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Zhang S, Zhou L, Yang J, Lu J, Tao L, Feng Y, Cheng J, Zhao L. Rhein exerts anti-multidrug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia via targeting FTO to inhibit AKT/mTOR. Anticancer Drugs 2024:00001813-990000000-00282. [PMID: 38728095 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapy failure and resistance are the leading causes of mortality in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the role of m6A demethylase FTO and its inhibitor rhein in AML and AML drug resistance is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antileukemic effect of rhein on AML and explore its potential mechanisms underlying drug resistance. Bone marrow fluid was collected to assess FTO expression in AML. The Cell Counting Kit 8 reagent was used to assess cell viability. Migration assays were conducted to assess the cell migration capacity. Flow cytometry was used to determine the apoptotic effects of rhein and western blot analysis was used to detect protein expression. Online SynergyFinder software was used to calculate the drug synergy scores. The in-vivo antileukemic effect of rhein was assessed in an AML xenograft mouse model. We analyzed different types of AML bone marrow specimens to confirm that FTO is overexpressed in AML, particularly in cases of multidrug resistance. Subsequently, we conducted in-vivo and in-vitro investigations to explore the pharmacological activity and mechanism of rhein in AML and AML with multidrug resistance. The findings demonstrated that rhein effectively suppressed the proliferation and migration of AML cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis. Rhein targets FTO, inhibits the AKT/mTOR pathway, and exhibits synergistic antitumor effects when combined with azacitidine. This study elucidates the significant role of FTO and its inhibitor rhein in AML and AML with multidrug resistance, providing new insights for overcoming multidrug resistance in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuling Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University
| | - Lanxia Zhou
- Clinical Cellular Molecular Genetics and Immunology Laboratory
| | - Jincai Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University
| | - Jianle Lu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University
| | - Lili Tao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University
| | - Youfan Feng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University
| | - Juan Cheng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Clinical Cellular Molecular Genetics and Immunology Laboratory
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Wang J, Zhang J, Guo Z, Hua H, Zhang H, Liu Y, Jiang Y. Targeting HSP70 chaperones by rhein sensitizes liver cancer to artemisinin derivatives. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 122:155156. [PMID: 37897861 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is one of common types of cancer with poor prognosis and limited therapies. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are molecular chaperones that have important roles in tumorigenesis, and emerging as therapeutic targets. Artemisinin and rhein are natural agents from Artemisia annua L. and Rheum undulatum L., respectively. Both rhein and artemisinin have anticancer effects; however, the molecular targets of rhein remain to be identified. It is also unclear whether rhein can synergize with artemisinin derivatives to inhibit liver cancer. PURPOSE We aim to identify the targets of rhein in the treatment of hepatocarcinoma and determine the effects of combining rhein and artemisinin derivatives on liver cancer cells. METHODS The targets of rhein were detected by mass spectrometry and validated by rhein-proteins interaction assays. The effects of rhein on the chaperone activity of HSP72/HSC70/GRP78 were determined by luciferase refolding assays. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by CCK8 and flow cytometry assays. For in vivo study, xenograft tumor models were established and treated with rhein and artesunate. Tumor growth was monitored regularly. RESULTS Mass spectrometry analysis of rhein-binding proteins in HepG2 cells revealed that HSP72, HSC70 and GRP78 were more profoundly pulled down by rhein-crosslinked sepharose 4B beads compared to the control beads. Further experiments demonstrated that rhein directly interacted with HSP72/HSC70/GRP78 proteins, and inhibit their activity of refolding denatured luciferase. Meanwhile, rhein induced proteasomal degradation of HIF1α and β-catenin. Artesunate or dihydroartemisinin in combination with knockdown of both HSP72 and HSC70 significantly inhibited cell viability. The HSP70/HSC70/GRP78 inhibitors VER-155,008 and rhein phenocopied HSP72/HSC70 knockdown, synergizing with artesunate or dihydroartemisinin to inhibit hepatocarcinoma cell viability. Combinatorial treatment with rhein and artemisinin derivatives significantly induced hepatocarcinoma cell apoptosis, and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrates that rhein is a novel HSP72/HSC70/GRP78 inhibitor that suppresses the chaperone activity of HSP70s. Dual inhibition of HSP72 and HSC70 can enhance the sensitivity of hepatocarcinoma cells to artemisinin derivatives. Combined treatment with artemisinin derivative and rhein significantly inhibits hepatocarcinoma. Artemisinin derivatives in combination with dual inhibition of HSP72 and HSC70 represents a new approach to improve cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China; School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Zeyu Guo
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yongliang Liu
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhang J, Li M, Qiao Y, Wang W, Ma L, Liu K. Target discovery of bioactive natural products with native-compound-coupled CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B beads (NCCB): Applications, mechanisms and outlooks. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 96:117483. [PMID: 37951136 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117483] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural products (NPs) represent a treasure trove for drug discovery and development due to their chemical structural diversity and a broad spectrum of biological activities. Uncovering the biological targets and understanding their molecular mechanism of actions are crucial steps in the development of clinical therapeutics. However, the structural complexity of NPs and intricate nature of biological system present formidable challenges in target identification of NPs. Although significant advances have been made in the development of new chemical tools, these methods often require high levels of synthetic skills for preparing chemical probes. This can be costly and time-consuming relaying on operationally complicated procedures and instruments. In recent efforts, we and others have successfully developed an operationally simple and practical chemical tool known as native-compound-coupled CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B beads (NCCB) for NP target identification. In this approach, a native compound readily reacts with commercial CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B beads with a process that is easily performed in any biology laboratory. Based on NCCB, our group has identified the direct targets of more than 60 NPs. In this review, we will elucidate the application scopes, including flavonoids, quinones, terpenoids and others, characteristics, chemical mechanisms, procedures, advantages, disadvantages, and future directions of NCCB in specific target discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueteng Zhang
- Basic Medical Research Center, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Menglong Li
- Basic Medical Research Center, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Chemistry & Biochemistry, and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Lu Ma
- Basic Medical Research Center, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Basic Medical Research Center, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
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Xia W, Li S, Li L, Zhang S, Wang X, Ding W, Ding L, Zhang X, Wang Z. Role of anthraquinones in combating insulin resistance. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1275430. [PMID: 38053837 PMCID: PMC10694622 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1275430] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance presents a formidable public health challenge that is intricately linked to the onset and progression of various chronic ailments, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cancer. Effectively addressing insulin resistance is paramount in preventing and managing these metabolic disorders. Natural herbal remedies show promise in combating insulin resistance, with anthraquinone extracts garnering attention for their role in enhancing insulin sensitivity and treating diabetes. Anthraquinones are believed to ameliorate insulin resistance through diverse pathways, encompassing activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, restoration of insulin signal transduction, attenuation of inflammatory pathways, and modulation of gut microbiota. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate the potential anthraquinone compounds that exert beneficial effects on insulin resistance, elucidating the underlying mechanisms responsible for their therapeutic impact. The evidence discussed in this review points toward the potential utilization of anthraquinones as a promising therapeutic strategy to combat insulin resistance and its associated metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanru Xia
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Shuqian Li
- Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - LinZehao Li
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Shibo Zhang
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Wenyu Ding
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Lina Ding
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xiandang Zhang
- Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Zhibin Wang
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
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Choudhary N, Bawari S, Burcher JT, Sinha D, Tewari D, Bishayee A. Targeting Cell Signaling Pathways in Lung Cancer by Bioactive Phytocompounds. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3980. [PMID: 37568796 PMCID: PMC10417502 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a heterogeneous group of malignancies with high incidence worldwide. It is the most frequently occurring cancer in men and the second most common in women. Due to its frequent diagnosis and variable response to treatment, lung cancer was reported as the top cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2020. Many aberrant signaling cascades are implicated in the pathogenesis of lung cancer, including those involved in apoptosis (B cell lymphoma protein, Bcl-2-associated X protein, first apoptosis signal ligand), growth inhibition (tumor suppressor protein or gene and serine/threonine kinase 11), and growth promotion (epidermal growth factor receptor/proto-oncogenes/phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase). Accordingly, these pathways and their signaling molecules have become promising targets for chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents. Recent research provides compelling evidence for the use of plant-based compounds, known collectively as phytochemicals, as anticancer agents. This review discusses major contributing signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of lung cancer, as well as currently available treatments and prospective drug candidates. The anticancer potential of naturally occurring bioactive compounds in the context of lung cancer is also discussed, with critical analysis of their mechanistic actions presented by preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Choudhary
- Department of Pharmacognosy, GNA School of Pharmacy, GNA University, Phagwara 144 401, India
| | - Sweta Bawari
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida 201 301, India
| | - Jack T. Burcher
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Dona Sinha
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata 700 026, India
| | - Devesh Tewari
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110 017, India
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
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Zhang X, Tao G, Jiang J, Qu T, Zhao S, Xu P, Zhao Y, Xing X, Qin S. PCK1 activates oncogenic autophagy via down-regulation Serine phosphorylation of UBAP2L and antagonizes colorectal cancer growth. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:68. [PMID: 37062825 PMCID: PMC10105959 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02894-x] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis. PCK1 is considered an anti-oncogene in several human cancers. In this study, we aimed to determine the functions of PCK1 in colorectal cancer (CRC). PCK1 expression in CRC tissues was tested by western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses and associations of PCK1 level with clinicopathological characteristics and disease survival evaluated. Further, we studied the effect of PCK1 on CRC cell proliferation and the underlying mechanisms. Our results show that PCK1 is expressed at significantly lower levels in CRC than in control tissues. High PCK1 expression was correlated with smaller tumor diameter and less bowel wall invasion (T stage). Overexpression and knockdown experiments demonstrated that PCK1 inhibits CRC cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PCK1 antagonizes CRC growth via inactivating UBAP2L phosphorylation at serine 454 and enhancing autophagy. Overall, our findings reveal a novel molecular mechanism involving PCK1 and autophagy, and highlight PCK1 as a promising candidate therapeutic target in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, 271000, People's Republic of China.
- Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taishan Institute for Hydrogen Biomedicine, Tai'an, 271000, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Geru Tao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, 271000, People's Republic of China
- Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taishan Institute for Hydrogen Biomedicine, Tai'an, 271000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Jiang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, 271000, People's Republic of China
- Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taishan Institute for Hydrogen Biomedicine, Tai'an, 271000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Qu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuchao Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Xu
- Laixi People's Hospital, Qingdao, 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya'nan Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, 271000, People's Republic of China
- Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taishan Institute for Hydrogen Biomedicine, Tai'an, 271000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Xing
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shucun Qin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, 271000, People's Republic of China.
- Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taishan Institute for Hydrogen Biomedicine, Tai'an, 271000, People's Republic of China.
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Kapoor S, Padwad YS. Phloretin induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis by suppressing the β-catenin signaling pathway in colorectal carcinoma cells. Apoptosis 2023; 28:810-829. [PMID: 36884140 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01826-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer, causing a significant mortality worldwide. Present available therapies are surgery, chemotherapy including radiotherapy, and these are known to be associated with heavy side effects. Therefore, nutritional intervention in the form of natural polyphenols has been well recognised to prevent CRC. Phloretin, a known dihydrochalcone is present in apple, pear and strawberry. This has been proven to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, thus can be explored as a potential anticancer nutraceutical agent. This study demonstrated phloretin's significant in vitro anticancer activity against CRC. Phloretin suppressed cell proliferation, colony forming ability and cellular migration in human colorectal cancer HCT-116 and SW-480 cells. Results also revealed that phloretin generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) which provoked depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and further contributed to cytotoxicity in colon cancer cells. Phloretin also modulated the cell cycle regulators including cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and halted cell cycle at G2/M phase. Moreover, it also induced apoptosis by regulating the expression of Bax and BCl-2. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling is inactivated by phloretin by targeting the downstream oncogenes namely CyclinD1, c-Myc and Survivin which are involved in the proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells. In our study we showed that lithium chloride (LiCl) induced the expression of β-catenin and its target genes and the co-treatment of phloretin circumvent its effect and downregulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In conclusion, our results strongly suggested that phloretin can be utilized as a nutraceutical anticancer agent for combating CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Kapoor
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Lab, Dietetics & Nutrition Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Himachal Pradesh, Palampur, 176 061, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Yogendra S Padwad
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Lab, Dietetics & Nutrition Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Himachal Pradesh, Palampur, 176 061, India. .,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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Novel anthraquinone derivatives trigger endoplasmic reticulum stress response and induce apoptosis. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:129-145. [PMID: 36799271 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a therapeutic target in cancer given its regulation of bioenergetics and cell death. Methodology & results: We synthesized 14 ER stress-triggered anthraquinone derivatives by introducing an amino group at the 3-position side chain of the lead compound obtained previously. Most of the anthraquinone derivatives exhibited good antitumor activity due to their ability to induce ER damage through cytoplasmic vacuoles. The mechanisms of ER stress caused by compound KA-4c were related to increasing the expression levels of the ATF6 and Bip proteins and upregulating CHOP and cleaved PARP. Conclusion: Compound KA-4c triggers ER stress response and induces apoptosis via the ATF6-CHOP signaling pathway.
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Targeting mTOR as a Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances in Natural Bioactive Compounds and Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225520. [PMID: 36428613 PMCID: PMC9688668 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a highly conserved serine/threonine-protein kinase, which regulates many biological processes related to metabolism, cancer, immune function, and aging. It is an essential protein kinase that belongs to the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) family and has two known signaling complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). Even though mTOR signaling plays a critical role in promoting mitochondria-related protein synthesis, suppressing the catabolic process of autophagy, contributing to lipid metabolism, engaging in ribosome formation, and acting as a critical regulator of mRNA translation, it remains one of the significant signaling systems involved in the tumor process, particularly in apoptosis, cell cycle, and cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, the mTOR signaling system could be suggested as a cancer biomarker, and its targeting is important in anti-tumor therapy research. Indeed, its dysregulation is involved in different types of cancers such as colon, neck, cervical, head, lung, breast, reproductive, and bone cancers, as well as nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Moreover, recent investigations showed that targeting mTOR could be considered as cancer therapy. Accordingly, this review presents an overview of recent developments associated with the mTOR signaling pathway and its molecular involvement in various human cancer types. It also summarizes the research progress of different mTOR inhibitors, including natural and synthetised compounds and their main mechanisms, as well as the rational combinations with immunotherapies.
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Yi YC, Liang R, Chen XY, Fan HN, Chen M, Zhang J, Zhu JS. Dihydroartemisinin Suppresses the Tumorigenesis and Cycle Progression of Colorectal Cancer by Targeting CDK1/CCNB1/PLK1 Signaling. Front Oncol 2021; 11:768879. [PMID: 34796115 PMCID: PMC8592930 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.768879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a well-known antimalarial drug, has been widely investigated for its antitumor effects in multiple malignancies. However, its effects and regulatory mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) are still unproved. In this study, in vitro experiments including CCK8, EdU, Transwell, and flow cytometry analyses and an in vivo tumorigenesis model were conducted to assess the effects of DHA on the bio-behaviors of CRC cells. Additionally, RNA-seq combined with gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses was used to obtain the targets of DHA, and these were verified by molecular docking, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. As a result, we found that DHA significantly suppressed the proliferation, DNA synthesis, and invasive capabilities and induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCT116, DLD1, and RKO cells in vitro and in vivo. Further analyses indicated that the targets of DHA were predominantly enriched in cell cycle-associated pathways, including CDK1, CCNB1, and PLK1; and DHA could bind with the CDK1/CCNB1 complex and inhibit the activation of CDK1/CCNB1/PLK1 signaling. Moreover, cucurbitacin E, a specific inhibitor of the CDK1/CCNB1 axis, enhanced the inhibitory effects of DHA on DNA synthesis and colony formation in HCT116 and DLD1 cells. In short, DHA could suppress the tumorigenesis and cycle progression of CRC cells by targeting CDK1/CCNB1/PLK1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Cai Yi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Ning Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Shui Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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