Aspiletrein A Induces Apoptosis Cell Death via Increasing Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and AMPK Activation in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Comprehensive review of Bcl-2 family proteins in cancer apoptosis: Therapeutic strategies and promising updates of natural bioactive compounds and small molecules

Cancer has a considerably higher fatality rate than other diseases globally and is one of the most lethal and profoundly disruptive ailments. The increasing incidence of cancer among humans is one of the greatest challenges in the field of healthcare. A significant factor in the initiation and progression of tumorigenesis is the dysregulation of physiological processes governing cell death, which results in the survival of cancerous cells. B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family members play important roles in several cancer-related processes. Drug research and development have identified various promising natural compounds that demonstrate potent anticancer effects by specifically targeting Bcl-2 family proteins and their associated signaling pathways. This comprehensive review highlights the substantial roles of Bcl-2 family proteins in regulating apoptosis, including the intricate signaling pathways governing the activity of these proteins, the impact of reactive oxygen species, and the crucial involvement of proteasome degradation and the stress response. Furthermore, this review discusses advances in the exploration and potential therapeutic applications of natural compounds and small molecules targeting Bcl-2 family proteins and thus provides substantial scientific information and therapeutic strategies for cancer management.

Serratia marcescens induces apoptosis in Diaphorina citri gut cells via reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is a notorious pest in the citrus industry because it transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which causes an uncurable, devastating disease in citrus worldwide. Serratia marcescens is widely distributed in various environments that exhibits toxic effects to many insects. To develop strategies for enhancing the efficiency of pathogen-induced host mortality, a better understanding of the toxicity mechanism of Serratia marcescens on Diaphorina citri is critical.

RESULTS

Serratia marcescens KH-001 successfully colonized Diaphorina citri gut by feeding artificial diets, resulting in the damage of cells including nucleus, mitochondria, vesicles, and microvilli. Oral ingestion of Serratia marcescens KH-001 strongly induced apoptosis in gut cells by enhancing levels of Cyt c, p53 and caspase-1 and decreasing levels of inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) and Bax inhibitor-1 (BI-1). The expression of dual oxidase (Duox) and nitric oxide synthase (Nos) was up-regulated by Serratia marcescens KH-001, which increased hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) levels in the gut. Injection of abdomen of Diaphorina citri with H2 O2 accelerated the death of the adults and induced apoptosis in the gut cells by activating Cyt c, p53 and caspase-1 and suppressing IAP and BI-1. Pretreatment of infected Diaphorina citri with vitamin c (Vc) increased the adult survival and diminished the apoptosis-inducing effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The colonization of Serratia marcescens KH-001 in the guts of Diaphorina citri increased H2 O2 accumulation, leading to severe changes and apoptosis in intestinal cells, which enhanced a higher mortality level of D. citr. This study identifies the underlying virulence mechanism of Serratia marcescens KH-001 on Diaphorina citri that contributes to a widespread application in the integrated management of citrus psyllid. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.