Recent Advances in the Development of Antineoplastic Agents Derived from Natural Products

The role of the methoxy group in approved drugs

The methoxy substituent is prevalent in natural products and, consequently, is present in many natural product-derived drugs. It has also been installed in modern drug molecules with no remnant of natural product features because medicinal chemists have been taking advantage of the benefits that this small functional group can bestow on ligand-target binding, physicochemical properties, and ADME parameters. Herein, over 230 methoxy-containing small-molecule drugs, as well as several fluoromethoxy-containing drugs, are presented from the vantage point of the methoxy group. Biochemical mechanisms of action, medicinal chemistry SAR studies, and numerous X-ray cocrystal structures are analyzed to identify the precise role of the methoxy group for many of the drugs and drug classes. Although the methoxy substituent can be considered as the hybridization of a hydroxy and a methyl group, the combination of these functionalities often results in unique effects that can amount to more than the sum of the individual parts.

Diterpenoid honatisine overcomes temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma by inducing mitonuclear protein imbalance through disruption of TFAM-mediated mtDNA transcription

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) represents as the most formidable intracranial malignancy. The systematic exploration of natural compounds for their potential applications in GBM therapy has emerged as a pivotal and fruitful avenue of research.

PURPOSE

In the present study, a panel of 96 diterpenoids was systematically evaluated as a repository of potential antitumour agents. The primary objective was to discern their potency in overcoming resistance to temozolomide (TMZ). Through an extensive screening process, honatisine, a heptacyclic diterpenoid alkaloid, emerged as the most robust candidate. Notably, honatisine exhibited remarkable efficacy in patient-derived primary and recurrent GBM strains. Subsequently, we subjected this compound to comprehensive scrutiny, encompassing GBM cultured spheres, GBM organoids (GBOs), TMZ-resistant GBM cell lines, and orthotopic xenograft mouse models of GBM cells.

RESULTS

Our investigative efforts delved into the mechanistic underpinnings of honatisine's impact. It was discerned that honatisine prompted mitonuclear protein imbalance and elicited the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). This effect was mediated through the selective depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded subunits, with a particular emphasis on the diminution of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). The ultimate outcome was the instigation of deleterious mitochondrial dysfunction, culminating in apoptosis. Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments validated honatisine's binding affinity to TFAM within its HMG-box B domain. This binding may promote phosphorylation of TFAM and obstruct the interaction of TFAM bound to heavy strand promoter 1 (HSP1), thereby enhancing Lon-mediated TFAM degradation. Finally, in vivo experiments confirmed honatisine's antiglioma properties. Our comprehensive toxicological assessments underscored its mild toxicity profile, emphasizing the necessity for a thorough evaluation of honatisine as a novel antiglioma agent.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our data provide new insights into the therapeutic mechanisms underlying honatisine's selective inducetion of apoptosis and its ability to overcome chemotherapy resistance in GBM. These actions are mediated through the disruption of mitochondrial proteostasis and function, achieved by the inhibition of TFAM-mediated mtDNA transcription. This study highlights honatisine's potential as a promising agent for glioblastoma therapy, underscoring the need for further exploration and investigation.

Modern pharmacological research and application of medicinal insect Coridius chinensis

Coridius chinensis is a traditional insect medicine in China. It is the dried whole insect of Coridius chinensis (Dallas) form the Pentatomidae family. Modern medical and pharmaceutical studies have successfully isolated and identified over 100 natural small molecular compounds from Coridius chinensis. These studies have also confirmed its various pharmacological activities, including analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, anticoagulant, and antibacterial properties. Coridius chinensis is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine preparations to treat impotence, hemangioma, pain and other diseases. However, more research is needed to fully explore the pharmacological effects of this herbal medicine. This paper aims to summarize both domestic and international research literature on Coridius chinensis, focusing on its main components, pharmacological activity and clinical application. The findings will provide valuable references for further research and development of Coridius chinensis as a traditional Chinese medicine resource.

Antibody Drug Conjugates in Bladder Cancer: Current Milestones and Future Perspectives

OPINION STATEMENT

Over the last several years, the treatment landscape of urothelial carcinoma has witnessed an unprecedented expansion of therapeutic options including checkpoint inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and antibody drug conjugates (ADC). Early trial data has shown that ADCs are safer and potentially effective treatment options in advanced bladder cancer as well as in the early disease. In particular, enfortumab-vedotin (EV) has shown promising results with a recent cohort of a clinical trial demonstrating that EV is effective as neoadjuvant monotherapy as well as in combination with pembrolizumab in metastatic setting. Similar promising results have been shown by other classes of ADC in other trials including sacituzumab-govitecan (SG) and oportuzumab monatox (OM). ADCs are likely to become a mainstay treatment option in the urothelial carcinoma playbook as either a monotherapy or combination therapy. The cost of the drug presents a real challenge, but further trial data may justify the use of the drug as mainstay treatment.

Identification of Homoharringtonine as a potent inhibitor of glioblastoma cell proliferation and migration

We previously demonstrated that Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is a pivotal mediator of the pro-oncogenic features displayed by glioblastoma (GBM) tumors, the deadliest adult brain malignancies, being involved in cell stemness, proliferation and invasion, thus negatively impacting patient prognosis. Based on these results, we hypothesized that compounds able to revert ANXA2-dependent transcriptional features could be exploited as reliable treatments to inhibit GBM cell aggressiveness by hampering their proliferative and migratory potential. Transcriptional signatures obtained by the modulation of ANXA2 activity/levels were functionally mapped through the QUADrATiC bioinformatic tool for compound identification. Selected compounds were screened by cell proliferation and migration assays in primary GBM cells, and we identified Homoharringtonine (HHT) as a potent inhibitor of GBM cell motility and proliferation, without affecting their viability. A further molecular characterization of the effects displayed by HHT, confirmed its ability to inhibit a transcriptional program involved in cell migration and invasion. Moreover, we demonstrated that the multiple antitumoral effects displayed by HHT are correlated to the inhibition of a platelet derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα)-dependent intracellular signaling through the impairment of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) axes. Our results demonstrate that HHT may act as a potent inhibitor of cancer cell proliferation and invasion in GBM, by hampering multiple PDGFRα-dependent oncogenic signals transduced through the STAT3 and RhoA intracellular components, finally suggesting its potential transferability for achieving an effective impairment of peculiar GBM hallmarks.

In vitro comparative evaluation of Tamarix gallica extracts for antioxidant and antidiabetic activity

Tamarix gallica known as Jhau is traditionally used as expectorant, liver tonic, laxative, astringent, and antidiarrheal. The current study was proposed to determine the in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic properties of the methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of Tamarix gallica arial part, subsequently the phytochemical evaluation. Hence, Tamarix gallica arial part extracts were extracted with methanol (MthTg), ethanol (EthTg), and distilled water (AqTg). Extracts phytochemical analysis were accomplished to identify the phenolic components (TPC and TFC). Extracts antioxidant property was evaluated by DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assay. For antidiabetic property, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were assessed. One Way ANOVA was applied statistically by means of software SPSS Statistics 23 and attained data were definite as mean ± standard deviation. Result revealed that EthTg have the maximum TPC and TFC levels than MthTg and AqTg. Antioxidant property in relations of DPPH (lowest IC₅₀ = 1.309 ± 0.31), FRAP (323.51 ± 2.32), and ABTS (266.97 ± 25.14) assay was also highest in EthTg. EthTg was also exposed highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activity with lower IC₅₀ (1.116 ± 0.051; 0.402 ± 0.2, respectively). The extracts antioxidant and antidiabetic activities order was as EthTg > MthTg > AqTg. TFC and TPC also revealed directly proportional correlation with antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties of the Tamarix gallica arial part extracts. Results noticeably stated that the ethanolic extract of Tamarix gallica have the highest antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Tamarix gallica has competency to reduce the oxidative stress and can be utilized in the management of diabetes.

Anti-Tumor Secondary Metabolites Originating from Fungi in the South China Sea's Mangrove Ecosystem

A mangrove is a unique ecosystem with abundant resources, in which fungi are an indispensable microbial part. Numerous mangrove fungi-derived secondary metabolites are considerable sources of novel bioactive substances, such as polyketides, terpenoids, alkaloids, peptides, etc., which arouse people's interest in the search for potential natural anti-tumor drugs. This review includes a total of 44 research publications that described 110 secondary metabolites that were all shown to be anti-tumor from 39 mangrove fungal strains belonging to 18 genera that were acquired from the South China Sea between 2016 and 2022. To identify more potential medications for clinical tumor therapy, their sources, unique structures, and cytotoxicity qualities were compiled. This review could serve as a crucial resource for the research status of mangrove fungal-derived natural products deserving of further development.

Cytochalasin Q exerts anti-melanoma effect by inhibiting creatine kinase B

Due to the pivotal role of microfilament in cancer cells, targeting microfilaments with cytochalasins is considered a promising anticancer strategy. Here, we obtained cytochalasin Q (CQ) from Xylaria sp. DO1801, the endophytic fungi from the root of plant Damnacanthus officinarum, and discovered its anti-melanoma activity in vivo and in vitro attributing to microfilament depolymerization. Mechanistically, CQ directly bound to and inactivated creatine kinase B (CKB), an enzyme phosphorylating creatine to phosphocreatine (PCr) and regenerating ATP to cope with high energy demand, and then inhibited the creatine metabolism as well as cytosolic glycolysis in melanoma cells. Preloading PCr recovered ATP generation, reversed microfilament depolymerization and blunted anti-melanoma efficacy of CQ. Knockdown of CKB resulted in reduced ATP level, perturbed microfilament, inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis, and manifested lower sensitivity to CQ. Further, we found that either CQ or CKB depletion suppressed the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 pathway, whereas 740Y-P, a PI3K agonist, elevated protein expression of CKB suppressed by CQ. Taken together, our study highlights the significant anti-melanoma effect and proposes a PI3K/AKT/FoxO1/ CKB feedback circuit for the activity of CQ, opening new opportunities for current chemotherapy.

Fused pyrrolo-pyridines and pyrrolo-(iso)quinoline as anticancer agents

This work emphasizes the synthesis strategies and antiproliferative related properties of fused pyrrolo-pyridine (including indolizine and azaindoles) and pyrrolo-(iso)quinoline derivatives recently reported in literature.

New Cytotoxic Cytochalasans from a Plant-Associated Fungus Chaetomium globosum kz-19

Four new cytochalasans, phychaetoglobins A-D (1-4), together with twelve known cytochalasans (5-16), were isolated from a mangrove-associated fungus Chaetomium globosum kz-19. The new structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR, HR ESIMS spectroscopic analyses, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. The absolute configuration of 2 was established by application of Mosher's method. Compounds 4-8 exhibited moderate cytotoxicities against A549 and HeLa cell lines with the IC50 values less than 20 μM.

Fucoxanthin Holds Potential to Become a Drug Adjuvant in Breast Cancer Treatment: Evidence from 2D and 3D Cell Cultures

Fucoxanthin (Fx) is a carotenoid derived from marine organisms that exhibits anticancer activities. However, its role as a potential drug adjuvant in breast cancer (BC) treatment is still poorly explored. Firstly, this study investigated the cytotoxic effects of Fx alone and combined with doxorubicin (Dox) and cisplatin (Cis) on a panel of 2D-cultured BC cell lines (MCF7, SKBR3 and MDA-MB-231) and one non-tumoral cell line (MCF12A). Fucoxanthin induced cytotoxicity against all the cell lines and potentiated Dox cytotoxic effects towards the SKBR3 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The combination triggering the highest cytotoxicity (Fx 10 µM + Dox 1 µM in MDA-MB-231) additionally showed significant induction of cell death and genotoxic effects, relative to control. In sequence, the same combination was tested on 3D cultures using a multi-endpoint approach involving bioactivity assays and microscopy techniques. Similar to 2D cultures, the combination of Fx and Dox showed higher cytotoxic effects on 3D cultures compared to the isolated compounds. Furthermore, this combination increased the number of apoptotic cells, decreased cell proliferation, and caused structural and ultrastructural damages on the 3D models. Overall, our findings suggest Fx has potential to become an adjuvant for Dox chemotherapy regimens in BC treatment.

A comprehensive review on chemotherapeutic potential of galangin

Galangin, a non-toxic phytochemical is known to possess several therapeutic applications. Mounting evidences have demonstrated that galangin a naturally available flavonoid exerts anticancer effects via several mechanisms. The phytocompound induces apoptosis and renders antiangiogenic property. Additionally, galangin has demonstrated significate results in combating various cancer types when administered in combination with other phytocompounds or with gold nanoparticles (GNPs). The present article is a critical review of galangin for its treatment on different types of cancer and its usability as an alternative cancer therapeutics.

Actin cytoskeletal inhibitor 19,20-epoxycytochalasin Q sensitizes yeast cells lacking ERG6 through actin-targeting and secondarily through disruption of lipid homeostasis

Repetitive uses of antifungals result in a worldwide crisis of drug resistance; therefore, natural fungicides with minimal side-effects are currently sought after. This study aimed to investigate antifungal property of 19, 20-epoxycytochalasin Q (ECQ), derived from medicinal mushroom Xylaria sp. BCC 1067 of tropical forests. In a model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ECQ is more toxic in the erg6∆ strain, which has previously been shown to allow higher uptake of many hydrophilic toxins. We selected one pathway to study the effects of ECQ at very high levels on transcription: the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, which is unlikely to be the primary target of ECQ. Ergosterol serves many functions that cholesterol does in human cells. ECQ's transcriptional effects were correlated with altered sterol and triacylglycerol levels. In the ECQ-treated Δerg6 strain, which presumably takes up far more ECQ than the wild-type strain, there was cell rupture. Increased actin aggregation and lipid droplets assembly were also found in the erg6∆ mutant. Thereby, ECQ is suggested to sensitize yeast cells lacking ERG6 through actin-targeting and consequently but not primarily led to disruption of lipid homeostasis. Investigation of cytochalasins may provide valuable insight with potential biopharmaceutical applications in treatments of fungal infection, cancer or metabolic disorder.

Antiproliferative Activity and Apoptotic Efficiency of Syzygium cumini Bark Methanolic Extract against EAC Cells In Vivo

BACKGROUND

Syzygium cumini is one of the evidence-based traditional medicinal plant used in the treatment of various ailments.

OBJECTIVES

Herein, the antioxidant property and anticancer property of Syzygium cumini against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells were examined to find effective chemotherapeutics.

METHODS

In vitro assays, and phytochemical and chromatographic analyses were used to determine antioxidant properties and chemical constituents of Syzygium cummini Bark Methanolic Extract (SCBME). Functional assays were used to measure the anticancer activity of SCBME. Fluorescence microscopy and RT-PCR were used to examine morphological and molecular changes of EAC cells followed by SCBME treatment.

RESULTS

Phytochemical and GC-MS analyses confirmed the presence of compounds with antioxidant and anticancer activities. Accordingly, we have noted a strong antioxidant activity of SCBME with an IC₅₀ value of ~10μg/ml. Importantly, SCBME exerted a dose-dependent anticancer activity with significant inhibition of EAC cell growth (71.08±3.53%; p<0.001), reduction of tumor burden (69.50%; p<0.01) and increase of life span (73.13%; p<0.001) of EAC-bearing mice at 75mg/kg/day. Besides, SCBME restored the blood toxicity towards normal in EAC-bearing mice (p<0.05).

DISCUSSION

SCBME treated EAC cells showed apoptotic features under a fluorescence microscope and fragmented DNA in DNA laddering assay. Moreover, up-regulation of the tumor suppressor p53 and pro-apoptotic Bax and down-regulation of NF-κB and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 genes implied induction of apoptosis followed by SCBME treatment.

CONCLUSION

The antiproliferative activity of SCBME against EAC cells is likely due to apoptosis, mediated by regulation of p53 and NF-κB signaling. Thus, SCBME can be considered as a useful resource in cancer chemotherapy.

Asparanin A inhibits cell migration and invasion in human endometrial cancer via Ras/ERK/MAPK pathway

Asparanin A (AA), a natural compound present in vegetables and medicinal herbs like Asparagus officinalis L., has been investigated extensively for its pharmacological attributes. So far, the effect of AA on endometrial cancer (EC) cell migration and invasion has not been explored. Herein, we elucidated the anti-metastasis mechanism of AA on Ishikawa cells based on miRNA-seq and mRNA-seq integrated analyses. AA treatment led to altered miRNAs expression in Ishikawa cells and inhibited the cell wound healing, cell migration and invasion. Gene Ontology and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the target genes of different expression miRNAs were significantly enriched in Ras, Rap1 and MAPK signaling pathways. Further verification of these changes via qRT-PCR and Western blot assays in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that AA could suppress human EC cell migration and invasion through Ras/ERK/MAPK pathway. Furthermore, top two miRNAs (miR-6236-p5 and miR-12136_R+8) and top three target genes (KITLG, PDGFD, and NRAS) were identified as functional hub miRNAs and genes through miRNA-target gene network analysis. Our data presented a holistic approach to comprehend the anti-metastatic role of AA in EC after in vitro and in vivo analyses.

Multi-omics reveals the anticancer mechanism of asparagus saponin-asparanin A on endometrial cancer Ishikawa cells

Multi-omics reveals that AA not only induced apoptosis, but also triggered autophagy in Ishikawa cells through ER stress and DNA damage-related pathways.

Synthetic Lethal Activity of Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids From Zanthoxylum coco Against BRCA1-Deficient Cancer Cells

Several plants from South America show strong antitumoral properties based on anti-proliferative and/or pro-apoptotic activities. In this work we aimed to identify selective cytotoxic compounds that target BRCA1-deficient cancer cells by Synthetic Lethality (SL) induction. Using a high-throughput screening technology developed in our laboratory, we analyzed a collection of extracts from 46 native plant species from Argentina using a wide dose-response scheme. A highly selective SL-induction capacity was found in an alkaloidal extract from Zanthoxylum coco (Fam. Rutaceae). Bio-guided fractionation coupled to HPLC led to the identification of active benzophenanthridine alkaloids. The most potent SL activity was found with the compound oxynitidine, which showed a remarkably low relative abundance in the active fractions. Further validation experiments were performed using the commercially available and closely related analog nitidine, which showed SL-induction activity against various BRCA1-deficient cell lines with different genetic backgrounds, even in the nanomolar range. Exploration of the underlying mechanism of action using BRCA1-KO cells revealed AKT and topoisomerases as the potential targets responsible of nitidine-triggered SL-induction. Taken together, our findings expose an unforeseen therapeutic activity of alkaloids from Zanthoxylum-spp. that position them as novel lead molecules for drug discovery.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Cancer Therapy

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are novel drugs that exploit the specificity of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) to reach target antigens expressed on cancer cells for the delivery of a potent cytotoxic payload. ADCs provide a unique opportunity to deliver drugs to tumor cells while minimizing toxicity to normal tissue, achieving wider therapeutic windows and enhanced pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties. To date, nine ADCs have been approved by the FDA and more than 80 ADCs are under clinical development worldwide. In this paper, we provide an overview of the biology and chemistry of each component of ADC design. We briefly discuss the clinical experience with approved ADCs and the various pathways involved in ADC resistance. We conclude with perspectives about the future development of the next generations of ADCs, including the role of molecular imaging in drug development.

Cytotoxicity and Pro-Apoptotic, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Geopropolis Produced by the Stingless Bee Melipona fasciculata Smith

Geopropolis is produced by some stingless bee species, such as Melipona fasciculata Smith, a native species from Brazil. This study aims to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and cytotoxicity effects of geopropolis hydroethanolic extracts against lung (H460 and A549) and ovarian (A2780 and ES2) cancer cell lines and non-tumor (HUVEC) cell lines using chemical identification by LC/MS/MS analysis and in silico assays to determine which compounds are associated with bioactivity. The antioxidant activity of extracts and inhibitory activity against COX enzymes were assessed by in vitro assays; cytotoxicity effect was evaluated by the MTT assay; cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry and apoptosis by Western blotting. The geopropolis extracts showed great radical scavenging potential, preferential inhibition of COX-2, decreased cancer cell viability, non-cytotoxic effects against the non-tumoral cell line, besides modulating the cell cycle and inducing cancer cell apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3 and PARP protein cleavage. The in silico study suggests that corilagin, typhaneoside, taraxerone and marsformosanone, identified by LC/MS/MS, can be associated with anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxic effects. Thus, the current study suggests the potential of geopropolis concerning the research field of new pharmacological alternatives regarding cancer therapy.

Actein Inhibits Tumor Growth and Metastasis in HER2-Positive Breast Tumor Bearing Mice via Suppressing AKT/mTOR and Ras/Raf/MAPK Signaling Pathways

HER2-positive breast cancer accounts for 15–20% in breast cancer and 50% of the metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer patients died of central nervous system progression. The present study investigated the effects of actein (a natural cycloartane triterpene) on cells adhesion, migration, proliferation and matrix degradation, and its underlying mechanism in HER2-positive breast cancer cells. The in vivo effect of actein on tumor growth and metastasis in MDA-MB-361 tumor-bearing mice as well as the anti-brain metastasis in tail vein injection mice model were also investigated. Our results showed that actein inhibited HER2-positive breast cancer cells viability, proliferation and migration. Actein also induced MDA-MB-361 cells G1 phase arrest and inhibited the expressions of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases. For intracellular mechanisms, actein inhibited the expressions of molecules in AKT/mTOR and Ras/Raf/MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, actein (15 mg/kg) was shown to exhibit anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activities in MDA-MB-361 breast tumor-bearing mice, and reduced brain metastasis in tail vein injection mice model. All these findings strongly suggested that actein is a potential anti-metastatic agent for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Targeting the Human 80S Ribosome in Cancer: From Structure to Function and Drug Design for Innovative Adjuvant Therapeutic Strategies

The human 80S ribosome is the cellular nucleoprotein nanomachine in charge of protein synthesis that is profoundly affected during cancer transformation by oncogenic proteins and provides cancerous proliferating cells with proteins and therefore biomass. Indeed, cancer is associated with an increase in ribosome biogenesis and mutations in several ribosomal proteins genes are found in ribosomopathies, which are congenital diseases that display an elevated risk of cancer. Ribosomes and their biogenesis therefore represent attractive anti-cancer targets and several strategies are being developed to identify efficient and specific drugs. Homoharringtonine (HHT) is the only direct ribosome inhibitor currently used in clinics for cancer treatments, although many classical chemotherapeutic drugs also appear to impact on protein synthesis. Here we review the role of the human ribosome as a medical target in cancer, and how functional and structural analysis combined with chemical synthesis of new inhibitors can synergize. The possible existence of oncoribosomes is also discussed. The emerging idea is that targeting the human ribosome could not only allow the interference with cancer cell addiction towards protein synthesis and possibly induce their death but may also be highly valuable to decrease the levels of oncogenic proteins that display a high turnover rate (MYC, MCL1). Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is an advanced method that allows the visualization of human ribosome complexes with factors and bound inhibitors to improve our understanding of their functioning mechanisms mode. Cryo-EM structures could greatly assist the foundation phase of a novel drug-design strategy. One goal would be to identify new specific and active molecules targeting the ribosome in cancer such as derivatives of cycloheximide, a well-known ribosome inhibitor.

Pseudolaric Acid B Induces Growth Inhibition and Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis on Head and Neck Cancer Cell lines through Death Receptor 5

Pseudolaric Acid B (PAB), diterpenoid isolated from the root bark of Pseudolarix kaempferi Gordon tree (Pinaceae), exhibits an anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity in various cancer cell lines but to date, the effects of PAB on head and neck cancer (HNC) cell lines remain to be elucidated. In this study, we showed that PAB significantly inhibited the viability and caspase-dependent apoptosis in HN22 cell line. PAB-induced apoptosis is through inducing death receptor 5 (DR5) together with the increase in the expression of cleaved caspase-8. It also inhibited the proliferations and induced apoptosis through DR5 in other three HNC cell lines (HSC3, Ca9.22, and HSC4). Extending our in vitro findings, we found that ethanol extract of Pseudolarix kaempferi (2.5 mg/kg/day) reduced tumor growth in a xenograft model bearing HN22 cell line without any change in body weight. DR5 were also found to be increased in tumors tissue of PAB-treated mice without any apparent histopathological changes in liver or kidney tissues. Taken together, PAB may be a potential lead compound for chemotherapeutic agents against head and neck cancer.

Diversity of DNA Nanostructures and Applications in Oncotherapy

DNA nanotechnology is a new frontier in the field of tumor biotherapy. Simple DNA strands can be precisely constructed for integration into nanostructures of desired shapes and sizes, with excellent stability and biocompatibility. In this review, an account of the wide range of nanostructures composed of DNA sequences and related advances in oncotherapy using aptamers and chemical drugs is given. Functional ligands, including enzymes, antibodies, and agents, have been appended to DNA frameworks based on their external and internal modifiability. Hence, additional functionalities, such as immunogenicity and enzymatic activity, have been obtained, which extend their practical applications. Importantly, aptamers and drugs can be attached to or incorporated into the wireframes, bringing in highly selective targeting and killing abilities for the modified DNA nanostructures (DNs). In conclusion, distinct DNA sequences, various functional molecules, and different interactions and modifications lead to the diversity of DNs. Currently, one of the leading areas is their applications in tumor therapy. But beyond that, DNs should have much wider application prospects.

Structure-Guided Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of (2-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) Methanone (ABI-231) Analogues Targeting the Colchicine Binding Site in Tubulin

ABI-231 is a potent, orally bioavailable tubulin inhibitor that interacts with the colchicine binding site and is currently undergoing clinical trials for prostate cancer. Guided by the crystal structure of ABI-231 in complex with tubulin, we performed structure-activity relationship studies around the 3-indole moiety that led to the discovery of several potent ABI-231 analogues, most notably 10ab and 10bb. The crystal structures of 10ab and 10bb in complex with tubulin confirmed their improved molecular interactions to the colchicine site. In vitro, biological studies showed that new ABI-231 analogues disrupt tubulin polymerization, promote microtubule fragmentation, and inhibit cancer cell migration. In vivo, analogue 10bb not only significantly inhibits primary tumor growth and decreases tumor metastasis in melanoma xenograft models but also shows a significant ability to overcome paclitaxel resistance in a taxane-resistant PC-3/TxR model. In addition, pharmacological screening suggested that 10bb has a low risk of potential off-target function.

MicroRNA targeting by quercetin in cancer treatment and chemoprotection

A growing number of evidences from clinical and preclinical studies have shown that dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) function contributes to the progression of cancer and thus miRNA can be an effective target in therapy. Dietary phytochemicals, such as quercetin, are natural products that have potential anti-cancer properties due to their proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects. Available experimental studies indicate that quercetin could modulate multiple cancer-relevant miRNAs including let-7, miR-21, miR-146a and miR-155, thereby inhibiting cancer initiation and development. This paper reviews the data supporting the use of quercetin for miRNA-mediated chemopreventive and therapeutic strategies in various cancers, with the aim to comprehensively understand its health-promoting benefits and pharmacological potential. Integration of technology platforms for miRNAs biomarker and drug discovery is also presented.

Chemical Composition and Antiproliferative Effects of a Methanol Extract of Aspongopus chinensis Dallas

Natural products from insects can be potent sources for developing a variety of pharmaceutical products. Aspongopus chinensis Dallas has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine and there are several clinical evidences to support its anticancer activity. However, the anticancer active ingredients present in A. chinensis remain unidentified. In the present study, we investigated the anticancer effects of a methanol extract of A. chinensis (AME). Gas chromatography mass spectrometry was used to analyse the chemical composition of AME. The cell viability of MDA-MB-453 and HCC-1937 cells treated with different concentrations of AME was detected by MTT assay and the ratio of cells in different cell cycle phases was analysed by flow cytometry. The expression of genes associated with cell cycle was analysed by real-time PCR assay. The results showed that oleic acid (25.39%) and palmitic acid (21.798%) are the main anticancer compounds present in AME. There was a concentration-dependent decrease in the proliferation of MDA-MB-453 and HCC-1937 cells. Moreover, treatment with AME induced a S-phase arrest in the cells. Real-time PCR assay demonstrated that AME could significantly downregulate the expression of CDC20, AURKB, PLK1, CCNB2, and TOP2A mRNAs and upregulate the expression of GADD45A mRNA. We demonstrate that the methanol extract of A. chinensis could be a potential natural alternative or complementary therapy for breast cancer.

Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Effects of a Protein Component Purified from Aspongopus chinensis Dallas on Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Aspongopus chinensis Dallas is used as a traditional Chinese medicine. In China, clinical evidence suggests that it has anticancer activity. However, the anticancer active components are not fully elucidated. In the present study, we purified an anticancer active component (named CHP) from A. chinensis. To gain a comprehensive insight into the protein components, shotgun proteomic analysis was conducted. The anticancer active protein band was cut from the sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gel and digested with trypsin to generate peptide mixture. The peptide fragments were then analysed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry; 18 proteins were identified. In addition, we evaluated the effects of CHP on the proliferation and apoptosis of two human gastric cancer cell lines (SGC-7901 and BGC-823). The cultured cells were treated with CHP at concentrations of 20, 30, and 40 μg/mL. Inhibition of cell growth was determined by the MTT assay. Hoechst 33258 staining was adopted to detect apoptosis morphologically. Apoptotic cells were quantified by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. Tumour growth was assessed by subcutaneous inoculation of 4T1 cells into BALB/c mice. There was a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in the proliferation of both cell lines at CHP concentrations of 20–40 μg/mL. Apoptotic characteristics, such as karyopyknotic pyknic hyperfluorescence bolus and nuclear fragmentation, were observed in both the cell lines by Hoechst 33258 staining. Flow cytometry showed that CHP induced significant (P < 0.01) concentration-dependent apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells. In vivo assay showed that CHP can partially inhibit tumour growth derived from 4T1 cells in vivo. The present study is the first to report that CHP in A. chinensis inhibits the proliferation of cancer cell lines via the suppression of cancer cell proliferation and acceleration of apoptosis.

In vitro screening of cytotoxic activity of euphol from Euphorbia tirucalli on a large panel of human cancer-derived cell lines

A large number of classic antineoplastic agents are derived from plants. Euphorbia tirucalli L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a subtropical and tropical plant, used in Brazilian folk medicine against many diseases, including cancer, yet little is known about its true anticancer properties. The present study evaluated the antitumor effect of the tetracyclic triterpene alcohol, euphol, the main constituent of E. tirucalli in a panel of 73 human cancer lines from 15 tumor types. The biological effect of euphol in pancreatic cells was also assessed. The combination index was further used to explore euphol interactions with standard drugs. Euphol showed a cytotoxicity effect against several cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ range, 1.41–38.89 µM), particularly in esophageal squamous cell (11.08 µM) and pancreatic carcinoma cells (6.84 µM), followed by prostate, melanoma, and colon cancer. Cytotoxicity effects were seen in all cancer cell lines, with more than half deemed highly sensitive. Euphol inhibited proliferation, motility and colony formation in pancreatic cancer cells. Importantly, euphol exhibited synergistic interactions with gemcitabine and paclitaxel in pancreatic and esophageal cell lines, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study constitutes the largest in vitro screening of euphol efficacy on cancer cell lines and revealed its in vitro anti-cancer properties, particularly in pancreatic and esophageal cell lines, suggesting that euphol, either as a single agent or in combination with conventional chemotherapy, is a potential anti-cancer drug.

Chlorogenic acid suppresses lipopolysaccharide‑induced nitric oxide and interleukin‑1β expression by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 activation in RAW264.7 cells

Chlorogenic acid (CA) is a phenolic compound purified from coffee, fruits and their associated beverages, which possess various biological properties, such as antioxidant and anticarcinogenic activities. The present study evaluated the effects of CA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells and the associated intracellular signaling pathways using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays. CA pretreatment inhibited LPS‑induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO) and pro‑inflammatory mediators including interleukin (IL)‑6, tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), macrophage inflammatory protein‑2 (MIP‑2) and IL‑1β in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) with LPS was inhibited by CA pretreatment. CA and STAT3 inhibitor (STAT3i) pretreatment inhibited LPS‑induced nuclear translocation of phosphorylated STAT3. In addition, STAT3i inhibited the LPS‑induced expression of iNOS, NO and IL‑1β similar to the results of CA pretreatment. By contrast, STAT3i did not inhibit the LPS‑induced increase in IL‑6, TNF‑α and MIP‑2 expression. These results indicate that CA may suppress LPS‑induced NO and IL‑1β expression by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 activation in RAW264.7 cells.

Natural products from aquatic eukaryotic microorganisms for cancer therapy: Perspectives on anti-tumour properties of ciliate bioactive molecules

Several modern drugs, including those for cancer therapy, have been isolated from natural sources, are based on natural products and its derivatives, or mime natural products. Some of them are in clinical use, others in clinical trials. The success of natural products in drug discovery is related to their biochemical characteristics and to the technologic methods used to study their feature. Natural compounds may acts as chemo-preventive agents and as factors that increase therapeutic efficacy of existing drugs, thus overcoming cancer cell drug resistance that is the main factor determining the failure in conventional chemotherapy. Water environment, because of its physical and chemical conditions, shows an extraordinary collection of natural biological substances with an extensive structural and functional diversity. The isolation of bioactive molecules has been reported from a great variety of aquatic organisms; however, the therapeutic application of molecules from eukaryotic microorganisms remains inadequately investigated and underexploited on a systematic basis. Herein we describe the biological activities in mammalian cells of selected substances isolated from ciliates, free-living protozoa common almost everywhere there is water, focusing on their anti-tumour actions and their possible therapeutic activity. In particular, we unveil the cellular and molecular machine mediating the effects of cell type-specific signalling protein pheromone Er-1 and secondary metabolites, i.e. euplotin C and climacostol, in cancer cells. To support the feasibility of climacostol-based approaches, we also present novel findings and report additional mechanisms of action using both in vitro and in vivo models of mouse melanomas, with the scope of highlighting new frontiers that can be explored also in a therapeutic perspective. The high skeletal chemical difference of ciliate compounds, their sustainability and availability, also through the use of new organic synthesis/modifications processes, and the results obtained so far in biological studies provide a rationale to consider some of them a potential resource for the design of new anti-cancer drugs.

Peloruside A: a lead non-taxoid-site microtubule-stabilizing agent with potential activity against cancer, neurodegeneration, and autoimmune disease

Covering: 2000 up to 2016Peloruside A, a macrocyclic secondary metabolite from a New Zealand marine sponge, Mycale hentscheli, has shown potent antiproliferative activity in cultured cancer cells as well as inhibitory effects on tumor growth in mouse models. The compound also has promising effects against cell models of neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. In mechanistic studies, peloruside A shares with paclitaxel (Taxol®) the ability to stabilize microtubules by binding to β-tubulin. Peloruside A, however, occupies a unique external site on β-tubulin that does not overlap the classical taxoid site that is located on the inside of the microtubule. As such, peloruside A has been of central importance in defining a new microtubule-stabilizer binding site localized on the exterior surface of the microtubule that has led to increased interest in the design of an upscaled total synthesis of the natural product and its analogues. Here, we review advances in the biochemical and biological validation of peloruside A as an attractive therapeutic candidate for the treatment of cancer, neurodegeneration, and autoimmune disease.