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Yang Y, Liu P, Zhou M, Yin L, Wang M, Liu T, Jiang X, Gao H. Small-molecule drugs of colorectal cancer: Current status and future directions. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166880. [PMID: 37696461 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the world's fourth most deadly cancer. CRC, as a genetic susceptible disease, faces significant challenges in optimizing prognosis through optimal drug treatment modalities. In recent decades, the development of innovative small-molecule drugs is expected to provide targeted interventions that accurately address the different molecular characteristics of CRC. Although the clinical application of single-target drugs is limited by the heterogeneity and high metastasis of CRC, novel small-molecule drug treatment strategies such as dual/multiple-target drugs, drug repurposing, and combination therapies can help overcome these challenges and provide new insights for improving CRC treatment. In this review, we focus on the current status of a range of small molecule drugs that are being considered for CRC therapy, including single-target drugs, dual/multiple-target drugs, drug repurposing and combination strategies, which will pave the way for targeting CRC vulnerabilities with small-molecule drugs in future personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiren Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengyu Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyang Zhou
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, United States
| | - Linzhou Yin
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowen Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huiyuan Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China.
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Abedizadeh R, Majidi F, Khorasani HR, Abedi H, Sabour D. Colorectal cancer: a comprehensive review of carcinogenesis, diagnosis, and novel strategies for classified treatments. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023:10.1007/s10555-023-10158-3. [PMID: 38112903 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10158-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third most common and the second deadliest cancer worldwide. To date, colorectal cancer becomes one of the most important challenges of the health system in many countries. Since the clinical symptoms of this cancer appear in the final stages of the disease and there is a significant golden time between the formation of polyps and the onset of cancer, early diagnosis can play a significant role in reducing mortality. Today, in addition to colonoscopy, minimally invasive methods such as liquid biopsy have received much attention. The treatment of this complex disease has been mostly based on traditional treatments including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy; the high mortality rate indicates a lack of success for current treatment methods. Moreover, disease recurrence is another problem of traditional treatments. Recently, new approaches such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and nanomedicine have opened new doors for cancer treatment, some of which have already entered the market, and many methods have shown promising results in clinical trials. The success of immunotherapy in the treatment of refractory disease, the introduction of these methods into neoadjuvant therapy, and the successful results in tumor shrinkage without surgery have made immunotherapy a tough competitor for conventional treatments. It seems that the combination of those methods with such targeted therapies will go through promising changes in the future of colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Abedizadeh
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Isar 11, Babol, 47138-18983, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Bani-Hashem Square, Tehran, 16635-148, Iran
| | - Fateme Majidi
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Isar 11, Babol, 47138-18983, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Bani-Hashem Square, Tehran, 16635-148, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Khorasani
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Isar 11, Babol, 47138-18983, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Bani-Hashem Square, Tehran, 16635-148, Iran
| | - Hassan Abedi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Davood Sabour
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Isar 11, Babol, 47138-18983, Iran.
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Bani-Hashem Square, Tehran, 16635-148, Iran.
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Chen M, Zhang M, Lu X, Li Y, Lu C. Diselenium-linked dimeric prodrug nanomedicine breaking the intracellular redox balance for triple-negative breast cancer targeted therapy. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 193:16-27. [PMID: 37865134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been regarded as the strongest malignancy in cases of breast cancer with a poor prognosis. The development of effective treatment strategies for TNBC has always been an urgent and unmet need. The intracellular redox balance is essential for maintaining TNBC cell malignancy. Disrupting intracellular redox balance by enlarging reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and facilitating glutathione (GSH) depletion to amplify intracellular oxidative stress may be an alternative strategy to eliminate TNBC cells. However, inducing ROS generation and GSH depletion concurrently may be challenging. Herein, a diselenium linked-dimeric prodrug nanomedicine FA-SeSe-NPs was developed to break the intracellular redox homeostasis for TNBC targeted therapy. The dimeric prodrug was synthesized by conjugating two cucurbitacin B (CuB) molecules via one diselenium bond, which was subsequently assembled with FA-PEG-DSPE to form the final nanomedicine FA-SeSe-NPs. Using the active targeting potential of folic acid (FA), FA-SeSe-NPs could accumulate in tumor tissue with elevated levels and then be specifically internalized by cancer cells. In the high ROS and GSH conditions of TNBC cells, the diselenium bond can specifically respond to ROS to produce selenium free radicals to increase ROS and react with GSH to generate S-Se bond to deplete GSH. The released CuB further induced ROS production in TNBC cells. The diselenium bond and CuB functioned synergistically to amplify oxidative stress to kill the TNBC cells. Here, we provide a promising strategy to disrupt the intracellular redox balance of cancer cells for effective TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mie Chen
- Department of Mastopathy, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Mastopathy, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Xun Lu
- School of Public Health Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510-3201, USA; Graduate School of Arts and Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Yongfei Li
- Department of Mastopathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM), Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Department of Mastopathy, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China.
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Saeed M, Alshammari N, Saeed A, Ayyed Al-Shammary A, Alabdallah NM, Ahmad I, Aqil F. Molecular interactions of cucurbitacins A and B with anaplastic lymphoma kinase for lung cancer treatment. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37921698 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2274976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is a major global public health issue and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Several medications are commonly used to treat lung cancer, either alone or in combination with other treatments. The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein is one of several target proteins that are thought to be potential therapeutic targets in the context of lung cancer. Several ALK inhibitors have been identified, but many of these have been associated with side effects and toxicity concerns. In this study, we intend to computationally predict the binding potential of cucurbitacins (CBNs), A and B to the active pockets of ALK, in order to estimate their potential ALK inhibitors. Compared to CBN-A, which has a binding energy of -7.9 kcal/mol, CBN B exhibits significantly better binding efficacy with a binding energy of -8.1 kcal/mol. This is closely comparable to the binding energy of Crizotinib, which is -8.2 kcal/mol. The results of the molecular dynamics simulation indicated that the docked complexes remained stable for the duration of the 100 ns simulation period. CBN inhibited the proliferation of both non-small cell lung cancer cell lines, H1299 and A549, in a dose-dependent manner. CBN-B inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells, showing IC50 values of 0.08 µM for H1299 cells and 0.10 µM for A549 cells. The computational analyses provide strong evidence that CBN-B has the potential to act as a potent natural inhibitor against ALK, and could prove to be a valuable treatment option for lung cancer.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawaf Alshammari
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amir Saeed
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma Ayyed Al-Shammary
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadiyah M Alabdallah
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Basic & Applied Scientific Research Centre, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farrukh Aqil
- Department of Medicine and Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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Huang JL, Liang L, Xie PE, Sun WL, Wang L, Cai ZW. Cucurbitacin B induces apoptosis in colorectal cells through reactive oxygen species generation and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:484. [PMID: 37753296 PMCID: PMC10518646 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a member of the cucurbitacin family, which has shown potent anticancer pharmacological activity. Prolonged or severe endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) induces apoptosis; therefore, the present study investigated whether CuB may activate the ERS pathway to induce apoptosis. HT-29 and SW620 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells were treated with a range of concentrations of CuB for 48 h, and the viability and proliferation of cells were determined using Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) and colony formation assays. Subsequently, the appropriate CuB concentration (5 µM) was selected for treatment of CRC cells for 48 h. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression levels of ERS-related proteins, flow cytometry was used to evaluate apoptosis, the dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescent probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the relationship between ROS and ERS was determined by western blot analysis. Furthermore, flow cytometry was used to evaluate apoptosis after treatment with the ERS inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid, the ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine and following knockdown of CHOP expression. In addition, western blot analysis was performed to measure Bax and Bcl2 protein expression levels, and a CCK8 assay was performed to evaluate the viability of cells following knockdown of CHOP. Notably, CuB treatment increased apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation in CRC cell lines, and these effects were mediated by ROS and ROS-regulated activation of the PERK and XBP1 ERS pathways. In conclusion, CuB may induce apoptosis in HT-29 and SW620 CRC cells via ROS and ERS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Lan Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530007, P.R. China
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530007, P.R. China
| | - Pei-En Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530007, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Liang Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530007, P.R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530007, P.R. China
| | - Zheng-Wen Cai
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530007, P.R. China
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Zhang Y, Wang T, Wu S, Tang L, Wang J, Yang J, Yao S, Zhang Y. Notch signaling pathway: a new target for neuropathic pain therapy. J Headache Pain 2023; 24:87. [PMID: 37454050 PMCID: PMC10349482 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01616-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Notch gene, a highly evolutionarily conserved gene, was discovered approximately 110 years ago and has been found to play a crucial role in the development of multicellular organisms. Notch receptors and their ligands are single-pass transmembrane proteins that typically require cellular interactions and proteolytic processing to facilitate signal transduction. Recently, mounting evidence has shown that aberrant activation of the Notch is correlated with neuropathic pain. The activation of the Notch signaling pathway can cause the activation of neuroglia and the release of pro-inflammatory factors, a key mechanism in the development of neuropathic pain. Moreover, the Notch signaling pathway may contribute to the persistence of neuropathic pain by enhancing synaptic transmission and calcium inward flow. This paper reviews the structure and activation of the Notch signaling pathway, as well as its potential mechanisms of action, to provide novel insights for future treatments of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Sanlan Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Li Tang
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Pain, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jia Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, The Key Laboratory of Neuro-Informatics & Rehabilitation En-Gineering of Ministry of Civil Affairs, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Jinghan Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanglong Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Pain, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Bhattacharyya S, Ghosh H, Covarrubias-Zambrano O, Jain K, Swamy KV, Kasi A, Hamza A, Anant S, VanSaun M, Weir SJ, Bossmann SH, Padhye SB, Dandawate P. Anticancer Activity of Novel Difluorinated Curcumin Analog and Its Inclusion Complex with 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin against Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076336. [PMID: 37047307 PMCID: PMC10093935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the primary reason for cancer-related deaths in the US. Genetic mutations, drug resistance, the involvement of multiple signaling pathways, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and desmoplastic stroma, which hinders drug penetrance, contribute to poor chemotherapeutic efficacy. Hence, there is a need to identify novel drugs with improved delivery to improve treatment outcomes. Curcumin is one such compound that can inhibit multiple signaling pathways and CSCs. However, curcumin’s clinical applicability for treating PDAC is limited because of its poor solubility in water and metabolic instability. Hence, we developed a difluorinated curcumin (CDF) analog that accumulates selectively in the pancreas and inhibits PDAC growth in vitro and in vivo. In the present work, we developed its 2-hydroxy-propyl-β-cyclodextrin (HCD) inclusion complex to increase its water solubility and hydrolytic stability. The CDFHCD inclusion complex was characterized by spectroscopic, thermal, and microscopic techniques. The inclusion complex exhibited increased aqueous solubility, hydrolytic stability, and antiproliferative activity compared to parent CDF. Moreover, CDF and CDFHCD inhibited colony and spheroid formation, and induced cell cycle and apoptosis in PDAC cell lines. Hence, CDFHCD self-assembly is an efficient approach to increase water solubility and anticancer therapeutic efficacy, which now warrants advancement towards a clinical proof of concept in PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangita Bhattacharyya
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Hindole Ghosh
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | | | - Krishan Jain
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - K. Venkateswara Swamy
- MIT School of Bioengineering, Sciences & Research, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune 412201, India
| | - Anup Kasi
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ameer Hamza
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Michael VanSaun
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Scott J. Weir
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Stefan H. Bossmann
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Subhash B. Padhye
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
- Interdisciplinary Science & Technology Research Academy (ISTRA), Azam Campus, University of Pune, Pune 411001, India
| | - Prasad Dandawate
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-913-945-6336
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Schleser SW, Ghosh H, Hörner G, Seib J, Bhattacharyya S, Weber B, Schobert R, Dandawate P, Biersack B. New 4,5-Diarylimidazol-2-ylidene-iodidogold(I) Complexes with High Activity against Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5738. [PMID: 36982817 PMCID: PMC10052191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Inspired by the vascular-disrupting agent combretastatin A-4 and recently published anticancer active N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of Au(I), a series of new iodidogold(I)-NHC complexes was synthesized and characterized. The iodidogold(I) complexes were synthesized by a route involving van Leusen imidazole formation and N-alkylation, followed by complexation with Ag2O, transmetalation with chloro(dimethylsulfide)gold(I) [Au(DMS)Cl], and anion exchange with KI. The target complexes were characterized by IR spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The structure of 6c was validated via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A preliminary anticancer screening of the complexes using two esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines showed promising nanomolar activities for certain iodidogold(I) complexes accompanied with apoptosis induction, as well as c-Myc and cyclin D1 suppression in esophageal adenocarcinoma cells treated with the most promising derivative 6b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian W. Schleser
- Organic Chemistry 1, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Hindole Ghosh
- Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Gerald Hörner
- Inorganic Chemistry IV, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Jonathan Seib
- Organic Chemistry 1, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Sangita Bhattacharyya
- Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Birgit Weber
- Inorganic Chemistry IV, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Rainer Schobert
- Organic Chemistry 1, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Prasad Dandawate
- Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry 1, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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Yu X, Chen W, Zhang J, Gao X, Cui Q, Song Z, Du J, Lv W. Antitumor activity and mechanism of cucurbitacin B in A549/DDP cells. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2023; 396:1095-1103. [PMID: 36642716 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02386-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a class of tetracyclic triterpenoids isolated from Cucurbitaceae with a wide range of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities, mainly used in hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma, while there is relatively little research and application of this drug for lung cancer. In this study, CuB was administered on A549/DDP cells to observe how it affected the cells and their mechanism of action. CuB demonstrated good anti-tumor activity against A549/DDP cells in a dose-dependent manner and caused changes in the hedgehog (Hh) pathway. The results showed that CuB greatly inhibits the proliferation and the invasion of A549/DDP cells, and promoted apoptosis of A549/DDP cells. Meanwhile, it changed the expression of p53-related genes at the RNA and protein level. In conclusion, this experiment provides a theoretical basis for new applications of CuB and new thoughts on the mechanism of its anti-tumor activity, and provides a direction for deep research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Yu
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Jinjie Zhang
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Xinfu Gao
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Qidi Cui
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng Song
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Du
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
| | - Wenwen Lv
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
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Dai S, Wang C, Zhao X, Ma C, Fu K, Liu Y, Peng C, Li Y. Cucurbitacin B: A review of its pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106587. [PMID: 36460279 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB, C32H46O8), the most abundant and active member of cucurbitacins, which are highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids. Cucurbitacins are widely distributed in a variety of plants and mainly isolated from plants in the Cucurbitaceae family. CuB is mostly obtained from the pedicel of Cucumis melo L. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that CuB has a broad range of pharmacological activities, with significant therapeutic effects on a variety of diseases including inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cancers. In this study the PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched from 1986 to 2022. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 98 out of 2484 articles were selected for a systematic review to comprehensively summarize the pharmacological activity, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic properties of CuB. The results showed that CuB exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer activities mainly via regulating various signaling pathways, such as the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (JAK/STAT3), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2/antioxidant responsive element (Nrf2/ARE), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase-2A/protein phosphatase-2A (CIP2A/PP2A), Wnt, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Notch, and Hippo-Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathways. Studies of its toxicity and pharmacokinetic properties showed that CuB has non-specific toxicity and low bioavailability. In addition, derivatives and clinical applications of CuB are discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - XingTao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yanfang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Liao W, Zhang L, Chen X, Xiang J, Zheng Q, Chen N, Zhao M, Zhang G, Xiao X, Zhou G, Zeng J, Tang J. Targeting cancer stem cells and signalling pathways through phytochemicals: A promising approach against colorectal cancer. Phytomedicine 2023; 108:154524. [PMID: 36375238 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are strongly associated with high tumourigenicity, chemotherapy or radiotherapy resistance, and metastasis and recurrence, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, targeting CSCs may be a promising approach. Recently, discovery and research on phytochemicals that effectively target colorectal CSCs have been gaining popularity because of their broad safety profile and multi-target and multi-pathway modes of action. PURPOSE This review aimed to elucidate and summarise the effects and mechanisms of phytochemicals with potential anti-CSC agents that could contribute to the better management of CRC. METHODS We reviewed PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, ScienceDirect and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from the original publication date to March 2022 to review the mechanisms by which phytochemicals inhibit CRC progression by targeting CSCs and their key signalling pathways. Phytochemicals were classified and summarised based on the mechanisms of action. RESULTS We observed that phytochemicals could affect the biological properties of colorectal CSCs. Phytochemicals significantly inhibit self-renewal, migration, invasion, colony formation, and chemoresistance and induce apoptosis and differentiation of CSCs by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (e.g., diallyl trisulfide and genistein), the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway (e.g., caffeic acid and piperlongumine), the neurogenic locus notch homolog protein pathway (e.g., honokiol, quercetin, and α-mangostin), the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway (e.g., curcumin, morin, and ursolic acid), and other key signalling pathways. It is worth noting that several phytochemicals, such as resveratrol, silibinin, evodiamine, and thymoquinone, highlight multi-target and multi-pathway effects in restraining the malignant biological behaviour of CSCs. CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates the potential of targeted therapies for colorectal CSCs using phytochemicals. Phytochemicals could serve as novel therapeutic agents for CRC and aid in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Liao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Lanlan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xian Chen
- Department of Pathology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Juyi Xiang
- Center for drug evaluation, National Medical Products Administration, Beijing 100022, China
| | - Qiao Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Nianzhi Chen
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Maoyuan Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xiaolin Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- Center for drug evaluation, National Medical Products Administration, Beijing 100022, China.
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China; Department of Geriatrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China.
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China.
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Liu JH, Li C, Cao L, Zhang CH, Zhang ZH. Cucurbitacin B regulates lung cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis via inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 pathway through the lncRNA XIST/miR-let-7c axis. Pharm Biol 2022; 60:154-162. [PMID: 34967707 PMCID: PMC8725843 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.2016866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Lung cancer, the most common type of cancer, has a high mortality rate. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a natural compound extracted from Cucurbitaceae plants, has antitumor effects. OBJECTIVE We investigated the role of CuB on lung cancer and its potential mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS A549 cells were treated with 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 μM CuB for 12, 24, and 48 h or untreated. Gene and protein levels were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected inflammatory factors levels (TNF-α and IL-10). 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and colony formation assays measured cell viability, apoptosis, and proliferation. The interaction between miR-let-7c and long non-coding RNA X inactive-specific transcript (XIST) or interleukin-6 (IL-6) was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS CuB treatment inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells and promoted cell apoptosis, and increased the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase3, decreased cyclin B1 and Bcl-2 expression. CuB suppressed XIST and IL-6 expression, and enhanced miR-let-7c expression. XIST silencing enhanced the inhibitory effect of CuB on cell proliferation and the promotion effect on apoptosis via upregulating miR-let-7c. Moreover, XIST targeted miR-let-7c to activate the IL-6/STAT axis. MiR-let-7c overexpression enhanced the regulatory effect of CuB on proliferation and apoptosis via suppressing the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION CuB regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis by inhibiting the XIST/miR-let-7c/IL-6/STAT3 axis in lung cancer. These findings indicate CuB may have the possibility of clinical application in lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Liang Cao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Chang-Hong Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
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Reiszadeh-Jahromi S, Haddadi M, Mousavi P, Sanadgol N. Prophylactic effects of cucurbitacin B in the EAE Model of multiple sclerosis by adjustment of STAT3/IL-23/IL-17 axis and improvement of neuropsychological symptoms. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:2937-2953. [PMID: 36287356 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01083-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Although remarkable progress has been made in treating MS, current therapies are less effective in protecting against the progression of the disease. Since cucurbitacins have shown an extreme range of pharmacological properties, in this study, we aimed to investigate the prophylactic effect of cucurbitacin B (CuB) in the experimental MS model. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by subcutaneous immunization of MOG35-55 in C57BL/6 mice. CuB interventions (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) were performed every other day from the first day of EAE induction. Assessment of clinical scores and motor function, inflammatory responses, and microglial activation were assessed by qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses. CuB (1 mg/kg) significantly decreased the population of CD45+ (P < 0.01), CD11b+ (P < 0.01) and CD45+/CD11b+ (P < 0.05) cells in cortical lesions of EAE mice. In addition, activation of STAT3 (P < 0.001), expression of IL-17 A and IL-23 A (both mRNA and protein), and transcription of Iba-1 significantly decreased. On the contrary, CuB (1 mg/kg) significantly increased the transcription of MBP and Olig-2. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the severity of EAE (P < 0.05), and an improvement in motor function (P < 0.05) and coordination (P < 0.05) were observed after treatment with a high dose of CuB. Our results suggest that CuB may have a wide-ranging effect on autoimmune responses in MS via a reduction in STAT3 activation, microgliosis, and adaptation of the IL-23/IL-17 axis. Further studies are needed to investigate the exact effect of CuB in glial cells and its efficiency and bioavailability in other neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Haddadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
| | - Pegah Mousavi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Nima Sanadgol
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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Delgado-Tiburcio EE, Cadena-Iñiguez J, Santiago-Osorio E, Ruiz-Posadas LDM, Castillo-Juárez I, Aguiñiga-Sánchez I, Soto-Hernández M. Pharmacokinetics and Biological Activity of Cucurbitacins. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1325. [PMID: 36355498 PMCID: PMC9696414 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacins are a class of secondary metabolites initially isolated from the Cucurbitaceae family. They are important for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer biological actions. This review addresses pharmacokinetic parameters recently reported, including absorption, metabolism, distribution, and elimination phases of cucurbitacins. It includes recent studies of the molecular mechanisms of the biological activity of the most studied cucurbitacins and some derivatives, especially their anticancer capacity, to propose the integration of the pharmacokinetic profiles of cucurbitacins and the possibilities of their use. The main botanical genera and species of American origin that have been studied, and others whose chemo taxonomy makes them essential sources for the extraction of these metabolites, are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Cadena-Iñiguez
- Innovation in Natural Resource Management, Postgraduate College, Campus San Luis Potosí, Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí 78622, Mexico
| | - Edelmiro Santiago-Osorio
- Hematopoiesis and Leukemia Laboratory, Research Unit on Cell Differentiation and Cancer, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico
| | - Lucero del Mar Ruiz-Posadas
- Botany Department, Postgraduate College, Campus Montecillo, km 36.5 Carretera México-Texcoco, Texcoco 56230, Mexico
| | - Israel Castillo-Juárez
- Botany Department, Postgraduate College, Campus Montecillo, km 36.5 Carretera México-Texcoco, Texcoco 56230, Mexico
| | - Itzen Aguiñiga-Sánchez
- Hematopoiesis and Leukemia Laboratory, Research Unit on Cell Differentiation and Cancer, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico
| | - Marcos Soto-Hernández
- Botany Department, Postgraduate College, Campus Montecillo, km 36.5 Carretera México-Texcoco, Texcoco 56230, Mexico
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Wang M, Liu X, Chen T, Cheng X, Xiao H, Meng X, Jiang Y. Inhibition and potential treatment of colorectal cancer by natural compounds via various signaling pathways. Front Oncol 2022; 12:956793. [PMID: 36158694 PMCID: PMC9496650 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.956793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common type of malignant digestive tract tumor with a high incidence rate worldwide. Currently, the clinical treatment of CRC predominantly include surgical resection, postoperative chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, these treatments contain severe limitations such as drug side effects, the risk of recurrence and drug resistance. Some natural compounds found in plants, fungi, marine animals, and bacteria have been shown to inhibit the occurrence and development of CRC. Although the explicit molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of these compounds on CRC are not clear, classical signaling transduction pathways such as NF-kB and Wnt/β-catenin are extensively regulated. In this review, we have summarized the specific mechanisms regulating the inhibition and development of CRC by various types of natural compounds through nine signaling pathways, and explored the potential therapeutic values of these natural compounds in the clinical treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingchuan Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianjun Liu
- College of Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianbin Cheng
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huijie Xiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianglong Meng
- Department of Burns Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Jiang,
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Zheng B, Wang Q, Yue Y, Li J, Li X, Wang X, Aga SS. Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Validation to Reveal the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Kangai Injection against Colorectal Cancer. BioMed Research International 2022; 2022:1-11. [PMID: 36046463 PMCID: PMC9420643 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3008842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Kangai injection is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mixed by extracts from astragalus, ginseng, and kurorinone with modern technology. It is a commonly used antitumor injection in China, but the mechanism of Kangai injection in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanism of Kangai injection against CRC using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Methods Targets of Kangai injection in CRC were predicted by SwissTargetPrediction and DisGeNET databases. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed by using the DAVID database. A component-disease-target gene-pathway network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.8.0 software. Results 114 overlapping targets of Kangai injection and CRC were used to construct a PPI network, and the top 10 hub targets of Kangai injection were rated from high to low as TP53, VEGFA, EGFR, TNF, ESR1, STAT3, HSP90AA1, HDAC1, AR, and MMP9. The ingredient-target-disease interactive network was constructed, which included 22 compounds and 114 overlapping targets with 161 nodes and 707 edges. Entries of enrichment analysis were obtained based on P value (<0.05), which included 19 of GO-MF, 217 of GO-BP, 8 of GO-CC, and 13 KEGG. Molecular docking analysis showed that Kangai injection strongly interacted with top 10 hub target proteins. Conclusion Network pharmacology intuitively showed the multicomponent, multiple targets, and multiple pathways of Kangai injection in the treatment of CRC. The molecular docking experiment verified that compounds of Kangai injection had good binding ability with top 10 hub target proteins as well.
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Drakulic D, Schwirtlich M, Petrovic I, Mojsin M, Milivojevic M, Kovacevic-grujicic N, Stevanovic M. Current Opportunities for Targeting Dysregulated Neurodevelopmental Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma. Cells 2022; 11:2530. [PMID: 36010607 PMCID: PMC9406959 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and highly lethal type of brain tumor, with poor survival despite advances in understanding its complexity. After current standard therapeutic treatment, including tumor resection, radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy with temozolomide, the median overall survival of patients with this type of tumor is less than 15 months. Thus, there is an urgent need for new insights into GBM molecular characteristics and progress in targeted therapy in order to improve clinical outcomes. The literature data revealed that a number of different signaling pathways are dysregulated in GBM. In this review, we intended to summarize and discuss current literature data and therapeutic modalities focused on targeting dysregulated signaling pathways in GBM. A better understanding of opportunities for targeting signaling pathways that influences malignant behavior of GBM cells might open the way for the development of novel GBM-targeted therapies.
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Hossain MS, Kader MA, Goh KW, Islam M, Khan MS, Harun-Ar Rashid M, Ooi DJ, Melo Coutinho HD, Al-Worafi YM, Moshawih S, Lim YC, Kibria KMK, Ming LC. Herb and Spices in Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment: A Narrative Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:865801. [PMID: 35846992 PMCID: PMC9280164 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.865801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most deadly cancer worldwide. CRC management is challenging due to late detection, high recurrence rate, and multi-drug resistance. Herbs and spices used in cooking, practised for generations, have been shown to contain CRC protective effect or even be useful as an anti-CRC adjuvant therapy when used in high doses. Herbs and spices contain many bioactive compounds and possess many beneficial health effects. The chemopreventive properties of these herbs and spices are mainly mediated by the BCL-2, K-ras, and MMP pathways, caspase activation, the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, and the regulation of ER-stress-induced apoptosis. As a safer natural alternative, these herbs and spices could be good candidates for chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agents for CRC management because of their antiproliferative action on colorectal carcinoma cells and inhibitory activity on angiogenesis. Therefore, in this narrative review, six different spices and herbs: ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), and flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) used in daily cuisine were selected for this study and analyzed for their chemoprotective or chemotherapeutic roles in CRC management with underlying molecular mechanisms of actions. Initially, this study comprehensively discussed the molecular basis of CRC development, followed by culinary and traditional uses, current scientific research, and publications of selected herbs and spices on cancers. Lead compounds have been discussed comprehensively for each herb and spice, including anti-CRC phytoconstituents, antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory properties, and finally, anti-CRC effects with treatment mechanisms. Future possible works have been suggested where applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Sanower Hossain
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
- Faculty of Science, Sristy College of Tangail, Tangail, Bangladesh
- *Correspondence: Md. Sanower Hossain, ; Long Chiau Ming,
| | - Md. Abdul Kader
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia
| | | | - Md. Sharif Khan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Harun-Ar Rashid
- Department of Nutrition and Food Engineering, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Der Jiun Ooi
- Department of Oral Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
| | - Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Laboratório de Microbiologia E Biologia Molecular—LMBM, Universidade Regional Do Cariri, URCA, Crato, Brazil
| | - Yaser Mohammed Al-Worafi
- College of Medical Sciences, Azal University for Human Development, Amran, Yemen
- College of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology of Fujairah, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Said Moshawih
- PAP Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
| | - Ya Chee Lim
- PAP Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
| | - K. M. Kaderi Kibria
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- PAP Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
- *Correspondence: Md. Sanower Hossain, ; Long Chiau Ming,
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Xu D, Shen H, Tian M, Chen W, Zhang X. Cucurbitacin I inhibits the proliferation of pancreatic cancer through the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway in vivo and in vitro. J Cancer 2022; 13:2050-2060. [PMID: 35517401 PMCID: PMC9066209 DOI: 10.7150/jca.65875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive solid malignancies, as it has a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. The growth and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells into normal tissues and organs make resection and treatment difficult. Finding an effective chemotherapy drug for this disease is crucial. In this study, we selected the tetracyclic triterpenoid compound cucurbitacin I, which may be used as a potential therapeutic drug for treating pancreatic cancer. First, we found that cucurbitacin I inhibited pancreatic cancer proliferation in a dose-time dependent manner. Further studies have shown that cucurbitacin I blocks the cell cycle of pancreatic cancer in the G2/M phase and induces cell apoptosis. In addition, under the action of the compound, the invasion ability of cells was greatly reduced and markedly impaired the growth of pancreatic tumour xenografts in nude mice. Furthermore, the decrease in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation caused by cucurbitacin I appeared to involve JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway inhibition, and the use of JAK2/STAT3 activators effectively restored the inhibition. In conclusion, our research may provide a basis for the further development of pancreatic cancer treatment drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongchao Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310000, China.,Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310000, China
| | - Hongzhang Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310000, China.,Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310000, China
| | - Mengyao Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310000, China
| | - Wangyang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310000, China.,Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310000, China
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20
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Wei J, Chen X, Li Y, Li R, Bao K, Liao L, Xie Y, Yang T, Zhu J, Mao F, Ni S, Jia R, Xu X, Li J. Cucurbitacin B-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest of conjunctival melanoma cells mediated by GRP78–FOXM1–KIF20A pathway. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:3861-3876. [PMID: 36213538 PMCID: PMC9532536 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Conjunctival melanoma (CM) is a rare and fatal malignant eye tumor. In this study, we deciphered a novel anti-CM mechanism of a natural tetracyclic compound named as cucurbitacin B (CuB). We found that CuB remarkably inhibited the proliferation of CM cells including CM-AS16, CRMM1, CRMM2 and CM2005.1, without toxicity to normal cells. CuB can also induce CM cells G2/M cell cycle arrest. RNA-seq screening identified KIF20A, a key downstream effector of FOXM1 pathway, was abolished by CuB treatment. Further target identification by activity-based protein profiling chemoproteomic approach revealed that GRP78 is a potential target of CuB. Several lines of evidence demonstrated that CuB interacted with GRP78 and bound with a Kd value of 0.11 μmol/L. Furthermore, ATPase activity evaluation showed that CuB suppressed GRP78 both in human recombinant GRP78 protein and cellular lysates. Knockdown of the GRP78 gene significantly induced the downregulation of FOXM1 and related pathway proteins including KIF20A, underlying an interesting therapeutic perspective. Finally, CuB significantly inhibited tumor progression in NCG mice without causing obvious side effects in vivo. Taken together, our current work proved that GRP78–FOXM1–KIF20A as a promising pathway for CM therapy, and the traditional medicine CuB as a candidate drug to hinder this pathway.
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21
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Govindarasu M, Abirami P, Rajakumar G, Ansari MA, Alomary MN, Aba Alkhayl FF, Aloliqi AA, Thiruvengadam M, Vaiyapuri M. Kaempferitrin inhibits colorectal cancer cells by inducing reactive oxygen species and modulating PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Process Biochem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2022.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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22
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Zehentner S, Reiner AT, Grimm C, Somoza V. The Role of Bitter Taste Receptors in Cancer: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5891. [PMID: 34885005 PMCID: PMC8656863 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since it is known that bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are expressed and functionally active in various extra-oral cells, their genetic variability and functional response initiated by their activation have become of broader interest, including in the context of cancer. METHODS A systematic research was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant publications concerning the role of TAS2Rs in cancer. RESULTS While the findings on variations of TAS2R genotypes and phenotypes and their association to the risk of developing cancer are still inconclusive, gene expression analyses revealed that TAS2Rs are expressed and some of them are predominately downregulated in cancerous compared to non-cancerous cell lines and tissue samples. Additionally, receptor-specific, agonist-mediated activation induced various anti-cancer effects, such as decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as increased apoptosis. Furthermore, the overexpression of TAS2Rs resulted in a decreased tumour incidence in an in vivo study and TAS2R activation could even enhance the therapeutic effect of chemotherapeutics in vitro. Finally, higher expression levels of TAS2Rs in primary cancerous cells and tissues were associated with an improved prognosis in humans. CONCLUSION Since current evidence demonstrates a functional role of TAS2Rs in carcinogenesis, further studies should exploit their potential as (co-)targets of chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Zehentner
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.Z.); (A.T.R.)
| | - Agnes T. Reiner
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.Z.); (A.T.R.)
| | - Christoph Grimm
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Gynecologic Cancer Unit, Department of General Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Veronika Somoza
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.Z.); (A.T.R.)
- Leibniz Institute of Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Chair of Nutritional Systems Biology, School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
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23
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Silva VR, Santos LDS, Dias RB, Quadros CA, Bezerra DP. Emerging agents that target signaling pathways to eradicate colorectal cancer stem cells. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2021; 41:1275-1313. [PMID: 34791817 PMCID: PMC8696218 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The modern concept of cancer biology indicates that cancer is formed of a small population of cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs), which present both pluripotency and self-renewal properties. These cells are considered responsible for the progression of the disease, recurrence and tumor resistance. Interestingly, some cell signaling pathways participate in CRC survival, proliferation, and self-renewal properties, and most of them are dysregulated in CSCs, including the Wingless (Wnt)/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad pathways. In this review, we summarize the strategies for eradicating CRC stem cells by modulating these dysregulated pathways, which will contribute to the study of potential therapeutic schemes, combining conventional drugs with CSC-targeting drugs, and allowing better cure rates in anti-CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdenizia R Silva
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Luciano de S Santos
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Rosane B Dias
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Claudio A Quadros
- São Rafael Hospital, Rede D'Or/São Luiz, Salvador, Bahia, 41253-190, Brazil.,Bahia State University, Salvador, Bahia, 41150-000, Brazil
| | - Daniel P Bezerra
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
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24
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Zhdanovskaya N, Firrincieli M, Lazzari S, Pace E, Scribani Rossi P, Felli MP, Talora C, Screpanti I, Palermo R. Targeting Notch to Maximize Chemotherapeutic Benefits: Rationale, Advanced Strategies, and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205106. [PMID: 34680255 PMCID: PMC8533696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Notch signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation in a context-dependent fashion both during embryonic development and in adult tissue homeostasis. Consistent with its pleiotropic physiological role, unproper activation of the signaling promotes or counteracts tumor pathogenesis and therapy response in distinct tissues. In the last twenty years, a wide number of studies have highlighted the anti-cancer potential of Notch-modulating agents as single treatment and in combination with the existent therapies. However, most of these strategies have failed in the clinical exploration due to dose-limiting toxicity and low efficacy, encouraging the development of novel agents and the design of more appropriate combinations between Notch signaling inhibitors and chemotherapeutic drugs with improved safety and effectiveness for distinct types of cancer. Abstract Notch signaling guides cell fate decisions by affecting proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation depending on cell and tissue context. Given its multifaceted function during tissue development, both overactivation and loss of Notch signaling have been linked to tumorigenesis in ways that are either oncogenic or oncosuppressive, but always context-dependent. Notch signaling is critical for several mechanisms of chemoresistance including cancer stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor-stroma interaction, and malignant neovascularization that makes its targeting an appealing strategy against tumor growth and recurrence. During the last decades, numerous Notch-interfering agents have been developed, and the abundant preclinical evidence has been transformed in orphan drug approval for few rare diseases. However, the majority of Notch-dependent malignancies remain untargeted, even if the application of Notch inhibitors alone or in combination with common chemotherapeutic drugs is being evaluated in clinical trials. The modest clinical success of current Notch-targeting strategies is mostly due to their limited efficacy and severe on-target toxicity in Notch-controlled healthy tissues. Here, we review the available preclinical and clinical evidence on combinatorial treatment between different Notch signaling inhibitors and existent chemotherapeutic drugs, providing a comprehensive picture of molecular mechanisms explaining the potential or lacking success of these combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Zhdanovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Mariarosaria Firrincieli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Lazzari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Eleonora Pace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Pietro Scribani Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
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25
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Yu B, Zheng L, Tang H, Wang W, Lin Y. Cucurbitacin B enhances apoptosis in gefitinib resistant non‑small cell lung cancer by modulating the miR‑17‑5p/STAT3 axis. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:710. [PMID: 34396444 PMCID: PMC8383048 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as gefitinib, are currently widely used as targeted therapeutics for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although drug resistance has become a major obstacle to successful treatment, mechanisms underlying resistance to gefitinib remain unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of adjunctive cucurbitacin B (CuB) on gefitinib resistance (GR) in the PC9 cell line, including identifying underlying mechanisms. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR demonstrated significant downregulation of microRNA (miR)-17-5p expression in GR PC9 cells (PC9/GR), and this could be reversed by CuB. During combination treatment with CuB and gefitinib at IC25, PC9/GR cell proliferation was downregulated, and apoptosis was upregulated. The presence of a miR-17-5p inhibitor negated the effects of CuB and gefitinib, whereas the presence of a miR-17-5p mimic enhanced them. Luciferase assays demonstrated that the hypothetical target gene, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), was directly targeted by miR-17-5p. Moreover, significant elevation of the STAT3 protein and phosphorylation levels in PC9/GR cells was reversed by the addition of CuB, despite a lack of change in STAT3 transcription level. During combined treatment with CuB and gefitinib at IC25, the STAT3 protein expression was negatively associated with the expression of miR-17-5p. Overexpression of STAT3 increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis and the protein levels of apoptosis-related factors cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 of PC9/GR cells. Findings indicated that STAT3 protein and phosphorylation levels became elevated in response to gefitinib, and that CuB-induced miR-17-5p expression led to STAT3 degradation, thereby ameliorating GR. In summary, CuB reduced the proliferation of GR PC9 cells by modulating the miR-17-5p/STAT3 axis, and may represent a promising potential novel strategy for the reversal of GR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baodan Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Lixia Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Huiqin Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Weixin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Yongping Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
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Tao B, Wang D, Yang S, Liu Y, Wu H, Li Z, Chang L, Yang Z, Liu W. Cucurbitacin B Inhibits Cell Proliferation by Regulating X-Inactive Specific Transcript Expression in Tongue Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:651648. [PMID: 34295808 PMCID: PMC8290325 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.651648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a natural product, has anti-tumor effects on various cancers. In order to investigate the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), we carried out RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). The data indicated that CAL27 and SCC9 tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) cells had reduced expression of X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) after CuB treatment. Moreover, our results showed increased expression of XIST in human tongue cancer. In this study, CuB treatment inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of SCC9 cells, and induced cellular apoptosis. Interestingly, knockdown of XIST led to inhibition of cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro. In addition, reduced expression of XIST suppressed cell migration and invasion. MicroRNA 29b (miR-29b) was identified as a direct target of XIST. Previous reports indicated that miR-29b regulates p53 protein. Our results suggest that increased expression of miR-29b induces cell apoptosis through p53 protein. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system validated the role of XIST knockout in tumor development in vivo. Together, these results suggest that CuB exerts significant anti-cancer activity by regulating expression of XIST via miR-29b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boqiang Tao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering, Changchun, China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingkun Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhanjun Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lu Chang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhijing Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Bang G, Ghil S. BRET analysis reveals interaction between the lysophosphatidic acid receptor LPA2 and the lysophosphatidylinositol receptor GPR55 in live cells. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:1806-1818. [PMID: 33959968 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and lysophosphatidylinositol bind to the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) LPA and GPR55, respectively. LPA2 , a type 2 LPA receptor, and GPR55 are highly expressed in colon cancer and involved in cancer progression. However, crosstalk between the two receptors and potential effects on cellular physiology are not fully understood. Here, using BRET analysis, we found that LPA2 and GPR55 interact in live cells. In the presence of both receptors, LPA2 and/or GPR55 activation facilitated co-internalization, and activation of GPR55, uncoupled with Gαi , induced reduction of intracellular cAMP. Notably, co-activation of receptors synergistically triggered further decline in the cAMP level, promoted cell proliferation, and increased the expression of cancer progression-related genes, suggesting that physical and functional crosstalk between LPA2 and GRR55 is involved in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwantae Bang
- Department of Life Science, Kyonggi University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sungho Ghil
- Department of Life Science, Kyonggi University, Suwon, Korea
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28
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Miao Y, Wang J, Ma X, Yang Y, Mi D. Identification prognosis-associated immune genes in colon adenocarcinoma. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:BSR20201734. [PMID: 33140821 DOI: 10.1042/BSR20201734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide. Immune genes (IGs) have a considerable correlation with tumor initiation and prognosis. The present paper aims to identify the prognosis value of IGs in COAD and conduct a prognosis model for clinical utility. Gene expression data of COAD were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), screening and analyzing differentially expressed IGs by bioinformatics. Core genes were screened by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Survival analysis was appraised by the Kaplan–Meier method and the log-rank test. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to identify IGs’ relevant signal pathways. We predicted the overall survival (OS) by nomogram. Finally, a prognosis model was conducted based on 12 IGs (SLC10A2, CXCL3, NOX4, FABP4, ADIPOQ, IGKV1-33, IGLV6-57, INHBA, UCN, VIP, NGFR, and TRDC). The risk score was an independent prognostic factor, and a nomogram could accurately predict the OS of individual COAD patients. These results were validated in GSE39582, GSE12945, and GSE103479 cohorts. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that these IGs are mainly enriched in hormone secretion, hormone transport, lipid transport, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor signaling pathway. In summary, the risk score is an independent prognostic biomarker. We also excavated several IGs related to COAD’s survival and maybe potential biomarkers for COAD diagnosis and treatment.
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Wang X, Bai Y, Yan X, Li J, Lin B, Dai L, Xu C, Li H, Li D, Yang T, Zhang T. Cucurbitacin B exhibits antitumor effects on CD133+ HepG2 liver cancer stem cells by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:548-57. [PMID: 33675610 DOI: 10.1097/CAD.0000000000001062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a crucial cancer cell subpopulation, possess stemness phenotypic characteristics. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a tetracyclic triterpenoid isolated from Cucurbitaceae, exerts widely pharmacological activities in many diseases. The aim of this study was to enrich, identify liver CSCs and investigate antitumor effects of CuB as well as explore the underlying molecular mechanisms in these liver CSCs. HepG2 cell lines were used for the enrichment of liver CSCs by serum-free medium culture and magnetic-activated cell sorting. The CSC characteristics were analyzed by immunofluorescent staining, sphere-forming, western blot and xenograft tumorigenicity assay. CuB' antitumor effects and underlying molecular mechanism were measured by cell counting kit-8, colony formation, sphere-forming, cell cycle, xenograft and western blot assay. Our results showed that we could enrich 97.29% CD133+ HepG2 cells, which possessed CSC characteristics including re-renewal capacity, proliferative ability, sorafenib resistance, overexpressed stemness-related molecules and enhanced tumorigenic potential. Furthermore, we also found that CuB inhibited cell viability, sphere formation, colony formation and arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase as well as sensitized CD133+ HepG2 cells to sorafenib in vitro and in vivo. Western blot assay indicated that CuB inhibited expression levels of cyclin B1, CDK1, CD133, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3. In conclusion, our findings indicated that CuB could exhibit antitumor effects on CD133+ HepG2 CSCs by inhibiting the Janus kinase 2/signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 signaling pathway, expanding basic and preclinical investigations on liver CSCs.
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30
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Icard P, Loi M, Wu Z, Ginguay A, Lincet H, Robin E, Coquerel A, Berzan D, Fournel L, Alifano M. Metabolic Strategies for Inhibiting Cancer Development. Adv Nutr 2021; 12:1461-1480. [PMID: 33530098 PMCID: PMC8321873 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a complex mix of cancerous and noncancerous cells (especially immune cells and fibroblasts) with distinct metabolisms. These cells interact with each other and are influenced by the metabolic disorders of the host. In this review, we discuss how metabolic pathways that sustain biosynthesis in cancer cells could be targeted to increase the effectiveness of cancer therapies by limiting the nutrient uptake of the cell, inactivating metabolic enzymes (key regulatory ones or those linked to cell cycle progression), and inhibiting ATP production to induce cell death. Furthermore, we describe how the microenvironment could be targeted to activate the immune response by redirecting nutrients toward cytotoxic immune cells or inhibiting the release of waste products by cancer cells that stimulate immunosuppressive cells. We also examine metabolic disorders in the host that could be targeted to inhibit cancer development. To create future personalized therapies for targeting each cancer tumor, novel techniques must be developed, such as new tracers for positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan and immunohistochemical markers to characterize the metabolic phenotype of cancer cells and their microenvironment. Pending personalized strategies that specifically target all metabolic components of cancer development in a patient, simple metabolic interventions could be tested in clinical trials in combination with standard cancer therapies, such as short cycles of fasting or the administration of sodium citrate or weakly toxic compounds (such as curcumin, metformin, lipoic acid) that target autophagy and biosynthetic or signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauro Loi
- Radiotherapy Department, Humanitas Cancer Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Zherui Wu
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China,INSERM UMR-S 1124, Cellular Homeostasis and Cancer, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Antonin Ginguay
- Service de Biochimie, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Centre, AP-HP, Paris, France,EA4466 Laboratoire de Biologie de la Nutrition, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris-Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Hubert Lincet
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), France,ISPB, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Edouard Robin
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, AP-HP, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Coquerel
- INSERM U1075, Comete “Mobilités: Attention, Orientation, Chronobiologie”, Université Caen, Caen, France
| | - Diana Berzan
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, AP-HP, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Fournel
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, AP-HP, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France,INSERM UMR-S 1124, Cellular Homeostasis and Cancer, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Marco Alifano
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, AP-HP, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France,INSERM U1138, Integrative Cancer Immunology, Paris, France
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31
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Pu Z, Yang F, Wang L, Diao Y, Chen D. Advancements of compounds targeting Wnt and Notch signalling pathways in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. J Drug Target 2020; 29:507-519. [PMID: 33307848 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2020.1864741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt and Notch signalling pathways are important for maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity by intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Dysfunction of these pathways is implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer. The objective of this review is to summarise advancements of drugs that regulate Wnt and Notch in the treatment of IBD and colon cancer. The compositions and biological effects of Wnt and Notch modulators in both ISCs and non-ISCs are discussed. The drugs, including phytochemicals, plant extracts, probiotics and synthetic compounds, have been found to regulate Wnt and Notch signalling pathways by targeting regulatory factors (including secreted frizzled-related proteins or pathway proteins such as β-catenin and γ-secretase) to alleviate IBD and colon cancer. This review highlights the potential for targeting Wnt and Notch pathways to treat IBD and colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuonan Pu
- Comparative Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Comparative Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Comparative Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yunpeng Diao
- Colleage of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Dapeng Chen
- Comparative Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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32
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Li N, Li Y, Gao H, Li J, Ma X, Liu X, Gong P, Cui X, Li Y. Forkhead-box A3 (FOXA3) represses cancer stemness and partially potentiates chemosensitivity by targeting metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 21:CCDT-EPUB-112119. [PMID: 33292133 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666201207150632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major challenge to the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) is persistent occurrence of chemoresistance. One of the established etiologies is the existence of cancerstem-like cells (CSCs) using which tumors resist to external therapeutic challenges. OBJECTIVE The forkhead-box A3 (FOXA3) is a potent transcription factor that potentiates the acquisition and maintenance of stemness fate in many physiological systems. However, its effect on cancer stemness, particularly treatment, has not been explored in CRC, forming the basis of the current study. METHODS FOXA3 expression in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC tissues and cells was evaluated using RT-qPCR. Effects of FOXA3 manipulation on sensitivity to oxaliplatin were assessed using WST-1, apoptotic ELISA, colony formation and xenograft model. Effects of FOXA3 alteration on CSCs were determined using tumor sphere assay and CD44 staining. Transcriptional regulation of MACC1 by FOXA3 was studied using ChIP, Co-IP and luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS FOXA3 expression was significantly reduced in tumor samples from oxaliplatin-non-responsive patients compared with that in tumor samples from oxaliplatin-sensitive patients. This downregulation of FOXA3 expression predicted a poor post-chemotherapy overall- or disease-free survival in our 117-patient cohort. FOXA3 down-regulation significantly enhanced cell survival and stem-like properties, thus rendering the CRC cells unresponsiveness to oxaliplatin-induced cell death. Mechanistically, the anti-neoplasic effect of FOXA3 was mediated mainly through transcriptional repression of metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cells. CONCLUSION Our findings establish FOXA3 as a potent tumor suppressor in CRC, which may disrupt the maintenance of stemness and modulate sensitivity to oxaliplatin by inhibiting the transcription of MACC1 within CRC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Cancer center of Suining Central Hospital, Suining 629000. China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. China
| | - Hongbo Gao
- Radionuclide Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing Nuclear Industry Hospital, Beijing 100045. China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. China
| | - Xiaoping Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. China
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- Cancer center of Suining Central Hospital, Suining 629000. China
| | - Ping Gong
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. China
| | - Xiaobin Cui
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Radiology, Suining Central Hospital, Suining 629000. China
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33
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Xu JL, Yuan L, Tang YC, Xu ZY, Xu HD, Cheng XD, Qin JJ. The Role of Autophagy in Gastric Cancer Chemoresistance: Friend or Foe? Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:621428. [PMID: 33344463 PMCID: PMC7744622 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.621428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Drug resistance is the main inevitable and vital factor leading to a low 5-year survival rate for patients with gastric cancer. Autophagy, as a highly conserved homeostatic pathway, is mainly regulated by different proteins and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and plays dual roles in drug resistance of gastric cancer. Thus, targeting key regulatory nodes in the process of autophagy by small molecule inhibitors or activators has become one of the most promising strategies for the treatment of gastric cancer in recent years. In this review, we provide a systematic summary focusing on the relationship between autophagy and chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer. We comprehensively discuss the roles and molecular mechanisms of multiple proteins and the emerging ncRNAs including miRNAs and lncRNAs in the regulation of autophagy pathways and gastric cancer chemoresistance. We also summarize the regulatory effects of autophagy inhibitor and activators on gastric cancer chemoresistance. Understanding the vital roles of autophagy in gastric cancer chemoresistance will provide novel opportunities to develop promising therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Li Xu
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China.,The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China.,The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Cheng Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tsai, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Xu
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Han-Dong Xu
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China.,The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Cheng
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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Wang X, Li H, Li D, Bai Y, Zhang Y, Yan X, Li J, Zhao R, Liu J, Liu W, Shi M, Xu C, Yang T, Zhang T. Sorafenib and CuB exert synergistic antitumor effects against hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 11:133-145. [PMID: 33176070 PMCID: PMC7780105 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, the first‐line agent for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), improves median overall survival by approximately 3 months. In the present study, we investigated whether sorafenib combined with cucurbitacin B (CuB), a natural tetracyclic triterpenoid isolated from Cucurbitaceae, exerts enhanced antitumor effects against HCC. Cell viability and colony formation ability were detected by cell‐counting kit‐8 and colony formation assays. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Protein expression was detected by western blotting. HepG2 xenografts in nude mice were used to evaluate in vivo antitumor effects. We report that sorafenib and CuB exhibited synergistic effects on cellular proliferation inhibition and cell apoptosis induction, but not on cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, combination treatment enhanced levels of cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 9, but suppressed phosphorylation of STAT3. Epidermal growth factor, a potent stimulator of signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT3), promoted cell viability and colony formation ability, whereas combination treatment exerted inhibitory effects on epidermal growth factor‐induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Finally, HepG2 xenograft mice cotreated with sorafenib and CuB exhibited reduced tumor progression without notable weight loss. In conclusion, sorafenib and CuB exert synergistic antitumor effects through a pathway that may involve STAT3 phosphorylation, and this may represent a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Cancer, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Clinical School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Li
- Cancer Center, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Li
- Cancer Center, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Yudi Bai
- Basic School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Basic School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Ri Zhao
- Scientific Research Center, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Basic School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Clinical School of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Maolin Shi
- Clinical School of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- Department of Cancer, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Clinical School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Tai Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Cancer Center, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
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35
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Lin X, Farooqi AA. Cucurbitacin mediated regulation of deregulated oncogenic signaling cascades and non-coding RNAs in different cancers: Spotlight on JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, mTOR, TRAIL-mediated pathways. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 73:302-309. [PMID: 33152487 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Research over decades has enabled us in developing a better understanding of the multifaceted and heterogeneous nature of cancer. High-throughput technologies have helped the researchers in unraveling of the underlying mechanisms which centrally regulate cancer onset, metastasis and drug resistance. Our rapidly expanding knowledge about signal transduction cascade has added another layer of complexity to already complicated nature of cancer. Deregulation of cell signaling pathways played a linchpin role in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Cucurbitacins have gained tremendous attention because of their remarkable pharmacological properties and considerable ability to mechanistically modulate myriad of cell signaling pathways in different cancers. In this review, we have attempted to provide a mechanistic and comprehensive analysis of regulation of oncogenic pathways by cucurbitacins in different cancers. We have partitioned this review into separate sections for exclusive analysis of each signaling pathway and critical assessment of the knowledge gaps. In this review, we will summarize most recent and landmark developments related to regulation of Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, mTOR, VEGFR, EGFR and Hippo pathway by cucurbitacins. Moreover, we will also address how cucurbitacins regulate DNA damage repair pathway and TRAIL-driven signaling in various cancers. However, there are still outstanding questions related to regulation of SHH/GLI, TGF/SMAD and Notch-driven pathway by cucurbitacins in different cancers. Future studies must converge on the analysis of full-fledge potential of cucurbitacins by in-depth analysis of these pathways and how these pathways can be therapeutically targeted by cucurbitacins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiukun Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan.
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36
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Ramezani M, Hasani M, Ramezani F, Karimi Abdolmaleki M. Cucurbitacins: A Focus on Cucurbitacin E As A Natural Product and Their Biological Activities. Pharm Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.34172/ps.2020.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
For the last years, different types of cucurbitacins have been extracted from various species of Cucurbitaceae family. For this review, all related papers were accumulated by searching electronic databases in the English language, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The keywords of cucurbitacin, cucumber anticancer therapy, cytotoxic effects, chemotherapy, and inhibitor effect were searched until February 2020. According to the result of this review, cucurbitacin E as a tetracyclic triterpenes compound, has been exhibited cell cycle arrest, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. It showed tumor proliferation prevention, induction of apoptosis or synergistically acts with other established antitumor compounds and cytokines throughout many molecular mechanisms. In a function-structure association manner, cucurbitacin E can inhibit Janus kinas2 (JAK2) phosphorylation, the signal transducer activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and subsequently block these pathways, which seems to be the main mechanism of its activity. Future studies could target its detection in uninvestigated sources, subsequently its derivatives to improve their anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fatemeh Ramezani
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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37
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Alnuqaydan AM. Targeting micro-RNAs by natural products: a novel future therapeutic strategy to combat cancer. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:3531-3556. [PMID: 32774718 PMCID: PMC7407688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are a class of short, non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in normal physiology by attenuating translation or targeting messenger RNAs for degradation. Deregulation of miRNAs disturbs key molecular events in interconnected processes such as cell proliferation, tumor angiogenesis, self-renewal, apoptosis, metastasis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. This process initiates, promotes and develops the pathophysiology of cancer. The modulation of miRNAs results in epigenetic changes in the genome, which eventually leads to cancer. Targeting deregulated miRNAs by natural products derived from plants is an ideal strategy to combat tumorigenesis. Owing to their fewer side effects, natural products have been used as chemotherapeutic agents against various cancers. These natural products modulate the dysregulated signaling pathways by downregulating the oncogenic miRNAs which play a crucial role in the development of tumorigenesis and maintain a fine balance of tumor suppressor miRNAs. This review article aims to highlight the key modifications of miRNAs which lead to tumorigenesis and the chemotherapeutic potential of natural products by targeting miRNAs and their possible mechanism of inhibition for developing an effective anti-cancer agent(s). They will have less damaging effects on normal cells for future chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah M Alnuqaydan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University Saudi Arabia
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