. Hexokinase (HXK) is a critical enzyme in the glycolytic pathway and displays a wide range of functions in different organisms such as fungi, parasites, mammals, and plants. This review discusses HXKs moonlighting functions in depth since they have a profound impact on the responses to nutritional, environmental, and disease challenges. HXKs’ activities can be as diverse as performing metabolic activities, as a gene repressor complexing with other proteins, as protein kinase, as immune receptor and regulating processes like autophagy, programmed cell death or immune system responses. However, most of those functions are particular for some organisms while the most common moonlighting HXK function in several kingdoms is being a glucose sensor. In this review, we also analyze how different regulation mechanisms cause HXK to change its subcellular localization, oligomeric or conformational state, the response to substrate and product concentration, and its interactions with membrane, proteins, or RNA, all of which might impact the HXK moonlighting functions.

The pro-apoptotic properties of a phytonutrient rich infusion of A. cherimola leaf extract on AML cells

Annonaceae family has broad uses in herbal medicine for treatment of several diseases, whether through seeds' or leaves' extracts. The present study investigates the antiproliferative and antitumor activity of Annona cherimola aqueous leaf (AAL) extract/infusion in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines in vitro. High-resolution LC-MS was first used to analyze the composition of the aqueous extract. Cell proliferation assay, Annexin V staining, cell cycle analysis, dual Annexin V/PI staining, cell death quantification by ELISA, ROS level detection and Western Blotting were then performed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of AAL extract. The results obtained revealed a potent antioxidant activity of AAL extract. Moreover, the extract exhibited dose- and time-dependent antiproliferative effects on AML cell lines by decreasing cell viability with an IC₅₀ of 5.03% (v/v) at 24 h of treatment of KG-1 cells. This decrease in viability was accompanied with a significant increase in apoptotic cell death with cell cycle arrest and flipping of the phosphatidylserine from the inner to the outer leaflet of the cell membrane. The respective overexpression and downregulation of proapoptotic proteins like cleaved caspase-8, cleaved PARP-1 and Bax and antiapoptotic proteins like Bcl-2 further validated the apoptotic pathway induced by AAL on AML cells. Finally, LC-MS revealed the presence of several compounds like fatty acids, terpenes, phenolics, cinnamic acids and flavonoids that could contribute to the antioxidant and anti-cancer effects of this herbal infusion. In addition to the generally known nutritional effects of the Annona cherimola fruit and leaves, the presented data validates the antioxidant and anti-cancerous effects of the leaf infusion on AML cell lines, proposing its potential therapeutic use against acute myeloid leukemia with future in vivo and clinical trials.

Methyl Jasmonate: Behavioral and Molecular Implications in Neurological Disorders

Methyl jasmonate (MJ) is a derivative of the jasmonate family which is found in most tropical regions of the world and present in many fruits and vegetables such as grapevines, tomato, rice, and sugarcane. MJ is a cyclopentanone phytohormone that plays a vital role in defense against stress and pathogens in plants. This has led to its isolation from plants for studies in animals. Many of these studies have been carried out to evaluate its therapeutic effects on behavioral and neurochemical functions. It has however been proposed to have beneficial potential over a wide range of neurological disorders. Hence, this review aims to provide an overview of the neuroprotective properties of MJ and its probable mechanisms of ameliorating neurological disorders. The information used for this review was sourced from research articles and scientific databases using 'methyl jasmonate', 'behavior', 'neuroprotection', 'neurodegenerative diseases', and 'mechanisms' as search words. The review highlights its influences on behavioral patterns of anxiety, aggression, depression, memory, psychotic, and stress. The molecular mechanisms such as modulation of the antioxidant defense, inflammatory biomarkers, neurotransmitter regulation, and neuronal regeneration, underlying its actions in managing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are also discussed. This review, therefore, provides a detailed evaluation of methyl jasmonate as a potential neuroprotective compound with the ability to modify behavioral and molecular biomarkers underlying neurological disorders. Hence, MJ could be modeled as a guided treatment for the management of brain diseases.

The effect of autocrine motility factor alone and in combination with methyl jasmonate on liver cancer cell growth

Neoplastic cells secrete autocrine motility factor (AMF) to stimulate the motility of cancer cells. In this study, AMF secreted from HT-29 colorectal cancer cells selectively suppressed liver cancer cells by downregulating pAKT and β-catenin. In addition, HT-29 AMF significantly augmented the activity of methyl jasmonate against liver cancer cells and is a promising alternative for liver cancer therapy.

Jasmonate Compounds and Their Derivatives in the Regulation of the Neoplastic Processes

Cancer is a serious problem in modern medicine, mainly due to the insufficient effectiveness of currently available therapies. There is a particular interest in compounds of natural origin, which can be used in the prophylaxis, as well as in the treatment and support of cancer treatment. One such compound is jasmonic acid (3-oxo-2-(pent-2'-enyl)cyclopentane acetic acid; isolated active form: trans-(-)-(3R,7R)- and cis-(+)-(3R,7S)-jasmonic acid) and its derivatives, which, due to their wide range of biological activities, are also proposed as potential therapeutic agents. Therefore, a review of literature data on the biological activity of jasmonates was prepared, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of jasmonate action in neoplastic diseases. The anti-tumor activity of jasmonate compounds is based on altered cellular ATP levels; induction of re-differentiation through the action of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs); the induction of the apoptosis by reactive oxygen species. Jasmonates can be used in anti-cancer therapy in combination with other known drugs, such as cisplatin, paclitaxel or doxorubicin, showing a synergistic effect. The structure-activity relationship of novel jasmonate derivatives with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects is also shown.

Synergistic effects of autocrine motility factor and methyl jasmonate on human breast cancer cells

Autocrine motility factor (AMF) stimulates the motility of cancer cells via an autocrine route and has been implicated in tumor progression and metastasis. Overexpression of AMF is correlated with the aggressive nature of breast cancer and is negatively associated with clinical outcomes. In contrast, AMF also has the ability to suppress cancer cells. In this study, AMFs from different cancer cells were demonstrated to have suppressive activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. In a growth and colony formation assay, AMF from AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cells (ASPC-1:AMF) was determined to be more suppressive compared to other AMFs. It was also demonstrated that AsPC-1:AMF could arrest breast cancer cells at the G0/G1 cell cycle phase. Quantified by Western blot analysis, AsPC-1:AMF lowered levels of the AMF receptor (AMFR) and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), concomitantly regulating the activation of the AKT and ERK signaling pathways. JAK/STAT activation was also decreased. These results were found in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 cells but not in triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting that AsPC-1:AMF could work through multiple pathways led to apoptosis. More importantly, AsPC-1:AMF and methyl jasmonate (MJ) cooperatively and synergistically acted against breast cancer cells. Thus, AMF alone or along with MJ may be a promising breast cancer treatment option.

Tumor Decelerating and Chemo-Potentiating Action of Methyl Jasmonate on a T Cell Lymphoma In Vivo: Role of Altered Regulation of Metabolism, Cell Survival, Drug Resistance, and Intratumoral Blood Flow

Methyl jasmonate (MJ), a natural oxylipin, possesses a broad spectrum of antineoplastic potential in vitro. However, its tumor growth impeding and chemo-potentiating action has not been adequately investigated in vivo. Using a murine thymus-derived tumor named Dalton’s Lymphoma (DL), in the present study, we examined if intra-tumoral administration of MJ can cause tumor growth impedance. We also explored the associated molecular mechanisms governing cell survival, carbohydrate & lipid metabolism, chemo-potentiation, and angiogenesis. MJ administration to tumor-transplanted mice caused deceleration of tumor growth accompanying prolonged survival of the tumor-bearing mice. MJ-dependent tumor growth retardation was associated with the declined blood supply in tumor milieu, cell cycle arrest, augmented induction of apoptosis and necrosis, deregulated glucose and lipid metabolism, enhanced membrane fragility of tumor cells, and altered cytokine repertoire in the tumor microenvironment. MJ administration modulated molecular network implicating Hsp70, Bcl-2, TERT, p53, Cyt c, BAX, GLUT-1, HK 2, LDH A, PDK-1, HIF-1α, ROS, MCT-1, FASN, ACSS2, SREBP1c, VEGF, cytokine repertoire, and MDR1, involved in the regulation of cell survival, carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism, pH homeostasis, and drug resistance. Thus, the present study unveils novel molecular mechanisms of the tumor growth decelerating action of MJ. Besides, this preclinical study also establishes the adjunct therapeutic potential of MJ. Hence, the present investigation will help to design novel anti-cancer therapeutic regimens for the treatment of hematological malignancies.

Methyl jasmonate mitigates high selenium damage of rice via altering antioxidant capacity, selenium transportation and gene expression

Beneficial effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on plants under different abiotic conditions have long been demonstrated. This study aimed to figure out how exogenous MeJA mitigated high-Se toxicity in rice from plant physiology and gene express perspective to provide the theory and technique for safe production of Se-rich rice. The results showed that low concentrations of MeJA at 0.1-1.0 μM inhibited high-Se induced nonreversible toxicity by enhancing antioxidant-system and reducing H₂O₂ and MDA content in rice seedlings. In comparison with control, addition of low concentrations of MeJA at 0.1-1.0 μM reduced the Se content in roots by 13.6-48.8% and in shoots by 52.6-59.9%. Besides, lower concentrations of MeJA decreased the Se(IV) transformation to SeCys and SeMet. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that application of low concentration of MeJA down-regulated the gene expression of OsNIP2;1, and OsPT2 in roots and OsNIP2;1, OsPT2, OsSBP1, and OsCS in shoots, which inhibited Se absorption. However, high concentrations of MeJA at 2.5-5.0 μM decreased antioxidant capacity and increased H₂O₂ and MDA content in rice seedlings. The results suggested that MeJA at 0.1-1.0 μM can be used to mitigate high-Se toxicity in rice production. This research augments the knowledge for future utilization of MeJA in down-regulating Se levels in crops.

Jasmonates induce Arabidopsis bioactivities selectively inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells through CDC6 and mTOR

Phytochemicals are used often in vitro and in vivo in cancer research. The plant hormones jasmonates (JAs) control the synthesis of specialized metabolites through complex regulatory networks. JAs possess selective cytotoxicity in mixed populations of cancer and normal cells. Here, direct incubation of leaf explants from the non-medicinal plant Arabidopsis thaliana with human breast cancer cells, selectively suppresses cancer cell growth. High-throughput LC-MS identified Arabidopsis metabolites. Protein and transcript levels of cell cycle regulators were examined in breast cancer cells. A synergistic effect by methyljasmonate (MeJA) and by compounds upregulated in the metabolome of MeJA-treated Arabidopsis leaves, on the breast cancer cell cycle, is associated with Cell Division Cycle 6 (CDC6), Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), Cyclins D1 and D3, indicating that key cell cycle components mediate cell viability reduction. Bioactives such as indoles, quinolines and cis-(+)-12-oxophytodienoic acid, in synergy, could act as anticancer compounds. Our work suggests a universal role for MeJA-treatment of Arabidopsis in altering the DNA replication regulator CDC6, supporting conservation, across kingdoms, of cell cycle regulation, through the crosstalk between the mechanistic target of rapamycin, mTOR and JAs. This study has important implications for the identification of metabolites with anti-cancer bioactivities in plants with no known medicinal pedigree and it will have applications in developing disease treatments.

Immobilization of Soybean Lipoxygenase on Nanoporous Rice Husk Silica by Adsorption: Retention of Enzyme Function and Catalytic Potential

Soybean lipoxygenase was immobilized on nanoporous rice husk silica particles by adsorption, and enzymatic parameters of the immobilized protein, including the efficiency of substrate binding and catalysis, kinetic and operational stability, and the kinetics of thermal inactivation, were investigated. The maximal adsorption efficiency of soybean lipoxygenase to the silica particles was 50%. The desorption kinetics of soybean lipoxygenase from the silica particles indicate that the silica-immobilized enzyme is more stable in an anionic buffer (sodium phosphate, pH 7.2) than in a cationic buffer (Tris-HCl, pH 7.2). The specific activity of immobilized lipoxygenase was 73% of the specific activity of soluble soybean lipoxygenase at a high concentration of substrate. The catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) and the Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of immobilized lipoxygenase were 21% and 49% of kcat/Km and Km of soluble soybean lipoxygenase, respectively, at a low concentration of substrate. The immobilized soybean lipoxygenase was relatively stable, as the enzyme specific activity was >90% of the initial activity after four assay cycles. The thermal stability of the immobilized lipoxygenase was higher than the thermal stability of soluble lipoxygenase, demonstrating 70% and 45% of its optimal specific activity, respectively, after incubation for 30 min at 45 °C. These results demonstrate that adsorption on nanoporous rice husk silica is a simple and rapid method for protein immobilization, and that adsorption may be a useful and facile method for the immobilization of many biologically important proteins of interest.

Bioactive role of plant stress hormone methyl jasmonate against lipopolysaccharide induced arthritis

The current investigation was carried out to screen antiarthritic potential of Methyl Jasmonate (MJ) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced arthritis. Cartilage damage was induced in experimental animals by intraplantar administration of LPS (1 mg/kg) and antiarthritic effect of MJ was screened in two doses of MJ-1 (20 mg/kg), MJ-2 (40 mg/kg) by intraperitoneally administration. Indomethacin (30 mg/kg p.o.) was used as standard drug. The severity of arthritis was evaluated by assessing arthritis score, secondary lesions, motility test, stair climbing ability, and dorsal flexion pain score method. The estimation of blood cytokine tumor necrosis factor- aplha (TNF-α),interleukine (IL-2 and IL-6) and thymus/spleen index was carried out to access the severity of inflammation. Estimation of hepaticenzymatic antioxidant activity superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)and radiological examination was carried out on 28^th day. Results indicated that MJ showed significant reduction in severity of arthritis by decreasing arthritis score, secondary lesions where as significant increase in motility, climbing ability and flexion pain score was observed. Significant decreased in blood cytokine viz. TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6 andthymus/spleen index was observed in MJ treated animals in dose dependent manner. MJ treated animals showed significant increased and restoration of hepatic antioxidant enzymatic activityof SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx where asradiological examination indicates protective effect on joint structure as compared to LPS treated rats. These current studies conclude that MJ has protective role in arthritis.

TiO2 nanoparticles induced sugar impairments and metabolic pathway shift towards amino acid metabolism in wheat

TiO₂-nanoparticles (TiO₂-NP) have the potential to impair plant development. Nevertheless, the metabolic processes behind the physiological responses to TiO₂-NP are still far from being fully understood. In this study, Triticum aestivum plants were exposed for 21 days to different concentrations (0; 5; 50; 150 mg L^-1) of TiO₂-NP (P25). After treatment, the metabolite profiles of roots and leaves were analysed. The content of >70 % of the identified metabolites changed in response to P25 and the impact on metabolic pathways increased with TiO₂-NP dose, with leaves showing higher alterations. Roots up-regulated monosaccharides, azelaic acid, and γ-aminobutanoic acid and triggered the tyrosine metabolism, whereas leaves up-regulated the metabolisms of reserve sugars and tocopherol, and the phenylalanine and tryptophan pathways. Both organs (mainly leaves) up-regulated the aspartate family pathway together with serine, alanine and valine metabolisms and the glycerolipids' biosynthesis. In addition, the citrate and glyoxylate metabolisms were down-regulated in both organs (highest dose). Sugar biosynthesis breakdown, due to photosynthetic disturbances, shifted the cell metabolism to use amino acids as an alternative energy source, and both ROS and sugars worked as signalling molecules activating organ dependent antioxidant responses. Concluding, these NP-pollutants severely impact multiple crop metabolic pathways and may ultimately compromise plant performance.

Water Extract of Cryphaea heteromalla (Hedw.) D. Mohr Bryophyte as a Natural Powerful Source of Biologically Active Compounds

Bryophytes comprise of the mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. Cryphaea heteromalla, (Hedw.) D. Mohr, is a non-vascular lower plant belonging to mosses group. To the date, the most chemically characterized species belong to the liverworts, while only 3.2% and 8.8% of the species belonging to the mosses and hornworts, respectively, have been investigated. In this work, we present Folin-Ciocalteu and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) data related to crude extracts of C. heteromalla obtained by three different extraction solvents: pure water (WT), methanol:water (80:20 v/v) (MET), and ethanol:water (80:20 v/v) (ETH). The water extract proved to be the best solvent showing the highest content of biophenols and the highest ORAC value. The C. heteromalla-WT extract was investigated by HPLC-TOF/MS (High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Time of Flight/Mass Spectrometry) allowing for the detection of 14 compounds, five of which were phenolic compounds, derivatives of benzoic, caffeic, and coumaric acids. Moreover, the C. heteromalla WT extract showed a protective effect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH) on the murine NIH-3T3 fibroblast cell line.

Jasmonic Acid Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress with Different Outcome in Cultured Normal and Tumor Epidermal Cells

Plant hormones produce cytotoxic effect on human cells and can trigger the processes unrelated to cell death, e.g., biosynthetic system stress. The goal of this study was to investigate activation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by jasmonic acid (JA) and to distinguish between the responses of cultured immortalized non-tumorigenic HaCaT cells and epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells to this plant hormone. JA was used in the concentration of 2 mM, as it suppressed cell proliferation in both cell lines. We analyzed expression of genes associated with the activation of ER stress (GRP78, ATF4, CHOP), the structure of the ER and Golgi complex, and synthetic processes in the HaCaT and A431 cell lines. JA induced expression of genes responsible for the activation of ER stress and caused hypertrophic changes in the Golgi complex in both cell lines. However, the patterns of gene expression in the HaCaT and A431 cells were different, and higher levels of involucrin synthesis were observed in A431 but not in HaCaT cells, suggesting that JA activated differentiation of the tumor A431 cells only. Therefore, JA induced ER stress in both cell lines, but the consequences of ER stress were different for the epidermal immortalized non-tumorigenic and tumor cells.

Molecular mechanism of plant stress hormone methyl jasmonate for its anti-inflammatory activity

Plant stress hormones (Phytohormones/PTH) are abundantly present in numerous vascular plants. Several classes of plant stress hormones like auxins (AU) & gibberellins (GA), cytokinins (CK), abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonates (JA), brassinosteroids (BR) and strigolactones are synthesized within specialized plant cells. Among them, jasmonate are prominent class of stress hormones involved in survival of plants in stressful conditions. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is ester of jasmonic acid is extensively studied for its potential clinical benefits. MeJA is used as an effective antimicrobial agent, food preservative, antioxidant in food and agricultural sectors. The clinical benefits of MeJA have been related to their prominent interactions with inflammatory NF-κB pathways, inhibition of enzymes, gene expression for synthesis of inflammatory mediators, signaling molecules, oxidative stress and modulation of pain perception/nociceptive responses. The objective of the present review is to provide an cohesive relation of MeJA in inflammation with reference to past and recent in-vivo and in-vitro investigations in broad perspectives.

Development of a validated RP-HPLC/DAD method for the quantitative determination of methyl jasmonate in an insect repellent semi-solid formulation

A simple and efficient reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method has been developed for the first time for the estimation of a mosquito repellent, methyl jasmonate in a cream formulation, and validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Acetonitrile and water (75:25 v/v) were used as the mobile phase and the flow-rate of the mobile phase was kept constant at 1.0 mL/min. The analysis was performed isocratically on a C₁₈ analytical column (250 × 4.4 mm, 5 μm) using a Diode Array Detector for the detection of methyl jasmonate at 214 nm. The presence of excipients did not interfere with the quantification of methyl jasmonate. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 25–300 μg/mL. The relative standard deviations for intra-day and inter-day precision, and repeatability were less than 2%. The recovery ranged from 88.5% to 90.7% with relative standard deviations not higher than 2%. The limit of detection and quantification were 9.4 μg/mL and 28.5 μg/mL, respectively. System suitability parameters were within the accepted range. The proposed method was also robust. Thus, the present report puts forward a novel analytical method for the estimation of an emerging mosquito repellent, methyl jasmonate by using the RP-HPLC technique.

Metabolism within the tumor microenvironment and its implication on cancer progression: An ongoing therapeutic target

Since reprogramming energy metabolism is considered a new hallmark of cancer, tumor metabolism is again in the spotlight of cancer research. Many studies have been carried out and many possible therapies have been developed in the last years. However, tumor cells are not alone. A series of extracellular components and stromal cells, such as endothelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, and tumor-infiltrating T cells, surround tumor cells in the so-called tumor microenvironment (TME). Metabolic features of these cells are being studied in deep in order to find relationships between metabolism within the TME and tumor progression. Moreover, it cannot be forgotten that tumor growth is able to modulate host metabolism and homeostasis, so that TME is not the whole story. Importantly, the metabolic switch in cancer is just a consequence of the flexibility and adaptability of metabolism and should not be surprising. Treatments of cancer patients with combined therapies including antitumor agents with those targeting stromal cell metabolism, antiangiogenic drugs, and/or immunotherapy are being developed as promising therapeutics.

Effects of methyl jasmonate and melatonin treatments on the sensory quality and bioactive compounds of harvested broccoli

Harvested broccoli is prone to decline in quality with regard to its appearance and nutrition. In this study, freshly harvested broccoli was treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and melatonin (MT) and stored at 20 °C and the changes in sensory qualities and bioactive compounds were analyzed. The control samples began yellowing on day 2, whereas MeJA and MT treatments delayed the yellowing by 2 and 4 days, respectively. Upon yellowing, sweetness and bitterness of control samples increased sharply, accompanied by the accumulation of bioactive compounds, except for sulforaphane; however, no significant change in volatile components was detected. When the samples started losing their green color, MeJA alleviated the bitterness while increasing the sweetness and sulforaphane content. The bitterness, astringency, umami level, and the content of sulfurous volatiles improved significantly in the MT-treated samples. Moreover, these samples showed high antioxidant activity; the protective effect on VC and carotenoids was extremely significant.

Biomedical applications of microemulsion through dermal and transdermal route

Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable, transparent, colloidal drug carrier system extensively used by the scientists for effective drug delivery across the skin. It is a spontaneous isotropic mixture of lipophilic and hydrophilic substances stabilized by suitable surfactant and co-surfactant. The easy fabrication, long-term stability, enhanced solubilization, biocompatibility, skin-friendly appearance and affinity for both the hydrophilic and lipophilic drug substances make it superior for skin drug delivery over the other carrier systems. The topical administration of most of the active compounds is impaired by limited skin permeability due to the presence of skin barriers. In this sequence, the microemulsion represents a cost-effective and convenient drug carrier system which successfully delivers the drug to and across the skin. In the present review work, we compiled various attempts made in last 20 years, utilizing the microemulsion for dermal and transdermal delivery of various drugs. The review emphasizes the potency of microemulsion for topical and transdermal drug delivery and its effect on drug permeability.

Circular RNA BCRC-3 suppresses bladder cancer proliferation through miR-182-5p/p27 axis

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new member of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that have recently been described as key regulators of gene expression. Our previous study had identified the negative correlation between circHIPK3 and bladder cancer grade, invasion, as well as lymph node metastasis. However, the roles of circRNAs in cellular proliferation in bladder cancer remain largely unknown.

METHODS

We had analyzed circRNA high-throughout sequencing from human tissues and determined bladder cancer related circRNA-3 (BCRC-3, GenBank: KU921434.1) as a new candidate circRNA derived from PSMD1 gene. The expression levels of circRNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs in human tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The effects of BCRC-3 on cancer cells were explored by transfecting with plasmids in vitro and in vivo. RNA pull down assay, luciferase reporter assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization were applied to verify the interaction between BCRC-3 and microRNAs. Anticancer effects of methyl jasmonate (MJ) were measured by flow cytometry assay, western blot and qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

BCRC-3 was lowly expressed in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. Proliferation of BC cells was suppressed by ectopic expression of BCRC-3 in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, overexpression of BCRC-3 induced the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27). Importantly, BCRC-3 could directly interact with miR-182-5p, and subsequently act as a miRNA sponge to promote the miR-182-5p-targeted 3'UTR activity of p27. Furthermore, MJ significantly increased the expression of BCRC-3, resulting in an obvious up-regulation of p27.

CONCLUSIONS

BCRC-3 functions as a tumor inhibitor to suppress BC cell proliferation through miR-182-5p/p27 axis, which would be a novel target for BC therapy.

The reactions of plant hormones with reactive oxygen species: chemical insights at a molecular level

The reactions of two plant hormones, namely jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MJ), with different reactive oxygen species (ROS) were investigated using the density functional theory. Different reaction sites and mechanisms were explored, as well as solvents of different polarity, and pH in aqueous solution. The thermochemical viability and kinetics of the investigated reaction pathways were found to be strongly influenced by the reacting ROS. All the investigated pathways were found to be exergonic, both in aqueous and lipid solution and for both JA and MJ, when the reactions involve ^•OH and ^•OCH₃. On the contrary, for the reactions with peroxy radicals (^•OOH and ^•OOCH₂CHCH₂) only a few hydrogen transfer pathways were found to be thermochemically viable. The reactions involving ^•OH were found to be diffusion-controlled, with both JA and MJ, regardless of the polarity of the solvent. This led to the hypothesis that the direct ^•OH scavenging activity of JA and MJ might play a role in the beneficial effects of the jasmonate family regarding the antioxidant defense of plants against metal-induced oxidative stress. The deprotonated fraction of JA is, to some extent, more reactive than the neutral fraction toward ROS. This, together with the acid-base equilibria inherent to some ROS, make the pH an influential environmental factor on the overall reactivity of JA toward ROS.

Strigolactones-a novel class of phytohormones as anti-cancer agents

Chemotherapy shows some promising results in the inhibition of cancer, but resistance to chemotherapy and its severe side effects may occur in due course, resulting in only restricted and narrow benefits. Therefore, there is a pressing need to find alternative chemotherapeutic drugs for combating cancers. Plants have been used since ages in medicine, and by the dawn of 19th century, various potent and promising anti-cancer products have been derived from plants. Strigolactones (SLs) are a novel class of phytohormones involved in regulating the branching of shoots. Recently, many novel synthesized SL analogues have been found to be effective against solid and non-solid tumours. These hormones have been reported to have a unique mechanism of inhibiting cancer cells by lowering their viability and promoting apoptosis and cell death at micromolar concentrations. Therefore, synthetic SL analogues could be future potent anti-cancer drug candidates. Further research is needed to identify and deduce the significance of these synthetic SL analogues.

Screening of chemical modulators for lipid accumulation in Schizochytrium sp. S31

Schizochytrium sp. is a promising candidate for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production due to its high content of lipid and DHA proportions. To further enhance the lipid accumulation, seven chemical modulators were screened to evaluate their roles on lipid accumulation. Notably, among the seven tested chemical modulators, the addition of naphthoxyacetic acid (BNOA) or jasmonic acid (JA) was able to increase the lipid accumulation of Schizochytrium sp. S31. In addition, the effects of BNOA and JA were demonstrated dose-dependent and time-dependent, achieving a highest increase in lipid content by 11.16% and 12.71% when 2.0 mg/L of BNOA or 20 mg/L of JA was added into culture at 48 h after inoculation, respectively. In addition, the combination of 2 mg/L BNOA and 20 mg/L JA further increased lipid accumulation up to 16.79%. These results provided valuable strategy on promoting the lipid accumulation and DHA production by chemical modulators in Schizochytrium sp. S31.

Quantitative proteomic analysis using iTRAQ to identify salt-responsive proteins during the germination stage of two Medicago species

Salt stress is one of the primary abiotic stresses responsible for decreasing crop yields worldwide. Germinating seeds can be greatly influenced by saline conditions. In this study, the physiological and phenotypic changes induced by salt treatments (10–50 mM NaCl and Na₂SO₄ mixtures) were analysed for Zhongmu-3 (Medicago sativa) and R108 (Medicago truncatula) seedlings. Our observations indicated that Zhongmu-3 was more salt-tolerant than R108. To characterize the protein expression profiles of these two Medicago species in response to salt stress, an iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis was applied to examine salt-responsive proteins. We identified 254 differentially changed salt-responsive proteins. Compared with control levels, the abundance of 121 proteins increased and 44 proteins decreased in salt-treated Zhongmu-3 seedlings, while 119 proteins increased and 18 proteins decreased in R108 seedlings. Moreover, 48 differentially changed proteins were common to Zhongmu-3 and R108 seedlings. A subsequent functional annotation indicated these proteins influenced diverse processes, such as catalytic activity, binding, and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the corresponding transcript levels of 15 differentially changed proteins were quantified by qRT-PCR. The data presented herein provide new insights into salt-responsive proteins, with potential implications for enhancing the salt tolerance of Medicago species.

EZH2 inhibition promotes methyl jasmonate-induced apoptosis of human colorectal cancer through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Methyl jasmonate potentially induces the differentiation of human myeloid leukemia cells and inhibits their proliferation; it may induce the differentiation and apoptosis of human lymphocytic leukemia cells, but does not exert a damaging effect on normal lymphocytes. In the present study, the anticancer effect of methyl jasmonate on human colorectal cancer cells was investigated. Cell viability and apoptosis was assessed using a Cell Counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Methyl jasmonate suppressed cell viability and induced apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. Additionally, methyl jasmonate increased the activation of caspase-3, inhibited the expression levels of enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in human colorectal cancer. Downregulation of EZH2 expression enhanced the anticancer effect of methyl jasmonate on human colorectal cancer cells through suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, EZH2 downregulation promotes the anticancer effect of methyl jasmonate by inducing apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

VDAC1 as Pharmacological Target in Cancer and Neurodegeneration: Focus on Its Role in Apoptosis

Cancer and neurodegeneration are different classes of diseases that share the involvement of mitochondria in their pathogenesis. Whereas the high glycolytic rate (the so-called Warburg metabolism) and the suppression of apoptosis are key elements for the establishment and maintenance of cancer cells, mitochondrial dysfunction and increased cell death mark neurodegeneration. As a main actor in the regulation of cell metabolism and apoptosis, VDAC may represent the common point between these two broad families of pathologies. Located in the outer mitochondrial membrane, VDAC forms channels that control the flux of ions and metabolites across the mitochondrion thus mediating the organelle's cross-talk with the rest of the cell. Furthermore, the interaction with both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors makes VDAC a gatekeeper for mitochondria-mediated cell death and survival signaling pathways. Unfortunately, the lack of an evident druggability of this protein, since it has no defined binding or active sites, makes the quest for VDAC interacting molecules a difficult tale. Pharmacologically active molecules of different classes have been proposed to hit cancer and neurodegeneration. In this work, we provide an exhaustive and detailed survey of all the molecules, peptides, and microRNAs that exploit VDAC in the treatment of the two examined classes of pathologies. The mechanism of action and the potential or effectiveness of each compound are discussed.

Strigolactones: a plant phytohormone as novel anti-inflammatory agents

Strigolactones (SLs) are a novel class of plant hormones with enormous potential for the prevention and treatment of inflammation. To further investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of SLs, a representative SL, GR24, and the reductive products of its D-ring were synthesized and their anti-inflammatory activities were fully evaluated on both in vitro and in vivo models. Among these compounds, the two most active optical isomers (2a and 6a) demonstrated strong inhibitory activity on the release of inflammatory cytokines, including nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by blocking the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways; they also greatly inhibited the migration of neutrophils and macrophages in fluorescent protein labeled zebrafish larvae. These results identified the promising anti-inflammatory effects of SLs, and suggested that both the absolute configuration of SL and the α,β-unsaturated D-ring structure are essential for the observed anti-inflammatory activity.

Methyl jasmonate: a phytohormone with potential for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

OBJECTIVES

The phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been identified as a vital cell regulator in plants. This substance is analogous to eicosanoids and similar to that of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. In animals and in animal cells, it displayed an efficient neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action; while in tumoral strains, it demonstrates a potentially highly attractive mechanism of apoptosis induction through various cellular and molecular mechanisms. The aim of the present review was to explore two new hypotheses that explain the action of MeJA, a lipid phytohormone and its potentially anti-apoptotic mechanism for use as a therapeutic target for future treatment of Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).

KEY FINDINGS

Methyl jasmonate is a new candidate for the treatment of IBDs, modulating the expression of the major classes of caspase-type protease families that selectively act on the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of the apoptotic process. Its action is based on the reduction of the expression in tumour necrosis factor tissue levels and the modulating action of reactive oxygen species production, acting only on the destruction of cells that express the diseased phenotype, and preserving cells that are not transformed.

CONCLUSIONS

Methyl jasmonate may represent an alternative for the transduction processes of important signals in the cellular renewal of the intestinal mucosa.

Methyl jasmonate leads to necrosis and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibition of glycolysis and represses tumor growth in mice

Methyl jasmonate has recently been found to have anti-cancer activity. Methyl jasmonate detached hexokinase 2 from a voltage dependent anion channel causing a reduction in mitochondrial transmembrane potential that led to the release of cytochrome C and apoptosis inducing factor resulting in intrinsic apoptosis. Blocked adenosine triphosphate synthesis caused by mitochondrial injury hampered oxidative phosphorylation and led to cell necrosis. The results were applied to the in vivo treatment of nude mice with a satisfactory effect. Collectively, our results suggest that methyl jasmonate may be an adjuvant therapy for liver tumors due to its mechanism in cancer cells compared to that in normal cells: The major function is to inhibit glycolysis instead of changing aerobic metabolism.

Methyl jasmonate leads to necrosis and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibition of glycolysis and represses tumor growth in mice

Methyl jasmonate has recently been found to have anti-cancer activity. Methyl jasmonate detached hexokinase 2 from a voltage dependent anion channel causing a reduction in mitochondrial transmembrane potential that led to the release of cytochrome C and apoptosis inducing factor resulting in intrinsic apoptosis. Blocked adenosine triphosphate synthesis caused by mitochondrial injury hampered oxidative phosphorylation and led to cell necrosis. The results were applied to the in vivo treatment of nude mice with a satisfactory effect. Collectively, our results suggest that methyl jasmonate may be an adjuvant therapy for liver tumors due to its mechanism in cancer cells compared to that in normal cells: The major function is to inhibit glycolysis instead of changing aerobic metabolism.

An analytical GC-MS method to quantify methyl dihydrojasmonate in biocompatible oil-in-water microemulsions: physicochemical characterization and in vitro release studies

Microemulsions (MEs) loaded with methyl dihydrojasmonate (MJ) were developed to improve the aqueous solubility of this drug. The composition of the formulations ranged according to the oil/surfactant ratio (O/S). The MEs were characterized according to diameter of droplets, X-ray diffraction and polarized light microscopy. The MJ identification and quantification was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The MJ showed a retention time of ∼16.7 min for all samples. The obtained correlation coefficient from the calibration graph was 0.991. The developed analytical method was effective enough to quantify low and high concentrations of MJ. The increase of the O/S ME ratio led to a reduction of the droplet diameter. All formulations showed an amorphous structure and the behavior varied between isotropic and anisotropic systems. A decrease in the release of MJ with the increase of the O/S ratio in the formulations was observed. The analytical method developed for the quantitative determination of MJ is suitable to detect and quantify the drug compound from different compositions of MEs in the in vitro release test, and by analogy in other prolonged effects related to the drug reservoir effect of these systems was observed, revealing that ME can be a promising nanocarrier for MJ delivery to tumor cells.