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Cunha FFMD, Tonon AP, Machado F, Travassos LR, Grazzia N, Possatto JF, Sant'ana AKCD, Lopes RDM, Rodrigues T, Miguel DC, Gadelha FR, Arruda DC. Astaxanthin induces autophagy and apoptosis in murine melanoma B16F10-Nex2 cells and exhibits antitumor activity in vivo. J Chemother 2024; 36:222-237. [PMID: 37800867 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2023.2264585] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Countless efforts have been made to prevent and suppress the formation and spread of melanoma. Natural astaxanthin (AST; extracted from the alga Haematococcus pluvialis) showed an antitumor effect on various cancer cell lines due to its interaction with the cell membrane. This study aimed to characterize the antitumor effect of AST against B16F10-Nex2 murine melanoma cells using cell viability assay and evaluate its mechanism of action using electron microscopy, western blotting analysis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay, and mitochondrial membrane potential determination. Astaxanthin exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect in murine melanoma cells with features of apoptosis and autophagy. Astaxanthin also decreased cell migration and invasion in vitro assays at subtoxic concentrations. In addition, assays were conducted in metastatic cancer models in mice where AST significantly decreased the development of pulmonary nodules. In conclusion, AST has cytotoxic effect in melanoma cells and inhibits cell migration and invasion, indicating a promising use in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Pedroso Tonon
- Instituto de Física e Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
- Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fabricio Machado
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Rodolpho Travassos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Grazzia
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rayssa de Mello Lopes
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH), Universidade Federal do ABC, UFABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Tiago Rodrigues
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH), Universidade Federal do ABC, UFABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Danilo Ciccone Miguel
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Denise Costa Arruda
- Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia (NIB), Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, UMC, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil
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Cesar MCM, Mortara RA, Souza VS, Alves VRG, Paschoalin T, Soufen MA, DE Freitas GM, DA Cunha FFM, Tada DB, Dobroff AS, Arruda DC. Peptide L13S Derived from the BRN2 POU Domain Reduces Metastasis In Vivo and Inhibits Cell Migration and Invasion In Vitro. Anticancer Res 2024; 44:71-84. [PMID: 38160013 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.16789] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The Brain-Specific Homeobox/POU Domain Protein 2 (BRN2) transcription factor supports melanoma progression by regulating the expression of several genes involved in cell migration and invasion. We hypothesized that a peptide designed based on the POU domain of BRN2 could block the BRN2 transcription activity and, consequently, reduce metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell viability was accessed by Trypan Blue exclusion dye assay and xCelligence platform. Wound-healing scratch assay and transwell invasion with matrigel membrane assay were performed to analyze cell migration and invasion. The internalization mechanism of the L13S peptide was investigated using confocal microscopy and wound-healing scratch assay. The impact of L13S on cell protein expression was analyzed through western blotting. In vivo assays were conducted to evaluate the protective effect and toxicity of L13S in a metastatic model using murine melanoma cells. RESULTS Here, we show that the peptide named L13S can inhibit the migration and invasion of murine melanoma cells (B16F10-Nex2) as well as the migration of human melanoma cells (SK-MEL-25 and A375) by regulating the expression of proteins involved in motility. Mechanistically, we found that L13S is internalized by murine melanoma cells via macropinocytosis and binds actin filaments and nuclei. More importantly, in vivo studies indicated that the peptide was able to significantly inhibit lung metastasis in syngeneic models without off-target effects and with virtually no cytotoxicity toward normal organs. CONCLUSION L13S peptide is a strong candidate for further development as an anticancer agent for the treatment of melanoma metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renato Arruda Mortara
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Victória Santos Souza
- Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Thaysa Paschoalin
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco Antonio Soufen
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Dayane Batista Tada
- Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrey Senos Dobroff
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, U.S.A
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, U.S.A
| | - Denise Costa Arruda
- Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil;
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de Oliveira TD, Travassos LR, Arruda DC, Tada DB. Intracellular Targeting of Poly Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Nanoparticles by Surface Functionalization with Peptides. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:1320-1329. [PMID: 34446135 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are a promising strategy for delivering drugs to specific sites because of their tunable size and surface chemistry variety. Among the availablematerials, NPs prepared with biopolymers are of particular interest because of their biocompatibility and controlled release of encapsulated drugs. Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) is one of the most widely used biopolymers in biomedical applications. In addition to material choice modulation of the interaction between NPs and biological systems is essential for the safety and effective use of NPs. Therefore, this work focused on evaluating different surface functionalization strategies to promote cancer cell uptake and intracellular targeting of PLGA NPs. Herein, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) were shown to successfully drive PLGA NPs to the mitochondria and nuclei. Furthermore, the functionalization of PLGA NPs with peptide AC-1001 H3 (GQYGNLWFAY) was proven to be useful for targeting actin filaments. The PLGA NPs cell internalization mechanism by B16F10-Nex2 cells was identified as caveolae-mediated endocytosis, which could be inhibited by the presence of methyl-β-cyclodextrin. Notably, when peptide C (CVNHPAFAC) was used to functionalize PLGA NPs, none of the tested inhibitors could avoid cell internalization of PLGA NPs. Therefore, we suggest this peptide as a promising surface modification agent for enhancing drug delivery to cancer cells. Finally, PLGA NPs showed slow release kinetics and low cytotoxic profile, which, combined with the surface functionalization strategies addressed in this study, highlight the potential of PLGA NPs as a drug delivery platform for improving cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Dolzany de Oliveira
- Integrated Group of Biotechnology, University of Mogi das Cruzes, UMC, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, 08780-911, Brazil
| | - Luiz R Travassos
- Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Denise Costa Arruda
- Integrated Group of Biotechnology, University of Mogi das Cruzes, UMC, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, 08780-911, Brazil
| | - Dayane Batista Tada
- Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo, São José dos Campos, SP, 12231-280, Brazil
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Arruda DC, de Oliveira TD, Cursino PHF, Maia VSC, Berzaghi R, Travassos LR, Tada DB. Inhibition of melanoma metastasis by dual-peptide PLGA NPS. Biopolymers 2017; 108. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.23029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Denise Costa Arruda
- Integrated Group of Biotechnology, University of Mogi das Cruzes, UMC; Mogi das Cruzes SP Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rodrigo Berzaghi
- Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP); São Paulo SP 04023-062 Brazil
| | - Luiz R. Travassos
- Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP); São Paulo SP 04023-062 Brazil
| | - Dayane Batista Tada
- Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo; São José dos Campos SP Brazil
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do Vale Coelho IE, Arruda DC, Taranto AG. In silico studies of the interaction between BRN2 protein and MORE DNA. J Mol Model 2016; 22:228. [PMID: 27568376 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-016-3078-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of skin cancer has increased in recent decades, and melanoma is the most aggressive form with the lowest chance of successful treatment. Currently, drug design projects are in progress, but available treatments against metastatic melanoma have not significantly increased survival, and few patients are cured. Thus, new therapeutic agents should be developed as more effective therapeutic options for melanoma. High levels of the BRN2 transcription factor have been related to melanoma development. However, neither the three-dimensional (3D) structure of BRN2 protein nor its POU domain has been determined experimentally. Construction of the BRN2 3D structure, and the study of its interaction with its DNA target, are important strategies for increasing the structural and functional knowledge of this protein. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the interaction between BRN2 and MORE DNA through in silico methods. The full-length BRN2 3D structure was built using the PHYRE2 and Swiss-Model programs, and molecular dynamics of this protein in complex with MORE DNA was simulated for 20 ns by the NAMD program. The BRN2 model obtained includes helix and loop regions, and the BRN2 POU domain shares structural similarity with other members of the transcription factor family. No significant conformational change of this protein occurred during dynamics simulation. These analyses revealed BRN2 residues important for the specific interaction with nucleotide bases and with more than one DNA nucleotide. This study may contribute to the design of inhibitors against BRN2 or MORE DNA as molecular targets of melanoma skin cancer. Graphical Abstract Model of complete Brn2 protein in complex with MORE DNA after building through comparative modeling and refinement by molecular dynamics simulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Evangelista do Vale Coelho
- Laboratório de Química Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Alex Gutterres Taranto
- Laboratório de Química Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil.
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Arruda DC, D'Alexandri FL, Katzin AM, Uliana SRB. Leishmania amazonensis: biosynthesis of polyprenols of 9 isoprene units by amastigotes. Exp Parasitol 2007; 118:624-8. [PMID: 18155196 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2007.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2007] [Revised: 10/16/2007] [Accepted: 11/14/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The isoprenoid metabolic pathway in protozoa of the Leishmania genus exhibits distinctive characteristics. These parasites, as well as other members of the Trypanosomatidae family, synthesize ergosterol, instead of cholesterol, as the main membrane sterol lipid. Leishmania has been shown to utilize leucine, instead of acetate as the main precursor for sterol biosynthesis. While mammalian dolichols are molecules containing 15-23 isoprene units, Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes synthesize dolichol of 11 and 12 units. In this paper, we show that the intracellular stages of L. amazonensis, amastigotes, synthesize mainly polyprenols of 9 isoprene units, instead of dolichol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Costa Arruda
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, CEP 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Nardi GM, Felippi R, DalBó S, Siqueira-Junior JM, Arruda DC, Delle Monache F, Timbola AK, Pizzolatti MG, Ckless K, Ribeiro-do-valle RM. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Croton celtidifolius bark. Phytomedicine 2003; 10:176-184. [PMID: 12725573 DOI: 10.1078/094471103321659906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Croton celtidifolius Baill commonly known as "sangue-de-adave" is a tree found in the Atlantic Forest of south of Brazil, mainly in Santa Catarina. The bark and leaf infusions of this medicinal plant have been popularly used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this study we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of crude extract (CE), aqueous fraction (AqF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), butanolic fraction (BuF) and catechin, gallocatechin and sub-fractions, 19SF, 35SF and 63SF that contained a mixture of proanthocyanidins and were derived from the EAF fraction. The CE, AqF, EAF, BuF, catechin and sub-fractions 35SF and 63SF reduced paw edema induced by carrageenan. The CE, fractions, sub-fractions and isolated compounds showed antioxidant properties in vitro, all were able to scavenge superoxide anions at a concentration of 100 microg ml(-1). The EAF, catechin and gallocatechin were most effective in the deoxyribose assay, IC50 0.69 (0.44-1.06), 0.20 (0.11-0.39), 0.55 (0.28-1.08) microg x ml(-1) respectively. The CE and other fractions and sub-fractions inhibited deoxyribose degradation up to 1 microg x ml(-1). In the hydrophobic system only AqF did not show lipid peroxidation inhibition. The CE, other fractions, sub-fractions and isolated compounds inhibited lipidid peroxidation only at a concentration of 100 microg x ml(-1). In summary, this study demonstrates that Croton celtidifolius bark has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Nardi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, CCB, UFCS, Florianópolis, Brazil
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