Cell cycle and apoptosis

Deciphering the effects of bixin on pulmonary alveolar adenocarcinoma migration and proliferation via targeting BAX/BCL-2 and Cyclin D1

There is a tremendous upsurge in lung cancer incidences due to changing lifestyles and other environmental risk factors. Unfortunately, the use of clinical therapeutics is causing serious side effects and drug-resistant tumors. Taking account of the severity of lung cancer malignancy and the pressing need for natural therapeutics, we investigated the anticancer potential of bixin in A549, pulmonary alveolar adenocarcinoma cell lines meticulously for the first time. Bixin is an apocarotenoid present in the seed arils of Bixa orellana known for its remarkable coloring utilities and high medicinal value. Here, we identified the cytotoxic and anti-migratory nature of bixin through MTT and scratch assay. Bixin also induced characteristic apoptotic morphological changes in cells which were distinguished through 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and Acridine orange/Ethidium bromide (AO/EB) labeling. Bixin induced the mitochondrion-associated intrinsic apoptosis in A549 cells as evidenced in mitochondrial membrane potential assay, apoptosis assay, cell cycle analysis, and caspase assays. The relative gene expression studies proved that the bixin upregulated BAX, and downregulated BCL-2 and Cyclin D1. The in-silico analyses, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation underlined the interaction features of bixin and targeted proteins.

Piperine and its nanoformulations: A mechanistic review of their anti-cancer activities

Piperine, an active compound found in black pepper, exhibits promising anti-cancer properties by targeting critical signaling pathways involved in cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. This review explores the diverse mechanisms through which piperine exerts its effects, including inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and ERK1/2 pathways, activation of p38 and JNK pathways, and suppression of NF-kB/AP-1 signaling. Piperine disrupts Wnt/β-catenin signaling by inhibiting β-catenin nuclear translocation and TCF binding, thereby impairing cancer cell growth and metastasis. Additionally, piperine demonstrates anti-inflammatory actions by reducing CXCL8 expression and modulating the p38 MAPK and JNK pathways. To overcome the issues of low solubility and bioavailability, several nanoformulations of piperinewere developed, such as polymer nanoparticles, nanoemulsion, liposomes, micelles, metal-organic frameworks and inorganic carriers, establishing promising cytotoxicity, prolonged-release, enhanced cellular influx, and directed drug delivery. The mechanisms involve G₀ and G₂/M arrest of the cell cycle, mitochondria-mediated apoptosis (involving Bax/Bcl-2 modulation and caspase activation), and cancer celldeath. In vivo studies underscore the efficacy of piperine, while synergistic effects with other natural products and chemotherapy highlight its potential as a versatile therapeutic agent as an anticancer agent. These findings underscore piperine's potential as a multifaceted therapeutic agent for cancer treatment, emphasizing its diverse mechanisms of action and promising role in oncology.

Naringenin impairs mitochondrial function via ROS to induce apoptosis in tamoxifen resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. While tamoxifen, a commonly used drug therapy in breast cancer patients, is effective, many patients acquire tamoxifen resistance. Therefore, it is essential to identify alternative or combination therapeutics for the treatment of breast cancer. Naringenin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, has been reported to elicit antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and pro-apoptotic effects in cancer cells. The current study aimed to identify the mechanism by which naringenin induces apoptosis in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells. The present study demonstrated that naringenin induced an increase in ROS, resulting in oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial function, and apoptosis in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells. Our study reports that naringenin specifically increases mitochondrial superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide production while also causing mitochondrial dysfunction. These studies provide novel evidence for the mechanism by which naringenin induces apoptosis in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells and supports the use of naringenin as a therapeutic on breast cancer cells and drug-resistant cancer cells.

Rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction of Cachrys pungens Jan ex Guss. aerial parts: influence on the photobiological and antioxidant properties

Cachrys pungens Jan ex Guss. (Apiaceae) is a perennial plant native to Italy and Northwestern Africa. This species is known for its content in furanocoumarins, and the methanolic extract obtained with maceration previously demonstrated significant phototoxicity on 375 melanoma cells. Here, in order to better explain the biological effects, the apoptotic responses on melanoma cancer cell line were verified. The aerial parts were extracted with methanol through an innovative solid-liquid extraction technology, the Naviglio extractor®, and the raw extract was tested for its photobiological properties on human melanoma C32 cells irradiated with UVA light. The in vitro antioxidant potential was assessed as well. The sample exerted a concentration-dependent photocytotoxic activity (IC50 value = 3.00 ± 0.16 µg/mL). In line with these evidences, in C32-treated cells subjected to UV irradiation, further data have reported an up-regulation of p53 and PARP, both proteins involved in apoptotic response and DNA repair.

Juglone-Bearing Thiopyrano[2,3-d]thiazoles Induce Apoptosis in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells

Colorectal cancer is a major global health challenge, with current treatments limited by toxicity and resistance. Thiazole derivatives, known for their bioactivity, are emerging as promising alternatives. Juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) is a naturally occurring compound with known anticancer properties, and its incorporation into thiopyrano[2,3-d]thiazole scaffolds may enhance their therapeutic potential. This study examined the cytotoxicity of thiopyrano[2,3-d]thiazoles and their effects on apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Les-6547 and Les-6557 increased the population of ROS-positive HT-29 cancer cells approximately 10-fold compared with control cells (36.3% and 38.5% vs. 3.8%, respectively), potentially contributing to various downstream effects. Elevated ROS levels were associated with cell cycle arrest, inhibition of DNA biosynthesis, and reduced cell proliferation. A significant shift in the cell cycle distribution was observed, with an increase in S-phase (from 17.3% in the control to 34.7% to 51.3% for Les-6547 and Les-6557, respectively) and G2/M phase (from 24.3% to 39.9% and 28.8%). Additionally, Les-6547 and Les-6557 inhibited DNA biosynthesis in HT-29 cells, with IC50 values of 2.21 µM and 2.91 µM, respectively. Additionally, ROS generation may initiate the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Les-6547 and Les-6557 activated both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, demonstrated by notable increases in the activity of caspase 3/7, 8, 9, and 10. This study provides a robust basis for investigating the detailed molecular mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of Les-6547 and Les-6557.

Integrative approach to decipher pharmacological mechanism of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer has garnered much importance in recent years due to its rising incidence and mortality among men worldwide. The ineffectiveness of existing therapies and adverse events associated with conventional treatment have led patients to turn towards traditional medicine for the management of prostate cancer. Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark essential oil (CZEO) possesses promising anticancer properties, yet the exact mechanism of action of CZEO for the management of prostate cancer remains unclear. Therefore, the current study tried to elucidate the bioactive components and key potential targets through which CZEO may exert its anticancer effect for treating prostate cancer. Fifty-nine constituents were identified by GC-MS, of which 52 were drug-like constituents. A total of 2847 targets related to CZEO and 2283 targets related to prostate cancer were obtained from public databases and the GEO dataset. Twenty-three overlapping targets exist between CZEO and disease targets. Compound-disease-target network analysis revealed camphor, eugenol, methyl eugenol, trans farnesyl acetate and nerol as the core bioactive ingredients of CZEO. The topological screening of the PPI network revealed BCL2, TNF, NFKBIA, CREBBP and IL7R as potential hub targets. These hub targets were validated based on mRNA expression level, pathological stages, overall survival, immune infiltrate and genetic alteration analysis in prostate adenocarcinoma and normal patients. KEGG enrichment analysis proposed that CZEO exhibits its anticancer effect mainly by modulating the PI3-AKT and MAPK signalling pathway. Moreover, molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies revealed a good binding affinity of these core compounds with TNF, NFKBIA and BCL2. CZEO exhibited a remarkable anti-proliferative effect against PC-3 cells with an IC50 value of 13.56 µg/mL. CZEO promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase in PC-3 cells. CZEO-induced apoptosis was due to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, increase in reactive oxygen species levels and activation of caspases (caspase 3, caspase 8 and caspase 9). RT-qPCR analysis revealed that CZEO modulated the mRNA expression level of hub genes (BCL2, TNF, NFKBIA, CREBBP, and IL7R, caspase 3, caspase 8 and caspase 9). The present study provides a mechanistic approach of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil against prostate cancer.

The role of GATA4 in mesenchymal stem cell senescence: A new frontier in regenerative medicine

The Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) is a multipotent progenitor cell with known differentiation potential towards various cell lineage, making it an appealing candidate for regenerative medicine. One major contributing factor to age-related MSC dysfunction is cellular senescence, which is the hallmark of relatively irreversible growth arrest and changes in functional properties. GATA4, a zinc-finger transcription factor, emerges as a critical regulator in MSC biology. Originally identified as a key regulator of heart development and specification, GATA4 has since been connected to several aspects of cellular processes, including stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Accumulating evidence suggests that the involvement of GATA4-nuclear signalizing in the process of MSC senescence-related traits may contribute to age-induced alterations in MSC behavior. GATA4 emerged as the central player in MSC senescence, interacting with several signaling pathways. Studies have shown that GATA4 expression is reduced with age in MSCs, which is associated with increased expression levels of senescence markers and impaired regenerative potential. At the mechanistic level, GATA4 regulates the expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, and oxidative stress response, thereby influencing the senescence phenotype in MSCs. The findings underscore the critical function of GATA4 in MSC homeostasis and suggest a promising new target to restore stem cell function during aging and disease. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie GATA4 mediated modulation of MSC senescence would provide an opportunity to develop new therapies to revitalize old MSCs to increase their regenerative function for therapeutic purposes in regenerative medicine.

New nicotinamide derivatives as potential anticancer agents targeting VEGFR-2: design, synthesis, in vitro, and in silico studies

Herin, new nicotinamide candidates were designed and synthesized as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. In vitro antiproliferative activities were assessed against MCF-7, HepG-2 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines. The top cytotoxic members 15a, 15b, 16, 18a, and 18b were estimated against their selected target (VEGFR-2). Further mechanistic tests were studied for the most potent cytotoxic candidate 18a, these studies revealed the ability of compound 18a to hinder the progression of HCT-116 cells at S and Pre-G1phases besides boosting early and late apoptosis. Also compound 18a was found to significantly decrease the levels immunomodulatory proteins TNF-α and IL-6 while showing a four-fold rise in an apoptotic marker caspase-3 when compared to control cells. The therapeutic index of the designed derivatives was evaluated by computational ADMET and toxicity calculations as well as their potentiality to occupy the VEGFR-2 active site was signposted by molecular docking assessments. Finally, molecular dynamic simulation studies of compound 18a-VEGFR-2 complex indicated the high steadiness of compound 18a in the VEGFR-2 active site. This study presents compound 18a as a lead candidate that can be optimized to get a strong VEGFR-2 inhibitor.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Investigating the effect of metformin on chemobrain: Reports from cells to bedside

Chemobrain can be defined as the development of cognitive side effects following chemotherapy, which is increasingly reported in cancer survivor patients. Chemobrain leads to reduced patients' quality of life by causing different symptoms ranging from strokes and seizures to memory loss and mood disorders. Metformin, an antidiabetic drug, has been proposed as a potential treatment to improve the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction. Several benefits of metformin on chemobrain have been suggested, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, restoring impaired mitochondrial function, stabilizing apoptosis, ameliorating impairments to dendritic spine density, normalizing brain senescence protein levels, and attenuating reductions in cell viability, along with reversing learning and memory deficits. These benefits occur through various pathways of metformin, including adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), TAp73, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (Akt) pathways. In addition, metformin can exert neuroprotective effects and restore deficits in brain homeostasis caused by chemotherapy. Furthermore, activation of AMPK following metformin therapy promotes autophagy, stimulates energy production, and improves cell survival. Metformin's interaction with Tap73 and Akt pathways allows for regulated cell proliferation in adult neural precursor cells and cell growth, respectively. Although the negative effects on cerebral function induced by chemotherapeutics have been alleviated by metformin in several instances, further studies are required to confirm its beneficial effects. This research is essential as it addresses the pressing issue of chemobrain, which is on the rise alongside global increases in cancer. Exploring metformin's potential as a neuroprotective agent offers a promising avenue for mitigating these cognitive impairments and highlights the need for further studies to validate its therapeutic mechanisms. This review comprehensively summarises evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies to demonstrate metformin's effects on cognitive function when co-administered with chemotherapy and identifies gaps in knowledge for further investigation.

Targeting tGLI1, a novel mediator of tumor therapeutic resistance, using Ketoconazole sensitizes glioblastoma to CDK4/6 therapy and chemoradiation

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with no effective treatments. While cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6is) show clinical promise in some cancers, they have not significantly improved survival in GBM patients. This lack of response is attributed to the treatment-resistant glioma stem cell (GSC) population. We previously identified truncated glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (tGLI1) as a novel transcription factor promoting GSCs; however, its role in CDK4/6i resistance has never been investigated in any cancer type. Here, we found positive correlations between tGLI1 and CDK4/6 therapeutic resistance in patient datasets and in vitro studies. Pharmacological inhibition of tGLI1 using FDA-approved ketoconazole (KCZ), a tGLI1-specific inhibitor, sensitized GBM and GSCs to CDK4/6is. KCZ+CDK4/6i combination therapy demonstrated synergistic anti-proliferative effects, significantly inhibiting GBM stemness and cell cycle progression while increasing apoptosis. The combination was more efficacious than monotherapies in two orthotopic GBM mouse models. tGLI1 promoted GBM resistance to radiation therapy and temozolomide, while KCZ potentiated effects of these treatments. Collectively, we report for the first time that tGLI1 is a novel mediator of GBM resistance to CDK4/6is, and KCZ sensitizes GBM to CDK4/6is, thereby supporting future clinical utility of novel KCZ+CDK4/6i combinatorial therapy for GBM patients.

The potential of the South African plant Tulbaghia Violacea Harv for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is difficult to treat and has a low five-year survival rate. In South Africa, a large percentage of the population still relies on traditional plant-based medicine. To establish the utility of both methanol and water-soluble extracts from the leaves of Tulbaghia violacea, cytotoxicity assays were carried out to establish the IC50 values against a TNBC cell line. Cell cycle and apoptosis assays were carried out using the extracts. To identify the molecular compounds, present in water-soluble leaf extracts, NMR spectroscopy was performed. Compounds of interest were then used in computational docking studies with the anti-apoptotic protein COX-2. The IC50 values for the water- and methanol-soluble extracts were determined to be 400 and 820 µg/mL, respectively. The water-soluble extract induced apoptosis in the TNBC cell line to a greater extent than in the normal cell line. RNAseq indicated that there was an increase in the transcription of pro-apoptotic genes in the TNBC cell line. The crude extract also caused these cells to stall in the S phase. Of the 61 compounds identified in this extract, five demonstrated a high binding affinity for COX-2. Based on these findings, the compounds within the extract show significant potential for further investigation as candidates for the development of cancer therapeutics, particularly for TNBC.

A novel gemcitabine analog as a potential anticancer agent: synthesis and in-vitro evaluation against pancreatic cancer

Gemcitabine (Gem) is approved for use in pancreatic cancer chemotherapy. However, Gem undergoes rapid metabolism in the blood, producing an inactive metabolite. Due to this rapid metabolism, the effective dose of Gem is high, thereby predisposing patients to severe adverse effects. This study aimed to improve Gem's metabolic and therapeutic stability by modifying the amine group (4-NH2) with hydroxylamine to form 4-N-hydroxylGem hydrochloride (GemAGY). Micro-elemental analysis and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) were used to characterize GemAGY, and its anticancer activity was investigated against MiaPaCa-2, BxPC-3, and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines. The GemAGY metabolic stability was evaluated in human liver microsomal solution. In the 2D cytotoxicity assay, the IC50 values of GemAGY-treated MiaPaCa-2, PANC-1, and BxPC-3 cells were significantly lower when compared to GemHCl-treated cultures. More so, in 3D spheroid assay results, GemAGY IC50 values were found to be 9.5 ± 1.1 µM and 12.6 ± 1.0 µM when compared to GemHCl IC50 values of 24.1 ± 1.6 µM and 30.2 ± 1.8 µM in MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells, respectively. GemAGY was stable, with 60% remaining intact after 2 hours of digestion in microsomal enzymes, compared to GemHCl, which had less than 45% remaining intact after 30 minutes. GemAGY-treated MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells at 3.12 and 6.25 μM concentrations demonstrated a significantly reduced cell migration towards the wound area compared to the GemHCl-treated cultures at the same concentrations. Further, GemAGY-treated MiaPaCa-2 cells significantly increased the expression of p53 and BAX compared to GemHCl-treated cells. GemAGY demonstrated significant anticancer activity and improved metabolic stability compared to GemHCl and is most likely to have potential anticancer activity against pancreatic cancer.

Enhanced Anti-Cancer Potential: Investigating the Combined Effects with Coriolus versicolor Extract and Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Inhibitor (LY294002) In Vitro

Coriolus versicolor (CV), known in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years, is currently used in China and Japan to reduce chemotherapy or radiotherapy side effects in cancer patients. Despite extensive research, its effects still need improvement. This study aimed to determine if combining CV extract with LY294002, an inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signalling pathway, enhances cancer cell treatment, potentially leading to a novel therapeutic approach. Three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HeLa, and A549) were treated with CV extract alone or combined with LY294002. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assays. Then, HeLa and MCF-7 cells most sensitive to the co-treatment were used to evaluate colony formation, apoptosis, cell cycle, cell migration and invasion, and phospho-PI3K expression. The results demonstrated that LY294002 enhanced the CV extract's anti-tumour effects by reducing cell viability and colony formation. The combined treatment with CV extract and LY294002 more effectively induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, promoted apoptosis, reduced cell invasion and migration, and inhibited phospho-PI3K expression compared to each agent alone. This study highlights the potent cytotoxic enhancement between CV extract and LY294002 on cancer cells, primarily by inhibiting phospho-PI3K expression. These findings suggest promising avenues for developing novel combination therapies targeting cancer.

Study on the Effects and Mechanism of Corilagin on A2780 Cell Apoptosis

Previous studies have demonstrated corilagin's inhibitory effects on the growth of various cancer cells. Given the limited research on corilagin's impact on ovarian cancer, a particularly deadly gynecological malignancy, this study aimed to investigate corilagin's influence on A2780 ovarian cancer cell apoptosis and its underlying mechanisms. The goal was to evaluate corilagin's potential as a therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer. The results of the CCK-8 assay showed that corilagin inhibited the proliferation of A2780 ovarian cancer cells while exhibiting lower toxicity to normal ovarian surface epithelial cells (IOSE-80). We found that corilagin significantly altered the A2780 cell cycle, decreasing the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases and inducing cell cycle arrest in the S phase. At low concentrations, corilagin induced apoptosis in A2780 cells, accompanied by a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and calcium influx. Transcriptome sequencing analysis identified differentially expressed apoptosis-related genes in corilagin-treated A2780 cells, primarily within the PI3K-AKT pathway. Furthermore, qPCR and Western blot results confirmed the upregulation of p53 and Bax genes and the downregulation of BCL-2. Corilagin also increased the expression of apoptotic factors caspase-9, caspase-3, PUMA, and cytochrome C, indicating its ability to induce apoptosis. Overall, corilagin effectively inhibited A2780 cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and triggered apoptosis. Its anti-tumor effect in vitro suggests its potential as a therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer A2780, especially through the PI3K/p53 pathway.

Targeting senescence and GATA4 in age-related cardiovascular disease: a comprehensive approach

The growing prevalence of age-related cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) poses significant health challenges, necessitating the formulation of novel treatment approaches. GATA4, a vital transcription factor identified for modulating cardiovascular biology and cellular senescence, is recognized for its critical involvement in CVD pathogenesis. This review collected relevant studies from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct using search terms like 'GATA4,' 'cellular senescence,' 'coronary artery diseases,' 'hypertension,' 'heart failure,' 'arrhythmias,' 'congenital heart diseases,' 'cardiomyopathy,' and 'cardiovascular disease.' Additionally, studies investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying GATA4-mediated regulation of GATA4 and senescence in CVDs were analyzed to provide comprehensive insights into this critical aspect of potential treatment targeting. Dysregulation of GATA4 is involved in a variety of CVDs, as demonstrated by both experimental and clinical research, comprising CAD, hypertension, congenital heart diseases, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and cardiac insufficiency. Furthermore, cellular senescence enhances the advancement of age-related CVDs. These observations suggested that therapies targeting GATA4, senescence pathways, or both as necessary may be an effective intervention in CVD progression and prognosis. Addressing age-related CVDs by targeting GATA4 and senescence is a broad mechanism approach. It implies further investigation of the molecular nature of these processes and elaboration of an effective therapeutic strategy. This review highlights the importance of GATA4 and senescence in CVD pathogenesis, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets for age-related CVDs.

Understanding the tumor microenvironment for personalized immunotherapy in early-onset head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Early-onset head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been increasingly observed in recent years, exhibiting distinct tumor behavior and a unique tumor microenvironment (TME) compared to older age groups. Studies suggest that early-onset HNSCC is associated with specific risk factors and prognostic outcomes, while the underlying mechanisms driving these age-related differences remain unclear. In this review, we systematically examined original studies involving young HNSCC patient samples, focusing on the characteristics of the TME and potential for personalized immunotherapy. While further evidence is needed, our findings indicate that the TME in early-onset HNSCC often exhibits higher aggressiveness and immune suppression. Consequently, tailored immunotherapy may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for this distinct patient population.

Discovery of nostatin A, an azole-containing proteusin with prominent cytostatic and pro-apoptotic activity

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are intriguing compounds with potential pharmacological applications. While many RiPPs are known as antimicrobial agents, a limited number of RiPPs with anti-proliferative effects in cancer cells are available. Here we report the discovery of nostatin A (NosA), a highly modified RiPP belonging among nitrile hydratase-like leader peptide RiPPs (proteusins), isolated from a terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. Its structure was established based on the core peptide sequence encoded in the biosynthetic gene cluster recovered from the producing strain and subsequent detailed nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses. NosA, composed of a 30 amino-acid peptide core, features a unique combination of moieties previously not reported in RiPPs: the simultaneous presence of oxazole/thiazole heterocycles, dehydrobutyrine/dehydroalanine residues, and a sactionine bond. NosA includes an isobutyl-modified proline residue, highly unusual in natural products. NosA inhibits proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines at low nanomolar concentration while showing no hemolysis. It induces cell cycle arrest in S-phase followed by mitochondrial apoptosis employing a mechanism different from known tubulin binding and DNA damaging compounds. NosA also inhibits Staphylococcus strains while it exhibits no effect in other tested bacteria or yeasts. Due to its novel structure and selective bioactivity, NosA represents an excellent candidate for combinatorial chemistry approaches leading to development of novel NosA-based lead compounds.

New Carbothioamide and Carboxamide Derivatives of 3-Phenoxybenzoic Acid as Potent VEGFR-2 Inhibitors: Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Cytotoxicity Assessment

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

Because of the well-established link between angiogenesis and tumor development, the use of antiangiogenic therapeutics, such as those targeting VEGFR-2, presents a promising approach to cancer treatment. In the current study, a set of five hydrazine-1- carbothioamide (compounds 3a-e) and three hydrazine-1-carboxamide derivatives (compounds 4a-c) were successfully synthesized from 3-phenoxybenzoic acid. These compounds were specially created as antiproliferative agents with the goal of targeting cancer cells by inhibiting VEGFR- 2 tyrosine kinase.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The new derivatives were synthesized by conventional organic methods, and their structure was versified by IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and mass spectroscopy. In silico investigation was carried out to identify the compounds' target, molecular similarity, ADMET, and toxicity profile. The cytotoxic activity of the prepared compounds was evaluated in vitro against three human cancer cell lines (DLD1 colorectal adenocarcinoma, HeLa cervical cancer, and HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma). The effects of the leading compound on cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction were investigated by flow cytometry, and the specific apoptotic pathway triggered by the treatment was evaluated by RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Finally, the inhibitory activities of the new compounds against VEGFR-2 was measured.

RESULTS

The designed derivatives exhibited comparable binding positions and interactions to the VEGFR-2 binding site to that of sorafenib (a standard VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor), as determined by molecular docking analysis. Compound 4b was the most cytotoxic compound, achieving the lowest IC50 against HeLa cells. Compound 4b, a strong representative of the synthesized series, induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, increased the proportion of necrotic and apoptotic HeLa cells, and activated caspase 3. The EC50 value of compound 4b against VEGFR-2 kinase activity was comparable to sorafenib's.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the findings suggest that compound 4b has a promising future as a starting point for the development of new anticancer drugs.

The Emerging Role of p21 in Diabetes and Related Metabolic Disorders

In the context of cell cycle inhibition, anti-proliferation, and the dysregulation observed in certain cancer pathologies, the protein p21 assumes a pivotal role. p21 links DNA damage responses to cellular processes such as apoptosis, senescence, and cell cycle arrest, primarily functioning as a regulator of the cell cycle. However, accumulating empirical evidence suggests that p21 is both directly and indirectly linked to a number of different metabolic processes. Intriguingly, recent investigations indicate that p21 significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes. In this review, we present a comprehensive evaluation of the scientific literature regarding the involvement of p21 in metabolic processes, diabetes etiology, pancreatic function, glucose homeostasis, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, we provide an encapsulated overview of therapies that target p21 to alleviate metabolic disorders. A deeper understanding of the complex interrelationship between p21 and diabetes holds promise for informing current and future therapeutic strategies to address this rapidly escalating health crisis.

Graphene oxide in low concentrations can change mitochondrial potential, autophagy, and apoptosis paths in two strains of invertebrates with different life strategies

Nanoparticles, like graphene oxide (GO), are particles with unique physiochemical properties that enable their wide application in various areas of life. The effects of GO on individual cell organelles like mitochondria and the effects of interactions are worth investigating, as they can activate multiple cellular processes, such as autophagy or apoptosis. Mitochondrial injury plays an essential role in the majority of cell death routines. In the project, we investigated cell health status measured as mitochondrial inner membrane depolarization, autophagy, and apoptosis induction during long-term GO administration in food (0.02 μg g-1 and 0.2 μg g-1 of food). Two unique Acheta domesticus strains that differ in life strategy were used: wild-type and long-lived at three different life stages (larva, young adult, mature adult). The changes in mitochondrial trans-membrane potential were marked in the wild-type strain. The autophagy was lower in all GO-treated groups in both strains, and the apoptosis was lower in both strains in the mature adult crickets. Low GO concentrations treatment for the whole life, despite mitochondrial dysfunction, may lead to inhibition of autophagy and apoptosis by arresting the cell cycle for the duration of repair, and other repair tools are involved in the process of restoring homeostasis.

Small molecule protein assembly modulators with pan-cancer therapeutic efficacy

Two structurally unrelated small molecule chemotypes, represented by compounds PAV-617 and PAV-951, with antiviral activity in cell culture against Mpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox virus) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) respectively, were studied for anti-cancer efficacy. Each exhibited apparent pan-cancer cytotoxicity with reasonable pharmacokinetics. Non-toxicity is demonstrated in a non-cancer cell line and in mice at doses achieving drug exposure at active concentrations. Anti-tumour properties of both chemotypes were validated in mouse xenografts against A549 human lung cancer and, for one of the chemotypes, against HT-29 colorectal cancer. The targets of these compounds are unconventional: each binds to a different transient, energy-dependent multi-protein complex. Treatment with these compounds alters the target multi-protein complexes in a manner that appears to remove a block, crucial for cancer survival and progression, on a homeostatic linkage between uncontrolled proliferation and apoptosis. These compounds provide starting points for development of novel, next-generation, non-toxic, pan-cancer therapeutics.

Exploring the anti-cancer and antimetastatic effect of Silymarin against lung cancer

Lung cancer metastasis remains a significant challenge in cancer therapy, necessitating the exploration of novel treatment modalities. Silymarin, a natural compound derived from milk thistle, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties. This work explored the inhibitory effects of silymarin on lung cancer metastasis and revealed the underlying processes, focusing on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP-9 activities. Using a combination of in vitro and molecular docking analyses, we found that silymarin effectively reducing the lung cancer cells' motility and invasion by modulation of expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Furthermore, MTT assays revealed a dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation upon silymarin treatment and found the IC50 value at 58 μM. We observe that apoptotic morphology characteristic in silymarin treated groups. Cell cycle analysis exhibit the cell cycle arrest at G1 phase, 25.8 % increased apoptosis in silymarin treated groups, as evidenced by Annexin V staining. Moreover, silymarin treatment shows the lipid peroxidation in elevated level and reduced in enzymatic antioxidant level, indicating its potential role in mitigating oxidative stress induce cell death. Gelatin zymography assay indicates the silymarin has ability to inhibit the MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in lung cancer. Additionally, cell migration assays and colony formation assays demonstrated impaired migratory and colony-forming abilities of lung cancer cells when treated with silymarin. Molecular docking studies further supported the binding affinity of silymarin with MMP-2 and MMP-9, demonstrate the -10.26 and -6.69 kcal/mol of binding energy. Collectively, our findings highlight the multifaceted anticancer properties of silymarin against lung cancer metastasis, providing insights into its therapeutic potential as an adjuvant treatment strategy.

Picrasidine I Regulates Apoptosis in Melanoma Cell Lines by Activating ERK and JNK Pathways and Suppressing AKT Signaling

World Health Organization data indicate a continuous increase in melanoma incidence, with metastatic melanoma characterized by poor prognosis and drug resistance. The exploration of therapeutics derived from natural products remains an active area of in vitro research. The aim of this study was to determine the antitumor effects of picrasidine I, a natural compound extracted from Picrasma quassioides, against two melanoma cell lines. We selected two metastatic melanoma cell lines, HMY-1 and A2058, for molecular studies, including Western blotting, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, and flow cytometry. Picrasidine I demonstrated cytotoxic effects against the HMY-1 and A2058 melanoma cell lines. It induced cell cycle arrest in the sub-G1 phase and downregulated cell cycle-related proteins (e.g., cyclin A2, D1, cyclin-dependent kinases 4, and 6). In the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, picrasidine I activated proapoptotic proteins (e.g., Bax, Bak, t-Bid, BimL/S) and suppressed the expression of antiapoptotic proteins (e.g., Bcl-2, Bcl-xL), with an observed increase in the quantity of depolarized cells. In addition, the apoptotic effects of picrasidine I were linked to the activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways and the inhibition of the protein kinase B signaling pathway. A human apoptosis array indicated claspin inhibition upon picrasidine I treatment, suggesting the potential involvement of picrasidine I in apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. Our findings suggest that picrasidine I has potential as a candidate for treating advanced melanoma, and thus these findings warrant further investigation. The modulation of claspin expression by picrasidine I could be investigated further as a potential biomarker to predict its efficacy in related to advanced stages of melanoma.

Exploring tumor microenvironment interactions and apoptosis pathways in NSCLC through spatial transcriptomics and machine learning

BACKGROUND

The most common type of lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for 85% of all cases. Programmed cell death (PCD), an important regulatory mechanism for cell survival and homeostasis, has become increasingly prominent in cancer research in recent years. As such, exploring the role of PCD in NSCLC may help uncover new mechanisms for therapeutic targets.

METHODS

We utilized the GEO database and TCGA NSCLC gene data to screen for co-expressed genes. To delve deeper, single-cell sequencing combined with spatial transcriptomics was employed to study the intrinsic mechanisms of programmed cell death in cells and their interaction with the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, Mendelian randomization was applied to screen for causally related genes. Prognostic models were constructed using various machine learning algorithms, and multi-cohort multi-omics analyses were conducted to screen for genes. In vitro experiments were then carried out to reveal the biological functions of the genes and their relationship with apoptosis.

RESULTS

Cells with high programmed cell death activity primarily activate pathways related to apoptosis, cell migration, and hypoxia, while also exhibiting strong interactions with smooth muscle cells in the tumor microenvironment. Based on a set of programmed cell death genes, the prognostic model NSCLCPCD demonstrates strong predictive capabilities. Moreover, laboratory experiments confirm that SLC7A5 promotes the proliferation of NSCLC cells, and the knockout of SLC7A5 significantly increases tumor cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that programmed cell death is predominantly associated with pathways related to apoptosis, tumor metastasis, and hypoxia. Additionally, it suggests that SLC7A5 is a significant risk indicator for the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and may serve as an effective target for enhancing apoptosis in NSCLC tumor cells.

Structure optimization and molecular dynamics studies of new tumor-selective s-triazines targeting DNA and MMP-10/13 for halting colorectal and secondary liver cancers

A series of triazole-tethered triazines bearing pharmacophoric features of DNA-targeting agents and non-hydroxamate MMPs inhibitors were synthesized and screened against HCT-116, Caco-2 cells, and normal colonocytes by MTT assay. 7a and 7g surpassed doxorubicin against HCT-116 cells regarding potency (IC50 = 0.87 and 1.41 nM) and safety (SI = 181.93 and 54.41). 7g was potent against liver cancer (HepG-2; IC50 = 65.08 nM), the main metastatic site of CRC with correlation to MMP-13 expression. Both derivatives induced DNA damage at 2.67 and 1.87 nM, disrupted HCT-116 cell cycle and triggered apoptosis by 33.17% compared to doxorubicin (DNA damage at 0.76 nM and 40.21% apoptosis induction). 7g surpassed NNGH against MMP-10 (IC50 = 0.205 μM) and MMP-13 (IC50 = 0.275 μM) and downregulated HCT-116 VEGF related to CRC progression by 38%. Docking and MDs simulated ligands-receptors binding modes and highlighted SAR. Their ADMET profiles, drug-likeness and possible off-targets were computationally predicted.

Glycemic load impacts the response of acquired resistance in breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro

Resisting chemotherapy is a significant hurdle in treating breast cancer. Locally advanced breast cancer patients undergo four cycles of Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide, followed by four cycles of Paclitaxel before surgery. Some patients resist this regimen, and their cancer recurred. Our study aimed to understand the underlying mechanisms of acquired resistance during these specific treatment phases. We explored how breast cancer cells, resistant to chemotherapy, respond to different glucose levels, shedding light on the intricate relationship between diabetes, breast cancer subtype, and resistance to preoperative chemotherapy. We examined two groups of cell lines: the standard MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells and their resistant counterparts after exposure to four cycles of Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (4xAC) or four cycles of 4xAC and Paclitaxel (4xAC+4xPAC), aiming to unravel the mechanisms and cellular responses at these critical treatment stages. Notably, under normal and low glucose conditions, the resistant MDA-MB-231 cells showed accelerated growth compared to the control cells, while the resistant MCF7 cells proliferated more slowly than their original counterparts. Resistance to 4xAC resulted in significant cell death in both cell lines, especially under low glucose conditions, in contrast to control or 4xAC+4xPAC-resistant cells. The similarity between the MCF7 4xAC+4xPAC resistant cells and the control might be due to the P-AKT expression pattern in response to glucose levels since the levels were constant in MCF7 4xAC in all glucose concentrations. Molecular analysis revealed specific protein accumulations explaining the heightened proliferation and invasion in resistant MDA-MB-231 cells and their ability to withstand low glucose levels compared to MCF7. In conclusion, increased drug involvement corresponds to increased cell resistance, and changes in glucose levels differentially impact resistant variant cells to different drugs. The findings can be translated clinically to explain patients' differential responses to preoperative chemotherapy cycles considering their breast cancer subtype and diabetic status.

Novel 1,8-Naphthalimide Derivatives Inhibit Growth and Induce Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma

Given the rapid advancement of functional 1,8-Naphthalimide derivatives in anticancer research, we synthesized these two novel naphthalimide derivatives with diverse substituents and investigated the effect on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle, topoisomerase II and Western blotting assays were evaluated for these compounds against GBM in vitro. A human GBM xenograft mouse model established by subcutaneously injecting U87-MG cells and the treatment responses were assessed. Both compounds 3 and 4 exhibited significant antiproliferative activities, inducing apoptosis and cell death. Only compound 3 notably induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in the U87-MG GBM cells. Both compounds inhibited DNA topoisomerase II activity, resulting in DNA damage. The in vivo antiproliferative potential of compound 3 was further validated in a U87-MG GBM xenograft mouse model, without any discernible loss of body weight or kidney toxicity noted. This study presents novel findings demonstrating that 1,8-Naphthalimide derivatives exhibited significant GBM cell suppression in vitro and in vivo without causing adverse effects on body weight or kidney function. Further experiments, including investigations into mechanisms and pathways, as well as preclinical studies on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, may be instrumental to the development of a new anti-GBM compound.

Mitochondrial signaling pathways and their role in cancer drug resistance

Mitochondria, traditionally known as cellular powerhouses, now emerge as critical signaling centers influencing cancer progression and drug resistance. The review highlights the role that apoptotic signaling, DNA mutations, mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism play in the development of resistance mechanisms and the advancement of cancer. Targeted approaches are discussed, with an emphasis on managing mitophagy, fusion, and fission of the mitochondria to make resistant cancer cells more susceptible to traditional treatments. Additionally, metabolic reprogramming can be used to effectively target metabolic enzymes such GLUT1, HKII, PDK, and PKM2 in order to avoid resistance mechanisms. Although there are potential possibilities for therapy, the complex structure of mitochondria and their subtle role in tumor development hamper clinical translation. Novel targeted medicines are put forth, providing fresh insights on combating drug resistance in cancer. The study also emphasizes the significance of glutamine metabolism, mitochondrial respiratory complexes, and apoptotic pathways as potential targets to improve treatment effectiveness against drug-resistant cancers. Combining complementary and nanoparticle-based techniques to target mitochondria has demonstrated encouraging results in the treatment of cancer, opening doors to reduce resistance and enable individualized treatment plans catered to the unique characteristics of each patient. Suggesting innovative approaches such as drug repositioning and mitochondrial drug delivery to enhance the efficacy of mitochondria-targeting therapies, presenting a pathway for advancements in cancer treatment. This thorough investigation is a major step forward in the treatment of cancer and has the potential to influence clinical practice and enhance patient outcomes.

Tailoring Plasmonic Nanoheaters Size for Enhanced Theranostic Agent Performance

The introduction of optimized nanoheaters, which function as theranostic agents integrating both diagnostic and therapeutic processes, holds significant promise in the medical field. Therefore, developing strategies for selecting and utilizing optimized plasmonic nanoheaters is crucial for the effective use of nanostructured biomedical agents. This work elucidates the use of the Joule number (Jo) as a figure of merit to identify high-performance plasmonic theranostic agents. A framework for optimizing metallic nanoparticles for heat generation was established, uncovering the size dependence of plasmonic nanoparticles optical heating. Gold nanospheres (AuNSs) with a diameter of 50 nm and gold nanorods (AuNRs) with dimensions of 41×10 nm were identified as effective nanoheaters for visible (530 nm) and infrared (808 nm) excitation. Notably, AuNRs achieve higher Jo values than AuNSs, even when accounting for the possible orientations of the nanorods. Theoretical results estimate that 41×10 nm gold nanorods have an average Joule number of 80, which is significantly higher compared to larger rods. The photothermal performance of optimal and suboptimal nanostructures was evaluated using photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy procedures. The photoacoustic images indicate that, despite having larger absorption cross-sections, the large nanoparticle volume of bigger particles leads to less efficient conversion of light into heat, which suggests that the use of optimized nanoparticles promotes higher contrast, benefiting photoacoustic-based procedures in diagnostic applications. The photothermal therapy procedure was performed on S180-bearing mice inoculated with 41×10 nm and 90×25 nm PEGylated AuNRs. Five minutes of laser irradiation of tumor tissue with 41×10 nm produced an approximately 9.5% greater temperature rise than using 90×25 AuNRs in the therapy trials. Optimizing metallic nanoparticles for heat generation may reduce the concentration of the nanoheaters used or decrease the light fluence for bioscience applications, paving the way for the development of more economical theranostic agents.

Fluorescent probes for neuroscience: imaging ex vivo brain tissue sections

Neurobiological research relies heavily on imaging techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy, to understand neurological function and disease processes. However, the number and variety of fluorescent probes available for ex vivo tissue section imaging limits the advance of research in the field. In this review, we outline the current range of fluorescent probes that are available to researchers for ex vivo brain section imaging, including their physical and chemical characteristics, staining targets, and examples of discoveries for which they have been used. This review is organised into sections based on the biological target of the probe, including subcellular organelles, chemical species (e.g., labile metal ions), and pathological phenomenon (e.g., degenerating cells, aggregated proteins). We hope to inspire further development in this field, given the considerable benefits to be gained by the greater availability of suitably sensitive probes that have specificity for important brain tissue targets.

Sulforaphane regulates cell proliferation and induces apoptotic cell death mediated by ROS-cell cycle arrest in pancreatic cancer cells

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC), sometimes referred to as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is a major cause of global mortality from cancer. Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive and devastating kind of cancer, characterized by limited options for therapy and low possibilities of survival. Sulforaphane (SFN), a naturally occurring sulfur-containing compound, is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer characteristics.

Objective

However, efficient preventative and treatment measures are essential and SFN has been studied for its ability to suppress pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis.

Methods

Here, SFN induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in PDAC cell lines such as MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells, as evaluated by cytotoxicity, colony formation, western blot analysis, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, caspase-3 activity assay, immunofluorescence assay, and mitochondrial membrane potential assay.

Results

In MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells, SFN inhibited cell survival and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The activation of caspase zymogens results in cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3, which is associated with an accumulation in the sub G1 phase. Furthermore, SFN increased ROS level and γH2A.X expression while decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Notably, the ROS scavenger N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was shown to reverse SFN-induced cytotoxicity and ROS level. Subsequently, SFN-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction as a Trojan horse to eliminate pancreatic cancer cells via ROS-mediated pathways were used to inhibit pancreatic cancer cells.

Conclusion

Collectively, our data demonstrates that SFN-induced cell death follows the apoptosis pathway, making it a viable target for therapeutic interventions against pancreatic cancer.

Integrating computational and experimental chemical biology revealed variable anticancer activities of phosphodiesterase isoenzyme 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) in lung cancer

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), an enzyme responsible for catalyzing the degradation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), has been linked to the development of cancer. PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i), such as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis), work by blocking the action of PDE5 and are used primarily as treatments for erectile dysfunction and arterial hypertension. Some studies suggested a potential link between PDE5i and increased cancer risk, while other studies showed preferable antitumor effects. The present study is attempting to shed light on the systems biology effects of PDE5i by applying an integrative informatics approach followed by experimental validation methods including cell viability, cell motility, and proliferation capacity. Cell cycle and apoptosis analyses were carried out using flow cytometry, while real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting were used to determine the relative gene and protein expression respectively. Our results indicated that the examined PDE5i significantly inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells, in addition to reducing wound closure and the mean colony count and size. Furthermore, PDE5i increased the early and late apoptotic activities and suppressed the gene and protein expression of PDE5 in lung cancer cells. The combination of cisplatin and raloxifene with PDE5i resulted in a synergistic effect. This study provides solid evidence supporting the anti-tumorigenic effect of PDE5i in lung cancer cells.

10-Eicosanol Alleviates Patulin-Induced Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis by Activating AKT (Protein Kinase B) in Porcine Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Patulin (PAT) is a fungal toxin prevalent in apples and apple products and associated with several toxic effects, potentially harming multiple organs, including the kidneys, liver, and colon. However, the precise molecular mechanism through which PAT affects the intestines remains comprehensively unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the molecular effects of PAT on the intestinal epithelium. Gene expression profiling was conducted, hypothesizing that PAT induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Cell cycle analysis, along with Annexin-V and propidium iodide staining, confirmed that PAT induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in IPEC-J2 cells. Additionally, PAT activated the expression of cell cycle-related genes (CDK1, CCNB1) and apoptosis-related genes (BCL6, CASP9). Treatment with SC79, an AKT activator, mitigated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. To identify natural products that could mitigate the harmful effects of PAT in small intestinal epithelial cells in pigs, the high-throughput screening of a natural product library was conducted, revealing 10-Eicosanol as a promising candidate. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that 10-Eicosanol alleviates PAT-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in IPEC-J2 cells by activating AKT.

Exploring the effect of the axial ligands on the anticancer activity of [C,N,N'] Pt(IV) cyclometallated compounds

The synthesis of three novel [C,N,N'] Pt(IV) cyclometallated compounds containing hydroxo, dichloroacetato or trifluoroacetato axial ligands is reported. Compound [PtCl(OH)2{(CH3)2N(CH2)2NCH(4-FC6H3)}] (3) was prepared by the oxidative addition of hydrogen peroxide to [C,N,N'] Pt(II) cyclometallated compound [PtCl{(CH3)2N(CH2)2NCH(4-FC6H3)}] (1) and further the reaction of compound 3 with dichloroacetate or trifluoroacetate anhydrides led to the formation of the corresponding compounds [PtCl(CHCl2COO)2{(CH3)2N(CH2)2NCH(4-FC6H3)}] (4) and [PtCl(CF3COO)2{(CH3)2N(CH2)2NCH(4-FC6H3)}] (5). The properties of the new compounds along with those of the compound [PtCl3{(CH3)2N(CH2)2NCH(4-FC6H3)}] (2), including stability in aqueous media, reduction potential using cyclic voltammetry, cytotoxic activity against the HCT116 CRC cell line, DNA interaction, topoisomerase I and cathepsin inhibition, and computational studies involving reduction of the Pt(IV) compounds and molecular docking studies, are presented. Interestingly, the antiproliferative activity of these compounds against the HCT116 CRC cell line, which is in all cases higher than that of cisplatin, follows the same trend as the reduction potentials so that the most easily reduced compound 2 is the most potent. In contrast, according to the electrophoretic mobility and molecular docking studies, the efficacy of these compounds in binding to DNA is not related to their cytotoxicity. The most active compound 2 does not modify the DNA electrophoretic mobility while the less potent compound 3 is the most efficient in binding to DNA. Although compounds 2 and 3 have only a slight effect on cell cycle distribution and apoptosis induction, generation of ROS to a higher extent for the most easily reduced compound 2 was observed.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of madecassic acid-silybin conjugate compounds in liver cancer cells

A series of 14 conjugates of 2α,3β,23-triacetyl-madecassic acid and silybin were designed and synthesized. The madecassic acid unit was linked to silybin either directly at position C-7 or C-3; or through an amino acid linker (glycine, β-alanine, or 11-aminoundecanoic acid) at position C-3. The conjugates were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cells using the MTT assay. The results confirmed that the conjugated compounds demonstrated a stronger cytotoxic effect compared to the parent compounds. Of these compounds, the most promising conjugate, compound 8, was evaluated for cytotoxic activity in the additional Hep3B, Huh7, and Huh7R human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and also for cell cycle changes and induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells. This compound caused a rapid and significant induction of caspase 3 activity and induced cell cycle arrest in the S phase - effects distinct from the activity of madecassic acid. This is the first study on the synthesis and cytotoxicity of madecassic acid-silybin conjugates, and of their testing against liver cancer cell lines and provides evidence for a distinct biological profile versus madecassic acid alone.

Investigation of cannabidiol-induced cytotoxicity in human hepatic cells

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the primary cannabinoids present in extracts of the plant Cannabis sativa L. A CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, has been approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of seizures in childhood-onset epileptic disorders. Although CBD-associated liver toxicity has been reported in clinical studies, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that CBD causes cytotoxicity in primary human hepatocytes and hepatic HepG2 cells. A 24-h CBD treatment induced cell cycle disturbances, cellular apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in HepG2 cells. A potent ER stress inhibitor, 4-phenylbutyrate, markedly attenuated CBD-induced apoptosis and cell death. Additionally, we investigated the role of cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated metabolism in CBD-induced cytotoxicity using HepG2 cell lines engineered to express 14 individual CYPs. We identified CYP2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2C18, and 3A5 as participants in CBD metabolism. Notably, cells overexpressing CYP2C9, 2C19, and 2C18 produced 7-hydroxy-CBD, while cells overexpressing CYP2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 2C18 generated 7-carboxy-CBD. Furthermore, CBD-induced cytotoxicity was significantly attenuated in the cells expressing CYP2D6. Taken together, these data suggest that cell cycle disturbances, apoptosis, and ER stress are associated with CBD-induced cytotoxicity, and CYP2D6-mediated metabolism plays a critical role in decreasing the cytotoxicity of CBD.

Unraveling the Peroxidase Activity in Peroxiredoxins: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanisms, Functions, and Biological Significance

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are members of the antioxidant enzymes necessary for every living object in the three domains of life and play critical roles in controlling peroxide levels in cells. This comprehensive literature review aims to elucidate the peroxidase activity of Prxs, examining their roles and significance for organisms across various taxa. Ironically, the primary role of the Prxs is the peroxidase activity, which comprises the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and other organic hydroperoxides and decreases the risk of oxidative damage in the cells. The above enzymatic activity occurs through the reversible oxidation-reduction catalyzed by cysteine residues in the active site by forming sulfenic acid and reduction by intracellular reductants. Structurally and functionally, Prxs function as dimers or decamers and show different catalytic patterns according to their subfamilies or cellular compartments. Compared to the mechanisms of the other two subgroups of Prxs, including 2-Cys Prxs and atypical Prxs, the 1-Cys Prxs have monomer-dimer switch folding coupled with catalytic activity. In addition to their peroxidase activity, which is widely known, Prxs are becoming acknowledged to be involved in other signaling processes, including redox signaling and apoptosis. This aversion to oxidative stress and regulation by the cellular redox state places them at the heart of adaptive cellular responses to changes in the environment or manifestations of diseases. In conclusion, based on the data obtained and on furthering the knowledge of Prxs' structure and function, these enzymes may be classified as a diverse yet essential family of proteins that can effectively protect cells from the adverse effects of oxidative stress due to peroxidase activity. This indicates secondary interactions, summarized as peroxide detoxification or regulatory signaling, and identifies their applicability in multiple biological pathways. Such knowledge is valuable for enhancing the general comprehension of essential cellular functions and disclosing further therapeutic approaches to the diseases caused by the increased production of reactive oxygen species.

From diagnosis to therapy: The critical role of lncRNAs in hepatoblastoma

According to findings, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serves an integral part in growth and development of a variety of human malignancies, including Hepatoblastoma (HB). HB is a rare kind of carcinoma of the liver that mostly affects kids and babies under the age of three. Its manifestations include digestive swelling, abdominal discomfort, and losing weight. This thorough investigation digs into the many roles that lncRNAs serve in HB, giving views into their varied activities as well as possible therapeutic consequences. The function of lncRNAs in HB cell proliferation, apoptosis, migratory and penetrating capacities, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and therapy tolerance is discussed. Various lncRNA regulatory roles are investigated in depth, yielding information on their effect on essential cell processes such as angiogenesis, apoptosis, immunity, and growth. Circulating lncRNAs are currently acknowledged as potential indications for the initial stages of identification of cancer, with the ability to diagnose as well as forecast. In addition to their diagnostic utility, lncRNAs provide curative opportunities as locations and actors, contributing to the expanding landscape of cancer research. Several HB-linked lncRNAs have been demonstrated to exhibit abnormal expression and are involved in tumor-like characteristics via DNA, RNA, or protein binding or encoding short peptides. As a result, a better knowledge of lncRNA instability might bring fresh perspectives into HB etiology as well as innovative strategies for HB early diagnosis and therapy. We describe the abnormalities of lncRNA expression in HB and their tumor-suppressive or carcinogenic activities during HB carcinogenesis in this study. Furthermore, we explore lncRNAs' diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in HB.

Phloridzin Docosahexaenoate, an Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ester of a Flavonoid Precursor, Inhibits Angiogenesis by Suppressing Endothelial Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Differentiation

Angiogenesis is a normal physiological process that also contributes to diabetic retinopathy-related complications and facilitates tumor metastasis by promoting the hematogenic dissemination of malignant cells from solid tumors. Here, we investigated the in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo anti-angiogenic activity of phloridzin docosahexaenoate (PZ-DHA), a novel ω-3 fatty acid ester of a flavonoid precursor. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) treated with a sub-cytotoxic concentration of PZ-DHA to assess in vitro anti-angiogenic activity showed impaired tubule formation on a Matrigel matrix. Ex vivo angiogenesis was measured using rat thoracic aortas, which exhibited reduced vessel sprouting and tubule formation in the presence of PZ-DHA. Female BALB/c mice bearing VEGF165- and basic fibroblast growth factor-containing Matrigel plugs showed a significant reduction in blood vessel development following PZ-DHA treatment. PZ-DHA inhibited HUVEC and HMVEC proliferation, as well as the migration of HUVECs in gap closure and trans-well cell migration assays. PZ-DHA inhibited upstream and downstream components of the Akt pathway and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165)-induced overexpression of small molecular Rho GTPases in HUVECs, suggesting a decrease in actin cytoskeletal-mediated stress fiber formation and migration. Taken together, these findings reveal the potential of combined food biomolecules in PZ-DHA to inhibit angiogenesis.

Cryopreservation-induced delayed injury and cell-type-specific responses during the cryopreservation of endothelial cell monolayers

The cryopreservation of endothelial cell monolayers is an important step that bridges the cryopreservation of cells in suspension to that of tissues. Previous studies have identified clear distinctions in freezing mechanisms between cells in suspension and in monolayers, as well as developed novel protocols for monolayer cryopreservation. Recently, our group has shown that human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) and porcine corneal endothelial cell (PCEC) monolayers grown on Rinzl plastic substrate can be cryopreserved in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide, 6% hydroxyethyl starch, and 2% chondroitin sulfate, following a slow-cooling protocol (-1 °C/min) with rapid plunge into liquid nitrogen from -40 °C. However, membrane integrity assessments were done immediately post thaw, which may result in an overestimation of cell viability due to possible delayed injury responses. Here, we show that for the optimal protocol condition of plunge at the -40 °C interrupt temperature, HUVEC and PCEC monolayers exhibited no significant immediate post-thaw injuries nor delayed injury responses during the 24-h post-thaw overnight culture period. HUVEC monolayers experienced no significant impact to their natural growth rate during the post-thaw culture, while PCEC monolayers experienced significantly higher growth than the unfrozen controls. The difference in the low-temperature responses between HUVEC and PCEC monolayers was further shown under high temperature plunge conditions. At these suboptimal plunge temperatures, HUVEC monolayers exhibited moderate immediate membrane injury but a pronounced delayed injury response during the 24-h post-thaw culture, while PCEC monolayers showed significant immediate membrane injury but no additional delayed injury response during the same period. Therefore, we provide further validation of our group's previously designed endothelial monolayer cryopreservation protocol for HUVEC and PCEC monolayers, and we identify several cell-type-specific responses to the freezing process.

A negative feedback loop underlies the Warburg effect

Aerobic glycolysis, or the Warburg effect, is used by cancer cells for proliferation while producing lactate. Although lactate production has wide implications for cancer progression, it is not known how this effect increases cell proliferation and relates to oxidative phosphorylation. Here, we elucidate that a negative feedback loop (NFL) is responsible for the Warburg effect. Further, we show that aerobic glycolysis works as an amplifier of oxidative phosphorylation. On the other hand, quiescence is an important property of cancer stem cells. Based on the NFL, we show that both aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, playing a synergistic role, are required to achieve cell quiescence. Further, our results suggest that the cells in their hypoxic niche are highly proliferative yet close to attaining quiescence by increasing their NADH/NAD+ ratio through the severity of hypoxia. The findings of this study can help in a better understanding of the link among metabolism, cell cycle, carcinogenesis, and stemness.

Germicidal lamps using UV-C radiation may pose health safety issues: a biomolecular analysis of their effects on apoptosis and senescence

The battle against the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a heightened state of vigilance in global healthcare, leading to the proliferation of diverse sanitization methods. Among these approaches, germicidal lamps utilizing ultraviolet (UV) rays, particularly UV-C (wavelength ranging from 280 to 100 nm), have gained prominence for domestic use. These light-emitting diode (LED) lamps are designed to sanitize the air, objects, and surfaces. However, the prevailing concern is that these UV lamps are often introduced into the market without adequate accompanying information to ensure their safe utilization. Importantly, exposure to absorbed UV light can potentially trigger adverse biological responses, encompassing cell death and senescence. Our research encompassed a series of investigations aimed at comprehending the biological repercussions of UV-C radiation exposure from readily available domestic lamps. Our focus centered on epithelial retinal cells, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts, components of the skin and ocular targets frequently exposed to UV irradiation. Our findings underscore the potential harm associated with even brief exposure to UV, leading to irreversible and detrimental alterations in both skin cells and retinal cells of the eye. Notably, epithelial retinal cells exhibited heightened sensitivity, marked by substantial apoptosis. In contrast, keratinocytes demonstrated resilience to apoptosis even at elevated UV doses, though they were prone to senescence. Meanwhile, fibroblasts displayed a gradual amplification of both senescence and apoptosis as radiation doses escalated. In summary, despite the potential benefits offered by UV-C in deactivating pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, it remains evident that the concurrent risks posed by UV-C to human health cannot be ignored.

NMDA receptor-mediated Ca2+ signaling: Impact on cell cycle regulation and the development of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer

NMDA receptors are Ca2+-permeable ligand-gated ion channels that mediate fast excitatory transmission in the central nervous system. NMDA receptors regulate the proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells and also play critical roles in neural plasticity, memory, and learning. In addition to their physiological role, NMDA receptors are also involved in glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, which results from excessive glutamate stimulation, leading to Ca2+ overload, and ultimately to neuronal death. Thus, NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity has been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, dementia, and stroke. Interestingly, in addition to its effects on cell death, aberrant expression or activation of NMDA receptors is also involved in pathological cellular proliferation, and is implicated in the invasion and proliferation of various types of cancer. These disorders are thought to be related to the contribution of NMDA receptors to cell proliferation and cell death through cell cycle modulation. This review aims to discuss the evidence implicating NMDA receptor activity in cell cycle regulation and the link between aberrant NMDA receptor activity and the development of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer due to cell cycle dysregulation. The information presented here will provide insights into the signaling pathways and the contribution of NMDA receptors to these diseases, and suggests that NMDA receptors are promising targets for the prevention and treatment of these diseases, which are leading causes of death and disability worldwide.

Stable Dual miR-143 and miR-506 Upregulation Inhibits Proliferation and Cell Cycle Progression

The mainstays of lung cancer pathogenesis are cell cycle progression dysregulation, impaired apoptosis, and unregulated cell proliferation. While individual microRNA (miR) targeting or delivering is a promising approach that has been extensively studied, combination of miR targeting can enhance therapeutic efficacy and overcome limitations present in individual miR regulations. We previously reported on the use of a miR-143 and miR-506 combination via transient transfections against lung cancer. In this study, we evaluated the effect of miR-143 and miR-506 under stable deregulations in A549 lung cancer cells. We used lentiviral transductions to either up- or downregulate the two miRs individually or in combination. The cells were sorted and analyzed for miR deregulation via qPCR. We determined the miR deregulations' effects on the cell cycle, cell proliferation, cancer cell morphology, and cell motility. Compared to the individual miR deregulations, the combined miR upregulation demonstrated a miR-expression-dependent G2 cell cycle arrest and a significant increase in the cell doubling time, whereas the miR-143/506 dual downregulation demonstrated increased cellular motility. Furthermore, the individual miR-143 and miR-506 up- and downregulations exhibited cellular responses lacking an apparent miR-expression-dependent response in the respective analyses. Our work here indicates that, unlike the individual miR upregulations, the combinatorial miR treatment remained advantageous, even under prolonged miR upregulation. Finally, our findings demonstrate potential advantages of miR combinations vs. individual miR treatments.

A comparative study of diaryl urea molecules with and without sulfonamide group on Carbonic anhydrase IX and XII inhibition and its consequence on breast cancer cells

To investigate the intrinsic relation between carbonic anhydrase inhibition and anticancer activity, we have prepared four sets of diaryl urea molecules and tested for the inhibition of hCA-IX and XII on two breast cancer cell lines. Among 21 compounds, compound J2 (with -SO2NH2 group) and J16 (without -SO2NH2 group) showed the best activity under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The IC50 values of J16 for MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, under normoxic condition were 6.3 and 3.7 µM respectively, which are 1.9/3.3 and 15.8 times better than U-4-Nitro and SLC-0111 respectively. Whereas, under the hypoxic condition the corresponding values were 12.4 and 1.1 µM (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells respectively), which are equal/8 times better than U-4-Nitro. Whereas, J2 showed better IC50 value than U-4-Nitro (6.3 µM) under normoxic condition for both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells (1.9/2.7 times). Compound J2 inhibits the activity of hCA-IX and XII in nanomolar concentration [Ki values 4.09 and 9.10 nM respectively with selectivity ratio of 1.8 and 0.8 with hCA-II]. The crystal structure and modelling studies demonstrates that the inhibition of CAs arises due to the blocking of the CO2 coordination site of zinc in its catalytic domain. However, J16 was found to be unable to inhibit the activity of hCAs (Ki > 89000 nM). qPCR and western blot analysis showed a significant reduction (1.5 to 20 fold) of the transcription and expression of HIF1A, CA9 and CA12 genes in presence of J2 and J16. Both J2 and J16 found to reduce accumulation of HIF-1α protein by inhibiting the chaperone activity of hHSP70 with IC50 values of 19.4 and 15.3 µM respectively. Perturbation of the hCA-IX and XII activity by binding at active site or by reduced expression or by both leads to the decrease of intracellular pH, which resulted in concomitant increase of reactive oxygen species by 2.6/2.0 (MCF-7) and 2.9/1.8 (MDA-MB-231) fold for J2/J16. Increased cyclin D1 expression in presence of J2 and J16 was presumed to be indirectly responsible for the apoptosis of the cancer cells. Expression of the other apoptosis markers Bcl-2, Bim, caspase 9 and caspase 3 substantiated the apoptosis mechanism. However, decreased transcription/expression of HIF1A/HIF-1α and hCA-IX/XII also implies the inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway by J2 and J16.

Modular Hub Genes in DNA Microarray Suggest Potential Signaling Pathway Interconnectivity in Various Glioma Grades

Gliomas have displayed significant challenges in oncology due to their high degree of invasiveness, recurrence, and resistance to treatment strategies. In this work, the key hub genes mainly associated with different grades of glioma, which were represented by pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), oligodendroglioma (OG), anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of microarray datasets retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Through this, four highly correlated modules were observed to be present across the PA (GSE50161), OG (GSE4290), AA (GSE43378), and GBM (GSE36245) datasets. The functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis done through the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) showed that the modules and hub genes identified were mainly involved in signal transduction, transcription regulation, and protein binding, which collectively deregulate several signaling pathways, mainly PI3K/Akt and metabolic pathways. The involvement of several hub genes primarily linked to other signaling pathways, including the cAMP, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, and calcium signaling pathways, indicates potential interconnectivity and influence on the PI3K/Akt pathway and, subsequently, glioma severity. The Drug Repurposing Encyclopedia (DRE) was used to screen for potential drugs based on the up- and downregulated hub genes, wherein the synthetic progestin hormones norgestimate and ethisterone were the top drug candidates. This shows the potential neuroprotective effect of progesterone against glioma due to its influence on EGFR expression and other signaling pathways. Aside from these, several experimental and approved drug candidates were also identified, which include an adrenergic receptor antagonist, a PPAR-γ receptor agonist, a CDK inhibitor, a sodium channel blocker, a bradykinin receptor antagonist, and a dopamine receptor agonist, which further highlights the gene network as a potential therapeutic avenue for glioma.

Activation of ductal progenitor-like cells from adult human pancreas requires extracellular matrix protein signaling

Ductal progenitor-like cells are a sub-population of ductal cells in the adult human pancreas that have the potential to contribute to regenerative medicine. However, the microenvironmental cues that regulate their activation are poorly understood. Here, we establish a 3-dimensional suspension culture system containing six defined soluble factors in which primary human ductal progenitor-like and ductal non-progenitor cells survive but do not proliferate. Expansion and polarization occur when suspension cells are provided with a low concentration (5% v/v) of Matrigel, a sarcoma cell product enriched in many extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Screening of ECM proteins identified that collagen IV can partially recapitulate the effects of Matrigel. Inhibition of integrin α1β1, a major collagen IV receptor, negates collagen IV- and Matrigel-stimulated effects. These results demonstrate that collagen IV is a key ECM protein that stimulates the expansion and polarization of human ductal progenitor-like and ductal non-progenitor cells via integrin α1β1 receptor signaling.

Herbal compounds as promising therapeutic agents in precision medicine strategies for cancer: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The field of personalized medicine has gained increasing attention in cancer care, with the aim of tailoring treatment strategies to individual patients for improved outcomes. Herbal medicine, with its long-standing historical use and extensive bioactive compounds, offers a rich source of potential treatments for various diseases, including cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of the current knowledge and evidence associated with incorporating herbal compounds into precision medicine strategies for cancer diseases. Additionally, to explore the general characteristics of the studies included in the analysis, focusing on their key features and trends.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from multiple online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL-EBSCO. The search strategy was designed to identify studies related to personalized cancer medicine and herbal interventions.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Publications pertaining to cancer research conducted through in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, employing natural products were included in this review.

DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently applied inclusion and inclusion criteria, data extraction, and assessments of methodological quality. The quality assessment and biases of the studies were evaluated based on modified Jadad scales. A detailed quantitative summary of the included studies is presented, providing a comprehensive description of their key features and findings.

RESULTS

A total of 121 studies were included in this review for analysis. Some of them were considered as comprehensive experimental investigations both in vitro and in vivo. The majority (n = 85) of the studies included in this review were conducted in vitro, with 44 of them specifically investigating the effects of herbal medicine on animal models. Additionally, 7 articles with a combined sample size of 31,271 patients, examined the impact of herbal medicine in clinical settings.

CONCLUSION

Personalized medication can optimize the use of herbal medicine in cancer treatment by considering individual patient factors such as genetics, medical history, and other treatments. Additionally, active phytochemicals found in herbs have shown potential for inhibiting cancer cell growth and inducing apoptosis, making them a promising area of research in preclinical and clinical investigations. Please cite this article as: Tayeb BA, Kusuma IY, Osman AAM, Minorics R. Herbal compounds as promising therapeutic agents in precision medicine strategies for cancer: A systematic review. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(2): 137-162.

Cytotoxic Effects of Ardisiacrispin A from Labisia pumila on A549 Human Lung Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the predominant cause of cancer-related fatalities. This prompted our exploration into the anti-lung cancer efficacy of Labisia pumila, a species meticulously selected from the preliminary screening of 600 plants.

METHODS

Through the strategic implementation of activity-guided fractionation, ardisiacrispin A (1) was isolated utilizing sequential column chromatography. Structural characterization was achieved employing various spectroscopic methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), and infrared spectroscopy (IR).

RESULTS

L. pumila 70% EtOH extract showed significant toxicity in A549 lung cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 57.04 ± 10.28 µg/mL, as well as decreased expression of oncogenes and induced apoptosis. Compound 1, ardisiacrispin A, induced a 50% cell death response in A549 cells at a concentration of 11.94 ± 1.14 µg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study successfully investigated ardisiacrispin A extracted from L. pumila leaves, employing a comprehensive spectroscopic approach encompassing NMR, IR, and MS analyses. The anti-lung cancer efficacy of ardisiacrispin A and L. pumila extract was successfully demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge.

Triaging between post-translational modification of cell cycle regulators and their therapeutics in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, present challenges in healthcare because of their complicated etiologies and absence of healing remedies. Lately, the emerging role of post-translational modifications (PTMs), in the context of cell cycle regulators, has garnered big interest as a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention. The review explores the problematic panorama of PTMs on cell cycle regulators and their implications in neurodegenerative diseases. We delve into the dynamic phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, Glycation, and Neddylation that modulate the key cell cycle regulators, consisting of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and their inhibitors. The dysregulation of these PTMs is related to aberrant cell cycle in neurons, which is one of the factors involved in neurodegenerative pathologies. Moreover, the effect of exogenous activation of CDKs and CDK inhibitors through PTMs on the signaling cascade was studied in postmitotic conditions of NDDs. Furthermore, the therapeutic implications of CDK inhibitors and associated alteration in PTMs were discussed. Lastly, we explored the putative mechanism of PTMs to restore normal neuronal function that might reverse NDDs.