1
|
Xing Z, Su A, Mi L, Zhang Y, He T, Qiu Y, Wei T, Li Z, Zhu J, Wu W. Withaferin A: A Dietary Supplement with Promising Potential as an Anti-Tumor Therapeutic for Cancer Treatment - Pharmacology and Mechanisms. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:2909-2929. [PMID: 37753228 PMCID: PMC10519218 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s422512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, as the leading cause of death worldwide, poses a serious threat to human health, making the development of effective tumor treatments a significant challenge. Natural products continue to serve as crucial resources for drug discovery. Among them, Withaferin A (WA), the most active phytocompound extracted from the renowned dietary supplement Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, exhibits remarkable anti-tumor efficacy. In this manuscript, we aim to comprehensively summarize the pharmacological characteristics of WA as a potential anti-tumor drug candidate, with the objective of contributing to its further development and the discovery of prospective drugs. Through an extensive review of literature from PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, we have gathered substantial evidence showcasing WA's significant anti-tumor effects against a wide range of cancers in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Mechanistically, WA exerts its anti-tumor influence by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Additionally, it inhibits cell proliferation, cancer stem cells, tumor metastasis, and also suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis. Several studies have identified direct target proteins of WA, such as vimentin, Hsp90, annexin II and mFAM72A, while BCR-ABL, Mortalin (mtHsp70), Nrf2, and c-MYB are potential targets of WA. Notwithstanding its remarkable anti-tumor efficacy, there are some limitations associated with WA, including potential toxicity and poor oral bioavailability, which need to be addressed when considering it as an anti-tumor candidate agent. Nevertheless, I given its promising anti-tumor attributes, WA remains an encouraging candidate for future drug development. Unveiling the exact target and comprehensive mechanism of WA's action represents a crucial research direction to pursue in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Xing
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Anping Su
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Mi
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting He
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuxuan Qiu
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Wei
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingqiang Zhu
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenshuang Wu
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tseng JC, Wang BJ, Wang YP, Kuo YY, Chen JK, Hour TC, Kuo LK, Hsiao PJ, Yeh CC, Kao CL, Shih LJ, Chuu CP. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester suppresses EGFR/FAK/Akt signaling, migration, and tumor growth of prostate cancer cells. Phytomedicine 2023; 116:154860. [PMID: 37201366 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is upregulated in prostate cancer (PCa). However, suppression of EGFR did not improve the patient outcome, possibly due to the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling in PCa. Compounds able to suppress both PI3K/Akt and EGFR signaling may be effective for treating advanced PCa. PURPOSE We examined if caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) simultaneously suppresses the EGFR and Akt signaling, migration and tumor growth in PCa cells. METHODS Wound healing assay, transwell migration assay and xenograft mice model were used to determine the effects of CAPE on migration and proliferation of PCa cells. Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry staining were performed to determine the effects of CAPE on EGFR and Akt signaling. RESULTS CAPE treatment decreased the gene expression of HRAS, RAF1, AKT2, GSK3A, and EGF and the protein expression of phospho-EGFR (Y845, Y1069, Y1148, Y1173), phospho-FAK, Akt, and ERK1/2 in PCa cells. CAPE treatment inhibited the EGF-induced migration of PCa cells. Combined treatment of CAPE with EGFR inhibitor gefitinib showed additive inhibition on migration and proliferation of PCa cells. Injection of CAPE (15 mg/kg/3 days) for 14 days suppressed the tumor growth of prostate xenografts in nude mice as well as suppressed the levels of Ki67, phospho-EGFR Y845, MMP-9, phospho-Akt S473, phospho-Akt T308, Ras, and Raf-1 in prostate xenografts. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that CAPE can simultaneously suppress the EGFR and Akt signaling in PCa cells and is a potential therapeutic agent for advanced PCa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Chih Tseng
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan; Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
| | - Bi-Juan Wang
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Pei Wang
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Yu Kuo
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Kun Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
| | - Tzyh-Chyuan Hour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80737, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80737, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80737, Taiwan
| | - Li-Kuo Kuo
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 104217, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Mackay Medical College, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jen Hsiao
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan 325, Taiwan; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chih Yeh
- Department of Education and Medical Research, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Li Kao
- Division of Urology, Departments of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Jane Shih
- Department of Education and Medical Research, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Pin Chuu
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan; Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan 32031, Taiwan; PhD Program for Aging and Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung City 40402, Taiwan; Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kumar S, Mathew SO, Aharwal RP, Tulli HS, Mohan CD, Sethi G, Ahn KS, Webber K, Sandhu SS, Bishayee A. Withaferin A: A Pleiotropic Anticancer Agent from the Indian Medicinal Plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:160. [PMID: 37259311 PMCID: PMC9966696 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer represents the second most deadly disease and one of the most important public health concerns worldwide. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immune therapy are the major types of treatment strategies that have been implemented in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, these treatment options suffer from major limitations, such as drug-resistance and adverse effects, which may eventually result in disease recurrence. Many phytochemicals have been investigated for their antitumor efficacy in preclinical models and clinical studies to discover newer therapeutic agents with fewer adverse effects. Withaferin A, a natural bioactive molecule isolated from the Indian medicinal plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, has been reported to impart anticancer activities against various cancer cell lines and preclinical cancer models by modulating the expression and activity of different oncogenic proteins. In this article, we have comprehensively discussed the biosynthesis of withaferin A as well as its antineoplastic activities and mode-of-action in in vitro and in vivo settings. We have also reviewed the effect of withaferin A on the expression of miRNAs, its combinational effect with other cytotoxic agents, withaferin A-based formulations, safety and toxicity profiles, and its clinical potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suneel Kumar
- Bio-Design Innovation Centre, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur 482 001, India
| | - Stephen O. Mathew
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | | | - Hardeep Singh Tulli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133 207, India
| | | | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Kwang-Seok Ahn
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Kassidy Webber
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Sardul Singh Sandhu
- Bio-Design Innovation Centre, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur 482 001, India
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kwee I, Martinelli A, Khayal LA, Akhmedov M. metaLINCS: an R package for meta-level analysis of LINCS L1000 drug signatures using stratified connectivity mapping. Bioinform Adv 2022; 2:vbac064. [PMID: 36699415 PMCID: PMC9710587 DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Summary Accessing the collection of perturbed gene expression profiles, such as the LINCS L1000 connectivity map, is usually performed at the individual dataset level, followed by a summary performed by counting individual hits for each perturbagen. With the metaLINCS R package, we present an alternative approach that combines rank correlation and gene set enrichment analysis to identify meta-level enrichment at the perturbagen level and, in the case of drugs, at the mechanism of action level. This significantly simplifies the interpretation and highlights overarching themes in the data. We demonstrate the functionality of the package and compare its performance against those of three currently used approaches. Availability and implementation metaLINCS is released under GPL3 license. Source code and documentation are freely available on GitHub (https://github.com/bigomics/metaLINCS). Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Kwee
- To whom correspondence should be addressed.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zulhendri F, Perera CO, Tandean S, Abdulah R, Herman H, Christoper A, Chandrasekaran K, Putra A, Lesmana R. The Potential Use of Propolis as a Primary or an Adjunctive Therapy in Respiratory Tract-Related Diseases and Disorders: A Systematic Scoping Review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 146:112595. [PMID: 35062065 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112595] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Propolis is a resinous beehive product that is collected by the bees from plant resin and exudates, to protect and maintain hive homeostasis. Propolis has been used by humans therapeutically to treat many ailments including respiratory tract-related diseases and disorders. The aim of the present systematic scoping review is to evaluate the experimental evidence to support the use of propolis as a primary or an adjunctive therapy in respiratory tract-related diseases and disorders. After applying the exclusion criteria, 158 research publications were retrieved and identified from Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Google Scholar. The key themes of the included studies were pathogenic infection-related diseases and disorders, inflammation-related disorders, lung cancers, and adverse effects. Furthermore, the potential molecular and biochemical mechanisms of action of propolis in alleviating respiratory tract-related diseases and disorders are discussed. In conclusion, the therapeutic benefits of propolis have been demonstrated by various in vitro studies, in silico studies, animal models, and human clinical trials. Based on the weight and robustness of the available experimental and clinical evidence, propolis is effective, either as a primary or an adjunctive therapy, in treating respiratory tract-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Zulhendri
- Kebun Efi, Kabanjahe 22171, North Sumatra, Indonesia; Center of Excellence in Higher Education for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia; Research Fellow, Physiology Division, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia.
| | - Conrad O Perera
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Steven Tandean
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan 20222, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia.
| | - Rizky Abdulah
- Center of Excellence in Higher Education for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia.
| | - Herry Herman
- Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia.
| | - Andreas Christoper
- Postgraduate Program of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia.
| | | | - Arfiza Putra
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara Medan 20222, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia.
| | - Ronny Lesmana
- Center of Excellence in Higher Education for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia; Physiology Division, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia; Biological Activity Division, Central Laboratory, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Malik V, Radhakrishnan N, Kaul SC, Wadhwa R, Sundar D. Computational Identification of BCR-ABL Oncogenic Signaling as a Candidate Target of Withaferin A and Withanone. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020212. [PMID: 35204712 PMCID: PMC8961606 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Withaferin-A (Wi-A), a secondary metabolite extracted from Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), has been shown to possess anticancer activity. However, the molecular mechanism of its action and the signaling pathways have not yet been fully explored. We performed an inverse virtual screening to investigate its binding potential to the catalytic site of protein kinases and identified ABL as a strong candidate. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were undertaken to investigate the effects on BCR-ABL oncogenic signaling that is constitutively activated yielding uncontrolled proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). We found that Wi-A and its closely related withanolide, Withanone (Wi-N), interact at both catalytic and allosteric sites of the ABL. The calculated binding energies were higher in the case of Wi-A at catalytic site (−82.19 ± 5.48) and allosteric site (−67.00 ± 4.96) as compared to the clinically used drugs Imatinib (−78.11 ± 5.21) and Asciminib (−54.00 ± 6.45) respectively. Wi-N had a lesser binding energy (−42.11 ± 10.57) compared to Asciminib at the allosteric site. The interaction and conformational changes, subjected to ligand interaction, were found to be similar to the drugs Imatinib and Asciminib. The data suggested that Ashwagandha extracts containing withanolides, Wi-A and Wi-N may serve as natural drugs for the treatment of CML. Inhibition of ABL is suggested as one of the contributing factors of anti-cancer activity of Wi-A and Wi-N, warranting further in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vidhi Malik
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110-016, India; (V.M.); (N.R.)
| | - Navaneethan Radhakrishnan
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110-016, India; (V.M.); (N.R.)
| | - Sunil C. Kaul
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, DBT-AIST International Center for Translational & Environmental Research (DAICENTER), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (S.C.K.); (R.W.)
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, DBT-AIST International Center for Translational & Environmental Research (DAICENTER), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (S.C.K.); (R.W.)
| | - Durai Sundar
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110-016, India; (V.M.); (N.R.)
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, New Delhi 110-016, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-11-2659-1066
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rathi A, Kumar V, Sundar D. Insights into the potential of withanolides as Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4D) inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 41:2108-2117. [PMID: 35060432 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2028679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Medicinal herbs have been used as traditional medicines for centuries. The molecular mechanism of action of their bioactive molecules against various diseases or therapeutic targets is still being explored. Here, the active compounds (withanolides) of a well-known Indian medicinal herb, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), have been studied for their most potential therapeutic targets and their mechanism of action using ligand-based screening and receptor-based approaches. Ligand-based screening predicted the six top therapeutic targets, namely, Protein kinase C alpha (PRKCA), Protein kinase C delta (PRKCD), Protein kinase C epsilon (PRKCE), Androgenic Receptor (AR), Cycloxygenase-2 (PTGS-2) and Phosphodiesterase-4D (PDE4D). Further, when these predictions were validated using receptor-based studies, i.e. molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and free energy calculations, it was found that PDE4D was the most potent target for four withanolides, namely, Withaferin-A, 17-Hydroxywithaferin-A, 27-Hydroxywithanone and Withanolide-R. These compounds had a better binding affinity and similar interactions as that of an already known inhibitor (Zardaverine) of PDE4D. These results warrant further in-vitro and in-vivo investigations to examine their therapeutic potential as an inhibitor of PDE4D.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Rathi
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Vipul Kumar
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Durai Sundar
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Malik V, Kumar V, Kaul SC, Wadhwa R, Sundar D. Potential of Withaferin-A, Withanone and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl ester as ATP-competitive inhibitors of BRAF: A bioinformatics study. Curr Res Struct Biol 2021; 3:301-11. [PMID: 35028596 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine/threonine-protein kinase B-raf (BRAF) plays a significant role in regulating cell division and proliferation through MAPK/ERK pathway. The constitutive expression of wild-type BRAF (BRAFWT) and its mutant forms, especially V600E (BRAFV600E), has been linked to multiple cancers. Various synthetic drugs have been approved and are in clinical trials, but most of them are reported to become ineffective within a short duration. Therefore, combinational therapy involving multiple drugs are often recruited for cancer treatment. However, they lead to toxicity and adverse side effects. In this computational study, we have investigated three natural compounds, namely Withaferin-A (Wi-A), Withanone (Wi-N) and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl ester (CAPE) for anti-BRAFWT and anti-BRAFV600E activity. We found that these compounds could bind stably at ATP-binding site in both BRAFWT and BRAFV600E proteins. In-depth analysis revealed that these compounds maintained the active conformation of wild-type BRAF protein by inducing αC-helix-In, DFG-In, extended activation segment and well-aligned R-spine residues similar to already known drugs Vemurafenib (VEM), BGB283 and Ponatinib. In terms of binding energy, among the natural compounds, CAPE showed better affinity towards both wild-type and V600E mutant proteins than the other two compounds. These data suggested that CAPE, Wi-A and Wi-N have potential to block constitutive autophosphorylation of BRAF and hence warrant in vitro and in vivo experimental validation. Out of all the human cancers approximately 8% involve BRAF mutations. The 40–50% of the commercialized drugs in the market are from the natural sources or inspired by it. Three natural compounds Withaferin-A , Withanone and Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) have been studied against BRAF. CAPE binds with higher binding affinity with BRAF wild type protein and BRAF V600E mutant protein than other natural compounds.
Collapse
|
9
|
Radhakrishnan N, Kaul SC, Wadhwa R, Sundar D. Phosphatidylserine Exposed Lipid Bilayer Models for Understanding Cancer Cell Selectivity of Natural Compounds: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. Membranes (Basel) 2022; 12:64. [PMID: 35054590 PMCID: PMC8780679 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12010064] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Development of drugs that are selectively toxic to cancer cells and safe to normal cells is crucial in cancer treatment. Evaluation of membrane permeability is a key metric for successful drug development. In this study, we have used in silico molecular models of lipid bilayers to explore the effect of phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure in cancer cells on membrane permeation of natural compounds Withaferin A (Wi-A), Withanone (Wi-N), Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) and Artepillin C (ARC). Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to compute permeability coefficients. The results indicated that the exposure of PS in cancer cell membranes facilitated the permeation of Wi-A, Wi-N and CAPE through a cancer cell membrane when compared to a normal cell membrane. In the case of ARC, PS exposure did not have a notable influence on its permeability coefficient. The presented data demonstrated the potential of PS exposure-based models for studying cancer cell selectivity of drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navaneethan Radhakrishnan
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India;
| | - Sunil C. Kaul
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan;
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan;
| | - Durai Sundar
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India;
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shefrin S, Sari AN, Kumar V, Zhang H, Meidinna HN, Kaul SC, Wadhwa R, Sundar D. Comparative computational and experimental analyses of some natural small molecules to restore transcriptional activation function of p53 in cancer cells harbouring wild type and p53Ser46 mutant. Curr Res Struct Biol 2022; 4:320-331. [PMID: 36164647 PMCID: PMC9507986 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mutations in p53 are frequently associated with many types of cancers that affect its stability and activity through multiple ways. The Ser46 residue present in the transactivation domain2 (TAD2) domain of p53 undergoes phosphorylation that blocks its degradation by MDM2 and leads to cell cycle arrest/apoptosis/necrosis upon intrinsic or extrinsic stresses. On the other hand, unphosphorylated p53 mutants escape cell arrest or death triggered by these molecular signaling axes and lead to carcinogenesis. Phosphorylation of Ser in the TAD2 domain of p53 mediates its interactions with transcription factor p62, yielding transcriptional activation of downstream pro-apoptotic genes. The p53 phosphorylation causes string-like elongated conformation that increases its binding affinity with the PH domain of p62. On the other hand, lack of phosphorylation causes helix-like motifs and low binding affinity to p62. We undertook molecular simulation analyses to investigate the potential of some natural small molecules (Withanone (Wi-N) & Withaferin-A (Wi-A) from Ashwagandha; Cucurbitacin-B (Cuc-B) from bitter Cucumber; and Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and Artepillin C (ARC) from honeybee propolis) to interact with p62-binding region of p53 and restore its wild-type activity. We found that Wi-N, Wi-A, and Cuc-B have the potential to restore p53-p62 interaction for phosphorylation-deficient p53 mutants. Wi-N, in particular, caused a reversal of the α-helical structure into an elongated string-like conformation similar to the wild-type p53. These data suggested the use of these natural compounds for the treatment of p53Ser46 mutant harbouring cancers. We also compared the efficiency of Wi-N, Wi-A, Cuc-B, CAPE, and ARC to abrogate Mortalin-p53 binding resulting in nuclear translocation and reactivation of p53 function and provide experimental evidence to the computational analysis. Taken together, the use of these small molecules for reactivation of p53 in cancer cells is suggested. Wild type p53 (p53WT) and its mutant form (p53S46PΔ) are associated with multiple cancers. Natural compounds serve as a potential mediator to restore the function of p53 in wild type and Ser46 phosphor mutant. In-silico analysis suggested that Wi-A, Wi-N, and Cuc-B are stronger inhibitors of p53 -mortalin interaction. These entities could also bind to p53S46PΔ and mimic the phosphorylated conformation, suggesting reactivation of p53WT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyad Shefrin
- Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110-016, India
| | - Anissa Nofita Sari
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Vipul Kumar
- Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110-016, India
| | - Huayue Zhang
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Hazna Noor Meidinna
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Sunil C. Kaul
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8565, Japan
- Corresponding author.
| | - Durai Sundar
- Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110-016, India
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kumar V, Sari AN, Meidinna HN, Dhanjal JK, Subramani C, Basu B, Kaul SC, Vrati S, Sundar D, Wadhwa R. Computational and in vitro experimental analyses of the anti-COVID-19 potential of Mortaparib and MortaparibPlus. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20212156. [PMID: 34647577 DOI: 10.1042/BSR20212156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has become a global health emergency. Although new vaccines have been generated and being implicated, discovery and application of novel preventive and control measures are warranted. We aimed to identify compounds that may possess the potential to either block the entry of virus to host cells or attenuate its replication upon infection. Using host cell surface receptor expression (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2)) analysis as an assay, we earlier screened several synthetic and natural compounds and identified candidates that showed ability to down-regulate their expression. Here, we report experimental and computational analyses of two small molecules, Mortaparib and MortaparibPlus that were initially identified as dual novel inhibitors of mortalin and PARP-1, for their activity against SARS-CoV-2. In silico analyses showed that MortaparibPlus, but not Mortaparib, stably binds into the catalytic pocket of TMPRSS2. In vitro analysis of control and treated cells revealed that MortaparibPlus caused down-regulation of ACE2 and TMPRSS2; Mortaparib did not show any effect. Furthermore, computational analysis on SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) that also predicted the inhibitory activity of MortaparibPlus. However, cell-based antiviral drug screening assay showed 30-60% viral inhibition in cells treated with non-toxic doses of either MortaparibPlus or Mortaparib. The data suggest that these two closely related compounds possess multimodal anti-COVID-19 activities. Whereas MortaparibPlus works through direct interactions/effects on the host cell surface receptors (ACE2 and TMPRSS2) and the virus protein (Mpro), Mortaparib involves independent mechanisms, elucidation of which warrants further studies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Balogun TA, Ipinloju N, Abdullateef OT, Moses SI, Omoboyowa DA, James AC, Saibu OA, Akinyemi WF, Oni EA. Computational Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Colocasia affinis Schott as a Novel EGFR Inhibitor for Cancer Treatment. Cancer Inform 2021; 20:11769351211049244. [PMID: 34646061 PMCID: PMC8504293 DOI: 10.1177/11769351211049244] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane protein that belongs to the ErbB/HER-family of tyrosine kinase receptors. Somatic mutations and overexpression of EGFR have been reported to play a vital role in cancer cell development and progression, including cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and metastatic spread. Hence, EGFR is an important therapeutic target for the treatment of various types of epithelial cancers. Somatic mutations have led to resistance to clinically approved synthetic EGFR inhibitors. Furthermore, synthetic EGFR inhibitors have been associated with several side effects. Thus, there is a need to develop novel EGFR inhibitors with an acceptable biosafety profile and high efficacy. METHODS Herein, we employed structural bioinformatics and theoretical chemistry techniques via molecular docking, molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) calculation, density functional theory analysis (DFT), and pharmacokinetic study to identify novel EGFR inhibitors. RESULTS The stringent molecular docking and MM-GBSA calculations identified MET 793, LYS 745, PHE 723, ASP 855, ARG 411, and THR 854 as principal amino acid residues for EGFR-ligands interactions. Furthermore, Colocasia affinis Schott compounds exhibited higher binding energy and more stable interactions than the reference compound (gefitinib). DFT analysis also ascertains better bioactivity and chemical reactivity of C. affinis Schott with favorable intramolecular charge transfer between electron-donor and electron acceptor groups. The pharmacokinetic profile of C. affinis Schott bioactive compounds satisfies Lipinski's rule of five assessment. CONCLUSION Collectively, C. affinis Schott compounds demonstrated higher inhibitory potentials against EGFR and better pharmacological properties when compared with gefitinib. C. affinis Schott compounds are therefore suggested as promising therapeutic EGFR inhibitors for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toheeb A Balogun
- Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria
| | - Nureni Ipinloju
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria
| | | | - Segun I Moses
- Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology Akure, Akure, Nigeria
| | | | - Akinwumi C James
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria
| | - Oluwatosin A Saibu
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Wumi F Akinyemi
- Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria
| | - Ebenezer A Oni
- Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|