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Kofman K, Levin M. Bioelectric pharmacology of cancer: A systematic review of ion channel drugs affecting the cancer phenotype. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 191:25-39. [PMID: 38971325 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a pernicious and pressing medical problem; moreover, it is a failure of multicellular morphogenesis that sheds much light on evolutionary developmental biology. Numerous classes of pharmacological agents have been considered as cancer therapeutics and evaluated as potential carcinogenic agents; however, these are spread throughout the primary literature. Here, we briefly review recent work on ion channel drugs as promising anti-cancer treatments and present a systematic review of the known cancer-relevant effects of 109 drugs targeting ion channels. The roles of ion channels in cancer are consistent with the importance of bioelectrical parameters in cell regulation and with the functions of bioelectric signaling in morphogenetic signals that act as cancer suppressors. We find that compounds that are well-known for having targets in the nervous system, such as voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, proton pumps, and gap junctions are especially relevant to cancer. Our review suggests further opportunities for the repurposing of numerous promising candidates in the field of cancer electroceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Kofman
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, USA.
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Ramer R, Schwarz R, Hinz B. Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System as a Potential Anticancer Strategy. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:430. [PMID: 31143113 PMCID: PMC6520667 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in cancer development and possible options for a cancer-regressive effect of cannabinoids are controversially discussed. In recent decades, a number of preclinical studies have shown that cannabinoids have an anticarcinogenic potential. Therefore, especially against the background of several legal simplifications with regard to the clinical application of cannabinoid-based drugs, an extended basic knowledge about the complex network of the individual components of the endocannabinoid system is required. The canonical endocannabinoid system consists of the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol as well as the Gi/o protein-coupled transmembrane cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. As a result of extensive studies on the broader effect of these factors, other fatty acid derivatives, transmembrane and intracellular receptors, enzymes and lipid transporters have been identified that contribute to the effect of endocannabinoids when defined in the broad sense as “extended endocannabinoid system.” Among these additional components, the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase, lipid transport proteins of the fatty acid-binding protein family, additional cannabinoid-activated G protein-coupled receptors such as GPR55, members of the transient receptor family, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors were identified as targets for possible strategies to combat cancer progression. Other endocannabinoid-related fatty acids such as 2-arachidonoyl glyceryl ether, O-arachidonoylethanolamine, N-arachidonoyldopamine and oleic acid amide showed an effect via cannabinoid receptors, while other compounds such as endocannabinoid-like substances exert a permissive action on endocannabinoid effects and act via alternative intracellular target structures. This review gives an overview of the modulation of the extended endocannabinoid system using the example of anticancer cannabinoid effects, which have been described in detail in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ramer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Rico Schwarz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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Schwarz R, Ramer R, Hinz B. Targeting the endocannabinoid system as a potential anticancer approach. Drug Metab Rev 2018; 50:26-53. [PMID: 29390896 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2018.1428344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is currently under intense investigation due to the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid-based drugs as treatment options for a broad variety of diseases including cancer. Besides the canonical endocannabinoid system that includes the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, recent investigations suggest that other fatty acid derivatives, receptors, enzymes, and lipid transporters likewise orchestrate this system as components of the endocannabinoid system when defined as an extended signaling network. As such, fatty acids acting at cannabinoid receptors (e.g. 2-arachidonoyl glyceryl ether [noladin ether], N-arachidonoyldopamine) as well as endocannabinoid-like substances that do not elicit cannabinoid receptor activation (e.g. N-palmitoylethanolamine, N-oleoylethanolamine) have raised interest as anticancerogenic substances. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase, lipid transport proteins of the fatty acid binding protein family, additional cannabinoid-activated G protein-coupled receptors, members of the transient receptor potential family as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors have been considered as targets of antitumoral cannabinoid activity. Therefore, this review focused on the antitumorigenic effects induced upon modulation of this extended endocannabinoid network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rico Schwarz
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
| | - Robert Ramer
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- a Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany
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Soderstrom K, Soliman E, Van Dross R. Cannabinoids Modulate Neuronal Activity and Cancer by CB1 and CB2 Receptor-Independent Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:720. [PMID: 29066974 PMCID: PMC5641363 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids include the active constituents of Cannabis or are molecules that mimic the structure and/or function of these Cannabis-derived molecules. Cannabinoids produce many of their cellular and organ system effects by interacting with the well-characterized CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, it has become clear that not all effects of cannabinoid drugs are attributable to their interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Evidence now demonstrates that cannabinoid agents produce effects by modulating activity of the entire array of cellular macromolecules targeted by other drug classes, including: other receptor types; ion channels; transporters; enzymes, and protein- and non-protein cellular structures. This review summarizes evidence for these interactions in the CNS and in cancer, and is organized according to the cellular targets involved. The CNS represents a well-studied area and cancer is emerging in terms of understanding mechanisms by which cannabinoids modulate their activity. Considering the CNS and cancer together allow identification of non-cannabinoid receptor targets that are shared and divergent in both systems. This comparative approach allows the identified targets to be compared and contrasted, suggesting potential new areas of investigation. It also provides insight into the diverse sources of efficacy employed by this interesting class of drugs. Obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the diverse mechanisms of cannabinoid action may lead to the design and development of therapeutic agents with greater efficacy and specificity for their cellular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Soderstrom
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Eman Soliman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Rukiyah Van Dross
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
- Center for Health Disparities, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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Rocha FCM, dos Santos Júnior JG, Stefano SC, da Silveira DX. Systematic review of the literature on clinical and experimental trials on the antitumor effects of cannabinoids in gliomas. J Neurooncol 2013; 116:11-24. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-013-1277-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Mechanism of anti-glioma activity and in vivo efficacy of the cannabinoid ligand KM-233. J Neurooncol 2012; 110:163-77. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-012-0958-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Li WJ, Chen Y, Nie SP, Xie MY, He M, Zhang SS, Zhu KX. Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide induces anti-tumor activity via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway related to activation of host immune response. J Cell Biochem 2011; 112:860-71. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Xian XS, Park H, Cho YK, Lee IS, Kim SW, Choi MG, Chung IS, Han KH, Park JM. Effect of a synthetic cannabinoid agonist on the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2010; 110:321-32. [PMID: 20336665 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although cannabinoids are associated with antineoplastic activity in a number of cancer cell types, the effect in gastric cancer cells has not been clarified. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a cannabinoid agonist on gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion. The cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 inhibited the proliferation of human gastric cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner and that this effect was mediated partially by the CB(1) receptor. We also found that WIN 55,212-2 induced apoptosis and down-regulation of the phospho-AKT expression in human gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, WIN 55,212-2 treatment inhibited the invasion of gastric cancer cells, and down-regulated the expression of MMP-2 and VEGF-A through the cannabinoid receptors. Our results open the possibilities in using cannabinoids as a new gastric cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Shu Xian
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Eichele K, Ramer R, Hinz B. R(+)-methanandamide-induced apoptosis of human cervical carcinoma cells involves a cyclooxygenase-2-dependent pathway. Pharm Res 2008; 26:346-55. [PMID: 19015962 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-008-9748-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2008] [Accepted: 10/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cannabinoids have received renewed interest due to their antitumorigenic effects. Using human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa), this study investigates the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in apoptosis elicited by the endocannabinoid analog R(+)-methanandamide (MA). METHODS COX-2 expression was assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. PGE2/PGD2 levels in cell culture supernatants and DNA fragmentation were measured by ELISA. RESULTS MA led to an induction of COX-2 expression, PGD2 and PGE2 synthesis. Cells were significantly less sensitive to MA-induced apoptosis when COX-2 was suppressed by siRNA or the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. COX-2 expression and apoptosis by MA was also prevented by the ceramide synthase inhibitor fumonisin B1, but not by antagonists to cannabinoid receptors and TRPV1. In line with the established role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) in the proapoptotic action of PGs of the D and J series, inhibition of MA-induced apoptosis was also achieved by siRNA targeting lipocalin-type PGD synthase (L-PGDS) or PPARgamma. A role of COX-2 and PPARgamma in MA-induced apoptosis was confirmed in another human cervical cancer cell line (C33A) and in human lung carcinoma cells (A549). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates COX-2 induction and synthesis of L-PGDS-derived, PPARgamma-activating PGs as a possible mechanism of apoptosis by MA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Eichele
- Institute for Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Rostock, Schillingallee 70, D-18057, Rostock, Germany
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Ramer R, Hinz B. Inhibition of cancer cell invasion by cannabinoids via increased expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1. J Natl Cancer Inst 2007; 100:59-69. [PMID: 18159069 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djm268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoids, in addition to having palliative benefits in cancer therapy, have been associated with anticarcinogenic effects. Although the antiproliferative activities of cannabinoids have been intensively investigated, little is known about their effects on tumor invasion. METHODS Matrigel-coated and uncoated Boyden chambers were used to quantify invasiveness and migration, respectively, of human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells that had been treated with cannabinoids (the stable anandamide analog R(+)-methanandamide [MA] and the phytocannabinoid delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]) in the presence or absence of antagonists of the CB1 or CB2 cannabinoid receptors or of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) or inhibitors of p38 or p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting were used to assess the influence of cannabinoids on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endogenous tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). The role of TIMP-1 in the anti-invasive action of cannabinoids was analyzed by transfecting HeLa, human cervical carcinoma (C33A), or human lung carcinoma cells (A549) cells with siRNA targeting TIMP-1. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Without modifying migration, MA and THC caused a time- and concentration-dependent suppression of HeLa cell invasion through Matrigel that was accompanied by increased expression of TIMP-1. At the lowest concentrations tested, MA (0.1 microM) and THC (0.01 microM) led to a decrease in invasion (normalized to that observed with vehicle-treated cells) of 61.5% (95% CI = 38.7% to 84.3%, P < .001) and 68.1% (95% CI = 31.5% to 104.8%, P = .0039), respectively. The stimulation of TIMP-1 expression and suppression of cell invasion were reversed by pretreatment of cells with antagonists to CB1 or CB2 receptors, with inhibitors of MAPKs, or, in the case of MA, with an antagonist to TRPV1. Knockdown of cannabinoid-induced TIMP-1 expression by siRNA led to a reversal of the cannabinoid-elicited decrease in tumor cell invasiveness in HeLa, A549, and C33A cells. CONCLUSION Increased expression of TIMP-1 mediates an anti-invasive effect of cannabinoids. Cannabinoids may therefore offer a therapeutic option in the treatment of highly invasive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ramer
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Rostock, Schillingallee 70, Rostock D-18057, Germany
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Decisive role of cyclooxygenase-2 and lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase in chemotherapeutics-induced apoptosis of human cervical carcinoma cells. Oncogene 2007; 27:3032-44. [PMID: 18071320 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in cancer remains controversial. Using cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa), the present study investigates the involvement of COX-2 in apoptosis elicited by the chemotherapeutics paclitaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Each compound led to a profound induction of COX-2 expression and prostaglandin (PG) synthesis, accompanied by a substantial decrease of viability and enhanced apoptosis. Cells were significantly less sensitive to apoptotic death when either COX-2 expression or its activity was suppressed by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and by the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398, respectively. Experiments performed to clarify how COX-2 leads to apoptosis revealed a profound proapoptotic action of PGD2 and its dehydration product, 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14) PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2). In line with these findings, chemotherapeutics-induced apoptosis was prevented by siRNA targeting lipocalin-type PGD synthase (L-PGDS), which catalyses the isomerization of PGH(2) to PGD2. Moreover, apoptosis by chemotherapeutics, PGD2 and 15d-PGJ2 was suppressed by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) antagonist, GW-9662 or PPARgamma siRNA. Finally, a COX-2-dependent apoptotic mechanism of all investigated chemotherapeutics was confirmed in human lung cancer cells (A549) as well as in another cervical carcinoma cell line (C33A). Collectively, this study suggests COX-2 induction and synthesis of L-PGDS-derived, PPARgamma-activating PGs as a decisive target by which several chemotherapeutics induce apoptosis. COX-2 is therefore suspected to sensitize cancer cells to apoptotic death under certain circumstances, suggesting that COX-2 inhibition during cancer therapy could diminish its efficacy.
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Massi P, Valenti M, Vaccani A, Gasperi V, Perletti G, Marras E, Fezza F, Maccarrone M, Parolaro D. 5-Lipoxygenase and anandamide hydrolase (FAAH) mediate the antitumor activity of cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. J Neurochem 2007; 104:1091-100. [PMID: 18028339 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.05073.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
It has been recently reported that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, is able to kill glioma cells, both in vivo and in vitro, independently of cannabinoid receptor stimulation. However, the underlying biochemical mechanisms were not clarified. In the present study, we performed biochemical analysis of the effect of CBD both in vivo, by using glioma tumor tissues excised from nude mice, and in vitro, by using U87 glioma cells. In vivo exposure of tumor tissues to CBD significantly decreased the activity and content of 5-lipoxygenase (LOX, by approximately 40%), and of its end product leukotriene B4 ( approximately 25%). In contrast cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 activity and content, and the amount of its end product prostaglandin E2, were not affected by CBD. In addition, in vivo treatment with CBD markedly stimulated ( approximately 175%) the activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the main anandamide-degrading enzyme, while decreasing anandamide content ( approximately 30%) and binding to CB1 cannabinoid receptors ( approximately 25%). In vitro pre-treatment of U87 glioma cells with MK-886, a specific 5-LOX inhibitor, significantly enhanced the antimitotic effect of CBD, whereas the pre-treatment with indomethacin (pan-COX inhibitor) or celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor), did not alter CBD effect. The study of the endocannabinoid system revealed that CBD was able to induce a concentration-dependent increase of FAAH activity in U87 cells. Moreover, a significantly reduced growth rate was observed in FAAH-over-expressing U87 cells, compared to wild-type controls. In conclusion, the present investigation indicates that CBD exerts its antitumoral effects through modulation of the LOX pathway and of the endocannabinoid system, suggesting a possible interaction of these routes in the control of tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Massi
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Toxicology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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