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Chen M, Xiao S, Sun P, Li Y, Xu Z, Wang J. Morusin suppresses the stemness characteristics of gastric cancer cells induced by hypoxic microenvironment through inhibition of HIF-1α accumulation. Toxicon 2024; 241:107675. [PMID: 38432611 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107675] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a common, life-threatening malignancy that contributes to the global burden of cancer-related mortality, as conventional therapeutic modalities show limited effects on GC. Hence, it is critical to develop novel agents for GC therapy. Morusin, a typical prenylated flavonoid, possesses antitumor effects against various cancers. The present study aimed to demonstrate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of morusin on the stemness characteristics of human GC in vitro under hypoxia and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms. The effects of morusin on cell proliferation and cancer stem cell-like properties of the human GC cell lines SNU-1 and AGS were assessed by MTT assay, colony formation test, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry analysis, and sphere formation test under hypoxia or normoxia condition through in vitro assays. The potential molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of morusin on the stem-cell-like properties of human GC cells in vitro were investigated by qRT-PCR, western blotting assay, and immunofluorescence assay by evaluating the nuclear translocation and expression level of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The results showed that morusin exerted growth inhibitory effects on SNU-1 and AGS cells under hypoxia in vitro. Moreover, the proportions of CD44+/CD24- cells and the sphere formation ability of SNU-1 and AGS reduced in a dose-dependent manner following morusin treatment. The expression levels of stem cell-related genes, namely Nanog, OCT4, SOX2, and HIF-1α, gradually decreased, and the nuclear translocation of the HIF-1α protein was apparently attenuated. HIF-1α overexpression partially reversed the abovementioned effects of morusin. Taken together, morusin could restrain stemness characteristics of GC cells by inhibiting HIF-1α accumulation and nuclear translocation and could serve as a promising compound for GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Burn Plastic Surgery, Pu'er People's Hospital, Pu 'er 665000, Yunnan Province, China.
| | - Shufeng Xiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Burn Plastic Surgery, Pu'er People's Hospital, Pu 'er 665000, Yunnan Province, China.
| | - Ping Sun
- Department of Science and Education, Pu'er People's Hospital, Pu 'er 665000, Yunnan Province, China.
| | - Yongfu Li
- Department of Science and Education, Pu'er People's Hospital, Pu 'er 665000, Yunnan Province, China.
| | - Zhixing Xu
- Department of Neuro surgery, Pu'er People's Hospital, Pu 'er 665000, Yunnan Province, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, Pu'er People's Hospital, Pu 'er 665000, Yunnan Province, China.
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2
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Fang KT, Su CS, Layos JJ, Lau NYS, Cheng KH. Haploinsufficiency of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Coupled with Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homologue Activation and P53 Loss Provokes High-Grade Glioblastoma Formation in Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1046. [PMID: 38473403 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and deadly type of brain tumor originating from glial cells. Despite decades of clinical trials and research, there has been limited success in improving survival rates. However, molecular pathology studies have provided a detailed understanding of the genetic alterations associated with the formation and progression of glioblastoma-such as Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) signaling activation (5%), P53 mutations (25%), and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) alterations (2%)-laying the groundwork for further investigation into the biological and biochemical basis of this malignancy. These analyses have been crucial in revealing the sequential appearance of specific genetic lesions at distinct histopathological stages during the development of GBM. To further explore the pathogenesis and progression of glioblastoma, here, we developed the glial-fibrillary-acidic-protein (GFAP)-Cre-driven mouse model and demonstrated that activated KRAS and p53 deficiencies play distinct and cooperative roles in initiating glioma tumorigenesis. Additionally, the combination of APC haploinsufficiency with mutant Kras activation and p53 deletion resulted in the rapid progression of GBM, characterized by perivascular inflammation, large necrotic areas, and multinucleated giant cells. Consequently, our GBM models have proven to be invaluable resources for identifying early disease biomarkers in glioblastoma, as they closely mimic the human disease. The insights gained from these models may pave the way for potential advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of this challenging brain tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Te Fang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Shiang Su
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Jhoanna Jane Layos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Nga Yin Sadonna Lau
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Hung Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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3
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Liu W, Ji Y, Wang F, Li C, Shi S, Liu R, Li Q, Guo L, Liu Y, Cui H. Morusin shows potent antitumor activity for melanoma through apoptosis induction and proliferation inhibition. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:602. [PMID: 37386395 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery of new anti-melanoma drugs with low side effect is urgently required in the clinic. Recent studies showed that morusin, a flavonoid compound isolated from the root bark of Morus Alba, has the potential to treat multiple types of cancers, including breast cancer, gastric cancer, and prostate cancer. However, the anti-cancer effect of morusin on melanoma cells has not been investigated. METHODS We analyzed the effects of morusin on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion ability of melanoma cells A375 and MV3, and further explored the effects of morusin on tumor formation of melanoma cell. Finally, the effects of morusin on the proliferation, cycle, apoptosis, migration and invasion of A375 cells after knockdown of p53 were detected. RESULTS Morusin effectively inhibits the proliferation of melanoma cells and induces cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Consistently, CyclinB1 and CDK1 that involved in the G2/M phase transition were down-regulated upon morusin treatment, which may be caused by the up-regulation of p53 and p21. In addition, morusin induces cell apoptosis and inhibits migration of melanoma cells, which correlated with the changes in the expression of the associated molecules including PARP, Caspase3, E-Cadherin and Vimentin. Moreover, morusin inhibits tumor growth in vivo with little side effect on the tumor-burden mice. Finally, p53 knockdown partially reversed morusin-mediated cell proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and metastasis. CONCLUSION Collectively, our study expanded the spectrum of the anti-cancer activity of morusin and guaranteed the clinical use of the drug for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Zi qiang Road 139, 050000, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715, Chongqing, P.R. China
- Cancer Centre, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yacong Ji
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Zi qiang Road 139, 050000, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715, Chongqing, P.R. China
- Cancer Centre, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chongyang Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaomin Shi
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Zi qiang Road 139, 050000, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715, Chongqing, P.R. China
- Cancer Centre, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Zi qiang Road 139, 050000, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715, Chongqing, P.R. China
- Cancer Centre, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Leiyang Guo
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Zi qiang Road 139, 050000, Shijiazhuang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Zi qiang Road 139, 050000, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400715, Chongqing, P.R. China.
- Cancer Centre, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
- The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Hafeez A, Khan Z, Armaghan M, Khan K, Sönmez Gürer E, Abdull Razis AF, Modu B, Almarhoon ZM, Setzer WN, Sharifi-Rad J. Exploring the therapeutic and anti-tumor properties of morusin: a review of recent advances. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1168298. [PMID: 37228582 PMCID: PMC10203489 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1168298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Morusin is a natural product that has been isolated from the bark of Morus alba, a species of mulberry tree. It belongs to the flavonoid family of chemicals, which is abundantly present in the plant world and is recognized for its wide range of biological activities. Morusin has a number of biological characteristics, including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, neuro-protective, and antioxidant capabilities. Morusin has exhibited anti-tumor properties in many different forms of cancer, including breast, prostate, gastric, hepatocarcinoma, glioblastoma, and pancreatic cancer. Potential of morusin as an alternative treatment method for resistant malignancies needs to be explored in animal models in order to move toward clinical trials. In the recent years several novel findings regarding the therapeutic potential of morusin have been made. This aim of this review is to provide an overview of the present understanding of morusin's beneficial effects on human health as well as provide a comprehensive and up-to-date discussion of morusin's anti-cancer properties with a special focus on in vitro and in vivo studies. This review will aid future research on the creation of polyphenolic medicines in the prenylflavone family, for the management and treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Hafeez
- Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zeeshan Khan
- Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Armaghan
- Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Khushbukhat Khan
- Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Eda Sönmez Gürer
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Türkiye
| | - Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Babagana Modu
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Zainab M. Almarhoon
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - William N. Setzer
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, Lehi, UT, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, United States
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5
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Effects of a monoclonal antibody against (pro)renin receptor on gliomagenesis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:808. [PMID: 36646875 PMCID: PMC9842725 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28133-x] [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: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is characterized by a strong self-renewal potential and poor differentiated state. We have reported previously that the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] is a potential target for glioma therapy by silencing the (P)RR gene. Here, we have examined the effects of a monoclonal antibody against (P)RR on gliomagenesis. Human glioma cell lines (U251MG and U87MG) and a glioma stem cell line (MGG23) were used for the in vitro study. The expressions of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (Wnt signaling pathway) components and stemness markers were measured by Western blotting. The effects of the (P)RR antibody on cell proliferation, sphere formation, apoptosis and migration were also examined. Subcutaneous xenografts were also examined in nude mice. Treatment with the (P)RR antibody reduced expression of Wnt signaling pathway components and stemness markers. Furthermore, the (P)RR antibody reduced cell proliferation and decreased sphere formation significantly. The treatment also suppressed migration and induced apoptosis. In a subcutaneous xenograft model, systemic administration of the (P)RR antibody reduced tumor volume significantly. These data show that treatment with the (P)RR antibody is a potential therapeutic strategy for treating glioblastoma.
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6
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Cancer cells as a new source of induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:459. [PMID: 36064437 PMCID: PMC9446809 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03145-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last 2 decades, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have had various potential applications in various medical research areas, from personalized medicine to disease treatment. Different cellular resources are accessible for iPSC generation, such as keratinocytes, skin fibroblasts, and blood or urine cells. However, all these sources are somatic cells, and we must make several changes in a somatic cell's transcriptome and chromatin state to become a pluripotent cell. It has recently been revealed that cancer cells can be a new source of iPSCs production. Cancer cells show similarities with iPSCs in self-renewal capacity, reprogramming potency, and signaling pathways. Although genetic abnormalities and potential tumor formation in cancer cells pose a severe risk, reprogrammed cancer-induced pluripotent stem cells (cancer-iPSCs) indicate that pluripotency can transiently overcome the cancer phenotype. This review discusses whether cancer cells can be a preferable source to generate iPSCs.
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7
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Morusin Enhances Temozolomide Efficiency in GBM by Inducing Cytoplasmic Vacuolization and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133662. [PMID: 35806945 PMCID: PMC9267261 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with high risks of recurrence and mortality. Chemoradiotherapy resistance has been considered a major factor contributing to the extremely poor prognosis of GBM patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop highly effective therapeutic agents. Here, we demonstrate the anti-tumor effect of morusin, a typical prenylated flavonoid, in GBM through in vivo and in vitro models. Morusin showed selective cytotoxicity toward GBM cell lines without harming normal human astrocytes when the concentration was less than 20 µM. Morusin treatment significantly induced apoptosis of GBM cells, accompanied by the activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and the appearance of cytoplasmic vacuolation and autophagosomes in cells. Then, we found the ER stress activation and cytotoxicity of morusin were rescued by ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA. Furthermore, morusin arrested cell cycle at the G1 phase and inhibited cell proliferation of GBM cells through the Akt–mTOR–p70S6K pathway. Dysregulation of ERs and cell cycle in morusin exposed GBM cells were confirmed by RNA-seq analysis. Finally, we demonstrated the combination of morusin and TMZ remarkably enhanced ER stress and displayed a synergistic effect in GBM cells, and suppressed tumor progression in an orthotopic xenograft model. In conclusion, these findings reveal the toxicity of morusin to GBM cells and its ability to enhance drug sensitivity to TMZ, suggesting the potential application value of morusin in the development of therapeutic strategies for human GBM.
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8
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Panek-Krzyśko A, Stompor-Gorący M. The Pro-Health Benefits of Morusin Administration-An Update Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:3043. [PMID: 34578920 PMCID: PMC8470188 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenylflavonoids are widespread in nature. Plants are valuable sources of natural polyphenolic compounds with isoprenyl groups, which include flavones, flavanones, chalcones and aurones. They can be found in flowers, bark and stems. One of the most important compounds found in the bark of white mulberry (Morus alba) is morusin, a prenylated flavone with interesting pro-health properties. The research carried out so far revealed that morusin has antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity. Moreover, its neuroprotective and antihyperglycemic properties have also been confirmed. Morusin suppresses the growth of different types of tumors, including breast cancer, glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer, hepatocarcinoma, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer. It also inhibits the inflammatory response by suppressing COX activity and iNOS expression. Moreover, an antimicrobial effect against Gram-positive bacteria was observed after treatment with morusin. The objective of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about the positive effects of morusin on human health in order to facilitate future study on the development of plant polyphenolic drugs and nutraceutics in the group of prenylflavones.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Stompor-Gorący
- Department of Human Pathophysiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Warzywna 1a, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland;
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9
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Castelli V, Giordano A, Benedetti E, Giansanti F, Quintiliani M, Cimini A, d’Angelo M. The Great Escape: The Power of Cancer Stem Cells to Evade Programmed Cell Death. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:328. [PMID: 33477367 PMCID: PMC7830655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the primary causes of death worldwide. Tumour malignancy is related to tumor heterogeneity, which has been suggested to be due to a small subpopulation of tumor cells named cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs exert a key role in metastasis development, tumor recurrence, and also epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptotic resistance, self-renewal, tumorigenesis, differentiation, and drug resistance. Several current therapies fail to eradicate tumors due to the ability of CSCs to escape different programmed cell deaths. Thus, developing CSC-selective and programmed death-inducing therapeutic approaches appears to be of primary importance. In this review, we discuss the main programmed cell death occurring in cancer and the promising CSC-targeting agents developed in recent years. Even if the reported studies are encouraging, further investigations are necessary to establish a combination of agents able to eradicate CSCs or inhibit their growth and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Francesco Giansanti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Massimiliano Quintiliani
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
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10
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Choi DW, Cho SW, Lee SG, Choi CY. The Beneficial Effects of Morusin, an Isoprene Flavonoid Isolated from the Root Bark of Morus. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6541. [PMID: 32906784 PMCID: PMC7554996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The root bark of Morus has long been appreciated as an antiphlogistic, diuretic and expectorant drug in Chinese herbal medicine, albeit with barely known targets and mechanisms of action. In the 1970s, the development of analytic chemistry allowed for the discovery of morusin as one of 7 different isoprene flavonoid derivatives in the root bark of Morus. However, the remarkable antioxidant capacity of morusin with the unexpected potential for health benefits over the other flavonoid derivatives has recently sparked scientific interest in the biochemical identification of target proteins and signaling pathways and further clinical relevance. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of the functional roles of morusin in multiple biological processes such as inflammation, apoptosis, metabolism and autophagy. We also highlight recent in vivo and in vitro evidence on the clinical potential of morusin treatment for multiple human pathologies including inflammatory diseases, neurological disorders, diabetes, cancer and the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wook Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (D.W.C.); (S.W.C.)
| | - Sang Woo Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (D.W.C.); (S.W.C.)
| | - Seok-Geun Lee
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science & Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Cheol Yong Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (D.W.C.); (S.W.C.)
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Dawson LE, D'Agostino L, Hakim AA, Lackman RD, Brown SA, Sensenig RB, Antonello ZA, Kuzin II. Induction of Myogenic Differentiation Improves Chemosensitivity of Chemoresistant Cells in Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Cell Lines. Sarcoma 2020; 2020:8647981. [PMID: 32300280 PMCID: PMC7136814 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8647981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and rhabdoid tumors (RT) are rare soft-tissue malignancies with the highest incidence in infants, children, and adolescents. Advanced, recurrent, and/or metastatic RMS and RT exhibit poor response to treatment. One of the main mechanisms behind resistance to treatment is believed to be intratumoral heterogeneity. In this study, we investigated the myogenic determination factor 1 (MYOD1) and Noggin (NOG) markers in an embryonal RMS (ERMS) cell line and an RT cell line and the differential response of the MYOD1 and NOG expressing subpopulations to chemotherapy. Importantly, we found that these markers together identify a subpopulation of cells (MYOD1+ NOG+ cells) with primary resistance to Vincristine and Doxorubicin, two commonly used chemotherapies for ERMS and RT. The chemoresistant MYOD1+ NOG+ cells express markers of undifferentiated cells such as myogenin and ID1. Combination of Vincristine with TPA/GSK126, a drug combination shown to induce differentiation of RMS cell lines, is able to partially overcome MYOD1/NOG cells chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Richard D. Lackman
- Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Camden, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Zeus A. Antonello
- Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, USA
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Igor I. Kuzin
- Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, USA
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
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12
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Sun Z, Wang L, Zhou Y, Dong L, Ma W, Lv L, Zhang J, Wang X. Glioblastoma Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Enhance Stemness and Tumorigenicity of Glioma Cells by Transferring Notch1 Protein. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 40:767-784. [PMID: 31853695 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00771-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes contain plenty of bioactive information, playing an important role in intercellular communication by transfer their bioactive molecular contents to recipient cells. Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) and non-GSC glioma cells coexist in GBM microenvironment; GSC-released exosomes contain intracellular signaling molecules, which may affect the biological phenotypes of recipient cells. However, whether GSC exosomes could affect the biological phenotype of non-GSC glioma cells has not yet been defined. To explore whether GSC exosomes could reprogramme non-GSC glioma cells into GSCs and its possible mechanism involved, non-GSC glioma cells were treated with GSCs released exosomes; the potential mechanisms of action were studied with RNA interference, Notch inhibitors and Western blot analysis. The proliferation, neurosphere formation, invasive capacities, and tumorigenicity of non-GSC glioma cells were increased significantly after GSC exosome treatment; Notch1 signaling pathway was activated in GSCs; Notch1 protein was highly enriched in GSC exosomes; Notch1 signaling pathway and stemness-related protein expressions were increased in GSC exosome treated non-GSC glioma cells and these cell generated tumor tissues; Notch1 protein expression in GSCs and their exosomes, and the neurosphere formation of GSCs were decreased by Notch1 RNA interference; Notch1 signaling pathway protein and stemness protein expressions were decreased in GSC exosome treated non-GSC glioma cells by Notch1 RNA interference and Notch inhibitors. The findings in this study indicated that GSC exosomes act as information carriers, mediated non-GSC glioma cell dedifferentiation into GSCs by delivering Notch1 protein through Notch1 signaling activation, and enhanced stemness and tumorigenicity of non-GSC glioma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Sun
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, No. 1 Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Avenu, Hi-tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, No. 1 Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Avenu, Hi-tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yueling Zhou
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, No. 1 Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Avenu, Hi-tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lihua Dong
- Human Anatomy Department, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medcine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Weichao Ma
- Neurosurgery Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liang Lv
- Neurosurgery Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, No. 1 Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Avenu, Hi-tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiujie Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, No. 1 Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Avenu, Hi-tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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13
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You S, Kim GH. Protective effect of Mori Cortex radicis extract against high glucose-induced oxidative stress in PC12 cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2019; 83:1893-1900. [PMID: 31130105 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2019.1621154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate the neuroprotective effect of an ethanolic extract of Mori Cortex radicis (MCR) against high glucose (HG)-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells. Cell cytotoxicity was examined using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays. To examine the antioxidative effects, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured. The expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins were assessed. MCR was found to increase the viabilities of HG-induced PC12 cells and to inhibit ROS and MDA production and to promote antioxidative enzyme activities. Furthermore, MCR reduced apoptosis by upregulating p-Akt and Bcl-2/Bax ratio and reducing cytochrome c level. The main flavonoids in MCR were identified by HPLC to be kuwanon G and morusin. These results suggest the antioxidative effects of MCR protect against HG-induced oxidative stress and that MCR has potential therapeutic use for the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuro-degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohyeon You
- Department of Health Functional Materials, Duksung Women's University , Seoul , South Korea
| | - Gun-Hee Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Duksung Women's University , Seoul , South Korea
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14
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Morusin Functions as a Lipogenesis Inhibitor as Well as a Lipolysis Stimulator in Differentiated 3T3-L1 and Primary Adipocytes. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23082004. [PMID: 30103469 PMCID: PMC6222347 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23082004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Conflicting results for morusin activity during adipogenic differentiation are reported in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and cancer cells. To elucidate the influence of morusin on fat metabolism, their anti-obesity effects and molecular mechanism were investigated in 3T3-L1 cells and primary adipocytes. Morusin at a dose of less than 20 µM does not induce any significant change in the viability of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The accumulation of intracellular lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 adipocytes stimulated with 0.5 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, 1 µM dexamethasone, 10 µg/mL insulin in DMEM containing 10% FBS (MDI)-significantly reduces in a dose-dependent manner after morusin treatment. The phosphorylation level of members in the MAP kinase signaling pathway under the insulin receptor downstream also decrease significantly in the MDI + morusin-treated group compared to MDI + vehicle-treated group. Also, the expression of adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ and C/EBPα) and lipogenic proteins (aP2 and FAS) are significantly attenuated by exposure to the compound in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, the decrease in the G0/G1 arrest of cell cycle after culturing in MDI medium was dramatically recovered after co-culturing in MDI + 20 µM morusin. Moreover, morusin treatment induces glycerol release in the primary adipocytes of SD rats and enhances lipolytic protein expression (HSL, ATGL, and perilipin) in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Overall, the results of the present study provide strong evidence that morusin inhibits adipogenesis by regulating the insulin receptor signaling, cell cycle and adipogenic protein expression as well as stimulating lipolysis by enhancing glycerol release and lipolytic proteins expression.
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15
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UGT-mediated metabolism plays a dominant role in the pharmacokinetic behavior and the disposition of morusin in vivo and in vitro. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 154:339-353. [PMID: 29571132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.02.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Morusin is a prenylated flavone isolated from mulberry, the branch and root bark of various Morus species, which possesses diverse pharmacological activities. However, it lacks extensive studies about its absorption and disposition. This study investigated the pharmacokinetic behavior of morusin in rat, and its first-pass metabolism in situ. The metabolic pathway of morusin was further investigated by 12 human recombinant UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), 9 CYP450s, as well as liver and intestinal microsomes. Four mono-glucuronide metabolites (M-5-G, M-4'-G, M-2'-G, and MII-2) were identified in rat intestine and bile by LC-MS/MS, while three of them were also detected in plasma (M-5-G, M-4'-G, and MII-2). M-4'-G was the principal conjugate. However, few CYP450 metabolites were found in rat intestine and bile. Only a small amount of MI-1 could be detected in rat plasma. UGT1A1, 1A3, 1A7, and 2B7 were the major contributors to morusin glucuronidation. Morusin exhibited substrate inhibition kinetic characteristics in all UGTs. Clearance rates of M-4'-G in HLM, RLM, UGT1A1, UGT1A3, and UGT2B7 were 137.02, 127.55, 32.54, 41.18, and 35.07 ml/min/mg, respectively. Besides, CYP3A5, 3A4, and 2C19 primarily contributed to the oxidative metabolism of morusin. The pharmacokinetic curves of morusin and its conjugates presented double peaks, showing that an enterohepatic recycling may exist. In conclusion, glucuronidation was confirmed to be the crucial metabolic pathway for morusin in vivo, and M-4'-G was the main metabolite.
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16
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Xue J, Li R, Zhao X, Ma C, Lv X, Liu L, Liu P. Morusin induces paraptosis-like cell death through mitochondrial calcium overload and dysfunction in epithelial ovarian cancer. Chem Biol Interact 2018; 283:59-74. [PMID: 29421517 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the leading cause of death among all gynecological cancers. Morusin, a prenylated flavonoid extracted from the root bark of Morus australis, has been reported to exhibit anti-tumor activity against various human cancers except EOC. In the present study, we explored the potential anti-cancer activity of morusin against EOC in vitro and in vivo and possible underlying mechanisms for the first time. We first found that morusin effectively inhibited EOC cell proliferation and survival in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Then we observed that treatment of EOC cells with morusin resulted in paraptosis-like cell death, a novel mode of non-apoptotic programmed cell death that is characterized by extensive cytoplasmic vacuolation due to dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria and lack of apoptotic hallmarks. In addition, we discovered that morusin induced obvious increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, accumulation of ER stress markers, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) in EOC cells. Furthermore, pretreatment with 4, 4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2, 2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), a chemical inhibitor of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) on the outer mitochondrial membrane, effectively inhibited mitochondrial Ca2+ influx, cytoplasmic vacuolation and cell death induced by morusin in EOC cells. Moreover, DIDS pretreatment also suppressed morusin-induced accumulation of ER stress markers, ROS production and depletion of Δψm. Consistently, tumor xenograft assays showed that co-treatment with DIDS partially reversed the inhibitory effects of morusin on tumor growth in vivo and inhibited the increased levels of ER stress markers induced by morusin in tumor tissues. Collectively, our results suggest that VDAC-mediated Ca2+ influx into mitochondria and subsequent mitochondrial Ca2+ overload contribute to mitochondrial swelling and dysfunction, leading to morusin-induced paraptosis-like cell death in EOC. This study may provide alternative therapeutic strategies for EOC exhibiting resistance to apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xinrui Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Congcong Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xin Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lidong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peishu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Wang F, Zhang D, Mao J, Ke XX, Zhang R, Yin C, Gao N, Cui H. Morusin inhibits cell proliferation and tumor growth by down-regulating c-Myc in human gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:57187-57200. [PMID: 28915664 PMCID: PMC5593635 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Morusin is a pure extract from the root bark of Morus australis (Moraceae). In recent years, morusin has been reported to exhibit anti-tumor biological activity in some types of human cancers through different mechanisms. Here, we attempted to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of morusin on gastric cancer. Morusin markedly inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation by down-regulating CDKs and Cyclins, such as CDK2, CDK4, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E1. Additionally, morusin suppressed tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Up-regulation of CDKs and Cyclins in gastric cancer cells was induced by c-Myc binding at the E-Box regions of CDKs and the Cyclin promoter. In addition, compared with the control group, the morusin-treated group showed reduced expression of c-Myc and c-Myc protein binding at the E-Box regions. Based on these results, we overexpressed c-Myc in gastric cancer cells and found that overexpressing c-Myc rescued morusin-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and tumor growth. These results suggest that morusin inhibits cell proliferation and tumor growth by down-regulating c-Myc in human gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Dunke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Jingxin Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Xue Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Chao Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Ning Gao
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, P.R. China
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18
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Deng Z, Sun X, Yang S, Zhang L, Sun P, Teng X, Zhong H. Quantification of morusin using LC-MS in rat plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetic study. Biomed Chromatogr 2017; 31. [DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Deng
- Institute of Materia Medica; Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences; Jinan 250062 China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs Ministry of Health; Jinan 250062 China
- Key Laboratory for Rare and Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province; Jinan 250062 China
| | - Xiaohui Sun
- Institute of Materia Medica; Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences; Jinan 250062 China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs Ministry of Health; Jinan 250062 China
- Key Laboratory for Rare and Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province; Jinan 250062 China
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences; University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences; Jinan 250200 China
| | - Shenbao Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology; Jiaozhou People's Hospital; Qingdao 266300 China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica; Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences; Jinan 250062 China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs Ministry of Health; Jinan 250062 China
- Key Laboratory for Rare and Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province; Jinan 250062 China
| | - Peilu Sun
- Institute of Materia Medica; Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences; Jinan 250062 China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs Ministry of Health; Jinan 250062 China
- Key Laboratory for Rare and Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province; Jinan 250062 China
| | - Xuepeng Teng
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute; Jinan 250117 China
| | - Hao Zhong
- Institute of Materia Medica; Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences; Jinan 250062 China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-Drugs Ministry of Health; Jinan 250062 China
- Key Laboratory for Rare and Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province; Jinan 250062 China
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19
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Gao L, Wang L, Sun Z, Li H, Wang Q, Yi C, Wang X. Morusin shows potent antitumor activity for human hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo through apoptosis induction and angiogenesis inhibition. Drug Des Devel Ther 2017; 11:1789-1802. [PMID: 28670112 PMCID: PMC5481341 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s138320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive cancers with high mortality worldwide. Research and development of novel agents for HCC therapy is in demand, urgently. Morusin has been reported to exhibit potential cytotoxic activity in several cancer cell lines. However, whether it has potential antiangiogenic activity especially in HCC remains unclear. In the current study, we found that morusin exerted growth inhibition effects on human HCC cells (HepG2 and Hep3B) in vitro and human HCC cell (HepG2) xenografts in vivo. Moreover, apoptosis induction was observed in a dose-dependent manner after morusin treatment along with an increase in the expression of active caspase-3 and the Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio. More importantly, morusin inhibited proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and downregulated angiogenic proteins in HCC cells and HUVECs. In vivo, tumor angiogenesis was also attenuated after morusin treatment. In addition, morusin suppressed constitutive as well as IL-6-induced STAT3 phosphorylation in HCC cells and corresponding tumor tissues. Overall, morusin has a potential anticancer effect on human HCC cells in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting anti-angiogenesis. The corresponding mechanism might be associated with the attenuation of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Morusin might serve as a promising novel anticancer agent in HCC therapy, and requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Li Wang
- Laboratory of Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Center
| | - Zhen Sun
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Li
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoping Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Xiujie Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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Kang S, Kim EO, Kim SH, Lee JH, Ahn KS, Yun M, Lee SG. Morusin induces apoptosis by regulating expression of Bax and Survivin in human breast cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:4558-4562. [PMID: 28599457 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Morusin which has been isolated from the root bark of Morus alba L. (Moraceae) has previously demonstrated anticancer activity in various types of cancer cells such as hepatocellular carcinoma, glioma and prostate cancer. However, the effect of morusin on breast cancer cells remains unclear. In the present study, the potential of morusin as an anti-cancer agent in breast cancer was investigated. The results of the present study revealed that the treatment of morusin induced cell death in various human breast cancer cell lines, but exhibited little effect on normal human breast epithelial cells. In Annexin V-propidium iodide double staining assays, morusin significantly increased apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in human breast cancer cells. The apoptosis marker proteins cleaved caspase 3 and 9 were consistently upregulated following treatment of cells with morusin in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, morusin was demonstrated to modulate the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Survivin and pro-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2-associated-x protein (Bax) in human breast cancer cells. These results indicate that morusin induces apoptosis by suppressing Survivin and inducing Bax proteins, suggesting that morusin is a potentially effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukmin Kang
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ok Kim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.,Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.,Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hee Lee
- Department of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.,Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.,Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Miyong Yun
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.,Department of Bioindustry and Bioresource Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Geun Lee
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.,Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.,Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea.,KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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21
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Li H, Wang Q, Dong L, Liu C, Sun Z, Gao L, Wang X. Morusin suppresses breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo through C/EBPβ and PPARγ mediated lipoapoptosis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2015; 34:137. [PMID: 26538209 PMCID: PMC4634597 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-015-0252-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is the most fatal malignant cancer among women, the conventional therapeutic modalities of it are limited. Morusin possesses cytotoxicity against some cancer cells in vitro. The purpose of this study is to test the growth inhibition effect of morusin on human breast cancer growth in vitro and in vivo and to explore the potential mechanism of its action. Methods The growth inhibition effect of morusin on human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo were tested by cell cytotoxicity, colony formation inhibition, adipogenic differentiation, apoptosis induction, and tumor growth inhibition in vivo assays. The potential molecular mechanisms underlying the growth inhibition effect of morusin on human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo were investigated with Western blotting evaluation of expression levels of transcription factors, C/EBPβ and PPARγ, adipogenic and apoptotic proteins in morusin treated breast cancer cells and tumor tissues. Results Morusin inhibited breast cancer cells growth in vitro and in vivo; it induced adipogenic differentiation, apoptosis and lipoapoptosis of cancer cells. Conclusions Morusin has the potential to inhibit human breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo through C/EBPβ and PPARγ mediated lipoapoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/ Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qiaoping Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/ Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lihua Dong
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/ Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chuanlan Liu
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/ Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/ Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ling Gao
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/ Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiujie Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/ Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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22
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Janetschek G, Weitzel D, Stein W, Müntefering H, Alken P. Prenatal diagnosis of neuroblastoma by sonography. Urology 1984; 38:93. [PMID: 30791957 PMCID: PMC6385443 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Zoledronic acid is the most potent osteoclast inhibitor and is widely used for advanced cancer patients with bone metastasis, but its role on cancer stem cells (CSCs) remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to identify the stemness phenotypic characteristics of CSCs derived from cervical cancer cells and explore the anti-cancer efficiency of zoledronic acid on these cells, as well as the possible molecular mechanisms. Methods Stemness phenotypic identification of cervical cancer cells derived CSCs was performed via sphere formation efficiency (SFE), tumorigenesis, immunofluorescence staining, Transwell assay, and western blot. Anti-cancer efficiency of zoledronic acid on these cells (including proliferation, stemness phenotype, apoptosis, and cell cycle) was carried out through MTT assay, SFE, transwell, DAPI staining, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, TUNEL staining, and western blot, both in vitro and in vivo. Results Enhanced self-renewal ability, including SFE and tumorigenesis, was verified in cervical cancer cells derived CSCs compared to parental cervical cancer cells. Specifically, the expression of ALDH1, Sox2, CD49f, Nanog, and Oct4 was significantly up-regulated in cervical cancer cells derived CSCs. Furthermore, enhanced migratory ability was observed in these cells along with up-regulated N-cadherin and Vimentin and down-regulated E-cadherin. Zoledronic acid inhibited cervical cancer cells derived CSCs proliferation in vitro and in vivo. The stemness phenotype of these CSCs including tumor sphere formation, migration, as well as the expression of the aforementioned associated markers was also suppressed. In addition, zoledronic acid significantly induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of cervical cancer cells derived CSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, the expression of phosphorylated Erk1/2 and Akt was significantly increased in cervical cancer cells derived CSCs compared to parental cervical cancer cells. Zoledronic acid inhibited phosphorylated Erk1/2 and Akt in cervical cancer cells derived CSCs. IGF-1, a potent stimulator for Erk1/2 and PI3K/Akt, attenuated the aforementioned anti-cancer effect of zoledronic acid. Conclusions Zoledronic acid inhibited the growth of cervical cancer cells derived CSCs through attenuating their stemness phenotype, inducing apoptosis, and arresting cell cycle. The suppression of phosphorylated Erk1/2 and Akt was involved in this process. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1109-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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