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Panda VK, Mishra B, Mahapatra S, Swain B, Malhotra D, Saha S, Khanra S, Mishra P, Majhi S, Kumari K, Nath AN, Saha S, Jena S, Kundu GC. Molecular Insights on Signaling Cascades in Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2025; 17:234. [PMID: 39858015 PMCID: PMC11763662 DOI: 10.3390/cancers17020234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2024] [Revised: 12/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/01/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
The complex signaling network within the breast tumor microenvironment is crucial for its growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, therapy escape, stem cell maintenance, and immunomodulation. An array of secretory factors and their receptors activate downstream signaling cascades regulating breast cancer progression and metastasis. Among various signaling pathways, the EGFR, ER, Notch, and Hedgehog signaling pathways have recently been identified as crucial in terms of breast cancer proliferation, survival, differentiation, maintenance of CSCs, and therapy failure. These receptors mediate various downstream signaling pathways such as MAPK, including MEK/ERK signaling pathways that promote common pro-oncogenic signaling, whereas dysregulation of PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, and JAK/STAT activates key oncogenic events such as drug resistance, CSC enrichment, and metabolic reprogramming. Additionally, these cascades orchestrate an intricate interplay between stromal cells, immune cells, and tumor cells. Metabolic reprogramming and adaptations contribute to aggressive breast cancer and are unresponsive to therapy. Herein, recent insights into the novel signaling pathways operating within the breast TME that aid in their advancement are emphasized and current developments in practices targeting the breast TME to enhance treatment efficacy are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venketesh K. Panda
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
- School of Applied Sciences, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
| | - Barnalee Mishra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Samikshya Mahapatra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Biswajit Swain
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Diksha Malhotra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Suryendu Saha
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Sinjan Khanra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Priyanka Mishra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Sambhunath Majhi
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Kavita Kumari
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Angitha N. Nath
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Swarnali Saha
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Sarmistha Jena
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
| | - Gopal C. Kundu
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (S.M.); (B.S.); (D.M.); (S.S.); (S.K.); (P.M.); (S.M.); (K.K.); (A.N.N.); (S.S.); (S.J.)
- School of Applied Sciences, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
- Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
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Deng X, Yang Z, Chan KW, Ismail N, Abu Bakar MZ. 5-Fluorouracil in Combination with Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles Loaded with Antioxidant Thymoquinone against Colon Cancer: Synergistically Therapeutic Potential and Underlying Molecular Mechanism. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:1030. [PMID: 39334689 PMCID: PMC11429434 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13091030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with high mortality. Adverse side effects and chemoresistance of the first-line chemotherapy 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) have promoted the widespread use of combination therapies. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural compound with potent antioxidant activity. Loading antioxidants into nano delivery systems has been a major advance in enhancing their bioavailability to improve clinical application. Hence, this study aimed to prepare the optimal TQ-loaded calcium carbonate nanoparticles (TQ-CaCO3 NPs) and investigate their therapeutic potential and underlying molecular mechanisms of TQ-CaCO3 NPs in combination with 5-FU against colon cancer. Firstly, we developed purely aragonite CaCO3 NPs with a facile mechanical ball-milling method. The pH-sensitive and biocompatible TQ-CaCO3 NPs with sustained release properties were prepared using the optimal synthesized method (a high-speed homogenizer). The in vitro study revealed that the combination of TQ-CaCO3 NPs (15 μM) and 5-FU (7.5 μM) inhibited CT26 cell proliferation and migration, induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, and suppressed the CT26 spheroid growth, exhibiting a synergistic effect. Finally, network pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated the potential targets and crucial signaling pathways of TQ-CaCO3 NPs in combination with 5-FU against colon cancer. Therefore, TQ-CaCO3 NPs combined with 5-FU could enhance the anti-colon cancer effects of 5-FU with broader therapeutic targets, warranting further application for colon cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Deng
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zhongming Yang
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kim Wei Chan
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norsharina Ismail
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Md Zuki Abu Bakar
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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Mafi A, Hedayati N, Milasi YE, Kahkesh S, Daviran M, Farahani N, Hashemi M, Nabavi N, Alimohammadi M, Rahimzadeh P, Taheriazam A. The function and mechanism of circRNAs in 5-fluorouracil resistance in tumors: Biological mechanisms and future potential. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155457. [PMID: 39018926 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a well-known chemotherapy drug extensively used in the treatment of breast cancer. It works by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing cell death through direct incorporation into DNA and RNA via thymidylate synthase (TS). Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel family of endogenous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with limited protein-coding potential, contribute to 5-FU resistance. Their identification and targeting are crucial for enhancing chemosensitivity. CircRNAs can regulate tumor formation and invasion by adhering to microRNAs (miRNAs) and interacting with RNA-binding proteins, regulating transcription and translation. MiRNAs can influence enzymes responsible for 5-FU metabolism in cancer cells, affecting their sensitivity or resistance to the drug. In the context of 5-FU resistance, circRNAs can target miRNAs and regulate biological processes such as cell proliferation, cell death, glucose metabolism, hypoxia, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and drug efflux. This review focuses on the function of circRNAs in 5-FU resistance, discussing the underlying molecular pathways and biological mechanisms. It also presents recent circRNA/miRNA-targeted cancer therapeutic strategies for future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mafi
- Nutrition and Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Neda Hedayati
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yaser Eshaghi Milasi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Kahkesh
- Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Minoo Daviran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Najma Farahani
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Independent Researcher, Victoria, British Columbia V8V 1P7, Canada
| | - Mina Alimohammadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Payman Rahimzadeh
- Surgical Research Society (SRS), Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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He J, Liu S, Tan Q, Liu Z, Fu J, Li T, Wei C, Liu X, Mei Z, Cheng J, Wang K, Fu J. Antiviral Potential of Small Molecules Cordycepin, Thymoquinone, and N6, N6-Dimethyladenosine Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Entry Protein ADAM17. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27249044. [PMID: 36558177 PMCID: PMC9781528 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27249044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is an acute respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that has spawned a worldwide pandemic. ADAM17 is a sheddase associated with the modulation of the receptor ACE2 of SARS-CoV-2. Studies have revealed that malignant phenotypes of several cancer types are closely relevant to highly expressed ADAM17. However, ADAM17 regulation in SARS-CoV-2 invasion and its role on small molecules are unclear. Here, we evaluated the ADAM17 inhibitory effects of cordycepin (CD), thymoquinone (TQ), and N6, N6-dimethyladenosine (m62A), on cancer cells and predicted the anti-COVID-19 potential of the three compounds and their underlying signaling pathways by network pharmacology. It was found that CD, TQ, and m62A repressed the ADAM17 expression upon different cancer cells remarkably. Moreover, CD inhibited GFP-positive syncytia formation significantly, suggesting its potential against SARS-CoV-2. Pharmacological analysis by constructing CD-, TQ-, and m62A-based drug-target COVID-19 networks further indicated that ADAM17 is a potential target for anti-COVID-19 therapy with these compounds, and the mechanism might be relevant to viral infection and transmembrane receptors-mediated signal transduction. These findings imply that ADAM17 is of potentially medical significance for cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, which provides potential new targets and insights for developing innovative drugs against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kai Wang
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (K.W.); (J.F.)
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Khan MA, Zheng M, Fu J, Tania M, Li J, Fu J. Thymoquinone upregulates IL17RD in controlling the growth and metastasis of triple negative breast cancer cells in vitro. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:707. [PMID: 35761256 PMCID: PMC9238053 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a molecular subtype of breast cancer, which is a major health burden of females worldwide. Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural compound, has been found to be effective against TNBC cells, and this study identified IL17RD as a novel target of TQ in TNBC cells. METHODS We have performed chromatin immunoprecipitation Sequence (ChIP-Seq) by MBD1 (methyl-CpG binding domain protein 1) antibody to identify genome-wide methylated sites affected by TQ. ChIP-seq identified 136 genes, including the tumor suppressor IL17RD, as a novel target of TQ, which is epigenetically upregulated by TQ in TNBC cell lines BT-549 and MDA-MB-231. The IL17RD expression and survival outcomes were studied by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS TQ treatment inhibited the growth, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells with or without IL17RD overexpression or knockdown, while the combination of IL17RD overexpression and TQ treatment were the most effective against TNBC cells. Moreover, higher expression of IL17RD is associated with longer survival in TNBC patients, indicating potential therapeutic roles of TQ and IL17RD against TNBC. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that IL17RD might be epigenetically upregulated in TNBC cell lines by TQ, and this might be one of the mechanisms by which TQ exerts its anticancer and antimetastatic effects on TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
| | - Meiling Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiewen Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Division of Molecular Cancer Biology, The Red-Green Research Center, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
- Nature Study Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Pathology, Baoji Central Hospital, Baoji, 721008, Shaanxi, China
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
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