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Islam MR, Rauf A, Alash S, Fakir MNH, Thufa GK, Sowa MS, Mukherjee D, Kumar H, Hussain MS, Aljohani ASM, Imran M, Al Abdulmonem W, Thiruvengadam R, Thiruvengadam M. A comprehensive review of phytoconstituents in liver cancer prevention and treatment: targeting insights into molecular signaling pathways. Med Oncol 2024; 41:134. [PMID: 38703282 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02333-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver cancer that usually affects adults. Liver cancer is a fatal global condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite advances in technology, the mortality rate remains alarming. There is growing interest in researching alternative medicines to prevent or reduce the effects of liver cancer. Recent studies have shown growing interest in herbal products, nutraceuticals, and Chinese medicines as potential treatments for liver cancer. These substances contain unique bioactive compounds with anticancer properties. The causes of liver cancer and potential treatments are discussed in this review. This study reviews natural compounds, such as curcumin, resveratrol, green tea catechins, grape seed extracts, vitamin D, and selenium. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that these medications reduce the risk of liver cancer through their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, and antimetastatic properties. This article discusses the therapeutic properties of natural products, nutraceuticals, and Chinese compounds for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar, 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Shopnil Alash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Md Naeem Hossain Fakir
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Gazi Kaifeara Thufa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbuba Sharmin Sowa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Dattatreya Mukherjee
- Raiganj Government Medical College and Hospital, Pranabananda Sarani, Raiganj, 733134, West Bengal, India
| | - Harendra Kumar
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Mission Rd, New Labour Colony Nanakwara, Karachi, 74200, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Md Sadique Hussain
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, 302017, Rajasthan, India
| | - Abdullah S M Aljohani
- Department of Medical Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, 61413, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rekha Thiruvengadam
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, South Korea
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Yousef EH, El-Magd NFA, El Gayar AM. Norcantharidin potentiates sorafenib antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma rat model through inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Transl Res 2023; 260:69-82. [PMID: 37257560 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sorafenib (Sora) efficacy is limited by primary and/or acquired resistance. Emerging evidence shows that the inflammatory factor interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a role in Sora resistance. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a derivative of cantharidine, was identified as a potent IL-6 inhibitor. Thus, in this study, we evaluated NCTD ability to improve the Sora efficacy in HCC and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Male Sprague Dawely rats were administered NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day; orally) or Sora (10 mg/kg day; orally) or combination for 6 weeks after HCC induction using thioacetamide (200 mg/kg; ip; 2 times/wk) for 16 weeks. Our results showed that NCTD greatly enhanced Sora activity against HCC and potentiated Sora-induced oxidative stress. NCTD enhanced Sora-induced tumor immunity reactivation by decreasing both fibrinogen-like protein 1 level and increasing both tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression along with CD8+ T cells number. Also, NCTD augmented Sora attenuation activity against TAA-induced angiogenesis and metastasis by decreasing VEGFA, HIF-1α, serum lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, and vimentin levels. The combined use of NCTD/Sora suppressed drug resistance and stemness by downregulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2, neurogenic locus notch homolog protein, spalt-like transcription factor 4, and CD133. NCTD boosted Sora antiproliferative and apoptotic activities by decreasing Ccnd1 and BCL2 expressions along with increasing BAX and caspase-3 expressions. To our knowledge, this study represents the first study providing evidence for the potential novel therapeutic use of NCTD/Sora combination for HCC. Moreover, no previous studies have reported the effect of NCTD on FGL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman H Yousef
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, Damietta, Egypt.
| | - Nada F Abo El-Magd
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amal M El Gayar
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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Zhai BT, Sun J, Shi YJ, Zhang XF, Zou JB, Cheng JX, Fan Y, Guo DY, Tian H. Review targeted drug delivery systems for norcantharidin in cancer therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:509. [DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01703-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNorcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin (CTD), the main anticancer active ingredient isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Mylabris. NCTD has been approved by the State Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of various solid tumors, especially liver cancer. Although NCTD greatly reduces the toxicity of CTD, there is still a certain degree of urinary toxicity and organ toxicity, and the poor solubility, short half-life, fast metabolism, as well as high venous irritation and weak tumor targeting ability limit its widespread application in the clinic. To reduce its toxicity and improve its efficacy, design of targeted drug delivery systems based on biomaterials and nanomaterials is one of the most feasible strategies. Therefore, this review focused on the studies of targeted drug delivery systems combined with NCTD in recent years, including passive and active targeted drug delivery systems, and physicochemical targeted drug delivery systems for improving drug bioavailability and enhancing its efficacy, as well as increasing drug targeting ability and reducing its adverse effects.
Graphical Abstract
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Strategies for Solubility and Bioavailability Enhancement and Toxicity Reduction of Norcantharidin. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27227740. [PMID: 36431851 PMCID: PMC9693198 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD) is the main active ingredient isolated from Mylabris, and norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of CTD, which has similar antitumor activity to CTD and lower toxicity than CTD. However, the clinical use of NCTD is limited due to its poor solubility, low bioavailability, and toxic effects on normal cells. To overcome these shortcomings, researchers have explored a number of strategies, such as chemical structural modifications, microsphere dispersion systems, and nanodrug delivery systems. This review summarizes the structure-activity relationship of NCTD and novel strategies to improve the solubility and bioavailability of NCTD as well as reduce the toxicity. This review can provide evidence for further research of NCTD.
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Deng T, Zhu Q, Xie L, Liu Y, Peng Y, Yin L, Gao Y, Cao T, Fu Y, Qi X, Zhang S, Peng Y, Hou Y, Li X. Norcantharidin promotes cancer radiosensitization through Cullin1 neddylation-mediated CDC6 protein degradation. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:812-824. [PMID: 35652616 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is a conventional cancer therapeutic modality. However, cancer cells tend to develop radioresistance after a period of treatment. Diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for radiosensitivity are severely lacking. Our recently published studies demonstrated that the cell division cycle (CDC6) is a critical molecule contributing to radioresistance, and maybe a potential therapeutic target to overcome radioresistance. In the present study, we for the first time reported that Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated form of cantharidin, re-sensitized radioresistant cancer cells to overcome radioresistance, and synergistically promoted irradiation (IR)-induced cell killing and apoptosis by inducing CDC6 protein degradation. Mechanistically, NCTD induced CDC6 protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathways. By using small interfering RNA (siRNA) interference or small compound inhibitors, we further determined that NCTD induced CDC6 protein degradation through a neddylation-dependent pathway, but not through Huwe1, Cyclin F, and APC/C-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathways. We screened the six most relevant Cullin subunits (CUL1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, and 5) using siRNAs. The knockdown of Cullin1 but not the other five cullins remarkably elevated CDC6 protein levels. NCTD promoted the binding of Cullin1 to CDC6, thereby promoting CDC6 protein degradation through a Cullin1 neddylation-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. NCTD can be used in combination with radiotherapy to achieve better anticancer efficacy, or work as a radiosensitizer to overcome cancer radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanggang Deng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Center for Clinical Precision Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qianling Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lin Xie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Center for Clinical Precision Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Youhong Liu
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuchong Peng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Center for Clinical Precision Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Linglong Yin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Center for Clinical Precision Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,School of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingxue Gao
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tuoyu Cao
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuxin Fu
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xuli Qi
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Songwei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongbo Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Youxiang Hou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tumor Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiong Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Center for Clinical Precision Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Du LJ, Feng YX, He ZX, Huang L, Wang Q, Wen CP, Zhang Y. Norcantharidin ameliorates the development of murine lupus via inhibiting the generation of IL-17 producing cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1521-1533. [PMID: 34552214 PMCID: PMC9159996 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00773-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a devastating autoimmune disorder associated with severe organ damage. The abnormality of T cell apoptosis is considered as an important pathogenetic mechanism of SLE. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a derivative of Cantharidin, is an efficacious anti-cancer drug by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis. Besides, NCTD has also been proved to protect the function of kidneys, while damaged renal function is the most important predictor of morbidity and mortality in SLE. All these suggest the potential effects of NCTD in SLE treatment. In this study we investigated whether NCTD exerted therapeutic effects in a mouse SLE model. Lupus prone female MRL/lpr mice were treated with NCTD (1, 2 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip) for 8 weeks. We showed that NCTD administration significantly decreased mortality rate, diminished the expression of anti-dsDNA IgG antibody, a diagnostic marker for SLE, as well as restored renal structure and function in MRL/lpr mice. Moreover, NCTD administration dose-dependently inhibited lymphoproliferation and T cell accumulation in the spleens of MRL/lpr mice. We further revealed that NCTD specifically inhibited DN T cell proliferation and Th17 cell differentiation both via blocking activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. On the other hand, NCTD did not affect T cell apoptosis in MRL/lpr mice. Taken together, our data suggest that NCTD may be as a promising therapeutic drug through targeting T cells for the treatment of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-jun Du
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Yu-xiang Feng
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Zhi-xing He
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Lin Huang
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Qiao Wang
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Cheng-ping Wen
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Yun Zhang
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
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7
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Townsend PA, Kozhevnikova MV, Cexus ONF, Zamyatnin AA, Soond SM. BH3-mimetics: recent developments in cancer therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:355. [PMID: 34753495 PMCID: PMC8576916 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The hopeful outcomes from 30 years of research in BH3-mimetics have indeed served a number of solid paradigms for targeting intermediates from the apoptosis pathway in a variety of diseased states. Not only have such rational approaches in drug design yielded several key therapeutics, such outputs have also offered insights into the integrated mechanistic aspects of basic and clinical research at the genetics level for the future. In no other area of medical research have the effects of such work been felt, than in cancer research, through targeting the BAX-Bcl-2 protein-protein interactions. With these promising outputs in mind, several mimetics, and their potential therapeutic applications, have also been developed for several other pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and tissue fibrosis, thus highlighting the universal importance of the intrinsic arm of the apoptosis pathway and its input to general tissue homeostasis. Considering such recent developments, and in a field that has generated so much scientific interest, we take stock of how the broadening area of BH3-mimetics has developed and diversified, with a focus on their uses in single and combined cancer treatment regimens and recently explored therapeutic delivery methods that may aid the development of future therapeutics of this nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Townsend
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Maria V Kozhevnikova
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russian Federation
| | - Surinder M Soond
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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8
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Hong W, Gu Y, Guan R, Xie D, Zhou H, Yu M. Pan-cancer analysis of the CASP gene family in relation to survival, tumor-infiltrating immune cells and therapeutic targets. Genomics 2020; 112:4304-4315. [PMID: 32682809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The cysteinyl aspartate protease (caspase, or CASP) gene family plays a significant role in programmed cell death, inflammation and immunity. However, the correlation between CASP family members and prognosis and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in different tumors has not been determined. We investigated the role of CASP genes in cancer prognosis and their relationship with clinicopathological parameters. We also evaluated the correlation between the expression of CASP family members and cancer immune infiltration and evaluated whether these molecules can be used as targets for immunotherapy. The CASP1/2/4/5/7/9 genes may represent prognostic factors and therapeutic targets for breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer. Another finding is that the CASP1/4/5 genes help to regulate innate immunity and T cell immunity and may also have an important effect on tumor checkpoint inhibition. These findings may elucidate the roles played by CASP family members in cancer progression and identify strategies to promote collaborative activities in the context of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Hong
- Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China; Morning Star Academic Cooperation, Shanghai, China
| | - YuJun Gu
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - RenGuo Guan
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China; The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daipeng Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyu Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
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Liu M, Tu J, Feng Y, Zhang J, Wu J. Synergistic co-delivery of diacid metabolite of norcantharidin and ABT-737 based on folate-modified lipid bilayer-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticle against hepatic carcinoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:114. [PMID: 32811502 PMCID: PMC7437073 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-020-00677-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diacid metabolite as the stable form of norcantharidin (DM-NCTD) derived from Chinese blister beetle (Mylabris spp.). The previous studies reported that DM-NCTD could enhance ABT-737-triggered cell viability inhibition and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. To translate this synergistic therapy into in vivo anticancer treatment, a folate receptor-targeted lipid bilayer-supported chlorodimethyloctadecylsilane-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticle (FA-LB-CHMSN) with DM-NCTD loaded in CHMSN and ABT-737 in lipid bilayer was prepared, which could promote the cancer cell uptake of the drugs through folate receptor-mediated endocytosis. The structure and the properties of the nanoparticle were evaluated. FA-LB-CHMSN with DM-NCTD/ABT-737 loaded induced apparent tumor cell apoptosis and showed remarkably tumor inhibition in H22 tumor-bearing mice model, with significant cellular apoptosis in the tumor and no obvious toxicity to the tissues. We expect that this nanoparticle could be of interest in both biomaterial investigations for HCC treatment and the combination of chemotherapeutic drugs for synergistic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minchen Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jue Tu
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.,Institute of Comparative Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yi Feng
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.
| | - Jiquan Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.
| | - Jing Wu
- Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, P. R. China.
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10
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Pan MS, Cao J, Fan YZ. Insight into norcantharidin, a small-molecule synthetic compound with potential multi-target anticancer activities. Chin Med 2020; 15:55. [PMID: 32514288 PMCID: PMC7260769 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, which is an anticancer active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, and is currently used clinically as a routine anti-cancer drug in China. Clarifying the anticancer effect and molecular mechanism of NCTD is critical for its clinical application. Here, we summarized the physiological, chemical, pharmacokinetic characteristics and clinical applications of NCTD. Besides, we mainly focus on its potential multi-target anticancer activities and underlying mechanisms, and discuss the problems existing in clinical application and scientific research of NCTD, so as to provide a potential anticancer therapeutic agent for human malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Su Pan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
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11
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Chen B, Jin S, Bai B, Li Z, Ni C, Liu Y. Knockdown of interferon-stimulated gene 15 affects the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to norcantharidin. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:3751-3758. [PMID: 31611931 PMCID: PMC6781790 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.8028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) serves a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. The present study explored the effect of ISG15 knockdown on the sensitivity of HCC cells to norcantharidin. The expression of ISG15 in HCC tissues and cell lines was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Pearson's χ2 test was conducted to analyze the correlation between the clinicopathological features and ISG15 expression of patients with HCC. In addition, HCC cells were transfected with small interfering RNA against ISG15, ISG15 overexpression plasmid or respective negative controls. Cell proliferation, clonogenic ability and apoptosis were examined by Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining assays, respectively. Protein expression was assessed by western blot analysis. The results revealed that ISG15 was overexpressed in HCC tissues, and that ISG15 expression was positively correlated with HCC differentiation and metastasis. Downregulation of ISG15 increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to norcantharidin, and norcantharidin treatment reversed the tumor-promoting effects of ISG15 overexpression exerted in HCC cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins were regulated by ISG15 and norcantharidin. Taken together, the observed increase in the sensitivity of HCC cells to norcantharidin was facilitated by ISG15 knockdown and may provide novel insights for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoxiang Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China.,Department of Interventional Radiology, Inner Mongolia Forestry General Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical School of Inner Mongolia University for The Nationalities, Yakeshi, Inner Mongolia 022150, P.R. China
| | - Shuqiang Jin
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
| | - Bin Bai
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Caifang Ni
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Yansen Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Inner Mongolia Forestry General Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical School of Inner Mongolia University for The Nationalities, Yakeshi, Inner Mongolia 022150, P.R. China
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12
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Chi J, Jiang Z, Qiao J, Peng Y, Liu W, Han B. Synthesis and anti-metastasis activities of norcantharidin-conjugated carboxymethyl chitosan as a novel drug delivery system. Carbohydr Polym 2019; 214:80-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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13
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Chi J, Jiang Z, Qiao J, Zhang W, Peng Y, Liu W, Han B. Antitumor evaluation of carboxymethyl chitosan based norcantharidin conjugates against gastric cancer as novel polymer therapeutics. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 136:1-12. [PMID: 31158420 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.05.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Novel polymer-drug conjugates (CNC) were prepared from carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and norcantharidin (NCTD) via amidation reaction and characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The aim of this study was to elucidate the antitumor efficacy of CNC on gastric cancer and the possible underlying mechanisms. The CNC conjugates possessed significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells and suppressed the migration as well as tube formation of HUVECs. Besides, Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI detection suggested that the conjugates were more effective in triggering apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells compared with free NCTD. Moreover, CNC remarkably reduced systemic toxicity and enhanced the antitumor efficacy in vivo with a tumor suppression rate of 59.57% against SGC-7901 gastric tumor in BALB/c nude mice. Further investigation about the underlying mechanisms indicated that CNC could upregulate expressions of TNF-α and Bax, and downregulate expressions of VEGF, Bcl-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9, thereby inhibiting tumor metastasis and inducing apoptosis in vivo. Overall, our results demonstrated that CNC might be a promising and feasible polymer therapeutics for gastrointestinal tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Chi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Zhiwen Jiang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266235, PR China
| | - Jing Qiao
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Yanfei Peng
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266235, PR China
| | - Wanshun Liu
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Baoqin Han
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266235, PR China.
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14
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Shi X, Chen S, Zhang Y, Xie W, Hu Z, Li H, Li J, Zhou Z, Tan W. Norcantharidin inhibits the DDR of bladder cancer stem-like cells through cdc6 degradation. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:4403-4413. [PMID: 31239709 PMCID: PMC6560209 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s209907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the main source of tumor resistance and recurrence. At present, the main treatment for patients with advanced or metastatic bladder cancer (BCa) is cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. However, CSCs are not sensitive to DNA-damaging drugs due to their enhanced DNA damage response (DDR) activity. Materials and methods: Bladder cancer stem cell-like cells (BCSLCs) were obtained by treating UMUC3 cells with cisplatin. The characteristics of the BCSLCs were identified by qPCR, flow cytometry, scratch wound-healing assays, transwell assays, tumorigenic ability experiments, Edu assays and Western blot assays in vivo. After BCSLCs were treated with norcantharidin (NCTD), the expression of Cdc6 and activation of the ATR-Chk1 pathway were detected by Western blotting. A subcutaneous tumor model in nude mice was successfully established to assess the anti-tumor efficacy of NCTD and cisplatin either alone or in combination in vivo. The tumor tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: The derived BCSLCs showed higher expression of stemness markers, increased invasiveness, improved resistance to multiple chemotherapeutics, and higher tumorigenic capacity in vivo. The protein expression level of chromatin-binding Cdc6 was increased in BCSLCs; however, NCTD decreased the level of chromatin-binding Cdc6 and inhibited the activation of the ATR-Chk1 pathway, which ultimately led to reduction in DDR activity in BCSLCs. NCTD enhanced the killing effect of cisplatin on BCSLCs in vitro and vivo. NCTD combined with cisplatin enhanced cisplatin-induced DNA damage in BCSLCs. Conclusion: Long-term cisplatin treatment can enrich BCSLCs. However, NCTD enhanced the killing effect of cisplatin on BCSLCs in vitro and vivo. The mechanism is inhibiting the DDR activity by reducing the expression of chromatin-binding Cdc6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghua Shi
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Health Management, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sansan Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Xie
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Hu
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinlong Li
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongxin Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
- Zhongxin ZhouDepartment of Vascular Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, No. 183, Zhongshan Avenue West, Guangzhou, Guangdong510630, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +861 852 037 6040Email
| | - Wanlong Tan
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Wanlong TanDepartment of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, Guangdong510515, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +861 360 298 3938Email
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15
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Zhu J, Zhang W, Wang D, Li S, Wu W. Preparation and characterization of norcantharidin liposomes modified with stearyl glycyrrhetinate. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:1639-1646. [PMID: 30186382 PMCID: PMC6122258 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, norcantharidin (NCTD)-loaded liposomes (LIPs) modified with stearyl glycyrrhetinate (SG; SG-NCTD-LIP) were prepared by the ethanol injection method. To increase the drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), the formulation of NCTD-LIP was optimized by single factor test and orthogonal design. The release of NCTD in vitro from SG-NCTD-LIP was evaluated by equilibrium dialysis. The cytotoxicity of SG-NCTD-LIP in HepG2 was investigated by MTT assay. The results revealed that the EE of liposomes was ~27.80%, the average SG-NCTD-LIP was 87.5 nm, the in vitro NCTD release from SG-NCTD-LIP was delayed compared with NCTD in solution and the drug-release kinetic followed a first-order model. MTT assays revealed increased cytotoxicity activity against HepG2 cells for SG-NCTD-LIP compared with free NCTD. In conclusion, SG-NCTD-LIP prepared in the present study may be a promising liposomal drug delivery system for anticancer drugs in liver-targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Suzhen Li
- Clinical Experimental Teaching Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
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16
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Chen F, Wang S, Wei Y, Wu J, Huang G, Chen J, Shi J, Xia J. Norcantharidin modulates the miR-30a/Metadherin/AKT signaling axis to suppress proliferation and metastasis of stromal tumor cells in giant cell tumor of bone. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 103:1092-1100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.04.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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17
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Guo J, Wu Y, Du J, Yang L, Chen W, Gong K, Dai J, Miao S, Jin D, Xi S. Deregulation of UBE2C-mediated autophagy repression aggravates NSCLC progression. Oncogenesis 2018; 7:49. [PMID: 29904125 PMCID: PMC6002383 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The roles of aberrantly regulated autophagy in human malignancy and the mechanisms that initiate and sustain the repression of autophagy in carcinogenesis are less well defined. Activation of the oncogene UBE2C and repression of autophagy are concurrently underlying the initiation, progression, and metastasis of lung cancer and exploration of essential association of UBE2C with autophagy will confer more options in searching novel molecular therapeutic targets in lung cancer. Here we report that aberrant activation of UBE2C in lung tumors from patients associates with adverse prognosis and enhances cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and invasive growth of NSCLC. UBE2C selectively represses autophagy in NSCLC and disruption of UBE2C-mediated autophagy repression attenuates cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and invasive growth of NSCLC. Autophagy repression is essentially involved in UBE2C-induced cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and invasive growth of NSCLC. Interference of UBE2C-autophagy repression axis by Norcantharidin arrests NSCLC progression. UBE2C is repressed post-transcriptionally via tumor suppressor miR-381 and epitranscriptionally stabilized with maintenance of lower m6A level within its mature RNAs due to the upregulation of m6A demethylase ALKBH5 in NSCLC. Collectively, our results indicated that deregulated UBE2C-autophagy repression axis drives NSCLC progression which renders varieties of potential molecular targets in cancer therapy of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Guo
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wu
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jing Du
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Kaikai Gong
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Juanjuan Dai
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Miao
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dan Jin
- Department of Pain Ward, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Sichuan Xi
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China.
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18
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YAP and TAZ in Lung Cancer: Oncogenic Role and Clinical Targeting. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10050137. [PMID: 29734788 PMCID: PMC5977110 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10050137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world and there is no current treatment able to efficiently treat the disease as the tumor is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Moreover, cancer cells are often resistant or acquire resistance to the treatment. Further knowledge of the mechanisms driving lung tumorigenesis, aggressiveness, metastasization, and resistance to treatments could provide new tools for detecting the disease at an earlier stage and for a better response to therapy. In this scenario, Yes Associated Protein (YAP) and Trascriptional Coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), the final effectors of the Hippo signaling transduction pathway, are emerging as promising therapeutic targets. Here, we will discuss the most recent advances made in YAP and TAZ biology in lung cancer and, more importantly, on the newly discovered mechanisms of YAP and TAZ inhibition in lung cancer as well as their clinical implications.
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19
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Zhao L, Yang G, Bai H, Zhang M, Mou D. NCTD promotes Birinapant-mediated anticancer activity in breast cancer cells by downregulation of c-FLIP. Oncotarget 2018; 8:26886-26895. [PMID: 28460471 PMCID: PMC5432304 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC) mimetics is a class of new anticancer agents. However, most cancers exhibit de novo or acquired resistance to SMAC mimetics, posting a problem for broad applications in clinic, and highlighting the necessity of exploring combinational strategies to circumvent SMAC mimetic-resistance. We here showed that Norcantharidin, a drug that is currently being used in cancer treatment, significantly enhanced SMAC mimetic Birinapant-mediated cell viability inhibition and robustly promoted apoptosis in established breast carcinoma cell lines, as well as in primary breast carcinoma cells. Mechanistically, we revealed that Norcantharidin effectively reduced the levels of two major protein isoforms of cellular FLICE-like inhibitor protein(c-FLIP), namely c-FLIP long (c-FLIPL) and c-FLIP short (c-FLIPS). Moreover, Norcantharidin markedly enhanced Birinapant-triggered caspase-8/caspase-3 cascade. Inhibition of caspase-8 activity by a synthetic peptide Z-IETD-FMK significantly attenuated cell death induction by the combination, suggesting that caspase-8 plays a critical role in the anticancer action. In conclusion, our study suggests that the combination of SMAC mimetics with Norcantharidin represents a novel strategy in breast cancer therapy and warrants further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoshan Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Bai
- Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Minghui Zhang
- School of Medicine Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongcheng Mou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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20
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Feng IC, Hsieh MJ, Chen PN, Hsieh YH, Ho HY, Yang SF, Yeh CB. Cantharidic acid induces apoptosis through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2018; 33:261-268. [PMID: 29159945 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin analogs exhibit anticancer activities, including apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of cantharidic acid (CA), a cantharidin analog, on apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are unclear. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the anticancer activities of CA by investigating its ability to trigger apoptosis in SK-Hep-1 cells. Our data demonstrated that CA effectively inhibited the proliferation of SK-Hep-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, CA effectively triggered cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis, as determined by flow cytometric analysis. Western blotting revealed that CA significantly activated proapoptotic signaling including caspase-3, -8, and -9 in SK-Hep-1 cells. Moreover, treatment of SK-Hep-1 cells with CA induced the activation of ERK, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Moreover, the inhibition of p38 by specific inhibitors abolished CA-induced cell apoptosis. In conclusion, our results indicated that CA induces apoptosis in SK-Hep-1 cells through a p38-mediated apoptotic pathway and could be a new HCC therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Che Feng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Yongkang District, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Yongkang District, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ju Hsieh
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Cancer Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ni Chen
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yu Ho
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Bin Yeh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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21
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Guo J, Wu Y, Yang L, Du J, Gong K, Chen W, Dai J, Li X, Xi S. Repression of YAP by NCTD disrupts NSCLC progression. Oncotarget 2018; 8:2307-2319. [PMID: 27903989 PMCID: PMC5356801 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of available lung cancer therapeutic interference is significantly limited by various resistance mechanisms to those drugs. Activation of the oncogene YAP underlying the initiation, progression, and metastasis of lung cancer associates with poor prognosis and confers drug resistance against targeted therapy. In this study, we evaluated the specificity of norcantharidin (NCTD) in repressing YAP to inhibit non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) progression. Our study revealed that YAP signal pathways were aberrantly activated in lung cancer tissues and cells which rendered more proliferative and invasive phenotypes to human lung cancer cells. We confirmed that NCTD specifically repressed YAP signaling pathway to interfere the YAP-mediated non-small cell lung carcinoma progression and metastasis via arresting cell cycle, enhancing apoptosis and inducing senescence. We also found NCTD-mediated repression of YAP decreased epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduced the motile and invasive cellular phenotype in vitro via enhancing E-cadherin and decreasing fibronectin/vimentin. Mechanistic investigations revealed that NCTD transcriptionally downregulated YAP and post-translationally modulated the subcellular redistribution of YAP between nucleus and cytoplasm. Collectively, our results indicated that NCTD is a novel therapeutic drug candidate for NSCLC which specifically and sensitively target YAP signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Guo
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wu
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Jing Du
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Kaikai Gong
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Juanjuan Dai
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - XueLin Li
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Sichuan Xi
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
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22
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Zhang Y, Shi CC, Zhang HP, Li GQ, Li SS. MLN4924 suppresses neddylation and induces cell cycle arrest, senescence, and apoptosis in human osteosarcoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:45263-45274. [PMID: 27223074 PMCID: PMC5216721 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neddylation is a post-translational protein modification process associated with carcinogenesis and cancer development. MLN4924, a pharmaceutical neddylation inhibitor, induces potent anti-cancer effects in multiple types of cancers. In this study, we investigated the effects of MLN4924 on human osteosarcoma (OS). Levels of both NEDD8 activating enzyme E1 (NAE1) and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2M (Ube2M), two critical components of the neddylation pathway, were much higher in OS tissues and cells than in normal osseous tissues and cells. MLN4924 treatment led to DNA damage, reduced cell viability, senescence and apoptosis in OS cells. Moreover, MLN4924 inhibited OS xenograft tumor growth in mice. Mechanistically, MLN4924 blocked the neddylation of cullins and induced accumulation of several tumor-suppressive substrates of Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs), including CDT1, Wee1, p21, p27, Noxa, and p16. These results suggest clinical studies investigating the utility of MLN4924 for the treatment of OS are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Cheng-Cheng Shi
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA.,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hua-Peng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Gong-Quan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shan-Shan Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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23
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Upregulation of Mcl-1 inhibits JQ1-triggered anticancer activity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 495:2456-2461. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.12.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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24
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Wu MH, Chiou HL, Lin CL, Lin CY, Yang SF, Hsieh YH. Induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction dependent apoptosis signaling pathway in human renal cancer cells by norcantharidin. Oncotarget 2017; 9:4787-4797. [PMID: 29435141 PMCID: PMC5797012 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies reported that norcantharidin (NCTD) has anti-tumor effects. We investigated the antitumor effects and underlying mechanism of NCTD on human renal cancer in vitro and in vivo. NCTD significantly decreased renal cancer cell viability by induction of apoptosis, as determined by the MTT assay and annexin V/PI staining. NCTD treatment of 786-O and A-498 cells altered the expression of caspase family proteins and PARP. Moreover, NCTD induced mitochondrial depolarization, which was accompanied by an increased level of Bax and decreased levels of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. NCTD induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by increasing the expression of Grp78, p-elF2α, ATF4, and CHOP. Pretreatment with an ER stress inhibitor (salubrinal) significantly attenuated the effect of NCTD. NCTD also induced activation of the AKT pathway in 786-O and A-498 cells. Overexpression of AKT partly reversed the effect of NCTD on apoptosis. NCTD treatment led to decreased expression of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1, and increased expression of Bax, cleaved-caspase-9, cleaved-PARP, and p-elF2α. Our in vivo studies demonstrated that NCTD significantly inhibited tumor growth in a nude mouse xenograft model. Taken together, our results suggest that NCTD is a potential anti-tumor agent for treatment of renal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hua Wu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Laboratory, Chung-Kang Branch, Cheng-Ching General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ling Chiou
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Liang Lin
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yi Lin
- Division Of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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25
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Sun CY, Zhu Y, Li XF, Tang LP, Su ZQ, Wang XQ, Li CY, Yang HM, Zheng GJ, Feng B. Norcantharidin alone or in combination with crizotinib induces autophagic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma by repressing c-Met-mTOR signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 8:114945-114955. [PMID: 29383132 PMCID: PMC5777744 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for effective molecular therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, reportedly exhibits anticancer activity against various types of tumors, including HCC, though the mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. Here, we report that NCTD reduces viability of human MHCC-97H (97H) and HepG2 HCC cells, and induces cell death by triggering high levels of autophagy. Moreover, a significant attenuation of tumor growth was observed after NCTD treatment of HepG2 tumors in vivo, and this effect was enhanced by co-treatment with the c-Met inhibitor crizotinib. Interestingly, western blot analyses showed that the cytotoxic autophagy induced by NCTD correlates with a reduction in the phosphorylation status of both c-Met and m-TOR. These results suggest that cytotoxic autophagy resulting from inhibition of c-Met/mTOR signaling may be achieved in HCC by combined NCTD and crizotinib administration. Further studies to validate the therapeutic potential of this approach are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Yue Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li-Peng Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Zu-Qing Su
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xie-Qi Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Cai-Yun Li
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Hong-Mei Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guang-Juan Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Bing Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
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26
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Preparation and pharmacological evaluation of norcantharidin-conjugated carboxymethyl chitosan in mice bearing hepatocellular carcinoma. Carbohydr Polym 2017; 174:282-290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.06.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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27
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Shen Y, Liu Q, Lou S, Luo Y, Sun H, Zeng H, Deng J. Decreased expression of the augmenter of liver regeneration results in growth inhibition and increased chemosensitivity of acute T lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:3130-3136. [PMID: 29048676 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) plays crucial roles in cell survival and growth. Previous studies have demonstrated that ALR exerts a protective effect on toxic agent‑induced cell death in acute T lymphoblastic leukemia cells and ALR knockdown can sensitize cancer cells to radiation. However, the biological functions of ALR against drug resistance in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia are mostly unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-induced ALR silencing on cell proliferation and sensitivity to vincristine (VCR) of Jurkat cells. We found that ALR siRNA effectively decreased the ALR expression, then inhibited cell growth and increased sensitivity to VCR in Jurkat cells. Flow cytometry assay revealed that the downregulation of ALR expression promoted cell apoptosis and regulated cell cycle distribution. Following incubation with VCR, apoptosis-related proteins, such as pro-PARP, pro-caspase 8, pro-caspase 3 and Bcl-2 were downregulated in the siRNA/ALR group. Pretreatment with siRNA/ALR in combination with VCR resulted in prolonged G2/M arrest, accompanied by downregulation of cdc25c and cdc2 expression and dissociation of cyclin B1. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that targeted inhibition of the ALR expression in Jurkat cells triggered cell growth inhibition and sensitized cells to VCR via promoting apoptosis and regulating the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Qi Liu
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Shifeng Lou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Yun Luo
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Hang Sun
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Hanqing Zeng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Jianchuan Deng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
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Lin CL, Chen CM, Lin CL, Cheng CW, Lee CH, Hsieh YH. Norcantharidin induces mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis through Mcl-1 inhibition in human prostate cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2017; 1864:1867-1876. [PMID: 28760656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2017.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is the demethylated form of cantharidin that exhibits anticancer potential in many cancer cell types. Recent reports suggest that NCTD targeting ROS/AMPK and DNA replication signaling pathway could be an effective strategy for the treatment of PCa cells. However, supportive evidence is limited to the effect of NCTD that induction of apoptosis through suppression of the Mcl-1. Here, we show that NCTD induced PCa cell apoptosis and triggered caspase activation, which was associated with mitochondria dysfunction. Mechanistic investigations suggested that NCTD modulated the Akt signaling via increased nuclear translocation and interaction with the myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) promoter by FOXO4, resulting in an apoptotic effect. Moreover, miR-320d, which targets Mcl-1, was significantly upregulated after NCTD treatment. Overexpression of miR-320d by NCTD induced mitochondria dysfunction and apoptosis, which was notably attenuated with a miR-320d inhibitor. In vivo xenograft analysis revealed that NCTD significantly reduced tumor growth in mice with PC3 tumor xenografts. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the critical role of NCTD in suppressing Mcl-1 via epigenetic upregulation of miR-320d, resulting in PCa cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Liang Lin
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Min Chen
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Liang Lin
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wen Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Lee
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of China Medical University, Taichung. Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Clinical laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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YM155 enhances ABT-737-mediated apoptosis through Mcl-1 downregulation in Mcl-1-overexpressed cancer cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 429:91-102. [PMID: 28120212 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-016-2938-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
ABT-737 is a BH3 mimetic inhibitor of Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, and Bcl-w, and it has been reported for anti-cancer effects in various types of cancer cells. However, ABT-737 fails to induce apoptosis in cancer cell with high levels of Mcl-1 expression. The pharmacological survivin inhibitor YM155 has been reported to induce downregulation of Mcl-1 expression. Therefore, we investigated the effect of YM155 to sensitize resistance against ABT-737 in Mcl-1-overexpressed human renal carcinoma Caki cells. We found that ABT-737 alone and YM155 alone did not induce apoptosis, but YM155 markedly sensitized ABT-737-mediated apoptosis in Mcl-1-overexpressed Caki cells, human glioma cells (U251MG), and human lung carcinoma cells (A549). In contrast, combined treatment with ABT-737 and YM155 did not increase apoptosis in normal mouse kidney cells (TCMK-1) and human mesangial cells (MC). YM155 induced lysosome-dependent downregulation of Mcl-1 expression in Mcl-1-overexpressed Caki cells. In addition, combined treatment with ABT-737 and YM155 induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibited interaction of Bcl-xL and Bax. Taken together, our results suggested that YM155 effectively improves sensitivity to ABT-737 through downregulation of Mcl-1 expression.
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Suppression of BRD4 inhibits human hepatocellular carcinoma by repressing MYC and enhancing BIM expression. Oncotarget 2016; 7:2462-74. [PMID: 26575167 PMCID: PMC4823048 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain 4 (BRD4) is an epigenetic regulator that, when inhibited, has anti-cancer effects. In this study, we investigated whether BRD4 could be a target for treatment of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We show that BRD4 is over-expressed in HCC tissues. Suppression of BRD4, either by siRNA or using JQ1, a pharmaceutical BRD4 inhibitor, reduced cell growth and induced apoptosis in HCC cell lines while also slowing HCC xenograft tumor growth in mice. JQ1 treatment induced G1 cell cycle arrest by repressing MYC expression, which led to the up-regulation of CDKN1B (P27). JQ1 also de-repressed expression of the pro-apoptotic BCL2L11 (BIM). Moreover, siRNA knockdown of BIM attenuated JQ1-triggered apoptosis in HCC cells, suggesting an essential role for BIM in mediating JQ1 anti-HCC activity.
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31
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He Y, Yan D, Zheng D, Hu Z, Li H, Li J. Cell Division Cycle 6 Promotes Mitotic Slippage and Contributes to Drug Resistance in Paclitaxel-Treated Cancer Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162633. [PMID: 27611665 PMCID: PMC5017606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) is an antimitotic drug that possesses potent anticancer activity, but its therapeutic potential in the clinic has been hindered by drug resistance. Here, we report a mechanism by which cancer cells can exit from the PTX-induced mitotic arrest, i.e. mitotic slippage, and avoid subsequent death resulting in drug resistance. In cells experiencing mitotic slippage, Cdc6 protein level was significantly upregulated, Cdk1 activity was inhibited, and Cohesin/Rad21 was cleaved as a result. Cdc6 depletion by RNAi or Norcantharidin inhibited PTX-induced Cdc6 up-regulation, maintained Cdk1 activity, and repressed Cohesin/Rad21 cleavage. In all, this resulted in reduced mitotic slippage and reversal of PTX resistance. Moreover, in synchronized cells, the role of Cdc6 in mitotic exit under PTX pressure was also confirmed. This study indicates that Cdc6 may promote mitotic slippage by inactivation of Cdk1. Targeting of Cdc6 may serve as a promising strategy for enhancing the anticancer activity of PTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue He
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Daoyu Yan
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dianpeng Zheng
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiming Hu
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (JL); (HL)
| | - Jinlong Li
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (JL); (HL)
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Kim LH, Shin JA, Jang B, Yang IH, Won DH, Jeong JH, Chung TH, Cho NP, Cho SD. Sorafenib potentiates ABT-737-induced apoptosis in human oral cancer cells. Arch Oral Biol 2016; 73:1-6. [PMID: 27632413 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2016.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The mimetic BH3 ABT-737, a potent inhibitor of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, has potential as anti-cancer drug in many cancers. Recently, patients treated with ABT-737 have developed drug tolerance during cancer therapy. Therefore, we examined whether ABT-737 is effective in killing MC-3 and HSC-3 human oral cancer cells either alone or in combination with the oncogenic kinase inhibitor, sorafenib. DESIGN The potentiating activities of sorafenib in ABT-737-induced apoptosis were determined using trypan blue exclusion assay, DAPI staining, cell viability assay and Western blot analysis. RESULTS Combined use of ABT-737 and sorafenib synergistically suppressed cell viability and induced apoptosis compared with either compound individually. The combination of ABT-737 and sorafenib altered only Bax and Bak proteins and their activations, resulting in mitochondrial translocation of Bax from the cytosol. Additionally, combination treatment-mediated apoptosis may be correlated with ERK and STAT3 pathways. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that sorafenib may effectively overcome ABT-737 resistance to apoptotic cell death, which can be a new potential chemotherapeutic strategy against human oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Han Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Institute of Biodegradable material, Institute of Oral Bioscience, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54986, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Ae Shin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Alkek Building for Biomedical Research, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Boonsil Jang
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Institute of Biodegradable material, Institute of Oral Bioscience, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54986, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Hyoung Yang
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Institute of Biodegradable material, Institute of Oral Bioscience, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54986, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Won
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Institute of Biodegradable material, Institute of Oral Bioscience, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54986, Republic of Korea
| | - Joseph H Jeong
- Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Tae-Ho Chung
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Joongbu University, Chungnam, 32713, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Pyo Cho
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Institute of Biodegradable material, Institute of Oral Bioscience, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54986, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Dae Cho
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
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Yang PY, Hu DN, Kao YH, Lin IC, Chou CY, Wu YC. Norcantharidin induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Pharmacol Rep 2016; 68:874-80. [PMID: 27351942 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Norcantharidin, a modified pure compound from blister beetles, was previously demonstrated to induce apoptosis of cancer cells. This study investigated its anti-cancer activity in prostate cancer cells and the mechanisms involved. METHODS Two human prostate cancer cell lines, 22Rv1 and Du145, were treated with norcantharidin at concentrations ranging from 3 to 30μg/ml. Cytotoxic effect of norcantharidin was determined by use of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-yl)-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay. The effects of apoptosis were evaluated by cell death assay, Caspase-3, -8, -9 activity and cytochrome c release. The apoptotic related protein expressions (Bcl-2 family and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins) were determined using western blotting. RESULTS An MTT assay revealed that norcantharidin induced cytotoxicity against both prostate cancer cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Treatment with norcantharidin at 3μg/ml or higher significantly increased oligonucleosomal formation with concomitant appearance of PARP cleavage, implicating the induction of apoptosis. Norcantharidin intrinsically elevated cytosolic cytochrome c levels and activated caspase-3, -8, and -9. Extrinsically, it upregulated the expression of not only the death receptors Fas and DR5 in 22Rv1 cells, but also of RIP and TRADD adaptor proteins in Du145 cells. Mechanistically, norcantharidin increased ratios of pro-/anti-apoptotic proteins and decreased expression of IAP family member proteins, including cIAP1 and survivin, regardless of the distinct status of androgen receptor expression in both cells. CONCLUSIONS Norcantharidin exhibited cytotoxicity against 22Rv1 and Du145 prostate cancer cells by inducing both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways and could thus potentially be a remedy for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Dan-Ning Hu
- Tissue Culture Center, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ying-Hsien Kao
- Department of Medical Research, E-DA Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - I-Ching Lin
- Department of Family Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC; School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chih-Yuan Chou
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Show-Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Yang-Chang Wu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
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Ren J, Li G, Zhao W, Lin L, Ye T. Norcantharidin combined with ABT-737 for hepatocellular carcinoma: Therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:3962-3968. [PMID: 27099439 PMCID: PMC4823246 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i15.3962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To study the therapeutic effect of norcantharidin (NCTD) combined with ABT-737 on hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the molecular mechanism.
METHODS: Two hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, HepG2 and SMMC-7721, were selected. ABT-737 and NCTD were allocated into groups to be used alone or in combination. HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells were cultured in vitro. Liver cancer cells in the logarithmic phase of growth were vaccinated and cultured to the cell wall stage; these cells were treated for 48 h with different concentrations of NCTD, or ABT-737, or NCTD combined with ABT-737. The cell proliferation inhibition rate was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium. The expression of Mcl in HCC cells was detected by Western Blotting, and the cells in each group after treatment had apoptosis detected by flow cytometry. The proliferation inhibition rate, the expression of Mcl-1 in cells and the apoptosis inducing effect of treatment were observed in each group, and the effect of NCTD on ABT-737 in the treatment of HCC and its mechanism of action were analyzed.
RESULTS: As the concentration of NCTD increased, the cell proliferation inhibition rate gradually decreased; and the treatment effect of ABT-737 1-3 μm combined with NCTD on cell proliferation inhibition was stronger than that of ABT-737 alone. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In observing the expression of Mcl-1 in cells after the treatment of different concentrations of NCTD, this was partially inhibited after treatment with NCTD 15 μm, and the expression of Mcl-1 was almost undetectable after treatment with NCTD 30 μm and 60 μm. The effect on inducing apoptosis with the treatment of ABT-737 or NCTD alone for 48 h was lower than that of the control group. The difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The effect on inducing apoptosis in HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells with the treatment of ABT-737 combined with NCTD for 48 h was greater than that of ABT-737 or NCTD alone. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: NCTD combined with ABT-737 has a positive role in the treatment of HCC, and it has great value in clinical research.
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Liu MC, Liu L, Wang XR, Shuai WP, Hu Y, Han M, Gao JQ. Folate receptor-targeted liposomes loaded with a diacid metabolite of norcantharidin enhance antitumor potency for H22 hepatocellular carcinoma both in vitro and in vivo. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:1395-412. [PMID: 27110110 PMCID: PMC4831591 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s96862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The diacid metabolite of norcantharidin (DM-NCTD) is clinically effective against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but is limited by its short half-life and high incidence of adverse effects at high doses. We developed a DM-NCTD-loaded, folic acid (FA)-modified, polyethylene glycolated (DM-NCTD/FA-PEG) liposome system to enhance the targeting effect and antitumor potency for HCC at a moderate dose based on our previous study. The DM-NCTD/FA-PEG liposome system produced liposomes with regular spherical morphology, with mean particle size approximately 200 nm, and an encapsulation efficiency >80%. MTT cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that the DM-NCTD/FA-PEG liposomes showed significantly stronger cytotoxicity effects on the H22 hepatoma cell line than did PEG liposomes without the FA modification (P<0.01). We used liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for determination of DM-NCTD in tissues and tumors, and found it to be sensitive, rapid, and reliable. In addition, the biodistribution study showed that DM-NCTD liposomes improved tumor-targeting efficiency, and DM-NCTD/FA-PEG liposomes exhibited the highest efficiency of the treatments (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the results indicated that although the active liposome group had an apparently increased tumor-targeting efficiency of DM-NCTD, the risk to the kidney was higher than in the normal liposome group. With regard to in vivo antitumor activity, DM-NCTD/FA-PEG liposomes inhibited tumors in H22 tumor-bearing mice better than either free DM-NCTD or DM-NCTD/PEG liposomes (P<0.01), and induced considerably more significant cellular apoptosis in the tumors, with no obvious toxicity to the tissues of model mice or the liver tissue of normal mice, as shown by histopathological examination. All these results demonstrate that DM-NCTD-loaded FA-modified liposomes might have potential application for HCC-targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Chen Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia-Rong Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wu-Ping Shuai
- First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Hu
- Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Han
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Qing Gao
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Liu MC, Ma XQ, Xu Y, Peng LH, Han M, Gao JQ. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of a diacid metabolite of norcantharidin loaded in folic acid-targeted liposomes in mice. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2016; 119:76-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2015.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Zheng R, You Z, Jia J, Lin S, Han S, Liu A, Long H, Wang S. Curcumin enhances the antitumor effect of ABT-737 via activation of the ROS-ASK1-JNK pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:1570-1576. [PMID: 26707143 PMCID: PMC4732838 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, the therapeutic treatment strategies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unsatisfactory, and novel methods are urgently required to treat this disease. Members of the B cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 family are anti‑apoptotic proteins, which are commonly expressed at high levels in certain HCC tissues and positively correlate with the treatment resistance of patients with HCC. ABT-737, an inhibitor of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic proteins, has been demonstrated to exhibit potent antitumor effects in several types of tumor, including HCC. However, treatment with ABT-737 alone also activates certain pro-survival signaling pathways, which attenuate the antitumor validity of ABT-737. Curcumin, which is obtained from Curcuma longa, is also an antitumor potentiator in multiple types of cancer. In the present study, the synergistic effect of curcumin and ABT-737 on HCC cells was investigated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. It was found that curcumin markedly enhanced the antitumor effects of ABT-737 on HepG2 cells, which was partially dependent on the induction of apoptosis, according to western blot analysis and flow cytometric apoptosis analysis. In addition, the sustained activation of the ROS-ASK1-c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway may be an important mediator of the synergistic effect of curcumin and ABT-737. Collectively, these results indicated that the combination of curcumin and ABT-737 can efficaciously induce the death of HCC cells, and may offer a potential treatment strategy for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruinian Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523000, P.R. China
| | - Zhijian You
- Department of Oncology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523000, P.R. China
| | - Jun Jia
- Department of Oncology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523000, P.R. China
| | - Shunhuan Lin
- Department of Oncology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523000, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Han
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, P.R. China
| | - Aixue Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518035, P.R. China
| | - Huidong Long
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510095, P.R. China
| | - Senming Wang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, P.R. China
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Xiao W, Dai B, Zhu Y, Ye D. Norcantharidin induces autophagy-related prostate cancer cell death through Beclin-1 upregulation by miR-129-5p suppression. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:10.1007/s13277-015-4488-6. [PMID: 26638170 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4488-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) has an anticancer potential to allow it to be used in the treatment of some malignant cancers. However, whether NCTD may have similar anticancer effects on prostate cancer (PC) is unknown. Here, we aimed to examine the effects of NCTD on PC cells and the underlying mechanisms. We found that NCTD dose-dependently inhibited the PC cell growth, in either a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay or a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Moreover, NCTD dose-dependently increased the PC cell autophagy, through upregulation of Beclin-1. Furthermore, the Beclin-1 protein, but not mRNA, was regulated by NCTD in PC cells, suggesting post-transcriptional control of Beclin-1 by NCTD. Finally, microRNA (miR)-129-5p was found to be regulated by NCTD, and bioinformatics analyses showed that miR-129-5p targeted the 3'-UTR of Beclin-1 mRNA to inhibit its translation, which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Together, these data suggest that NCTD may upregulate Beclin-1 through suppression of miR-129-5p to induce autophagic cell death and cell proliferation arrest in PC cells. Our study sheds light on using NCTD as a novel treatment for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Xiao
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Dai
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yao Zhu
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dingwei Ye
- Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Zhang Z, Song X, Feng X, Miao Y, Wang H, Li Y, Tian H. Norcantharidin modulates miR-655-regulated SENP6 protein translation to suppresses invasion of glioblastoma cells. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:10.1007/s13277-015-4447-2. [PMID: 26608369 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4447-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is currently used as an anticancer drug for the treatment of some malignant cancers. However, whether it may have therapeutic effects on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains unknown. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. Recently, SUMO-specific protease 6 (SENP6) has been shown as a tumor suppressor in some cancers. Nevertheless, whether it is involved in the pathogenesis of GBM has not been examined. Here, we studied the effects of NCTD on GBM cells. We found that NCTD dose-dependently increased SENP6 protein, but not messenger RNA (mRNA), in GBM cells, resulting in the suppression of cell invasion. Depletion of SENP6 in GBM cells significantly attenuated the NCTD-induced suppression of GBM cell invasion, while overexpression of SENP6 in GBM cells mimicked the effects of NCTD on cell invasion. Moreover, NCTD dose-dependently decreased the levels of microRNA-655 (miR-655), which bound to 3'-UTR of SENP6 mRNA to inhibit its translation. Overexpression of miR-655 decreased SENP6 in GBM cells, while depletion of miR-655 increased SENP6 protein in GBM cells. Taken together, our data demonstrates a previously unappreciated control of NCTD to suppress GBM cell invasion through modulation of miR-655-regulated SENP6 protein translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Xiaofeng Song
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Liaoning Medical University, 3-40 Songpo Road, Jinzhou, 121001, China.
| | - Xu Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Ye Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Honglei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - He Tian
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Liaoning Medical University, 3-40 Songpo Road, Jinzhou, 121001, China
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Wu H, Fan F, Liu Z, Shen C, Wang A, Lu Y. Norcantharidin combined with EGFR-TKIs overcomes HGF-induced resistance to EGFR-TKIs in EGFR mutant lung cancer cells via inhibition of Met/PI3k/Akt pathway. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2015; 76:307-15. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-015-2792-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Gu Z, Wang X, Qi R, Wei L, Huo Y, Ma Y, Shi L, Chang Y, Li G, Zhou L. Oridonin induces apoptosis in uveal melanoma cells by upregulation of Bim and downregulation of Fatty Acid Synthase. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 457:187-93. [PMID: 25545058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.12.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Oridonin is an orally available drug isolated from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Previous studies with oridonin have demonstrated broad-spectrum anticancer activity in a variety of cancer types. However, the effect of oridonin in uveal melanoma has not been addressed. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether oridonin elicited anticancer activity and its underlying mechanism in human uveal melanoma cells. We demonstrated that oridonin potently reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis and inhibited clonogenic survival and growth with single digit micromolar concentrations in uveal melanoma OCM-1 and MUM2B cell lines. We found that oridonin markedly increased the expression of proapoptotic Bcl-2 family protein Bim in uveal melanoma cells, and knockdown Bim by small interfering RNA significantly attenuated oridonin-induced cell death, indicating an essential role of Bim in oridonin-mediated anticancer activity. Additionally, we observed that oridonin suppressed Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS) expression in uveal melanoma cells, and enforced FAS expression by insulin partially rescued the cells from oridonin-induced apoptosis, showing that inhibition of FAS also contributed to oridonin-mediated apoptosis. Taken together, we reported that oridonin displays potent anticancer effect against uveal melanoma cells through upregulation of Bim and inhibition of FAS. Since oridonin is a popular anticancer agent, our study therefore may have translational implication on the management of patients with uveal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Ruo Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lijuan Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yinping Huo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yu Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yongjie Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Gongquan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lixiao Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Woo SM, Min KJ, Seo BR, Nam JO, Choi KS, Yoo YH, Kwon TK. Cafestol overcomes ABT-737 resistance in Mcl-1-overexpressed renal carcinoma Caki cells through downregulation of Mcl-1 expression and upregulation of Bim expression. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1514. [PMID: 25375379 PMCID: PMC4260730 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although ABT-737, a small-molecule Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitor, has recently emerged as a novel cancer therapeutic agent, ABT-737-induced apoptosis is often blocked in several types of cancer cells with elevated expression of Mcl-1. Cafestol, one of the major compounds in coffee beans, has been reported to have anti-carcinogenic activity and tumor cell growth-inhibitory activity, and we examined whether cafestol could overcome resistance against ABT-737 in Mcl-1-overexpressed human renal carcinoma Caki cells. ABT-737 alone had no effect on apoptosis, but cafestol markedly enhanced ABT-737-mediated apoptosis in Mcl-1-overexpressed Caki cells, human glioma U251MG cells, and human breast carcinoma MDA-MB231 cells. By contrast, co-treatment with ABT-737 and cafestol did not induce apoptosis in normal human skin fibroblast. Furthermore, combined treatment with cafestol and ABT-737 markedly reduced tumor growth compared with either drug alone in xenograft models. We found that cafestol inhibited Mcl-1 protein expression, which is important for ABT-737 resistance, through promotion of protein degradation. Moreover, cafestol increased Bim expression, and siRNA-mediated suppression of Bim expression reduced the apoptosis induced by cafestol plus ABT-737. Taken together, cafestol may be effectively used to enhance ABT-737 sensitivity in cancer therapy via downregulation of Mcl-1 expression and upregulation of Bim expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Woo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 704-701, South Korea
| | - K-J Min
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 704-701, South Korea
| | - B R Seo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 704-701, South Korea
| | - J-O Nam
- Department of Ecological Environment Conservation, Kyungpook National University, Sangju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 742-711, South Korea
| | - K S Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Ajou University School of Medicine, 5 Woncheon-Dong, Paldal-Gu, Suwon 442-749, South Korea
| | - Y H Yoo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Mitochondria Hub Regulation Center, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan 602-714, South Korea
| | - T K Kwon
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 704-701, South Korea
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Zheng J, Du W, Song LJ, Zhang R, Sun LG, Chen FG, Wei XT. Norcantharidin induces growth inhibition and apoptosis of glioma cells by blocking the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. World J Surg Oncol 2014; 12:207. [PMID: 25022352 PMCID: PMC4114108 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-12-207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant gliomas represent the most common primary brain tumors. The prognosis of patients with malignant gliomas is poor in spite of current intensive therapy and novel therapeutic modalities are needed. Here we report that norcantharidin is effective in growth inhibition of glioma cell lines in vitro. Methods Glioma cell lines (U87 and C6) were treated with norcantharidin. The effects of norcantharidin on the proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells were measured by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-thiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry. Western blotting was employed to determine the signaling pathway changes. Results The results showed that norcantharidin effectively inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in glioma cells, which was concurrent with inhibition of the expression of phospho-MEK and phospho-ERK. Furthermore, the expression anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 significantly reduced, but no changes in Bcl-xL and Bax. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that norcantharidin is effective for growth inhibition of glioma cell lines and suggest that norcantharidin may be a new therapeutic option for patients with glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinxiang Central Hospital, 56 Jinsui Avenue, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
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Wang X, Gu Z, Li G, Zhang S, Cao Z, Yang Z, Liu G. Norcantharidin enhances ABT-263-mediated anticancer activity in neuroblastoma cells by upregulation of Noxa. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:716-22. [PMID: 24891300 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is an aggressive childhood disease. Even with intensive conventional treatments, the long term survival rate for children with neuroblastoma remains less than 40%, highlighting the importance of finding new therapies. Bcl-2 family proteins play crucial roles in survival, proliferation and chemotherapeutic resistance of neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, targeting Bcl-2 with small molecule inhibitor ABT-263 could be a novel strategy for treatment of neuroblastoma. However, previous studies indicated that most neuroblastoma cell lines are resistant to ABT-263-mediated apoptosis. Thus, it is crucial to discover approaches that could overcome ABT-263 resistance. In this study, we examined the anticancer activity of ABT-263 in combination with norcantharidin (NCTD), a small-molecule anticancer drug derived from a traditional Chinese medicine, in human malignant neuroblastoma cells. We found that NCTD substantially enhanced ABT-263-mediated apoptosis induction, cell viability inhibition, and clonal formation inhibition in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and CHLA-119 cell lines. Moreover, the combination anticancer activity was accompanied by upregulation of Noxa, and was associated with characteristics of mitochondrial apoptosis signaling, such as cytosolic release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9,-3, and cleavage of PARP. Notably, we observed that knockdown of Noxa significantly attenuated cell death induction by cotreatment with ABT-263 and NCTD, indicating Noxa essentially contributes to the combination anticancer effect. Collectively, our study demonstrated that NCTD could overcome ABT-263-resistance in neuroblastoma cells, and suggested that combinational treatment of ABT-263 with NCTD might be a novel therapeutic option for children with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Zhimin Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Gongquan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Shufeng Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Zhenjie Cao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Zhanfeng Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Guangzhi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
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Molecular analysis of functional redundancy among anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and its role in cancer cell survival. Exp Cell Res 2014; 322:415-24. [PMID: 24556425 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Bcl-2 family proteins act as essential regulators and mediators of intrinsic apoptosis. Several lines of evidence suggest that the anti-apoptotic members of the family, including Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1, exhibit functional redundancy. However, the current evidence is largely indirect, and based mainly on pharmacological data using small-molecule inhibitors. In order to study compensation and redundancy of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins at the molecular level, we used a combined knockdown/overexpression strategy to essentially replace the function of one member with another. The results show that HeLa cells are strictly dependent on Mcl-1 for survival and correspondingly refractory to the Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitor ABT-263, and remain resistant to ABT-263 in the context of Bcl-xL overexpression because endogenous Mcl-1 continues to provide the primary guardian role. However, if Mcl-1 is knocked down in the context of Bcl-xL overexpression, the cells become Bcl-xL-dependent and sensitive to ABT-263. We also show that Bcl-xL compensates for loss of Mcl-1 by sequestration of two key pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, Bak and Bim, normally bound to Mcl-1, and that Bim is essential for cell death induced by Mcl-1 knockdown. To our knowledge, this is the first example where cell death induced by loss of Mcl-1 was rescued by the silencing of a single BH3-only Bcl-2 family member. In colon carcinoma cell lines, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 also play compensatory roles, and Mcl-1 knockdown sensitizes cells to ABT-263. The results, obtained employing a novel strategy of combining knockdown and overexpression, provide unique molecular insight into the mechanisms of compensation by pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins.
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Karami H, Baradaran B, Esfehani A, Sakhinia M, Sakhinia E. Down-Regulation of Mcl-1 by Small Interference RNA Induces Apoptosis and Sensitizes HL-60 Leukemia Cells to Etoposide. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 15:629-35. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.2.629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Chen S, Qu X, Wan P, Li QW, Wang Z, Guo F, Bai L, Hu Z, Tan W, Li J. Norcantharidin inhibits pre-replicative complexes assembly of HepG2 cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2013; 41:665-82. [PMID: 23711148 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x13500468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is currently used for anticancer therapy but the exact mechanism of action remains unknown. Pre-replicative complexes (pre-RCs) are essential for cell DNA replication and highly related to malignant proliferation. Here, we examined the inhibitory effect of NCTD on pre-RC components in HepG2 cells. We showed that NCTD induced degradation of Cdc6 and Mcm2 in a dose-dependent manner. Under 100 μM NCTD concentration, about 70% of Cdc6 and 50% of Mcm2 were degraded. In addition, the nuclear translocation of Mcm6 was inhibited by NCTD. Further studies aiming at G1 synchronous cells showed that, NCTD reduced the chromatin-bound Cdc6, Mcm2 and Mcm6. Moreover, the cells were blocked from entering the S phase and accumulated at the G1 phase when released synchronously into the cell cycle. Consistently, the DNA replication was inhibited by NCTD. Finally, the combination NCTD with Cdc6 depletion lead to more severe cytotoxicity (88%) than NCTD (52%) and Cdc6 depletion (39%) alone. A synergic cytotoxicity was observed between Cdc6 depletion and NCTD. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that NCTD inhibits pre-RC assembly; subsequently blocks the G1 to S transition; and inhibits DNA replication in HepG2 cells. Pre-RCs are an intriguing target for cancer therapy, which merits further investigations for anticancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sansan Chen
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Liu M, Ma X, Jin Z, Li W, Guo M, Li F. Determination and pharmacokinetic study of the diacid metabolite of norcantharidin in beagle plasma by use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2013; 405:9273-83. [PMID: 24096565 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-013-7300-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Because norcantharidin (NCTD) is unstable and subject to ring opening and hydrolysis, the diacid metabolite of norcantharidin (DM-NCTD) is the stable form of NCTD found in normal saline solution. Conversion of NCTD to DM-NCTD is almost 100%, making it possible to determine and investigate the pharmacokinetics of DM-NCTD converted from NCTD. In this paper, a sensitive, simple and selective liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for determination of DM-NCTD in beagle plasma. DM-NCTD was detected in multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode by using the dehydrated ion 169.3 as precursor ion and its product ion 123.1 as the detected ion. Ribavirin was used as internal standard and detected in MRM mode by use of precursor ions, resulting in a product ion transition of m/z 267.1 → 135.1. This method was successfully used for a pharmacokinetic study of DM-NCTD in beagles after intravenous administration of DM-NCTD in normal saline solution at doses of 0.39, 0.78, and 1.6 mg kg(-1). DM-NCTD had dose-dependent kinetics across the dosage range investigated, with enhanced T(1/2α) and AUC(0-12) and apparently decreasing V(d) and CL with increasing dosage. After single-dose administration, T(1/2α) ranged from 0.20 to 0.55 h, AUC(0-12) from 1.81 to 43.6 μg mL(-1) h(-1), V(d) from 228 to 55.9 mL kg(-1), and CL from 220 to 36.5 mL kg(-1) h(-1) (P < 0.01). The results indicated nonlinear pharmacokinetic behavior of DM-NCTD in beagles, suggesting that the risk of DM-NCTD in normal saline solution intoxication may be non-proportionally increased at higher doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minchen Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548, Binwen Road, 310053, Hangzhou, China
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Li G, Zhang S, Fang H, Yan B, Zhao Y, Feng L, Ma X, Ye X. Aspirin overcomes Navitoclax-resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through suppression of Mcl-1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 434:809-14. [PMID: 23611778 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Small-molecule Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitor Navitoclax represents a promising cancer therapeutic since preclinical and clinical studies with Navitoclax have demonstrated strong anticancer activity in several types of cancers. However, because Navitoclax has a low binding affinity to Mcl-1, anticancer activity by Navitoclax is often attenuated by the elevated expression of Mcl-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other cancers, posing a serious problem for its potential clinical utilities. Therefore, approaches that suppress the expression of Mcl-1 are urgently needed to overcome Navitoclax-resistance in these cancers. Here, we reported that aspirin markedly suppressed Mcl-1 expression, and significantly enhanced Navitoclax-mediated cell viability inhibition and apoptosis induction in HCC cells. We further showed that aspirin robustly enhanced Navitoclax-triggered cytosolic cytochrome c release, activation of initiator caspase-9 and effector caspase-3, and cleavage of PARP. Importantly, the cell death induction by the combination could be rescued by a cell-permeable caspase-9 inhibitor Z-LEHD-FMK, indicative of an indispensable role of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway during the combination effect. Taken together, our study suggests that aspirin can be used to enhance Navitoclax-mediated anticancer activity via suppression of Mcl-1. Since aspirin is one of the most commonly used medicines, our findings therefore have translational impacts on Navitoclax-based therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongquan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Suh DH, Kim MK, Kim HS, Chung HH, Song YS. Mitochondrial permeability transition pore as a selective target for anti-cancer therapy. Front Oncol 2013; 3:41. [PMID: 23483560 PMCID: PMC3592197 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) is the ultimate step in dozens of lethal apoptotic signal transduction pathways which converge on mitochondria. One of the representative systems proposed to be responsible for the MOMP is the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). Although the molecular composition of the MPTP is not clearly understood, the MPTP attracts much interest as a promising target for resolving two conundrums regarding cancer treatment: tumor selectivity and resistance to treatment. The regulation of the MPTP is closely related to metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells including mitochondrial alterations. Restoration of deregulated apoptotic machinery in cancer cells by tumor-specific modulation of the MPTP could therefore be a promising anti-cancer strategy. Currently, a number of MPTP-targeting agents are under pre-clinical and clinical studies. Here, we reviewed the structure and regulation of the MPTP as well as the current status of the development of promising MPTP-targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong H Suh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul, South Korea
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