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Khan A, Khan A, Khan MA, Malik Z, Massey S, Parveen R, Mustafa S, Shamsi A, Husain SA. Phytocompounds targeting epigenetic modulations: an assessment in cancer. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1273993. [PMID: 38596245 PMCID: PMC11002180 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1273993] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
For centuries, plants have been serving as sources of potential therapeutic agents. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in investigating the effects of plant-derived compounds on epigenetic processes, a novel and captivating Frontier in the field of epigenetics research. Epigenetic changes encompass modifications to DNA, histones, and microRNAs that can influence gene expression. Aberrant epigenetic changes can perturb key cellular processes, including cell cycle control, intercellular communication, DNA repair, inflammation, stress response, and apoptosis. Such disruptions can contribute to cancer development by altering the expression of genes involved in tumorigenesis. However, these modifications are reversible, offering a unique avenue for therapeutic intervention. Plant secondary compounds, including terpenes, phenolics, terpenoids, and sulfur-containing compounds are widely found in grains, vegetables, spices, fruits, and medicinal plants. Numerous plant-derived compounds have demonstrated the potential to target these abnormal epigenetic modifications, including apigenin (histone acetylation), berberine (DNA methylation), curcumin (histone acetylation and epi-miRs), genistein (histone acetylation and DNA methylation), lycopene (epi-miRs), quercetin (DNA methylation and epi-miRs), etc. This comprehensive review highlights these abnormal epigenetic alterations and discusses the promising efficacy of plant-derived compounds in mitigating these deleterious epigenetic signatures in human cancer. Furthermore, it addresses ongoing clinical investigations to evaluate the therapeutic potential of these phytocompounds in cancer treatment, along with their limitations and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqsa Khan
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Asifa Khan
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Aasif Khan
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Health Science Centre at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Zoya Malik
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Sheersh Massey
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Rabea Parveen
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Saad Mustafa
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Center for Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Syed A. Husain
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
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Al-Kabariti AY, Abbas MA. Progress in the Understanding of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Signaling in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Reactivation of Silenced ER-α and Signaling through ER-α36. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:1123-1138. [PMID: 37462782 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive tumor that accounts for approximately 15% of total breast cancer cases. It is characterized by poor prognosis and high rate of recurrence compared to other types of breast cancer. TNBC has a limited range of treatment options that include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation due to the absence of estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) rendering hormonal therapy ineffective. However, possible targets for improving the clinical outcomes in TNBC exist, such as targeting estrogen signaling through membranous ER-α36 and reactivating silenced ER-α. It has been shown that epigenetic drugs such as DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors can restore the expression of ER-α. This reactivation of ER-α, presents a potential strategy to re-sensitize TNBC to hormonal therapy. Also, this review provides up-to-date information related to the direct involvement of miRNA in regulating the translation of ER-α mRNA. Specific epi-miRNAs can regulate ER-α expression indirectly by post-transcriptional targeting of mRNAs of enzymes that are involved in DNA methylation and histone deacetylation. Furthermore, ER-α36, an alternative splice variant of ER-α66, is highly expressed in ER-negative breast tumors and activates MAPK/ERK pathway, promoting cell proliferation, escaping apoptosis, and enhancing metastasis. In the future, these recent advances may be helpful for researchers working in the field to obtain novel treatment options for TNBC, utilizing epigenetic drugs and epi-miRNAs that regulate ER-α expression. Also, there is some evidence to suggest that drugs that decrease the expression of ER-α36 may be effective in treating TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Y Al-Kabariti
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Manal A Abbas
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
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Farani MR, Sarlak M, Gholami A, Azaraian M, Binabaj MM, Kakavandi S, Tambuwala MM, Taheriazam A, Hashemi M, Ghasemi S. Epigenetic drugs as new emerging therapeutics: What is the scale's orientation of application and challenges? Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154688. [PMID: 37494800 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154688] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression or function without altering the DNA sequence. Important factors are part of epigenetic events, such as methylation, DNA histone rearrangements, nucleosome transposition, and non-coding RNAs. Dysregulated epigenetic mechanics are associated with various cancers' initiation, development, and metastasis. It is known that the occurrence and development of cancer can be controlled by regulating unexpected epigenetic events. Epi-drugs are used singly or in combination with chemotherapy and enhance antitumor activity, reduce drug resistance, and stimulate the host immune response. Despite these benefits, epigenetic therapy as a single therapy or in combination with other drugs leads to adverse effects. This review article introduces and compares the advantages, disadvantages, and side effects of using these drugs for the first time since their introduction. Also, this article describes the mechanism of action of various epigenetic drugs. Recommendations for future use of epigenetic drugs as cancer therapeutics are suggested as an overall conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 1417614411 Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Sarlak
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Amir Gholami
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Azaraian
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany; Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maryam Moradi Binabaj
- Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Science, Sabzevar, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Sareh Kakavandi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, 0United Kingdom
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sorayya Ghasemi
- Cancer Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
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Rudzitis-Auth J, Becker M, Scheuer C, Menger MD, Laschke MW. Indole-3-Carbinol Inhibits the Growth of Endometriotic Lesions by Suppression of Microvascular Network Formation. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224940. [PMID: 36432626 PMCID: PMC9696246 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224940] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis represents an estrogen-dependent disorder with a complex pathophysiology. Phytochemicals are promising candidates for endometriosis therapy, because they simultaneously target different cellular processes involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Herein, we analyzed whether indole-3-carbinol (I3C) suppresses the development of endometriotic lesions, which were surgically induced by fixation of uterine tissue samples (diameter: 2 mm) from female BALB/c donor mice to the peritoneum of recipient animals. The mice received either I3C or vehicle (control) by peroral administration once per day. Growth, cyst formation, cell proliferation, microvascularization and protein expression of the lesions were assessed by high-resolution ultrasound imaging, caliper measurements, histology, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. I3C inhibited the vascularization and growth of endometriotic lesions without inducing anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative side effects on reproductive organs. This was associated with a significantly reduced number of proliferating stromal and endothelial cells and a lower expression of the pro-angiogenic signaling molecules vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) within I3C-treated lesions when compared to controls. These findings indicate that I3C effectively inhibits endometriotic lesion formation in mice. Thus, further studies should clarify whether I3C may be also beneficial for the prevention and therapy of the human disease.
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Novel epigenetic therapeutic strategies and targets in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166552. [PMID: 36126898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The critical role of dysregulated epigenetic pathways in cancer genesis, development, and therapy has typically been established as a result of scientific and technical innovations in next generation sequencing. RNA interference, histone modification, DNA methylation and chromatin remodelling are epigenetic processes that control gene expression without causing mutations in the DNA. Although epigenetic abnormalities are thought to be a symptom of cell tumorigenesis and malignant events that impact tumor growth and drug resistance, physicians believe that related processes might be a key therapeutic target for cancer treatment and prevention due to the reversible nature of these processes. A plethora of novel strategies for addressing epigenetics in cancer therapy for immuno-oncological complications are currently available - ranging from basic treatment to epigenetic editing. - and they will be the subject of this comprehensive review. In this review, we cover most of the advancements made in the field of targeting epigenetics with special emphasis on microbiology, plasma science, biophysics, pharmacology, molecular biology, phytochemistry, and nanoscience.
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Salahuddin A, Ghanem H, Omran GA, Helmy MW. Epigenetic restoration and activation of ERβ: an inspiring approach for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Med Oncol 2022; 39:150. [PMID: 35843988 PMCID: PMC9288957 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01765-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer. TNBC lacks targeted therapy receptors, rendering endocrine and HER2-targeted therapies ineffective. TNBC is typically treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy followed by surgery. Targeting epigenetic modifications could potentially be a new effective TNBC target therapy. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of epigenetic drugs, decitabine as DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTI) and vorinostat as histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI), and the ERβ agonist DPN on ERα and ERβ re-expressions in the MDA-MB-231 cells as a model of TNBC. METHODS Using MTT assay, the IC50 of decitabine, vorinostat, and DPN on MDA-MB-231 cells were determined. The effects of all drugs alone or in combinations on MDA-MB-231 cells were evaluated. qRT-PCR was used to determine ERα & ERβ gene expression. Caspase-3 activity and the protein expression levels of VEGF, Cyclin D1, and IGF-1 were assessed. RESULTS Both ERα and ERβ mRNA were re-expressed in different high levels in all treated groups, especially in the triple therapy group compared with control. Significantly, the triple drugs therapy showed the lowest levels of VEGF, Cyclin D1, and IGF-1 and the highest level of Caspase-3 activity, indicating a possible antitumor effect of ERβ activation through decreasing proliferation and angiogenesis and increasing apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSIONS The antiproliferative effect of ERβ could be retained when co-expressed with Erα using a powerful epigenetic combination of Decitabine and vorinostat with DPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Salahuddin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt.
| | - Heba Ghanem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt
| | - Gamal A Omran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt
| | - Maged Wasfy Helmy
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt
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Kumar G, Du B, Chen J. Effects and mechanisms of dietary bioactive compounds on breast cancer prevention. Pharmacol Res 2021; 178:105974. [PMID: 34818569 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most often diagnosed cancer among females globally and has become an increasing global health issue over the last decades. Despite the substantial improvement in screening methods for initial diagnosis, effective therapy remains lacking. Still, there has been high recurrence and disease progression after treatment of surgery, endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Considering this view, there is a crucial requirement to develop safe, freely accessible, and effective anticancer therapy for BC. The dietary bioactive compounds as auspicious anticancer agents have been recognized to be active and their implications in the treatment of BC with negligible side effects. Hence, this review focused on various dietary bioactive compounds as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of BC with the mechanisms of action. Bioactive compounds have chemo-preventive properties as they inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, downregulate the expression of estrogen receptors, and cell cycle arrest by inducing apoptotic settings in tumor cells. Therapeutic drugs or natural compounds generally incorporate engineered nanoparticles with ideal sizes, shapes, and enhance their solubility, circulatory half-life, and biodistribution. All data of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies of dietary bioactive compounds and their impact on BC were collected from Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The data of chemopreventive and anticancer activity of dietary bioactive compounds were collected and orchestrated in a suitable place in the review. These shreds of data will be extremely beneficial to recognize a series of additional diet-derived bioactive compounds to treat BC with the lowest side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesan Kumar
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bing Du
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510640, China
| | - Jianping Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Vorinostat (SAHA) and Breast Cancer: An Overview. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184700. [PMID: 34572928 PMCID: PMC8468501 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vorinostat (SAHA), an inhibitor of class I and II of histone deacetylases, is the first histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDI) approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in 2006. HDIs are promising anticancer agents that inhibit the proliferation of many types of cancer cells including breast carcinoma (BC). BC is a heterogeneous disease with variable biological behavior, morphological features, and response to therapy. Although significant progress in the treatment of BC has been made, high toxicity to normal cells, serious side effects, and the occurrence of multi-drug resistance limit the effective therapy of BC patients. Therefore, new active agents which improve the effectiveness of currently used regimens are highly needed. This manuscript analyzes preclinical and clinical trials data of SAHA, applied individually or in combination with other anticancer agents, considering different histological subtypes of BC.
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Simu S, Marcovici I, Dobrescu A, Malita D, Dehelean CA, Coricovac D, Olaru F, Draghici GA, Navolan D. Insights into the Behavior of Triple-Negative MDA-MB-231 Breast Carcinoma Cells Following the Treatment with 17β-Ethinylestradiol and Levonorgestrel. Molecules 2021; 26:2776. [PMID: 34066763 PMCID: PMC8125870 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used due to their efficiency in preventing unplanned pregnancies and treating several human illnesses. Despite their medical value, the toxicity of OCs remains a public concern. Previous studies indicate the carcinogenic potential of synthetic sex hormones and their link to the development and progression of hormone-dependent malignancies such as breast cancer. However, little is known about their influence on the evolution of triple-negative breast carcinoma (TNBC), a malignancy defined by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. This study reveals that the active ingredients of modern OCs, 17β-Ethinylestradiol, Levonorgestrel, and their combination induce differential effects in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. The most relevant behavioral changes occurred after the 24 h treatment with 17β-Ethinylestradiol, summarized as follows: (i) decreased cell viability (64.32% at 10 µM); (ii) cell roundness and loss of confluence; (iii) apoptotic aspect of cell nuclei (fragmentation, membrane blebbing); and (iv) inhibited cell migration, suggesting a potential anticancer effect. Conversely, Levonorgestrel was generally associated with a proliferative activity. The association of the two OCs exerted similar effects as 17β-Ethinylestradiol but was less effective. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the hormones' cytotoxic mechanism of action on TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Simu
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.S.); (I.M.); (C.A.D.); (D.C.); (G.A.D.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iasmina Marcovici
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.S.); (I.M.); (C.A.D.); (D.C.); (G.A.D.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Amadeus Dobrescu
- Faculty of Medicine, 2nd Department of Surgery, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daniel Malita
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.S.); (I.M.); (C.A.D.); (D.C.); (G.A.D.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dorina Coricovac
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.S.); (I.M.); (C.A.D.); (D.C.); (G.A.D.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Flavius Olaru
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.O.); (D.N.)
| | - George Andrei Draghici
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.S.); (I.M.); (C.A.D.); (D.C.); (G.A.D.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dan Navolan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.O.); (D.N.)
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Natural products in the reprogramming of cancer epigenetics. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 417:115467. [PMID: 33631231 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the technological advancements, including next generation sequencing, the significance of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms in cancer initiation, progression and treatment has become evident. The accumulating knowledge relating to the epigenetic markers viz. DNA methylation, Histone modifications and non-coding RNAs make them one of the most interesting candidates for developing anti-cancer therapies. The reversibility of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms through environmental and dietary factors opens numerous avenues in the field of chemoprevention and drug development. Recent studies have proven that plant-derived natural products encompass a great potential in targeting epigenetic signatures in cancer and numerous natural products are being explored for their possibility to be considered as "epi-drug". This review intends to highlight the major aberrant epigenetic mechanisms and summarizes the essential functions of natural products like Resveratrol, Quercetin, Genistein, EGCG, Curcumin, Sulforaphane, Apigenin, Parthenolide and Berberine in modulating these aberrations. This knowledge along with the challenges and limitations in this field has potential and wider implications in developing novel and successful therapeutic strategies. The increased focus in the area will possibly provide a better understanding for the development of dietary supplements and/or drugs either alone or in combination. The interaction of epigenetics with different hallmarks of cancer and how natural products can be utilized to target them will also be interesting in the future therapeutic approaches.
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Jenke R, Reßing N, Hansen FK, Aigner A, Büch T. Anticancer Therapy with HDAC Inhibitors: Mechanism-Based Combination Strategies and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040634. [PMID: 33562653 PMCID: PMC7915831 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing knowledge of molecular drivers of tumorigenesis has fueled targeted cancer therapies based on specific inhibitors. Beyond "classic" oncogene inhibitors, epigenetic therapy is an emerging field. Epigenetic alterations can occur at any time during cancer progression, altering the structure of the chromatin, the accessibility for transcription factors and thus the transcription of genes. They rely on post-translational histone modifications, particularly the acetylation of histone lysine residues, and are determined by the inverse action of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). Importantly, HDACs are often aberrantly overexpressed, predominantly leading to the transcriptional repression of tumor suppressor genes. Thus, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are powerful drugs, with some already approved for certain hematological cancers. Albeit HDACis show activity in solid tumors as well, further refinement and the development of novel drugs are needed. This review describes the capability of HDACis to influence various pathways and, based on this knowledge, gives a comprehensive overview of various preclinical and clinical studies on solid tumors. A particular focus is placed on strategies for achieving higher efficacy by combination therapies, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-EGFR inhibitors and hormone- or immunotherapy. This also includes new bifunctional inhibitors as well as novel approaches for HDAC degradation via PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Jenke
- University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), University Hospital Leipzig, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Clinical Pharmacology, Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany;
- Correspondence: (R.J.); (A.A.); Tel.: +49-(0)341-97-24661 (A.A.)
| | - Nina Reßing
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Rheinische Fried-rich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.R.); (F.K.H.)
| | - Finn K. Hansen
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Rheinische Fried-rich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.R.); (F.K.H.)
| | - Achim Aigner
- Clinical Pharmacology, Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany;
- Correspondence: (R.J.); (A.A.); Tel.: +49-(0)341-97-24661 (A.A.)
| | - Thomas Büch
- Clinical Pharmacology, Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany;
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