MiR-3663-3p participates in the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation activity of baicalein by targeting SH3GL1 and negatively regulating EGFR/ERK/NF-κB signaling

Multifaceted role of NF-κB in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy: Molecular landscape, therapeutic compounds and nanomaterial approaches

The predominant kind of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that its treatment have been troublesome difficulties for physicians due to aggressive behavior of tumor cells in proliferation and metastasis. Moreover, stemness of HCC cells can result in tumor recurrence and angiogenesis occurs. Another problem is development of resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in HCC cells. Genomic mutations participate in malignant behavior of HCC and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) has been one of the oncogenic factors in different human cancers that after nuclear translocation, it binds to promoter of genes in regulating their expression. Overexpression of NF-κB has been well-documented in increasing proliferation and invasion of tumor cells and notably, when its expression enhances, it induces chemoresistance and radio-resistance. Highlighting function of NF-κB in HCC can shed some light on the pathways regulating progression of tumor cells. The first aspect is proliferation acceleration and apoptosis inhibition in HCC cells mediated by enhancement in expression level of NF-κB. Moreover, NF-κB is able to enhance invasion of HCC cells via upregulation of MMPs and EMT, and it triggers angiogenesis as another step for increasing spread of tumor cells in tissues and organs. When NF-κB expression enhances, it stimulates chemoresistance and radio-resistance in HCC cells and by increasing stemness and population of cancer-stem cells, it can provide the way for recurrence of tumor. Overexpression of NF-κB mediates therapy resistance in HCC cells and it can be regulated by non-coding RNAs in HCC. Moreover, inhibition of NF-κB by anti-cancer and epigenetic drugs suppresses HCC tumorigenesis. More importantly, nanoparticles are considered for suppressing NF-κB axis in cancer and their prospectives and results can also be utilized for treatment of HCC. Nanomaterials are promising factors in treatment of HCC and by delivery of genes and drugs, they suppress HCC progression. Furthermore, nanomaterials provide phototherapy in HCC ablation.

Baicalein suppresses HER2-mediated malignant transformation of HER2-overexpressing ovarian cancer cells by downregulating HER2 gene expression

The upregulation of the HER2 oncogene is associated with a variety of human cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. Baicalein is reported to have anti-tumor activity, but the molecular mechanism of this effect in HER2-positive cancer cells has not been studied. In this study, our data showed that baicalein can inhibit the proliferation and transformation potential of ovarian cancer cells overexpressing HER2. Baicalein treatment caused a dose-dependent inhibition of HER2 gene expression at the transcriptional level. Baicalein acted on ovarian cancer cells overexpressing HER2 to downregulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway downstream of HER2 and inhibit the expression or activity of downstream targets, such as VEGF and cyclin D1 and MMP2. Oral administration of baicalein supplemented with a pharmaceutical excipient significantly inhibited the growth of HER2-overexpressing ovarian SKOV-3 cancer xenografts in mice. These results suggest that downregulation of HER2 gene expression by baicalein at the transcriptional level contributes to inhibit the in vitro and in vivo proliferation and HER2-mediated malignant transformation of HER2-overexpressing ovarian cancer cells.

Nano-baicalein facilitates chemotherapy in breast cancer by targeting tumor microenvironment

Cancer-associated fibroblasts constitute a significant component in the tumor microenvironment, playing a pivotal role in tumor proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis. Consequently, therapy combining chemotherapeutic agents with tumor microenvironment (TME) modulators appears to be a promising avenue for cancer treatment. In this paper, a tumor microenvironment-based mPEG-PLGA nanoparticle loaded with baicalein (PMs-Ba) was constructed for the purpose of improving the tumor microenvironment in cases of triple-negative breast cancer. The results demonstrate that, on the one hand, PMs-Ba was able to inhibit the transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) signaling pathway to avoid the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), thereby influencing the interstitial microenvironment of the tumor. On the other hand, the agent led to an increase in the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells, activating the tumor immune microenvironment. Meanwhile, in the murine breast cancer model, an intravenous injection of PMs-Ba combined with doxorubicin nanoparticles (PMs-ADM) significantly improved the antitumor effectiveness. These results suggest that baicalein encapsulated in nanoparticles may be a promising strategy for modulating the TME and for adjuvant chemotherapy, signifying a potential TME-remodeling nanoformulation that could enhance the antitumor efficacy of nanotherapeutics.

Promising Role of the Scutellaria baicalensis Root Hydroxyflavone-Baicalein in the Prevention and Treatment of Human Diseases

Plant roots, due to a high content of natural antioxidants for many years, have been used in herbal medicine. It has been documented that the extract of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has hepatoprotective, calming, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoid compounds found in the extract, including baicalein, have strong antiradical activity, which improves overall health and increases feelings of well-being. Plant-derived bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity have for a long time been used as an alternative source of medicines to treat oxidative stress-related diseases. In this review, we summarized the latest reports on one of the most important aglycones with respect to the pharmacological activity and high content in Baikal skullcap, which is 5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone (baicalein).

Ikaros Regulates microRNA Networks in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The hematopoietic transcription factor Ikaros (IKZF1) regulates normal B cell development and functions as a tumor suppressor in precursor B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that through post-transcriptional gene regulation play critical roles in intracellular processes including cell growth in cancer. However, the role of Ikaros in the regulation of miRNA expression in developing B cells is unknown. In this study, we examined the Ikaros-regulated miRNA targets using human IKZF1-mutated Ph+ B-ALL cell lines. Inducible expression of wild-type Ikaros (the Ik1 isoform) caused B-ALL growth arrest and exit from the cell cycle. Global miRNA expression analysis revealed a total of 31 miRNAs regulated by IK1, and ChIP-seq analysis showed that Ikaros bound to several Ik1-responsive miRNA genes. Examination of the prognostic significance of miRNA expression in B-ALL indicate that the IK1-regulated miRNAs hsa-miR-26b, hsa-miR-130b and hsa-miR-4649 are significantly associated with outcome in B-ALL. Our findings establish a potential regulatory circuit between the tumor-suppressor Ikaros and the oncogenic miRNA networks in IKZF1-mutated B-ALL. These results indicate that Ikaros regulates the expression of a subset of miRNAs, of which several may contribute to B-ALL growth.

Qingfei Jiedu decoction inhibits PD-L1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma based on network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking and experimental verification

Objective: We aim at investigating the molecular mechanisms through which the Qingfei Jiedu decoction (QFJDD) regulates PD-L1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods: Bioactive compounds and targets of QFJDD were screened from TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, and literature. Then, GeneCard, OMIM, PharmGKB, Therapeutic Target, and DrugBank databases were used to identify LUAD-related genes. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using overlapping targets of bioactive compounds in LUAD with the Cytoscape software and STRING database. The potential functions and pathways in which the hub genes were enriched by GO, KEGG, and DAVID pathway analyses. Molecular docking of bioactive compounds and key genes was executed via AutoDock Vina. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of QFJDD were performed using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and UPLC. Expressions of key genes were determined by qRT-PCR, immunoreactivity score (IRS) of PD-L1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), while the CD8⁺PD-1⁺T% derived from spleen tissues of Lewis lung cancer (LLC) bearing-mice was calculated using flow cytometry (FCM).

Results: A total of 53 bioactive compounds and 288 targets of QFJDD as well as 8151 LUAD associated genes were obtained. Further, six bioactive compounds, including quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, wogonin, baicalein, and acacetin, and 22 hub genes were identified. The GO analysis showed that the hub genes were mainly enriched in DNA or RNA transcription. KEGG and DAVID pathway analyses revealed that 20 hub genes were primarily enriched in virus, cancer, immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular pathways. The EGFR, JUN, RELA, HIF1A, NFKBIA, AKT1, MAPK1, and MAPK14 hub genes were identified as key genes in PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway. Moreover, ideal affinity and regions were identified between core compounds and key genes. Notably, QFJDD downregulated EGFR, JUN, RELA, HIF1A, NFKBIA, and CD274 expressions (p < 0.05), while it upregulated AKT1 and MAPK1 (p < 0.05) levels in A549 cells. The PD-L1 IRS of LLC tissue in the QFJDD high dose (H_d) group was lower than model group (p < 0.01). CD8⁺PD-1⁺T% was higher in the QFJDD H_d group than in normal and model groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: QFJDD downregulates PD-L1 expression and increases CD8⁺PD-1⁺T% via regulating HIF-1, EGFR, JUN and NFκB signaling pathways. Therefore, QFJDD is a potential treatment option for LUAD.

Regulation of Cell Signaling Pathways and Non-Coding RNAs by Baicalein in Different Cancers

Landmark discoveries in molecular oncology have provided a wide-angle overview of the heterogenous and therapeutically challenging nature of cancer. The power of modern ‘omics’ technologies has enabled researchers to deeply and comprehensively characterize molecular mechanisms underlying cellular functions. Interestingly, high-throughput technologies have opened new horizons for the design and scientific fool-proof evaluation of the pharmacological properties of targeted chemical compounds to tactfully control the activities of the oncogenic protein networks. Groundbreaking discoveries have galvanized the expansion of the repertoire of available pharmacopoeia to therapeutically target a myriad of deregulated oncogenic pathways. Natural product research has undergone substantial broadening, and many of the drugs which constitute the backbone of modern pharmaceuticals have been derived from the natural cornucopia. Baicalein has gradually gained attention because of its unique ability to target different oncogenic signal transduction cascades in various cancers. We have partitioned this review into different sub-sections to provide a broader snapshot of the oncogenic pathways regulated by baicalein. In this review, we summarize baicalein-mediated targeting of WNT/β-catenin, AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, MAPK, and NOTCH pathways. We also critically analyze how baicalein regulates non-coding RNAs (microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs) in different cancers. Finally, we conceptually interpret baicalein-mediated inhibition of primary and secondary growths in xenografted mice.

Identification of microRNAs Implicated in Modulating Senecionine-Induced Liver Toxicity in HepaRG Cells

1,2-unsaturated Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) are secondary plant metabolites that occur as food contaminants. Upon consumption, they can cause severe liver damage. PAs have been shown to induce apoptosis, to have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, and to impair bile acid homeostasis in the human hepatoma cell line HepaRG. The major mode of action of PAs is DNA- and protein-adduct formation. Beyond that, nuclear receptor activation has only been observed for one receptor and two PAs, yielding the possibility that other cellular mediators are involved in PA-mediated toxicity. Here, the mode of action of Senecionine (Sc), a prominent and ubiquitous representative of hepatotoxic PAs, was investigated by analyzing 7 hepatic microRNAs (miRNAs) in HepaRG cells. Ultimately, 11 target genes that were predicted with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software (IPA) were found to be significantly downregulated, while their assigned miRNAs showed significant upregulation of gene expression. According to IPA, these targets are positively correlated with apoptosis and cellular death and are involved in diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Subsequent antagomiR-inhibition analysis revealed a significant correlation between PA-induced miRNA-4434 induction and P21-Activated Kinase-1 (PAK1) downregulation. PAK1 downregulation is usually associated with cell cycle arrest, suggesting a new function of Sc-mediated toxicity in human liver cells.

Characterization of the first microRNA in human CDH1 that affects cell cycle and apoptosis and indicates breast cancers progression

The E-cadherin protein (Cadherin 1, gene: CDH1), a master regulator of the human epithelial homeostasis, contributes to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which confers cell migratory features to the cells. The EMT is central to many pathophysiological changes in cancer. Therefore, a better understanding of this regulatory scenario is beneficial for therapeutic regiments. The CDH1 gene is approximately 100 kbp long and consists of 16 exons with a relatively large second intron. Since none microRNA (miRNA) has been identified in CDH1 up to now we screened the CDH1 gene for promising miRNA hairpin structures in silico. Out of the 27 hairpin structures we identified, one stable RNA fold with a promising sequence motive was selected for experimental verification. The exogenous validation of the hairpin sequence was performed by transfection of HEK293T cells and the mature miRNA sequences could be verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The endogenous expression of the mature miRNA provisionally named CDH1-i2-miR-1 could be confirmed in two normal (HEK293T, HUVEK) and five cancer cell lines (MCF7, MDA-MB-231, SW480, HT-29, A549). The functional characterization by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed a suppression of HEK293T cell proliferation. A flow cytometry-based approach showed the ability of CDH1-i2-miR-1 to arrest transfected cells on a G2/M state while annexin staining exemplified an apoptotic effect. BAX and PTEN expression levels were affected following the overexpression with the new miRNA. The in vivo expression level was assessed in 35 breast tumor tissues and their paired nonmalignant marginal part. A fourfold downregulation in the tumor specimens compared to their marginal controls could be observed. It can be concluded that the sequence of the hub gene CDH1 harbors at least one miRNA but eventually even more relevant for the pathophysiology of breast cancer.