Sesquiterpene binding Gly-Leu-Ser/Lys-"co-adaptation pocket" to inhibit lung cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition

The Emerging Potential of Parthenolide Nanoformulations in Tumor Therapy

Plant-derived sesquiterpene lactones are promising natural sources for the discovery of anti-cancer drugs. As an extensively studied sesquiterpene lactone, the tumor suppression effect of parthenolide (PTL) has been clarified by targeting a number of prominent signaling pathways and key protein regulators in carcinogenesis. Notably, PTL was also the first small molecule reported to eradicate cancer stem cells. Nevertheless, the clinical application of PTL as an antitumor agent remains limited, owing to some disadvantages such as low water solubility and poor bioavailability. Thus, nanomedicine has attracted much interest because of its great potential for transporting poorly soluble drugs to desired body sites. In view of the significant advantages over their free small-molecule counterparts, nanoparticle delivery systems appear to be a potential solution for addressing the delivery of hydrophobic drugs, including PTL. In this review, we summarized the key anticancer mechanisms underlined by PTL as well as engineered PTL nanoparticles synthesized to date. Therefore, PTL nanoformulations could be an alternative strategy to maximize the therapeutic value of PTL.

Advances in chemistry and bioactivity of parthenolide

(−)-Parthenolide is a germacrane sesquiterpene lactone, available in ample amounts from the traditional medical plant feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium).

Anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of matricin on human non-small cell lung cancer H1299 cells via MAPK pathway activation

Lung cancer in humans is majorly represented by non-small cell lung cancer cells, and there is a constant search for an efficient therapeutic approach. This study aims to find the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of matricin on H1299 cells via activation of MAPK pathway. Non-small cell H1299 cells were subjected to viability analysis with MTT assay and anti-proliferation analysis with different concentrations of matricin. Apoptosis was determined with annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) and flow cytometric analysis. Analysis of oxidative stress markers, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were done using standard assay kits. Apoptosis enzymes caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 levels were measured using colorimetric kit analysis. Western blot analysis on apoptotic proteins was performed to determine the involvement of MAPK pathway activation in apoptosis. Matricin significantly ( P < 0.01) exerted anti-proliferative activities on H1299 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometric apoptosis analysis showed increasing concentrations of matricin had increased apoptosis ( P < 0.01) in the H1299 cells. Levels of oxidative stress markers were altered significantly ( P < 0.01) by matricin. Caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 levels were significantly increased ( P < 0.01) in matricin-treated H1299 cells. Western blot analysis showed decreased expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, increased expressions of Bax and phosphorylated JNK, ERK 1/2, and p-38 MAPK proteins in matricin-treated H1299 cells. Matricin has significant anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects via activation of MAPK pathway in non-small cell lung cancer cells.

Reversal of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Natural Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Resolving Lipids

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in the progression of malignant cancer. Therefore, blocking the EMT can be a critical fast track for the development of anticancer drugs. In this paper, we update recent research output of EMT and we explore suppression of EMT by natural anti-inflammatory compounds and pro-resolving lipids.