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Jin D, Huang NN, Wei JX. Hepatotoxic mechanism of cantharidin: insights and strategies for therapeutic intervention. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1201404. [PMID: 37383714 PMCID: PMC10293652 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1201404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD), a natural compound derived from Mylabris, is widely used in traditional Oriental medicine for its potent anticancer properties. However, its clinical application is restricted due to its high toxicity, particularly towards the liver. This review provides a concise understanding of the hepatotoxic mechanisms of CTD and highlights novel therapeutic strategies to mitigate its toxicity while enhancing its anticancer efficacy. We systematically explore the molecular mechanisms underlying CTD-induced hepatotoxicity, focusing on the involvement of apoptotic and autophagic processes in hepatocyte injury. We further discuss the endogenous and exogenous pathways implicated in CTD-induced liver damage and potential therapeutic targets. This review also summarizes the structural modifications of CTD derivatives and their impact on anticancer activity. Additionally, we delve into the advancements in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems that hold promise in overcoming the limitations of CTD derivatives. By offering valuable insights into the hepatotoxic mechanisms of CTD and outlining potential avenues for future research, this review contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop safer and more effective CTD-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Sixth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Na-Na Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing-Xia Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Sixth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
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2
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Zhan H, Bai Y, Lv Y, Zhang X, Zhang L, Deng S. Pharmacological mechanism of mylabris in the treatment of leukemia based on bioinformatics and systematic pharmacology. Bioengineered 2021; 12:3229-3239. [PMID: 34224300 PMCID: PMC8806889 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1943110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia is a common blood cancer, whose treatment usually necessitates chemo/radiotherapy and bone marrow transplant. Hence, safer and more effective options are urgently needed. Mylabris, the dried body of blister beetles, has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine. This study applied bioinformatics and systematic pharmacology to investigate the mechanism of action of mylabris in the treatment of leukemia. Five effective components and 35 corresponding target proteins were identified by screening the TCMSP database; whereas 776 genes related to leukemia were selected using OMIM, GeneCards, and the Therapeutic Target Database. Eight genes common to mylabris and leukemia were identified. Protein-protein interaction network analysis and a component-target-pathway diagram identified TP53 and PTEN as key gene targets of mylabris in the treatment of leukemia. GO enrichment analysis pointed to DNA damage and cell cycle disorder caused by p53 signaling as the most significant processes; whereas KEGG enrichment pointed to the p53 signaling pathway. In summary, mylabris may exert a therapeutic effect on leukemia by triggering DNA damage, inducing apoptosis, as well as inhibiting the growth and proliferation of tumor cells through the regulation of TP53 and PTEN. These findings provide a mechanistic rationale for the treatment of leukemia with traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huali Zhan
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zhejiang Industry Polytechnic College, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yujiao Bai
- Non-Coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Lv
- Wenzhou Medical University Renji College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shaoxing People's Hospital; Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Deng
- Non-Coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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3
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Antitumor potential of the protein phosphatase inhibitor, cantharidin, and selected derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 32:116012. [PMID: 33454654 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cantharidin is a potent natural protein phosphatase monoterpene anhydride inhibitor secreted by several species of blister beetle, with its demethylated anhydride analogue, (S)-palasonin, occurring as a constituent of the higher plant Butea frondosa. Cantharidin shows both potent protein phosphatase inhibitory and cancer cell cytotoxic activities, but possible preclinical development of this anhydride has been limited thus far by its toxicity. Thus, several synthetic derivatives of cantharidin have been prepared, of which some compounds exhibit improved antitumor potential and may have use as lead compounds. In the present review, the potential antitumor activity, structure-activity relationships, and development of cantharidin-based anticancer drug conjugates are summarized, with protein phosphatase-related and other types of mechanisms of action discussed. Protein phosphatases play a key role in the tumor microenvironment, and thus described herein is also the potential for developing new tumor microenvironment-targeted cancer chemotherapeutic agents, based on cantharidin and its naturally occurring analogues and synthetic derivatives.
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Yu Z, Li L, Wang C, He H, Liu G, Ma H, Pang L, Jiang M, Lu Q, Li P, Qi H. Cantharidin Induces Apoptosis and Promotes Differentiation of AML Cells Through Nuclear Receptor Nur77-Mediated Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1321. [PMID: 32982739 PMCID: PMC7485522 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematopoietic malignancy characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and accumulation of myeloblasts in the bone marrow (BM), blood, and other organs. The nuclear receptors Nur77 is a common feature in leukemic blasts and has emerged as a key therapeutic target for AML. Cantharidin (CTD), a main medicinal component of Mylabris (blister beetle), exerts an anticancer effect in multiple types of cancer cells. Purpose This study aims to characterize the anti-AML activity of CTD in vitro and in vivo and explore the potential role of Nur77 signaling pathway. Study Design/Methods The inhibition of CTD on cell viability was performed in different AML cells, and then the inhibition of CTD on proliferation and colony formation was detected in HL-60 cells. Induction of apoptosis and promotion of differentiation by CTD were further determined. Then, the potential role of Nur77 signaling pathway was assessed. Finally, anti-AML activity was evaluated in NOD/SCID mice. Results In our study, CTD exhibited potent inhibition on cell viability and colony formation ability of AML cells. Moreover, CTD significantly induced the apoptosis, which was partially reversed by Z-VAD-FMK. Meanwhile, CTD promoted the cleavage of caspases 8, 3 and PARP in HL-60 cells. Furthermore, CTD obviously suppressed the proliferation and induced the cell cycle arrest of HL-60 cells at G2/M phase. Meanwhile, CTD effectively promoted the differentiation of HL-60 cells. Notably, CTD transiently induced the expression of Nur77 protein. Interestingly, CTD promoted Nur77 translocation from the nucleus to the mitochondria and enhanced the interaction between Nur77 and Bcl-2, resulting in the exposure of the BH3 domain of Bcl-2, which is critical for the conversion of Bcl-2 from an antiapoptotic to a proapoptotic protein. Importantly, silencing of Nur77 attenuated CTD-induced apoptosis, reversed CTD-mediated cell cycle arrest and differentiation of HL-60 cells. Additionally, CTD also exhibited an antileukemic effect in NOD/SCID mice with the injection of HL-60 cells into the tail vein. Conclusions Our studies suggest that Nur77-mediated signaling pathway may play a critical role in the induction of apoptosis and promotion of differentiation by CTD on AML cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanyang Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chengqiang Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui He
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gen Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haoyue Ma
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Pang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingdong Jiang
- Radiotherapy Department, Chongqing Ninth People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Qianwei Lu
- Radiotherapy Department, Chongqing Ninth People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Pan Li
- Radiotherapy Department, Chongqing Ninth People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongyi Qi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Naz F, Wu Y, Zhang N, Yang Z, Yu C. Anticancer Attributes of Cantharidin: Involved Molecular Mechanisms and Pathways. Molecules 2020; 25:E3279. [PMID: 32707651 PMCID: PMC7397086 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a preeminent threat to the human race, causing millions of deaths each year on the Earth. Traditionally, natural compounds are deemed promising agents for cancer treatment. Cantharidin (CTD)-a terpenoid isolated from blister beetles-has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicines for healing various maladies and cancer. CTD has been proven to be protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF-1) inhibitor, which can be potential targets for its anticancer activity. Albeit, it harbors some toxicities, its immense anticancer potential cannot be overlooked, as the cancer-specific delivery of CTD could help to rescue its lethal effects. Furthermore, several derivatives have been designed to weaken its toxicity. In light of extensive research, the antitumor activity of CTD is evident in both in vitro as well as in vivo cancer models. CTD has also proven efficacious in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and it can also target some drug-resistant cancer cells. This mini-review endeavors to interpret and summarize recent information about CTD anticancer potential and underlying molecular mechanisms. The pertinent anticancer strength of CTD could be employed to develop an effective anticarcinogenic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhao Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (F.N.); (Y.W.); (N.Z.)
| | - Changyuan Yu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (F.N.); (Y.W.); (N.Z.)
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Zhu SS, Long R, Song T, Zhang L, Dai YL, Liu SW, Zhang P. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS Based Metabolomics Approach to Study the Hepatotoxicity of Cantharidin on Mice. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:2204-2213. [PMID: 31617706 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin is the major bioactive compound extracted from the blister beetle, a traditional Chinese medicine, and has been proved to be a natural component with widely antitumor activity. However, clinical application of cantharidin is relatively restricted due to its potential toxic effects, especially hepatotoxicity. Although cantharidin-induced liver injury has been reported, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, an UPLC-Q-TOF/MS based metabolomics approach combined with blood biochemical analysis, histopathological examination, and cell apoptosis assay were used to investigate the mechanisms of cantharidin-induced hepatotoxicity. A total of 54 significantly changed metabolites and 14 disturbed metabolic pathways were identified in the cantharidin exposed groups. Among them, four metabolites (oxidized glutathione, glutathione, 3-sulfinoalanine, and deoxycholic acid 3-glucuronide) were selected based on their high impact value and potential biological function in the process of liver injury post cantharidin treatment. Our study provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of cantharidin-induced hepatotoxicity and may contribute to reduce the liver injury and gain more effective and safe clinical use of cantharidin. In addition, our results also demonstrated that cantharidin could impair multiple biological processes in liver, and future studies will be necessary to reveal the detailed molecular mechanisms of cantharidin-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Sheng Zhu
- Faculty of Medical Technology , Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College , Chongqing 401331 , China
| | - Ren Long
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education , Hainan Medical University , Haikou 571199 , China.,Department of Forensic Medicine , Hainan Medical University , Haikou 571199 , China
| | - Tao Song
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education , Hainan Medical University , Haikou 571199 , China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing 400016 , China
| | - Ya-Lei Dai
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing 400016 , China
| | - Si-Wen Liu
- Genetic Diagnosis Center , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun 130021 , China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education , Hainan Medical University , Haikou 571199 , China.,Department of Forensic Medicine , Hainan Medical University , Haikou 571199 , China
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Sahu PK, Chauhan S, Tomar RS. The Crg1 N-Terminus Is Essential for Methyltransferase Activity and Cantharidin Resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biochemistry 2019; 58:1799-1809. [PMID: 30830767 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b01277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Crg1 is an S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferase required for cantharidin resistance in yeast. Crg1 has a well-characterized methyltransferase domain that inactivates cantharidin by methylation. However, the remaining part of the Crg1 protein is yet to be functionally characterized. In this study, we identified an essential role of the N-terminus of Crg1 in methyltransferase activity and cantharidin resistance. Yeast cells lacking 41 residues of the N-terminus of Crg1 ( crg1ΔN) showed hypersensitivity to cantharidin as same as the null mutant, crg1. The mass spectrometry-based biochemical enzyme assay revealed a loss of methyltransferase activity in Crg1ΔN, which justifies the loss of cantharidin resistance, as well. The subcellular distribution of Crg1ΔN-daGFP showed cytoplasmic aggregates, whereas wild-type Crg1-daGFP was distributed normally in the cytoplasm. Interestingly, the Crg1-methyltransferase domain point mutants (D44A, D67A, and E105A/D108A) also showed the same cytoplasmic aggregates as Crg1ΔN-daGFP. In silico prediction of the tertiary structures of these mutants indicated an altered protein conformation. Altogether, these observations suggest that the N-terminal truncation, as well as the point mutations in the methyltransferase domain, alters the native folding of Crg1 methyltransferase, resulting in a loss of enzyme activity. Furthermore, the crg1ΔN mutant showed the same phenotypes as the crg1 null mutant in the presence of cantharidin, i.e., lethal cell growth, PE auxotrophy, temperature sensitivity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, GPI anchor missorting, and cell wall damage. Overall, this study identifies an essential role of the N-terminus of Crg1 in methyltransferase activity and cantharidin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpendra Kumar Sahu
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Department of Biological Sciences , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal , Bhopal 462066 , Madhya Pradesh , India
| | - Sakshi Chauhan
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Department of Biological Sciences , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal , Bhopal 462066 , Madhya Pradesh , India
| | - Raghuvir Singh Tomar
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Department of Biological Sciences , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal , Bhopal 462066 , Madhya Pradesh , India
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Sahu PK, Tomar RS. The natural anticancer agent cantharidin alters GPI-anchored protein sorting by targeting Cdc1-mediated remodeling in endoplasmic reticulum. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:3837-3852. [PMID: 30659098 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD) is a potent anticancer small molecule produced by several species of blister beetle. It has been a traditional medicine for the management of warts and tumors for many decades. CTD suppresses tumor growth by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and DNA damage and inhibits protein phosphatase 2 phosphatase activator (PP2A) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). CTD also alters lipid homeostasis, cell wall integrity, endocytosis, adhesion, and invasion in yeast cells. In this study, we identified additional molecular targets of CTD using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain that expresses a cantharidin resistance gene (CRG1), encoding a SAM-dependent methyltransferase that methylates and inactivates CTD. We found that CTD specifically affects phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)-associated functions that can be rescued by supplementing the growth media with ethanolamine (ETA). CTD also perturbed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis and cell wall integrity by altering the sorting of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins. A CTD-dependent genetic interaction profile of CRG1 revealed that the activity of the lipid phosphatase cell division control protein 1 (Cdc1) in GPI-anchor remodeling is the key target of CTD, independently of PP2A and PP1 activities. Moreover, experiments with human cells further suggested that CTD functions through a conserved mechanism in higher eukaryotes. Altogether, we conclude that CTD induces cytotoxicity by targeting Cdc1 activity in GPI-anchor remodeling in the ER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpendra Kumar Sahu
- From the Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, 462066 Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Raghuvir Singh Tomar
- From the Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, 462066 Madhya Pradesh, India
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Sheng J, Zou X, Cheng Z, Xiang Y, Yang W, Lin Y, Cui R. Recent Advances in Herbal Medicines for Digestive System Malignancies. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1249. [PMID: 30524272 PMCID: PMC6256117 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbal medicines, as an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), have been used to treat digestive system malignancies (DSM) for many years, and have gradually gained recognition worldwide. The role of herbal medicines in the comprehensive treatment of DSM is being improved from adjuvant treatment of the autologous immune function in cancer patients, to the treatment of both the symptoms and disease, direct inhibition of tumor cell growth and proliferation, and induction of tumor cell autophagy and apoptosis. Their specific mechanisms in these treatments are also being explored. The paper reviews the current anti-tumor mechanisms of TCM, including single herbal medicines, Chinese herbal formulations, Chinese medicine preparations and TCM extract, and their application in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors, providing a reference for clinical application of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyao Sheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaohan Zou
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziqian Cheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yien Xiang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Lin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Zhou C, Liu L, Zhuang J, Wei J, Zhang T, Gao C, Liu C, Li H, Si H, Sun C. A Systems Biology-Based Approach to Uncovering Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Qingdai in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, Involving Integration of Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:4305-4316. [PMID: 29934492 PMCID: PMC6049014 DOI: 10.12659/msm.908104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The method of multiple targets overall control is increasingly used to predict the main active ingredient and potential target group of Chinese traditional medicines and to determine the mechanisms involved in their curative effects. Qingdai is the main traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), but the complex active ingredients and antitumor targets in treatment of CML have not been clearly defined in previous studies. Material/Methods We constructed a protein-protein interaction network diagram of CML with 638 nodes (proteins) and 1830 edges, based on the biological function of chronic myelocytic leukemia by use of Cytoscape, and we determined 19 key gene nodes in the CML molecule by network topological properties analysis in a data bank. Then, we used the Surflex-dock plugin in SYBYL7.3 docking and acquired the protein crystal structures of key genes involved in CML from the chemical composition of the traditional Chinese medicine Qingdai with key proteins in CML networks. Results According to the score and the spatial structure, the pharmacodynamically active ingredients of Qingdai are Isdirubin, Isoindigo, N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, and Isatin, among which Isdirubin is the most important. We further screened the most effective activity key protein structures of CML to find the best pharmacodynamically active ingredients of Qingdai, according to the binding interactions of the inhibitors at the catalytic site performed in best docking combinations. Conclusions The results suggest that Isdirubin plays a role in resistance to CML by altering the expressions of PIK3CA, MYC, JAK2, and TP53 target proteins. Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology can be used to search for possible reactive molecules in traditional chinese medicines (TCM) and to elucidate their molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhou
- Cancer Center, WeiFang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - LiJuan Liu
- Cancer Center, WeiFang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Cancer Center, WeiFang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - JunYu Wei
- Cancer Center, WeiFang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - TingTing Zhang
- Clinical Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - ChunDi Gao
- Clinical Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Cun Liu
- Clinical Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - HuaYao Li
- Clinical Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - HongZong Si
- Department of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - ChangGang Sun
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China (mainland)
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