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Li Y, Li Y, Yao Y, Li H, Gao C, Sun C, Zhuang J. Potential of cucurbitacin as an anticancer drug. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115707. [PMID: 37862969 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In Chinese medicine, the Cucurbitaceae family contains many compounds known as cucurbitacins, which have been categorized into 12 classes ranging from A to T and more than 200 derivatives. Cucurbitacins are a class of highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids with potent anticancer properties. The eight components of cucurbitacins with the strongest anticancer activity are cucurbitacins B, D, E, I, IIa, L-glucoside, Q, and R. Cucurbitacins have also been reported to suppress JAK-STAT 3, mTOR, VEGFR, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK signaling pathways, all of which are crucial for the survival and demise of cancer cells. In this paper, we review the progress in research on cucurbitacin-induced apoptosis, autophagy, cytoskeleton disruption, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of cell proliferation, inhibition of invasion and migration, inhibition of angiogenesis, epigenetic alterations, and synergistic anticancer effects in tumor cells. Recent studies have identified cucurbitacins as promising molecules for therapeutic innovation with broad versatility in immune response. Thus, cucurbitacin is a promising class of anticancer agents that can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of many types of cancer.Therefore, based on the research reports in the past five years at home and abroad, we further summarize and review the structural characteristics, chemical and biological activities, and studies of cucurbitacins based on the previous studies to provide a reference for further development and utilization of cucurbitacins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yingrui Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Yao
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Huayao Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chundi Gao
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China; Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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Huang JL, Liang L, Xie PE, Sun WL, Wang L, Cai ZW. Cucurbitacin B induces apoptosis in colorectal cells through reactive oxygen species generation and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:484. [PMID: 37753296 PMCID: PMC10518646 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a member of the cucurbitacin family, which has shown potent anticancer pharmacological activity. Prolonged or severe endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) induces apoptosis; therefore, the present study investigated whether CuB may activate the ERS pathway to induce apoptosis. HT-29 and SW620 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells were treated with a range of concentrations of CuB for 48 h, and the viability and proliferation of cells were determined using Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) and colony formation assays. Subsequently, the appropriate CuB concentration (5 µM) was selected for treatment of CRC cells for 48 h. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression levels of ERS-related proteins, flow cytometry was used to evaluate apoptosis, the dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescent probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the relationship between ROS and ERS was determined by western blot analysis. Furthermore, flow cytometry was used to evaluate apoptosis after treatment with the ERS inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid, the ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine and following knockdown of CHOP expression. In addition, western blot analysis was performed to measure Bax and Bcl2 protein expression levels, and a CCK8 assay was performed to evaluate the viability of cells following knockdown of CHOP. Notably, CuB treatment increased apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation in CRC cell lines, and these effects were mediated by ROS and ROS-regulated activation of the PERK and XBP1 ERS pathways. In conclusion, CuB may induce apoptosis in HT-29 and SW620 CRC cells via ROS and ERS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Lan Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530007, P.R. China
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530007, P.R. China
| | - Pei-En Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530007, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Liang Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530007, P.R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530007, P.R. China
| | - Zheng-Wen Cai
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530007, P.R. China
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Dai S, Wang C, Zhao X, Ma C, Fu K, Liu Y, Peng C, Li Y. Cucurbitacin B: A review of its pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106587. [PMID: 36460279 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB, C32H46O8), the most abundant and active member of cucurbitacins, which are highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids. Cucurbitacins are widely distributed in a variety of plants and mainly isolated from plants in the Cucurbitaceae family. CuB is mostly obtained from the pedicel of Cucumis melo L. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that CuB has a broad range of pharmacological activities, with significant therapeutic effects on a variety of diseases including inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cancers. In this study the PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched from 1986 to 2022. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 98 out of 2484 articles were selected for a systematic review to comprehensively summarize the pharmacological activity, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic properties of CuB. The results showed that CuB exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer activities mainly via regulating various signaling pathways, such as the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (JAK/STAT3), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2/antioxidant responsive element (Nrf2/ARE), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase-2A/protein phosphatase-2A (CIP2A/PP2A), Wnt, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Notch, and Hippo-Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathways. Studies of its toxicity and pharmacokinetic properties showed that CuB has non-specific toxicity and low bioavailability. In addition, derivatives and clinical applications of CuB are discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - XingTao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yanfang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Tuli HS, Rath P, Chauhan A, Ranjan A, Ramniwas S, Sak K, Aggarwal D, Kumar M, Dhama K, Lee EHC, Yap KCY, Capinpin SM, Kumar AP. Cucurbitacins as Potent Chemo-Preventive Agents: Mechanistic Insight and Recent Trends. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010057. [PMID: 36671442 PMCID: PMC9855938 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacins constitute a group of cucumber-derived dietary lipids, highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids, with potential medical uses. These compounds are known to interact with a variety of recognized cellular targets to impede the growth of cancer cells. Accumulating evidence has suggested that inhibition of tumor cell growth via induction of apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis are major promising chemo-preventive actions of cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins may be a potential choice for investigations of synergism with other drugs to reverse cancer cells' treatment resistance. The detailed molecular mechanisms underlying these effects include interactions between cucurbitacins and numerous cellular targets (Bcl-2/Bax, caspases, STAT3, cyclins, NF-κB, COX-2, MMP-9, VEGF/R, etc.) as well as control of a variety of intracellular signal transduction pathways. The current study is focused on the efforts undertaken to find possible molecular targets for cucurbitacins in suppressing diverse malignant processes. The review is distinctive since it presents all potential molecular targets of cucurbitacins in cancer on one common podium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, India
- Correspondence: (H.S.T.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Prangya Rath
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida 201303, India
| | - Abhishek Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida 201303, India
| | - Anuj Ranjan
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, India
| | | | - Diwakar Aggarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar University Sadopur, Ambala 134007, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly 243122, India
| | - E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Kenneth Chun-Yong Yap
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Sharah Mae Capinpin
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
- Correspondence: (H.S.T.); (A.P.K.)
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Wang M, Liu X, Chen T, Cheng X, Xiao H, Meng X, Jiang Y. Inhibition and potential treatment of colorectal cancer by natural compounds via various signaling pathways. Front Oncol 2022; 12:956793. [PMID: 36158694 PMCID: PMC9496650 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.956793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common type of malignant digestive tract tumor with a high incidence rate worldwide. Currently, the clinical treatment of CRC predominantly include surgical resection, postoperative chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, these treatments contain severe limitations such as drug side effects, the risk of recurrence and drug resistance. Some natural compounds found in plants, fungi, marine animals, and bacteria have been shown to inhibit the occurrence and development of CRC. Although the explicit molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of these compounds on CRC are not clear, classical signaling transduction pathways such as NF-kB and Wnt/β-catenin are extensively regulated. In this review, we have summarized the specific mechanisms regulating the inhibition and development of CRC by various types of natural compounds through nine signaling pathways, and explored the potential therapeutic values of these natural compounds in the clinical treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingchuan Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianjun Liu
- College of Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianbin Cheng
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huijie Xiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianglong Meng
- Department of Burns Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Jiang,
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Wang S, Cheng L, Wu H, Li G. Mechanisms and prospects of circular RNAs and their interacting signaling pathways in colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:949656. [PMID: 35992800 PMCID: PMC9382640 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.949656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading malignant tumor in terms of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its pathogenesis involves multiple factors, including environment, lifestyle, and genetics. Continuing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs), as a novel non-coding RNA, constitute an important genetic variable in the pathogenesis of CRC. These circRNAs with covalently closed-loop structures exist objectively in organisms. They not only have the biological functions of regulating the expression of target genes, changing the activity of proteins, and translating proteins, but also play a key role in the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of tumor cells. CRC is one of the most common cancers in which circRNAs are involved in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance, and circRNAs have been demonstrated to function through crosstalk with multiple signaling pathways. Therefore, this review summarizes the biological and carcinogenic functions of circRNAs and their related PI3K/AKT, MAPK, Notch, JAK/STAT, Hippo/YAP, WNT/β-catenin, and VEGF signaling pathways in CRC. We further explore the clinical value of circRNAs and important signaling proteins in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of CRC.
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Wei J, Chen X, Li Y, Li R, Bao K, Liao L, Xie Y, Yang T, Zhu J, Mao F, Ni S, Jia R, Xu X, Li J. Cucurbitacin B-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest of conjunctival melanoma cells mediated by GRP78–FOXM1–KIF20A pathway. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:3861-3876. [PMID: 36213538 PMCID: PMC9532536 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Conjunctival melanoma (CM) is a rare and fatal malignant eye tumor. In this study, we deciphered a novel anti-CM mechanism of a natural tetracyclic compound named as cucurbitacin B (CuB). We found that CuB remarkably inhibited the proliferation of CM cells including CM-AS16, CRMM1, CRMM2 and CM2005.1, without toxicity to normal cells. CuB can also induce CM cells G2/M cell cycle arrest. RNA-seq screening identified KIF20A, a key downstream effector of FOXM1 pathway, was abolished by CuB treatment. Further target identification by activity-based protein profiling chemoproteomic approach revealed that GRP78 is a potential target of CuB. Several lines of evidence demonstrated that CuB interacted with GRP78 and bound with a Kd value of 0.11 μmol/L. Furthermore, ATPase activity evaluation showed that CuB suppressed GRP78 both in human recombinant GRP78 protein and cellular lysates. Knockdown of the GRP78 gene significantly induced the downregulation of FOXM1 and related pathway proteins including KIF20A, underlying an interesting therapeutic perspective. Finally, CuB significantly inhibited tumor progression in NCG mice without causing obvious side effects in vivo. Taken together, our current work proved that GRP78–FOXM1–KIF20A as a promising pathway for CM therapy, and the traditional medicine CuB as a candidate drug to hinder this pathway.
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Role of Plant-Derived Active Constituents in Cancer Treatment and Their Mechanisms of Action. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081326. [PMID: 35456005 PMCID: PMC9031068 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant technological advancements in conventional therapies, cancer remains one of the main causes of death worldwide. Although substantial progress has been made in the control and treatment of cancer, several limitations still exist, and there is scope for further advancements. Several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy that hinder cancer treatment and lead to other critical disorders. Since ancient times, plant-based medicines have been employed in clinical practice and have yielded good results with few side effects. The modern research system and advanced screening techniques for plants’ bioactive constituents have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of challenging diseases such as cancer. Phytochemicals such as vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, curcumin, colchicine, and lycopene have shown promising anticancer effects. Discovery of more plant-derived bioactive compounds should be encouraged via the exploitation of advanced and innovative research techniques, to prevent and treat advanced-stage cancers without causing significant adverse effects. This review highlights numerous plant-derived bioactive molecules that have shown potential as anticancer agents and their probable mechanisms of action and provides an overview of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies on anticancer phytochemicals.
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Quan Y, Li Z, Zhu K, Liang J. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with Hippo/YAP inhibition significantly improve the survival of rats with transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma. Lipids Health Dis 2021; 20:74. [PMID: 34304741 PMCID: PMC8310593 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-021-01486-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to explore the effect of inhibiting the Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway on the outcomes of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in treating transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods A transplanted HCC rat model was established. Then, rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham, TACE, verteporfin (inhibitor of Hippo/YAP), and TACE+verteporfin. Lent-OE-YAP was transfected into rats to overexpress YAP in vivo. After treatments, morphological changes, tumor weight, and the overall survival of rats in different groups were analyzed. Real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry staining, and Western blotting were used to determine the expression of factors related to the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. Results Tumor weight and tissue lesions in the TACE and verteporfin groups were significantly reduced compared with the Sham group. Verteporfin significantly decreased tumor weight after TACE treatment. In addition, verteporfin significantly improved the overall survival of rats with transplanted HCC after TACE treatment. Compared with the Sham group, both TACE and verteporfin groups exhibited significantly decreased expression of macrophage-stimulating (MST)1, MST2, long-acting thyroid stimulator 1, transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), Yes-associated protein (YAP), TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD)1, TEAD2, TEAD3, and TEAD4. TACE plus verteporfin significantly enhanced the downregulation of effectors in the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway and decreased tumor size, while the overexpression of YAP exerted opposite effects. Conclusion The inhibition of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway via verteporfin significantly improved the outcomes of TACE in treating transplanted HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12944-021-01486-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Quan
- Department of Oncology Medilcal Center, The First People's Hospital of Zhaoqing, Zhaoqing, Guangdong, 526000, China.
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Interventional, First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China
| | - Kangshun Zhu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Jundi Liang
- Department of Oncology Medilcal Center, The First People's Hospital of Zhaoqing, Zhaoqing, Guangdong, 526000, China
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New Insights into YES-Associated Protein Signaling Pathways in Hematological Malignancies: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081981. [PMID: 33924049 PMCID: PMC8073623 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary YES-associated protein (YAP) is a co-transcriptional activator that binds to transcriptional factors to increase the rate of transcription of a set of genes, and it can intervene in the onset and progression of different tumors. Most of the data in the literature refer to the effects of the YAP system in solid neoplasms. In this review, we analyze the possibility that YAP can also intervene in hematological neoplasms such as lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and acute and chronic leukemias, modifying the phenomena of cell proliferation and cell death. The possibilities of pharmacological intervention related to the YAP system in an attempt to use its modulation therapeutically are also discussed. Abstract The Hippo/YES-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway is a cell survival and proliferation-control system with its main activity that of regulating cell growth and organ volume. YAP operates as a transcriptional coactivator in regulating the onset, progression, and treatment response in numerous human tumors. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting the involvement of YAP in the control of the hematopoietic system, in physiological conditions rather than in hematological diseases. Nevertheless, several reports have proposed that the effects of YAP in tumor cells are cell-dependent and cell-type-determined, even if YAP usually interrelates with extracellular signaling to stimulate the onset and progression of tumors. In the present review, we report the most recent findings in the literature on the relationship between the YAP system and hematological neoplasms. Moreover, we evaluate the possible therapeutic use of the modulation of the YAP system in the treatment of malignancies. Given the effects of the YAP system in immunosurveillance, tumorigenesis, and chemoresistance, further studies on interactions between the YAP system and hematological malignancies will offer very relevant information for the targeting of these diseases employing YAP modifiers alone or in combination with chemotherapy drugs.
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Liu H, Liu X, Li Y, Zhou X, Tan X, Niu B, Cheng N, Liu H. Novel Peptide Inhibitors of β-Catenin Effectively Suppress the Tumorigenesis of Colorectal Cancer. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10080-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Kaewmeesri P, Kukongviriyapan V, Prawan A, Kongpetch S, Senggunprai L. Cucurbitacin B Diminishes Metastatic Behavior of Cholangiocarcinoma Cells by Suppressing Focal Adhesion Kinase. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2021; 22:219-225. [PMID: 33507702 PMCID: PMC8184164 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2021.22.1.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant tumor with aggressive metastatic property resulted from dysregulation of metastasis-regulated signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cucurbitacin B on metastatic behavior of CCA cells through modulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein. METHODS KKU-452 cells were treated with a specific FAK inhibitor, FAK inhibitor-14, or cucurbitacin B at various concentrations for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed by sulforhodamine B assay. The migratory and invasive abilities of the cells were investigated using wound healing and transwell invasion assays, respectively. The fibronectin-coated plate was used for adhesion assay. The effects of the test compounds on FAK activation and the expression of metastasis-associated proteins were determined by Western blot analysis. The amount of MMP-9 was evaluated using a commercial ELISA Kit. RESULTS FAK inhibitor-14 and cucurbitacin B at concentrations which minimally affected KKU-452 cell viability could suppress FAK activation, evidently by decreased level of phospho-FAK protein after exposure to the compound. At these conditions, cucurbitacin B suppressed metastatic behavior including migration, invasion and adhesion abilities of CCA cells similar to FAK inhibitor-14. Further molecular studies demonstrated that FAK inhibitor-14 and cucurbitacin B downregulated the expression of metastasis-associated proteins including MMP-9, ICAM-1 and VEGF. Consequently, exposure to cucurbitacin B inhibited the production of MMP-9 enzyme in CCA cells similar to FAK inhibitor-14 treatment. CONCLUSION FAK participated in regulation of metastatic behavior of KKU-452 CCA cells. Cucurbitacin B suppressed FAK activation in the cells which was associated with inhibition of metastasis essential steps and their related metastatic proteins. The compound may be developed as a novel therapeutic agent for CCA metastasis therapy. .
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Laddawan Senggunprai
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
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MiR-429 Involves in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer via Directly Targeting LATS2. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:5316276. [PMID: 33414893 PMCID: PMC7769676 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5316276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death around the world whose recurrence and metastasis rate is high. Due to the underlying unclear pathogenesis, it is hard so far to predict the tumorigenesis and prevent its recurrence. YAP/TAZ has been reported to be activated and functioned as a potential oncogene in multiple cancer types and proved to be essential for the carcinogenesis of most solid tumors. In the present study, we found that YAP/TAZ was markedly upregulated in CRC tissues comparing with the adjacent noncancerous tissues due to the downregulation of LATS2, the main upstream regulator. We further identified miR-429 as a direct regulator of LATS2-YAP/TAZ activation, suggesting that the miR-429-LATS2-YAP/TAZ might be novel effective diagnostic axis and therapeutic targets for CRC.
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Samji P, Rajendran MK, Warrier VP, Ganesh A, Devarajan K. Regulation of Hippo signaling pathway in cancer: A MicroRNA perspective. Cell Signal 2020; 78:109858. [PMID: 33253912 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that Hippo signaling is not only involved in controlling organ size in Drosophila but can also regulate cell proliferation, tissue homeostasis, differentiation, apoptosis and regeneration. Any dysregulation of Hippo signaling, especially the hyper activation of its downstream effectors YAP/TAZ, can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and malignant transformation. In majority of cancers, expression of YAP/TAZ is extremely high and this increased expression of YAP/TAZ has been shown to be an independent predictor of prognosis and indicator of increased cell proliferation, metastasis and poor survival. In this review, we have summarized the most recent findings about the cross talk of Hippo signaling pathway with other signaling pathways and its regulation by different miRNAs in various cancer types. Recent evidence has suggested that Hippo pathway is also involved in mediating the resistance of different cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs and in a few cancer types, this is brought about by regulating miRNAs. Therefore, the delineation of the underlying mechanisms regulating the chemotherapeutic resistance might help in developing better treatment options. This review has attempted to provide an overview of different drugs/options which can be utilized to target oncogenic YAP/TAZ proteins for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Samji
- Cancer Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, India.
| | - Manoj K Rajendran
- Cancer Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Vidya P Warrier
- Cancer Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Akshayaa Ganesh
- Cancer Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Karunagaran Devarajan
- Cancer Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, India
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Lin X, Farooqi AA. Cucurbitacin mediated regulation of deregulated oncogenic signaling cascades and non-coding RNAs in different cancers: Spotlight on JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, mTOR, TRAIL-mediated pathways. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 73:302-309. [PMID: 33152487 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Research over decades has enabled us in developing a better understanding of the multifaceted and heterogeneous nature of cancer. High-throughput technologies have helped the researchers in unraveling of the underlying mechanisms which centrally regulate cancer onset, metastasis and drug resistance. Our rapidly expanding knowledge about signal transduction cascade has added another layer of complexity to already complicated nature of cancer. Deregulation of cell signaling pathways played a linchpin role in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Cucurbitacins have gained tremendous attention because of their remarkable pharmacological properties and considerable ability to mechanistically modulate myriad of cell signaling pathways in different cancers. In this review, we have attempted to provide a mechanistic and comprehensive analysis of regulation of oncogenic pathways by cucurbitacins in different cancers. We have partitioned this review into separate sections for exclusive analysis of each signaling pathway and critical assessment of the knowledge gaps. In this review, we will summarize most recent and landmark developments related to regulation of Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, mTOR, VEGFR, EGFR and Hippo pathway by cucurbitacins. Moreover, we will also address how cucurbitacins regulate DNA damage repair pathway and TRAIL-driven signaling in various cancers. However, there are still outstanding questions related to regulation of SHH/GLI, TGF/SMAD and Notch-driven pathway by cucurbitacins in different cancers. Future studies must converge on the analysis of full-fledge potential of cucurbitacins by in-depth analysis of these pathways and how these pathways can be therapeutically targeted by cucurbitacins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiukun Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan.
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16
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Chinese herbal medicine promote tissue differentiation in colorectal cancer by activating HSD11B2. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 695:108644. [PMID: 33098869 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract. In recent years, the incidence rate has increased year by year and is showing a younger trend. The application of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is one of the important methods for the treatment of colorectal cancer. CHM refers to the main therapeutic drugs based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is still valued. Many effective anticancer small-molecule compounds are derived from CHMs, and their effective anticancer ingredients and targets must be clarified and to further understand the molecular mechanisms by which CHM affects cancer. METHODS We analyzed the ingredients in CHM that were found to be effective against colorectal cancer and constructed an interaction network among these ingredients and the target protein. By analyzing the number of connections in the network and their type of interaction, we identified the key target protein Corticosteroid 11-beta-dehydrogenase isozyme 2, the enzyme encoded by HSD11B2. Analyses of HSD11B2 expression, survival curve, and co-expressed genes helped clarify the correlation between HSD11B2 and colorectal cancer as well as its underlying molecular mechanism. RESULTS We determined that the anticancer ingredients contained in Sanguisorba officinalis, Patrinia scabiosaefolia, and Smilax china had more connections to the target proteins found in colorectal cancer. In the interaction network, eight small-molecule compounds had an activating effect on HSD11B2. The expression of the HSD11B2 was markedly decreased in colorectal cancer tissues and was positively correlated with the overall survival time of patients. In addition, co-expression analyses showed a close relationship between HSD11B2 and tissue-specific genes in colorectal tissues. The expression levels of HSD11B2 in well-, moderately, and poorly differentiated tissues progressively decreased. CONCLUSION The HSD11B2 protein was a key CHM target for treating colorectal cancer. The key role of CHM may lie in activating HSD11B2 and further promoting tissue differentiation in colorectal cancer.
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Song L, Huang Y, Zhang X, Han S, Hou M, Li H. Downregulation of microRNA-224-3p Hampers Retinoblastoma Progression via Activation of the Hippo-YAP Signaling Pathway by Increasing LATS2. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:32. [PMID: 32186675 PMCID: PMC7401717 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.3.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The pivotal role of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) has been proved in the pathogenesis of retinoblastoma. miR-224-3p is demonstrated to be involved in several tumors. However, the underlying mechanism of miR-224-3p in retinoblastoma is yet to be investigated. Therefore, this study was designed to identify the regulation of miR-224-3p in human retinoblastoma. Methods The expression pattern of miR-224-3p and large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) in retinoblastoma was measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Afterward, the interaction between miR-224-3p and LATS2 was identified using a dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Next, gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches were employed to examine the effects of miR-224-3p and LATS2 as well as their interaction on cell apoptosis, proliferation and angiogenesis abilities, and tumorigenesis. Whether the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway was involved in tumorigenesis was analyzed by determining downstream genes. Results LATS2 was downregulated in retinoblastoma, and its overexpression promoted apoptosis and suppressed proliferation of retinoblastoma cells. miR-224-3p, highly expressed in retinoblastoma, inhibited the expression of its target gene LATS2, which inhibited activation of the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. Suppression of miR-224-3p promoted apoptosis while suppressing the proliferation of retinoblastoma cells and angiogenesis. Tumor progression induced by upregulation of miR-224-3p was diminished by restoration of LATS2. It was observed that tumor growth and angiogenesis were reduced by depleted miR-224-3p in the animal experiments. Conclusions The present study suggests that miR-224-3p targets LATS2 and blocks the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway activation, thus preventing the progression of retinoblastoma, which could be a new therapeutic target for retinoblastoma.
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18
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HUANG Y, YANG F, ZHOU T, XIE S. [Emerging roles of Hippo signaling pathway in gastrointestinal cancers and its molecular mechanisms]. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2020; 49:35-43. [PMID: 32621422 PMCID: PMC8800705 DOI: 10.3785/j.issn.1008-9292.2020.02.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hippo signaling pathway is highly conservative in evolution. MST1/2, LATS1/2, and the effector protein YAP/TAZ are the core members of this signaling pathway in mammalian cells. There have been many studies on YAP/TAZ and its downstream, however, the upstream regulatory factors of the Hippo signaling pathway remain unclear, and become one of the hot research directions of this pathway at present. In addition, Hippo signaling pathway can cross-talk with other signaling pathways such as Wnt and Notch signaling pathways, and plays an important role in controlling organ size, maintaining tissue homeostasis, and promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Abnormal Hippo signaling pathway may lead to the occurrence of a variety of tumors, especially gastrointestinal cancers such as liver cancer, colorectal cancer and gastric cancer. The abnormal expression of its members in gastrointestinal cancers is related to cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration. Hippo signaling pathway is vital for liver repair and regeneration. Its inactivation will lead to the occurrence of primary liver cancer. The mechanism of YAP in liver cancer mainly depends on TEAD-mediated gene transcription. Hippo signaling pathway is also important for maintaining intestinal homeostasis, and its imbalance can lead to the occurrence and recurrence of colorectal cancer. In primary and metastatic gastric cancer, the expression of YAP/TAZ is significantly up-regulated, but the specific molecular mechanism is unclear. This article summarizes the recent progress on Hippo signaling pathway and its upstream regulatory factors, its roles in the development of gastrointestinal cancers and related molecular mechanisms; and also discusses the future research directions of Hippo signaling pathway.
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Moloudizargari M, Asghari MH, Nabavi SF, Gulei D, Berindan-Neagoe I, Bishayee A, Nabavi SM. Targeting Hippo signaling pathway by phytochemicals in cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 80:183-194. [PMID: 32428716 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The current era of cancer research has been continuously advancing upon identifying novel aspects of tumorigenesis and the principal mechanisms behind the unleashed proliferation, invasion, drug resistance and immortality of cancer cells in hopes of exploiting these findings to achieve a more effective treatment for cancer. In pursuit of this goal, the identification of the first components of an extremely important regulatory pathway in Drosophila melanogaster that largely determines cell fate during the developmental stages, ended up in the discovery of the highly sophisticated Hippo signaling cascade. Soon after, it was revealed that deregulation of the components of this pathway either via mutations or through epigenetic alterations can be observed in a vast variety of tumors and these alterations greatly contribute to the neoplastic transformation of cells, their survival, growth and resistance to therapy. As more hidden aspects of this pathway such as its widespread entanglement with other major cellular signaling pathways are continuously being uncovered, many researchers have sought over the past decade to find ways of therapeutic interventions targeting the major components of the Hippo cascade. To date, various approaches such as the use of exogenous targeting miRNAs and different molecular inhibitors have been recruited herein, among which naturally occurring compounds have shown a great promise. On such a basis, in the present work we review the current understanding of Hippo pathway and the most recent evidence on targeting its components using natural plant-derived phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Moloudizargari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717443, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asghari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717647745, Iran; Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717647745, Iran.
| | - Seyed Fazel Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1435916471, Iran
| | - Diana Gulei
- MedFuture - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- MedFuture - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania; Department of Functional Genomics and Experimental Pathology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1435916471, Iran.
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20
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Vališ K, Novák P. Targeting ERK-Hippo Interplay in Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093236. [PMID: 32375238 PMCID: PMC7247570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is a part of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway which allows the transduction of various cellular signals to final effectors and regulation of elementary cellular processes. Deregulation of the MAPK signaling occurs under many pathological conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndromes and cancers. Targeted inhibition of individual kinases of the MAPK signaling pathway using synthetic compounds represents a promising way to effective anti-cancer therapy. Cross-talk of the MAPK signaling pathway with other proteins and signaling pathways have a crucial impact on clinical outcomes of targeted therapies and plays important role during development of drug resistance in cancers. We discuss cross-talk of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway with other signaling pathways, in particular interplay with the Hippo/MST pathway. We demonstrate the mechanism of cell death induction shared between MAPK/ERK and Hippo/MST signaling pathways and discuss the potential of combination targeting of these pathways in the development of more effective anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Vališ
- Correspondence: (K.V.); (P.N.); Tel.: +420-325873610 (P.N.)
| | - Petr Novák
- Correspondence: (K.V.); (P.N.); Tel.: +420-325873610 (P.N.)
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21
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Zhou B, Zong S, Zhong W, Tian Y, Wang L, Zhang Q, Zhang R, Li L, Wang W, Zhao J, Chen X, Feng Y, Zhai B, Sun T, Liu Y. Interaction between laminin-5γ2 and integrin β1 promotes the tumor budding of colorectal cancer via the activation of Yes-associated proteins. Oncogene 2019; 39:1527-1542. [PMID: 31676872 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1082-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer type and a threat to human health. Tumor budding (TB) is the presence of a single cancer cell or clusters of up to five cancer cells prior to the invasive front of an aggressive carcinoma and is an independent prognosis factor for CRC. The molecular mechanism of TB is still unclear, and drugs that inhibit this process are still in the blank stage. This study found that TBs exhibit characteristics of partial EMT with a decreased expression of E-cadherin and no substantial differences in the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin. We also observed the interaction of integrin with extracellular matrix components, laminin-5γ2 (LN-5γ2), play essential roles in the TB of CRC. We then verified that the interaction between LN-5γ2 and integrin β1 promotes the TB of CRC via the activation of FAK and Yes-associated proteins (YAP). A natural drug monomer, cucurbitacin B, was screened using virtual screening methods for the interaction interface of proteins. We found that this monomer could block the interaction interface between LN-5γ2 and integrin β1 and substantially inhibit the TB of CRC cells via inactivation of YAP. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of TB mechanism and the development of drugs targeting the TB of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijiao Zhou
- Molecular Pathology Institute of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272029, Shandong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Shumin Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Weilong Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yixuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Lumeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Renya Zhang
- Molecular Pathology Institute of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272029, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Li
- Molecular Pathology Institute of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272029, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Molecular Pathology Institute of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272029, Shandong, China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Hospital of Shun Yi District, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yaju Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Binghui Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China. .,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Yanrong Liu
- Molecular Pathology Institute of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272029, Shandong, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China. .,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China.
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22
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Sun Y, Jiang T, Jia Y, Zou J, Wang X, Gu W. LncRNA MALAT1/miR-181a-5p affects the proliferation and adhesion of myeloma cells via regulation of Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:2509-2523. [PMID: 31397203 PMCID: PMC6738907 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1652034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cells malignant proliferative disease, especially in aged people. LncRNAs have been considered as important regulators in MM. This research was to study the effect of LncRNA MALAT1 on the proliferation and adhesion of myeloma cells and whether Long non-coding RNAs MALAT1(LncRNA MALAT1) plays its regulative role through Hippo-YAP signaling pathway by targeting miR-181a-5p. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was used to detect the LncRNA MALAT1/miR-181a-5p expression and improve the transfection efficiency. Western blot analysis was used to analyze the expression of proliferation and apoptosis related proteins and Hippo-Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway related proteins. Cell proliferative ability and cell apoptosis were respectively determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry analysis. ELISA assay was for the determination of adherence factors. Immunohistochemistry was to detect the expression of proliferation and adhesion related proteins. LncRNA MALAT1 targeting gene was determined by Dual-luciferase reporter assay. LncRNA MALAT1 was increased in MM cells and LncRNA MALAT1 interference could inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis with the changes in the related proteins. Also, LncRNA MALAT1 interference could inhibit cell adhesion through Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. MiR-181a-5p was demonstrated to be a target of LncRNA MALAT1 and miR-181a-5p overexpression could also regulate the changes in cellular behavior in accordance with the LncRNA MALAT1 interference. In addition, LncRNA MALAT1 interference could decrease the expression of miR-181a-5p and inhibit the growth of tumor. In conclusion, this study showed that LncRNA MALAT1 interference inhibited the proliferation and adhesion of myeloma cells by the up-regulation of miR-181a-5p through activating the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/chemistry
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- Animals
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Cell Adhesion/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Hippo Signaling Pathway
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Multiple Myeloma/genetics
- Multiple Myeloma/metabolism
- Phosphorylation
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Transcription Factors/chemistry
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transplantation, Heterologous
- Up-Regulation
- YAP-Signaling Proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbei Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Tingxiu Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Liuzhou Worker’s Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Yongqing Jia
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Jingyun Zou
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Weiying Gu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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Hsu PC, Tian B, Yang YL, Wang YC, Liu S, Urisman A, Yang CT, Xu Z, Jablons DM, You L. Cucurbitacin E inhibits the Yes‑associated protein signaling pathway and suppresses brain metastasis of human non‑small cell lung cancer in a murine model. Oncol Rep 2019; 42:697-707. [PMID: 31233205 PMCID: PMC6610039 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with an extremely poor prognosis especially for the 40% of patients who develop brain metastasis, and few treatment strategies exist. Cucurbitacin E (CuE), an oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoid isolated from plants particularly of the family Cucurbitaceae, has shown anti-tumorigenic properties in several types of cancer, yet the mechanism remains unclear. Yes-associated protein (YAP), a main mediator of the Hippo signaling pathway, promotes tumorigenesis, drug resistance and metastasis in human NSCLC. The present study was designed to ascertain whether CuE inhibits YAP and its downstream gene expression in the human NSCLC cell lines H2030-BrM3 (K-rasG12C mutation) and PC9-BrM3 (EGFRΔexon19 mutation), which have high potential for brain metastasis. The efficacy of CuE in suppressing brain metastasis of H2030-BrM3 cells in a murine model was also investigated. It was found that after CuE treatment in H2030-BrM3 and PC9-BrM3 cells, YAP protein expression was decreased, and YAP signaling GTIIC reporter activity and expression of the downstream genes CTGF and CYR61 were significantly (P<0.01) decreased. CuE treatment also reduced the migration and invasion abilities of the H2030-BrM3 and PC9-BrM3 cells. Finally, our in vivo study showed that CuE treatment (0.2 mg/kg) suppressed H2030-BrM3 cell brain metastasis and that mice treated with CuE survived longer than the control mice treated with 10% DMSO (P=0.02). The present study is the first to demonstrate that CuE treatment inhibits YAP and the signaling downstream gene expression in human NSCLC in vitro, and suppresses brain metastasis of NSCLC in a murine model. More studies to verify the promising efficacy of CuE in inhibiting brain metastasis of NSCLC and various other cancers may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Chih Hsu
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Bo Tian
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Yi-Lin Yang
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Yu-Cheng Wang
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Anatoly Urisman
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Cheng-Ta Yang
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Zhidong Xu
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - David M Jablons
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Liang You
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
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Abstract
Cancer is a serious health issue in the world due to a large body of cancer-related human deaths, and there is no current treatment available to efficiently treat the disease as the tumor is often diagnosed at a serious stage. Moreover, Cancer cells are often resistant to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecular-targeted therapy. Upon further knowledge of mechanisms of tumorigenesis, aggressiveness, metastasis, and resistance to treatments, it is necessary to detect the disease at an earlier stage and for a better response to therapy. The hippo pathway possesses the unique capacity to lead to tumorigenesis. Mutations and altered expression of its core components (MST1/2, LATS1/2, YAP and TAZ) promote the migration, invasion, malignancy of cancer cells. The biological significance and deregulation of it have received a large body of interests in the past few years. Further understanding of hippo pathway will be responsible for cancer treatment. In this review, we try to discover the function of hippo pathway in different diversity of cancers, and discuss how Hippo pathway contributes to other cellular signaling pathways. Also, we try to describe how microRNAs, circRNAs, and ZNFs regulate hippo pathway in the process of cancer. It is necessary to find new therapy strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Han
- Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
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25
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Yap-Hippo promotes A549 lung cancer cell death via modulating MIEF1-related mitochondrial stress and activating JNK pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 113:108754. [PMID: 30875659 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the role of Yes-associated protein (Yap) has been described in the progression of lung cancer, the downstream effector of the Yap-Hippo pathway has not been identified. Accordingly, the aim of our study is to explore whether Yap modulates the activity of lung cancer by controlling mitochondrial elongation factor 1 (MIEF1)-related mitochondrial stress in a manner dependent on the JNK pathway. Cell viability was determined via MTT, LDH release and immunofluorescence assays. ATP production, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase-9 activity were investigated to assess mitochondrial function. siRNA transfection and pathway blockers were used to observe the roles of MIEF1 and JNK in Yap-modulated cell viability in lung cancer cells in vitro. Yap deletion reduced cell viability in A549 and H358 lung cancer cells. At the molecular level, Yap deletion promoted mitochondrial dysfunction, as evidenced by the decreased mitochondrial potential, increased mitochondrial oxidative stress, augmented mitochondrial pro-apoptotic factor leakage and elevated caspase-9 activity. In addition, we found that Yap modulated mitochondrial stress via MIEF1 and that loss of MIEF1 abolished the regulatory actions of Yap on mitochondrial stress and cell viability. Besides, we provided evidence to support the necessary role of JNK in Yap-mediated MIEF1 upregulation. Inhibition of JNK abolished the promotive effect of Yap deletion on MIEF1 activation. Taken together, our results identified the JNK-MIEF1 pathway and mitochondrial stress as downstream effectors of Yap in lung cancer. This finding suggests a novel approach for the treatment of lung cancer in clinical practice.
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