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Xia C, Zhao J, Huang Y, Miao H, Zhao F. Angiogenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: insights, imaging, and therapeutic strategies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1331064. [PMID: 38863627 PMCID: PMC11165036 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1331064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly prevalent head and neck malignancy in southern China frequently diagnosed at advanced stages owing to subtle early symptoms and associated metastasis. Angiogenesis emerges as a pivotal factor in NPC progression, with numerous angiogenesis-related factors showing aberrant expression and contributing to increased neovascularization within NPC tumors. These abnormal vessels not only nourish tumor growth but also facilitate metastasis, culminating in unfavorable patient outcomes. Multiple studies have demonstrated the applicability of various imaging techniques for assessing angiogenesis in NPC tumors, thus serving as a foundation for personalized treatment strategies and prognostic assessments. Anti-angiogenic therapies have exhibited significant potential for inhibiting NPC angiogenesis and exerting anti-tumor effects. To enhance efficacy, anti-angiogenic drugs are frequently combined with other treatment modalities to synergistically enhance anti-tumor effects while mitigating the side effects associated with single-agent therapies, consequently improving patient prognosis. Identifying the potential mechanisms and key targets underlying NPC angiogenesis and exploring more effective detection and treatment approaches holds promise for shaping the future of NPC diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, thereby offering new avenues and perspectives for research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Xia
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongbin Miao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Bishan hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing, Bishan, Chongqing, China
| | - Feipeng Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Zhu DQ, Su C, Li JJ, Li AW, Luv Y, Fan Q. Update on Radiotherapy Changes of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Tumor Microenvironment. World J Oncol 2023; 14:350-357. [PMID: 37869238 PMCID: PMC10588496 DOI: 10.14740/wjon1645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The utilization of radiotherapy (RT) serves as the principal approach for managing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Consequently, it is imperative to investigate the correlation between the radiation microenvironment and radiation resistance in NPC. PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were accessed to perform a search utilizing the English keywords "nasopharyngeal cancer", "radiotherapy", and "microenvironment". The search time spanned from the establishment of the database until January 20, 2023. A total of 82 articles were included. The post-radiation tumor microenvironment (TME), or the radiation microenvironment, includes several components, such as the radiation-immune microenvironment and the radiation-hypoxic microenvironment. The radiation-immune microenvironment includes various factors like immune cells, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix. RT can reshape the TME, leading to immune responses with both cytotoxic effects (T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells) and immune escape mechanisms (regulatory T cells (Tregs), macrophages). RT enhances immune responses through DNA release, type I interferons, and immune cell recruitment. Radiation-hypoxic microenvironment affects metabolism and molecular changes. RT-induced hypoxia causes vascular changes, fibrosis, and vessel compression, leading to tissue hypoxia. Hypoxia activates hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α/2α, promoting angiogenesis and glycolysis in tumor cells. TME changes due to hypoxia also involve immune suppressive cells like myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and Tregs. The radiation microenvironment is involved in radiation resistance and holds a significant effect on the prognosis of patients with NPC. Exploring the radiation microenvironment provides new insights into RT and NPC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao Qi Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chao Su
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jing Jun Li
- NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ai Wu Li
- NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ying Luv
- NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qin Fan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Tolue Ghasaban F, Maharati A, Zangouei AS, Zangooie A, Moghbeli M. MicroRNAs as the pivotal regulators of cisplatin resistance in head and neck cancers. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:170. [PMID: 37587481 PMCID: PMC10428558 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although, there is a high rate of good prognosis in early stage head and neck tumors, about half of these tumors are detected in advanced stages with poor prognosis. A combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery is the treatment option in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Although, cisplatin (CDDP) as the first-line drug has a significant role in the treatment of HNC patients, CDDP resistance can be observed in a large number of these patients. Therefore, identification of the molecular mechanisms involved in CDDP resistance can help to reduce the side effects and also provides a better therapeutic management. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as the post-transcriptional regulators play an important role in drug resistance. Therefore, in the present review we investigated the role of miRNAs in CDDP response of head and neck tumors. It has been reported that the miRNAs exerted their roles in CDDP response by regulation of signaling pathways such as WNT, NOTCH, PI3K/AKT, TGF-β, and NF-kB as well as apoptosis, autophagy, and EMT process. The present review paves the way to suggest a non-invasive miRNA based panel marker for the prediction of CDDP response among HNC patients. Therefore, such diagnostic miRNA based panel marker reduces the CDDP side effects and improves the clinical outcomes of these patients following an efficient therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Tolue Ghasaban
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maharati
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Sadra Zangouei
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Zangooie
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Student research committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Alpuim Costa D, Sampaio-Alves M, Netto E, Fernandez G, Oliveira E, Teixeira A, Daniel PM, Bernardo GS, Amaro C. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as a Complementary Treatment in Glioblastoma-A Scoping Review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:886603. [PMID: 35847231 PMCID: PMC9283648 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.886603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults. The mainstay of management for GBM is surgical resection, radiation (RT), and chemotherapy (CT). Even with optimized multimodal treatment, GBM has a high recurrence and poor survival rates ranging from 12 to 24 months in most patients. Recently, relevant advances in understanding GBM pathophysiology have opened new avenues for therapies for recurrent and newly diagnosed diseases. GBM's hypoxic microenvironment has been shown to be highly associated with aggressive biology and resistance to RT and CT. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may increase anticancer therapy sensitivity by increasing oxygen tension within the hypoxic regions of the neoplastic tissue. Previous data have investigated HBOT in combination with cytostatic compounds, with an improvement of neoplastic tissue oxygenation, inhibition of HIF-1α activity, and a significant reduction in the proliferation of GBM cells. The biological effect of ionizing radiation has been reported to be higher when it is delivered under well-oxygenated rather than anoxic conditions. Several hypoxia-targeting strategies reported that HBOT showed the most significant effect that could potentially improve RT outcomes, with higher response rates and survival and no serious adverse events. However, further prospective and randomized studies are necessary to validate HBOT's effectiveness in the 'real world' GBM clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Alpuim Costa
- Haematology and Oncology Department, CUF Oncologia, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School (NMS), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica, Azinhaga dos Ulmeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro Hiperbárico de Cascais, Cascais, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Sampaio-Alves
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Oporto, Portugal
- PTSurg – Portuguese Surgical Research Collaborative, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Netto
- Radioncology Department, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Edson Oliveira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Neurosurgery Department, Cluster CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia Teixeira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica, Azinhaga dos Ulmeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Modas Daniel
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica, Azinhaga dos Ulmeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Silva Bernardo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica, Azinhaga dos Ulmeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
- Urology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Carla Amaro
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica, Azinhaga dos Ulmeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
- Otorhinolaryngology Department, CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
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An Z, Chen X, Li J. Response to Different Oxygen Partial Pressures and Evolution Analysis of Apoptosis-Related Genes in Plateau Zokor ( Myospalax baileyi). Front Genet 2022; 13:865301. [PMID: 35754836 PMCID: PMC9214310 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.865301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The plateau zokor (Myospalax baileyi) is a native species of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau that spends its entire life underground in sealed burrows with hypoxic conditions. The present study aimed to assess the sequence characteristics of apoptosis-related genes and the response to different oxygen partial pressures (pO2) in plateau zokor and Sprague-Dawley rats. The sequences of the p53-induced protein with a death domain (Pidd), p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (Puma), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (Igfbp3), and apoptosis protease-activating factor 1 (Apaf1) were evaluated concerning homology and convergent evolution sites, and their mRNA levels were evaluated in different tissues under 14.13 (3,300 m) and 16.12 kPa (2,260 m) pO2 conditions. Our results showed that, (1) the sequences of the apoptosis-related genes in plateau zokor were highly similar to those of Nannospalax galili, followed by Rattus norvegicus; (2). Pidd, Puma, Igfbp3, and Apaf1 of plateau zokor were found to have five, one, two, and five convergent sites in functional domains with N. galili, respectively. Lastly (3), under low pO2, the expression of Pidd and Puma was downregulated in the lung of plateau zokors. In turn, Igfbp3 and Apaf1 were upregulated in the liver and lung, and Puma was upregulated in the skeletal muscle of plateau zokor under low pO2. In Sprague-Dawley rats, low pO2 downregulated Puma and Apaf1 expression in the liver and downregulated Igfbp3 and Puma in the lung and skeletal muscle separately. In contrast, low pO2 upregulated Pidd expression in the liver and skeletal muscle of Sprague-Dawley rats. Overall, the expression patterns of Apaf1, Igfbp3, and Puma showed the opposite pattern in the liver, lung, and skeletal muscle, respectively, of plateau zokor as compared with Sprague-Dawley rats. In conclusion, for the long-time adaptation to hypoxic environments, Pidd, Puma, Igfbp3, and Apaf1 of plateau zokor underwent convergent evolution, which we believe may have led to upregulation of their levels under low oxygen partial pressures to induce apoptosis, so as to suppress tumorigenesis under hypoxic environments in plateau zokor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifang An
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Xiaoqi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jimei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Department of General Medicine, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, China
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Yung MMH, Siu MKY, Ngan HYS, Chan DW, Chan KKL. Orchestrated Action of AMPK Activation and Combined VEGF/PD-1 Blockade with Lipid Metabolic Tunning as Multi-Target Therapeutics against Ovarian Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126857. [PMID: 35743298 PMCID: PMC9224484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies worldwide, and chemoresistance is a critical obstacle in the clinical management of the disease. Recent studies have suggested that exploiting cancer cell metabolism by applying AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-activating agents and distinctive adjuvant targeted therapies can be a plausible alternative approach in cancer treatment. Therefore, the perspectives about the combination of AMPK activators together with VEGF/PD-1 blockade as a dual-targeted therapy against ovarian cancer were discussed herein. Additionally, ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic regulated cell death triggered by the availability of redox-active iron, have been proposed to be governed by multiple layers of metabolic signalings and can be synergized with immunotherapies. To this end, ferroptosis initiating therapies (FITs) and metabolic rewiring and immunotherapeutic approaches may have substantial clinical potential in combating ovarian cancer development and progression. It is hoped that the viewpoints deliberated in this review would accelerate the translation of remedial concepts into clinical trials and improve the effectiveness of ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingo M. H. Yung
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
| | - Michelle K. Y. Siu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
| | - Hextan Y. S. Ngan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
| | - David W. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence: or (D.W.C.); (K.K.L.C.); Tel.: +852-3917-9367 or +852-3943-6053 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-4260 (K.K.L.C.); Fax: +852-2816-1947 or +852-2603-5123 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-0947 (K.K.L.C.)
| | - Karen K. L. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (M.M.H.Y.); (M.K.Y.S.); (H.Y.S.N.)
- Correspondence: or (D.W.C.); (K.K.L.C.); Tel.: +852-3917-9367 or +852-3943-6053 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-4260 (K.K.L.C.); Fax: +852-2816-1947 or +852-2603-5123 (D.W.C.); +852-2255-0947 (K.K.L.C.)
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Moghbeli M. Molecular interactions of miR-338 during tumor progression and metastasis. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2021; 26:13. [PMID: 33827418 PMCID: PMC8028791 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-021-00257-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer, as one of the main causes of human deaths, is currently a significant global health challenge. Since the majority of cancer-related deaths are associated with late diagnosis, it is necessary to develop minimally invasive early detection markers to manage and reduce mortality rates. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as highly conserved non-coding RNAs, target the specific mRNAs which are involved in regulation of various fundamental cellular processes such as cell proliferation, death, and signaling pathways. MiRNAs can also be regulated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). They are highly stable in body fluids and have tumor-specific expression profiles, which suggest their suitability as efficient non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic tumor markers. Aberrant expression of miR-338 has been widely reported in different cancers. It regulates cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis in tumor cells. Main body In the present review, we have summarized all miR-338 interactions with other non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and associated signaling pathways to clarify the role of miR-338 during tumor progression. Conclusions It was concluded that miR-338 mainly functions as a tumor suppressor in different cancers. There were also significant associations between miR-338 and other ncRNAs in tumor cells. Moreover, miR-338 has a pivotal role during tumor progression using the regulation of WNT, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. This review highlights miR-338 as a pivotal ncRNA in biology of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Marmitt DJ, Shahrajabian MH. Plant species used in Brazil and Asia regions with toxic properties. Phytother Res 2021; 35:4703-4726. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diorge Jônatas Marmitt
- Post‐graduate Program in Biotechnology Taquari Valley University – Univates Lajeado RS Brazil
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Zhu F, Zhu P, Xu F, Che Y, Ma Y, Ji Z. Alpha-momorcharin enhances Nicotiana benthamiana resistance to tobacco mosaic virus infection through modulation of reactive oxygen species. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2020; 21:1212-1226. [PMID: 32713165 PMCID: PMC7411664 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-momorcharin (α-MMC), a member of the plant ribosomal inactivating proteins (RIPs) family, has been proven to exhibit important biological properties in animals, including antiviral, antimicrobial, and antitumour activities. However, the mechanism by which α-MMC increases plant resistance to viral infections remains unclear. To study the effect of α-MMC on plant viral defence and how α-MMC increases plant resistance to viruses, recombinant DNA and transgenic technologies were employed to investigate the role of α-MMC in Nicotiana benthamiana resistance to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection. Treatment with α-MMC produced through DNA recombinant technology or overexpression of α-MMC mediated by transgenic technology alleviated TMV-induced oxidative damage and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during TMV-green fluorescent protein infection of N. benthamiana. There was a significant decrease in TMV replication in the upper leaves following local α-MMC treatment and in α-MMC-overexpressing plants relative to control plants. These results suggest that application or overexpression of α-MMC in N. benthamiana increases resistance to TMV infection. Finally, our results showed that overexpression of α-MMC up-regulated the expression of ROS scavenging-related genes. α-MMC confers resistance to TMV infection by means of modulating ROS homeostasis through controlling the expression of antioxidant enzyme-encoding genes. Overall, our study revealed a new crosstalk mechanism between α-MMC and ROS during resistance to viral infection and provides a framework to understand the molecular mechanisms of α-MMC in plant defence against viral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhu
- College of Horticulture and Plant ProtectionJoint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of ChinaYangzhou UniversityYangzhouChina
| | - Peng‐Xiang Zhu
- College of Horticulture and Plant ProtectionJoint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of ChinaYangzhou UniversityYangzhouChina
| | - Fei Xu
- Applied Biotechnology CenterWuhan Institute of BioengineeringWuhanChina
| | - Yan‐Ping Che
- College of Horticulture and Plant ProtectionJoint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of ChinaYangzhou UniversityYangzhouChina
| | - Yi‐Ming Ma
- College of Horticulture and Plant ProtectionJoint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of ChinaYangzhou UniversityYangzhouChina
| | - Zhao‐Lin Ji
- College of Horticulture and Plant ProtectionJoint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri‐Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of ChinaYangzhou UniversityYangzhouChina
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Sur S, Ray RB. Bitter Melon ( Momordica Charantia), a Nutraceutical Approach for Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2064. [PMID: 32726914 PMCID: PMC7464160 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Many dietary plant products show promising anticancer effects. Bitter melon or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a nutrient-rich medicinal plant cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of many countries. Traditionally, bitter melon is used as a folk medicine and contains many bioactive components including triterpenoids, triterpene glycoside, phenolic acids, flavonoids, lectins, sterols and proteins that show potential anticancer activity without significant side effects. The preventive and therapeutic effects of crude extract or isolated components are studied in cell line-based models and animal models of multiple types of cancer. In the present review, we summarize recent progress in testing the cancer preventive and therapeutic activity of bitter melon with a focus on underlying molecular mechanisms. The crude extract and its components prevent many types of cancers by enhancing reactive oxygen species generation; inhibiting cancer cell cycle, cell signaling, cancer stem cells, glucose and lipid metabolism, invasion, metastasis, hypoxia, and angiogenesis; inducing apoptosis and autophagy cell death, and enhancing the immune defense. Thus, bitter melon may serve as a promising cancer preventive and therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhayan Sur
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA;
| | - Ratna B. Ray
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA;
- Cancer Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
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Fan X, Wang Y, Guo F, Zhang Y, Jin T. Atomic-resolution structures of type I ribosome inactivating protein alpha-momorcharin with different substrate analogs. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:265-276. [PMID: 32653369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-momorcharin (Alpha-MMC) from the seed of bitter melon is a type I ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) that removes a specific adenine from 28S rRNA and inhibits protein biosynthesis. Here, we report seven crystal complex structures of alpha-MMC with different substrate analogs (adenine, AMP, cAMP, dAMP, ADP, GMP, and xanthosine) at 1.08 Å to 1.52 Å resolution. These structures reveal that not only adenine, but also guanine and their analogs can effectively bind to alpha-MMC. The side chain of Tyr93 adopts two conformations, serving as a switch to open and close the substrate binding pocket of alpha-MMC. Although adenine, AMP, GMP, and guanine are located in a similar active site in different RIPs, residues involved in the interaction between RIPs and substrate analogs are slightly different. Complex structures of alpha-MMC with different substrate analogs solved in this study provide useful information on its enzymatic mechanisms and may enable the development of new inhibitors to treat the poisoning of alpha-MMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiao Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China; Laboratory of Structural Immunology, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Biology, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3101 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Biology, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3101 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
| | - Yuzhu Zhang
- Department of Biology, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3101 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60616, USA; Processed Foods Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Western Regional Research Center, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China; Laboratory of Structural Immunology, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Biology, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3101 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60616, USA.
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12
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Chen YJ, Zhu JQ, Fu XQ, Su T, Li T, Guo H, Zhu PL, Lee SKW, Yu H, Tse AKW, Yu ZL. Ribosome-Inactivating Protein α-Momorcharin Derived from Edible Plant Momordica charantia Induces Inflammatory Responses by Activating the NF-kappaB and JNK Pathways. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11120694. [PMID: 31779275 PMCID: PMC6949964 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11120694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-momorcharin (α-MMC), a member of the ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) family, has been found in the seeds of Momordica charantia (bitter melon). α-MMC contributes a number of pharmacological activities; however, its inflammatory properties have not been well studied. Here, we aim to determine the inflammatory responses induced by recombinant α-MMC and identify the underlying mechanisms using cell culture and animal models. Recombinant α-MMC was generated in Rosetta™(DE3)pLysS and purified by the way of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) chromatography. Treatment of recombinant α-MMC at 40 μg/mL exerted sub-lethal cytotoxic effect on THP-1 monocytic cells. Transcriptional profiling revealed that various genes coding for cytokines and other proinflammatory proteins were upregulated upon recombinant α-MMC treatment in THP-1 cells, including MCP-1, IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Recombinant α-MMC was shown to activate IKK/NF-κB and JNK pathways and the α-MMC-induced inflammatory gene expression could be blocked by IKKβ and JNK inhibitors. Furthermore, murine inflammatory models further demonstrated that α-MMC induced inflammatory responses in vivo. We conclude that α-MMC stimulates inflammatory responses in human monocytes by activating of IKK/NF-κB and JNK pathways, raising the possibility that consumption of α-MMC-containing food may lead to inflammatory-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jie Chen
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia-Qian Zhu
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiu-Qiong Fu
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Su
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ting Li
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pei-Li Zhu
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sally Kin-Wah Lee
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hua Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Anfernee Kai-Wing Tse
- Food Science and Technology Program, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China
- Correspondence: (A.K.-W.T.); (Z.-L.Y.); Tel.: +86-0756-3620147 (A.K.-W.T.); +852-3411-2465 (Z.-L.Y.)
| | - Zhi-Ling Yu
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: (A.K.-W.T.); (Z.-L.Y.); Tel.: +86-0756-3620147 (A.K.-W.T.); +852-3411-2465 (Z.-L.Y.)
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Qamar H, Rehman S, Chauhan D. Current Status and Future Perspective for Research on Medicinal Plants with Anticancerous Activity and Minimum Cytotoxic Value. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 20:1227-1243. [DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190429120314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although chemotherapy
and radiotherapy enhance the survival rate of cancerous patients but they have several acute
toxic effects. Therefore, there is a need to search for new anticancer agents having better efficacy and
lesser side effects. In this regard, herbal treatment is found to be a safe method for treating and preventing
cancer. Here, an attempt has been made to screen some less explored medicinal plants like
Ammania baccifera, Asclepias curassavica, Azadarichta indica, Butea monosperma, Croton tiglium,
Hedera nepalensis, Jatropha curcas, Momordica charantia, Moringa oleifera, Psidium guajava, etc.
having potent anticancer activity with minimum cytotoxic value (IC50 >3μM) and lesser or negligible
toxicity. They are rich in active phytochemicals with a wide range of drug targets. In this study, these
medicinal plants were evaluated for dose-dependent cytotoxicological studies via in vitro MTT assay
and in vivo tumor models along with some more plants which are reported to have IC50 value in the
range of 0.019-0.528 mg/ml. The findings indicate that these plants inhibit tumor growth by their antiproliferative,
pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic molecular targets. They are widely
used because of their easy availability, affordable price and having no or sometimes minimal side effects.
This review provides a baseline for the discovery of anticancer drugs from medicinal plants having
minimum cytotoxic value with minimal side effects and establishment of their analogues for the
welfare of mankind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Qamar
- Department of Zoology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, India
| | - Sumbul Rehman
- Department of Ilmul Advia (Unani Pharmacology), A.K. Tibbiya College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - D.K. Chauhan
- Department of Zoology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, India
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Wong JH, Ng TB, Wang H, Cheung RCF, Ng CCW, Ye X, Yang J, Liu F, Ling C, Chan K, Ye X, Chan WY. Antifungal Proteins with Antiproliferative Activity on Cancer Cells and HIV-1 Enzyme Inhibitory Activity from Medicinal Plants and Medicinal Fungi. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:265-276. [PMID: 29895244 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180613085704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A variety of fungi, plants, and their different tissues are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve health, and some of them are recommended for dietary therapy. Many of these plants and fungi contain antifungal proteins and peptides which suppress spore germination and hyphal growth in phytopathogenic fungi. The aim of this article is to review antifungal proteins produced by medicinal plants and fungi used in Chinese medicine which also possess anticancer and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) enzyme inhibitory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Ho Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hexiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Department of Microbiology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Randy Chi Fai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Charlene Cheuk Wing Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiuyun Ye
- National Engineering Laboratory for High-Efficiency Enzyme Expression and College of Biological Science and Technology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for High-Efficiency Enzyme Expression and College of Biological Science and Technology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Ling
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32611, FL, United States
| | - Ki Chan
- Biomedical and Tissue Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiujuan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, and Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Wai Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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15
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Fang EF, Froetscher L, Scheibye-Knudsen M, Bohr VA, Wong JH, Ng TB. Emerging Antitumor Activities of the Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia). Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:296-301. [PMID: 29932035 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180622095800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bitter melon or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a common vegetable in Asia and it is distinctive for its bitter taste. As an ingredient in folk medicine, research from different laboratories in recent years supports its potential medicinal applications with anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-HIV activities in both in vitro and animal studies. In this short review, we summarize herein the recent progress in the antitumor aspect of bitter melon with a focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms. Further mechanistic studies as well as clinical trials are necessary to further verify its medicinal applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evandro Fei Fang
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, United States
| | - Lynn Froetscher
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, United States
| | | | - Vilhelm A Bohr
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, United States
| | - Jack Ho Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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16
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Wang Z, Xu J, Liu Y, Chen J, Lin H, Huang Y, Bian X, Zhao Y. Selection and validation of appropriate reference genes for real-time quantitative PCR analysis in Momordica charantia. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2019; 164:1-11. [PMID: 31054374 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Real time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) has been attracting more attention for its high sensitivity in gene expression analysis. Given the widely use of RT-qPCR in normalization, it is playing a pivotal role for seeking suitable reference genes in different species. In current work, 12 candidate reference genes including Actin 2 (ACT2), Cyclophilin 2 (CYP2), Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase C2 (GAPC2), Elongation factor 1-α (EF1-α), Nuclear cap binding protein 20 (NCBP20), Serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP2A (PP2A), Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1), SAND family protein (SNAD), TIP41-like protein (TIP41), Tubulin beta-6 (TUB6), Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 9 (UBC9) and Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphatedehydrogenase (GAPDH) were screened from the transcriptome datasets of M. charantia. Afterwards, GeNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper algorithms were applied to assess the expression stability of these 12 genes under different abiotic stresses including drought, cold, high-salt, hormone, UV, oxidative and metal stress. The results indicated that 12 selected genes exhibited various stability across the samples under different external stress conditions, but TIP41, PTBP1 and PP2A presented high stability among all the reference genes. To validate the suitability of the identified reference genes, the results of hormone subset were compared with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data, and the relative abundance of Ascorbate peroxidase 1(APX1)was used to confirm the reliability of the results. This work assesses the stability of reference genes in M. charantia under different abiotic stress conditions, which will be beneficent for accurate normalization of target genes in M. charantia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglong Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Jiyang Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Yihan Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Jiyu Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Hanfeng Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Yanli Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Bian
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Yucheng Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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17
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Hong M, Shi H, Wang N, Tan HY, Wang Q, Feng Y. Dual Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicines on Angiogenesis in Cancer and Ischemic Stroke Treatments: Role of HIF-1 Network. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:696. [PMID: 31297056 PMCID: PMC6606950 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)–induced angiogenesis has been involved in numerous pathological conditions, and it may be harmful or beneficial depending on the types of diseases. Exploration on angiogenesis has sparked hopes in providing novel therapeutic approaches on multiple diseases with high mortality rates, such as cancer and ischemic stroke. The HIF-1 pathway is considered to be a major regulator of angiogenesis. HIF-1 seems to be involved in the vascular formation process by synergistic correlations with other proangiogenic factors in cancer and cerebrovascular disease. The regulation of HIF-1–dependent angiogenesis is related to the modulation of HIF-1 bioactivity by regulating HIF-1α transcription or protein translation, HIF-1α DNA binding, HIF-1α and HIF-1α dimerization, and HIF-1 degradation. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines have a long history of clinical use in both cancer and stroke treatments in Asia. Growing evidence has demonstrated potential proangiogenic benefits of Chinese herbal medicines in ischemic stroke, whereas tumor angiogenesis could be inhibited by the active components in Chinese herbal medicines. The objective of this review is to provide comprehensive insight on the effects of Chinese herbal medicines on angiogenesis by regulating HIF-1 pathways in both cancer and ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Hong
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Honglian Shi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hor-Yue Tan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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18
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Cole DW, Svider PF, Shenouda KG, Lee PB, Yoo NG, McLeod TM, Mutchnick SA, Yoo GH, Kaufman RJ, Callaghan MU, Fribley AM. Targeting the unfolded protein response in head and neck and oral cavity cancers. Exp Cell Res 2019; 382:111386. [PMID: 31075256 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many FDA-approved anti-cancer therapies, targeted toward a wide array of molecular targets and signaling networks, have been demonstrated to activate the unfolded protein response (UPR). Despite a critical role for UPR signaling in the apoptotic execution of cancer cells by many of these compounds, the authors are currently unaware of any instance whereby a cancer drug was developed with the UPR as the intended target. With the essential role of the UPR as a driving force in the genesis and maintenance of the malignant phenotype, a great number of pre-clinical studies have surged into the medical literature describing the ability of dozens of compounds to induce UPR signaling in a myriad of cancer models. The focus of the current work is to review the literature and explore the role of the UPR as a mediator of chemotherapy-induced cell death in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) and oral cavity (OCSCC), with an emphasis on preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Cole
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Peter F Svider
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kerolos G Shenouda
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Paul B Lee
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicholas G Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Thomas M McLeod
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sean A Mutchnick
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - George H Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Randal J Kaufman
- Degenerative Diseases Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael U Callaghan
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Andrew M Fribley
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA; Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA.
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19
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Wong JH, Sze SCW, Ng TB, Cheung RCF, Tam C, Zhang KY, Dan X, Chan YS, Shing Cho WC, Ng CCW, Waye MMY, Liang W, Zhang J, Yang J, Ye X, Lin J, Ye X, Wang H, Liu F, Chan DW, Ngan HYS, Sha O, Li G, Tse R, Tse TF, Chan H. Apoptosis and Anti-cancer Drug Discovery: The Power of Medicinal Fungi and Plants. Curr Med Chem 2019; 25:5613-5630. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170720165005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this account is to review the compounds capable of eliciting
mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells produced by medicinal fungi and plants.
The medicinal fungi discussed encompass Cordyceps, Ganoderma species, Coriolus versicolor
and Hypsizygus marmoreus. The medicinal plants discussed comprise Astragalus
complanatus, Dendrobium spp, Dioscorea spp, Glycyrrhiza spp, Panax notoginseng,
Panax ginseng, and Momordica charantia. These compounds have the potential of development
into anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Ho Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen Cho Wing Sze
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Randy Chi Fai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chit Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kalin Yanbo Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiuli Dan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yau Sang Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - William Chi Shing Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Mary Miu Yee Waye
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weicheng Liang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinfang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Enzyme Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Xiuyun Ye
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Enzyme Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Juan Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Enzyme Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Xiujuan Ye
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Plant Virology of Fujian Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Hexiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Department of Microbiology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - David Wai Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hextan Yuen Sheung Ngan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ou Sha
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guohui Li
- Vita Green Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd, Vita Green Health Products (HK) Ltd Genning Partners Company Limited, and Hong Kong Institute of Medical Research, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ryan Tse
- Vita Green Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd, Vita Green Health Products (HK) Ltd Genning Partners Company Limited, and Hong Kong Institute of Medical Research, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tak Fu Tse
- Vita Green Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd, Vita Green Health Products (HK) Ltd Genning Partners Company Limited, and Hong Kong Institute of Medical Research, Hong Kong, China
| | - Helen Chan
- Vita Green Pharmaceuticals (HK) Ltd, Vita Green Health Products (HK) Ltd Genning Partners Company Limited, and Hong Kong Institute of Medical Research, Hong Kong, China
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20
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Sun W, Sun J, Zhang H, Meng Y, Li L, Li G, Zhang X, Meng Y. Chemosynthesis and characterization of site-specific N-terminally PEGylated Alpha-momorcharin as apotential agent. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17729. [PMID: 30531997 PMCID: PMC6286350 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35969-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-momorcharin (α-MC), a type I ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) isolated from Momordica charantia seeds, has been extensively studied for its antitumor, antiviral and antifungal activities. However, as an exogenous protein, problems associated with short half-life and strong immunogenicity have limited its clinical application. Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG), as a polyether compound, is a well established and efficient modifier to develop it as a potential agent. Nevertheless, conventional PEGylation is not site-controlled and the conjugates are often not homogenous due to the generation of multi-PEGylated derivatives. To obtain a homogenous mono-PEGylated α-MC, the PEGylation was carried out by coupling a 20 kDa mPEG-butyraldehyde (mPEG-ALD) with α-MC. The product was separated and purified by MacroCap SP chromatography. Results from SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF MS revealed that the PEGylated α-MC consisted of one molecule mPEG and α-MC. Edman degradation confirmed that the N-terminal residue of α-MC was successfully coupled with mPEG-ALD. The mono-PEGylated α-MC possessed an extremely similar secondary structure to native α-MC through spectral analyses. In addition, it also showed low immunogenicity by double immunodiffusion and preserved moderate antitumor activity to three kinds of tumor cell lines in vitro. Finally, trypsin resistance was also considerably improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkui Sun
- School of Laboratory Medicine/Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinghui Sun
- School of Laboratory Medicine/Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Haowen Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, 14260, United States
| | - Yanfa Meng
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment Ministry of Education/Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Linli Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment Ministry of Education/Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Gangrui Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment Ministry of Education/Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Yao Meng
- School of Laboratory Medicine/Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, 14260, United States.
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Lu W, Mao Y, Chen X, Ni J, Zhang R, Wang Y, Wang J, Wu L. Fordin: A novel type I ribosome inactivating protein from Vernicia fordii modulates multiple signaling cascades leading to anti-invasive and pro-apoptotic effects in cancer cells in vitro. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:1027-1042. [PMID: 30015835 PMCID: PMC6065405 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fordin, which is derived from Vernicia fordii, is a novel type I ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) with RNA N-glycosidase activity. In the present study, fordin was expressed by Escherichia coli and purified using nickel affinity chromatography. Previous studies have demonstrated RIP toxicity in a variety of cancer cell lines. To understand the therapeutic potential of fordin on tumors, the present study investigated the effects of fordin on the viability of several tumor and normal cell lines. The results demonstrated that fordin induced significant cytotoxicity in four cancer cell lines, compared with the normal cell line. Specifically, profound apoptosis and inhibition of cell invasion were observed following fordin exposure in U-2 OS and HepG2 cells; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the action of RIP remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, it was found that the anticancer effects of fordin were associated with suppression of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway. In U-2 OS and HepG2 cells, fordin inhibited the expression of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) kinase, leading to downregulation of the phosphorylation level of IκB, which quelled the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Fordin also reduced the mRNA and protein levels of NF-κB downstream targets associated with cell apoptosis and metastasis, particularly B-cell lymphoma-2-related protein A1 (Blf-1) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. The inactivation of NF-κB and the reduction in the expression levels of Blf-1 and MMP-9 mediated by fordin were also confirmed by co-treatment with lipopolysaccharide or p65 small interfering RNA. These findings suggested a possible mechanism for the fordin-induced effect on tumor cell death and metastasis. The results of the present study demonstrated the multiple anticancer effects of fordin in U-2 OS and HepG2 cells, in part by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Lu
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Yingji Mao
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Xue Chen
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Jun Ni
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Lifang Wu
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
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Saeed F, Afzaal M, Niaz B, Arshad MU, Tufail T, Hussain MB, Javed A. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia): a natural healthy vegetable. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2018.1446023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Saeed
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Afzaal
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Niaz
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umair Arshad
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Tabussam Tufail
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Bilal Hussain
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ahsan Javed
- Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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23
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Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) as a rich source of bioactive components to combat cancer naturally: Are we on the right track to fully unlock its potential as inhibitor of deregulated signaling pathways. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 119:98-105. [PMID: 29753870 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research over decades has progressively explored pharmacological actions of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia). Biologically and pharmacologically active molecules isolated from M. charantia have shown significant anti-cancer activity in cancer cell lines and xenografted mice. In this review spotlight was set on the bioactive compounds isolated from M. charantia that effectively inhibited cancer development and progression via regulation of protein network in cancer cells. We summarize most recent high-quality research work in cancer cell lines and xenografted mice related to tumor suppressive role-play of M. charantia and its bioactive compounds. Although M. charantia mediated health promoting, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory effects have been extensively investigated, there is insufficient information related to regulation of signaling networks by bioactive molecules obtained from M. charantia in different cancers. M. charantia has been shown to modulate AKT/mTOR/p70S6K signaling, p38MAPK-MAPKAPK-2/HSP-27 pathway, cell cycle regulatory proteins and apoptosis-associated proteins in different cancers. However, still there are visible knowledge gaps related to the drug targets in different cancers because we have not yet developed comprehensive understanding of the M. charantia mediated regulation of signal transduction pathways. To explore these questions, experimental platforms are needed that can prove to be helpful in getting a step closer to personalized medicine.
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Shan Y, You B, Shi S, Shi W, Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Gu M, Chen J, Bao L, Liu D, You Y. Hypoxia-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 Expression in Exosomes from Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Enhances Metastases. Cell Death Dis 2018. [PMID: 29515112 PMCID: PMC5841433 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0425-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are nano-vesicles secreted by tumor cells. Exosomes can transfer complex biological information and induce a diverse signaling response in a wide array of pathological conditions, such as hypoxia. Hypoxia is associated with aggressive phenotypes and poor outcomes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Here, we analyzed the role of exosomes from hypoxic NPC cells in enhancing the metastases of normoxic cells in a hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α)-dependent manner. HIF-1α rapidly accumulates and trans-activates hundreds of genes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We found that MMP-13 was over-expressed in exosomes and cells under hypoxic conditions. HIF-1α depletion in hypoxic CNE2 cells led to decreased MMP-13 levels in exosomes and significantly reduced cell migration and invasion. Moreover, exosomal MMP-13 significantly up-regulated Vimentin expression while decreasing E-cadherin levels in CNE2 cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, MMP-13 levels were closely associated with HIF-1α expression (r = 0.679, P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis, clinical stage (all P < 0.05) and poor prognosis in NPC patients (P < 0.01). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the hypoxic exosomes were loaded with MMP-13, which could enhance migration and invasiveness and induce microenvironment changes to promote NPC aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Bo You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhenxin Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qicheng Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Miao Gu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lili Bao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
| | - Yiwen You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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25
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Wang S, Li Z, Yang G, Ho CT, Li S. Momordica charantia: a popular health-promoting vegetable with multifunctionality. Food Funct 2017; 8:1749-1762. [PMID: 28474032 DOI: 10.1039/c6fo01812b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Products derived from edible medicinal plants have been used for centuries to prevent, treat, and even cure multiple diseases. Momordica charantia L., widely cultivated around the world, is a typical one bred for vegetables and medicinal usage. All parts of M. charantia possess important medicinal properties, including antidiabetic, anticancer, hypotensive, anti-obesity, antimicrobial, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory, anthelmintic, neuro-protective, as well as hepato-protective properties both in vitro and in vivo. This review summarizes the active components and medicinal properties of M. charantia, especially the activities and mechanisms of its anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties. The anti-diabetic properties involve inhibiting intestinal α-glucosidase and glucose transport, protecting islet β-cells, enhancing insulin secretion, increasing hepatic glucose disposal, decreasing gluconeogenesis, and even ameliorating insulin resistance. Moreover, the expressions of PPARs could also be activated and up-regulated. Meanwhile, its anticancer properties are mostly due to apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and expression of serum factors associated with immunity. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of M. charantia and its benefits for development as a functional food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhen Wang
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for the Characteristic Resources Exploitation of Dabie Mountains, Hubei Key Laboratory of Economic Forest Germplasm Improvement and Resources Comprehensive Utilization, College of Life Science, Huanggang Normal University, Hubei Province, China.
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26
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Yin J, Ni B, Liao WG, Gao YQ. Hypoxia-induced apoptosis of mouse spermatocytes is mediated by HIF-1α through a death receptor pathway and a mitochondrial pathway. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:1146-1155. [PMID: 28444885 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25974] [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: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia in vivo induces oligozoospermia, azoospermia, and degeneration of the germinal epithelium, but the underlying molecular mechanism of this induction is not fully clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the death receptor pathway and the mitochondrial pathway in hypoxia-induced apoptosis of mouse GC-2spd (GC-2) cells and the relationship between HIF-1α and apoptosis of GC-2 cells induced by hypoxia. GC-2 cells were subjected to 1% oxygen for 48 hr. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, LDH, caspase-3/8/9 in the absence and presence of HIF-1α siRNA. The protein levels of apoptosis-related markers were determined by Western blot in the presence and absence of HIF-1α siRNA. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential change was observed by in situ JC-1 staining. Cell viability was assessed upon treatment of caspase-8 and 9 inhibitors. The results indicated that hypoxia at 1% oxygen for 48 hr induced apoptosis of GC-2 cells. A prolonged exposure of GC-2 cells to hypoxic conditions caused downregulation of c-FLIP, Dc R2 and Bcl-2 and upregulation of DR5 , TRAIL, Fas, p53, and Bax, with an overproduction of caspase-3/8/9. Moreover, hypoxia at this level had an effect on mitochondrial depolarization. In addition, specific inhibitors of caspase-8/9 partially suppressed hypoxia-induced GC-2 cell apoptosis, and the anti-apoptotic effects of the caspase inhibitors were additive. Of note, HIF-1α knockdown attenuated hypoxia and induced apoptosis of GC-2 cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that the death receptor pathway and mitochondrial pathway, which are likely mediated by HIF-1α, contribute to hypoxia-induced GC-2 cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology/Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment Medicine (Third Military Medical University), Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Bing Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology/Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment Medicine (Third Military Medical University), Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Wei-Gong Liao
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Pathology/Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment Medicine (Third Military Medical University), Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yu-Qi Gao
- Institute of Medicine and Hygienic Equipment for High Altitude Region/Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment Medicine (Third Military Medical University), Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
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27
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Tan MJ, Cao XW, Li PF, Zhai YZ, Zhou Y, Liu YJ, Zhao J, Wang FJ. Effectively enhancing cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of alpha-momorcharin by integrating a heparin-binding peptide. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2017; 64:918-926. [PMID: 28090686 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-momorcharin (α-MMC), a type I ribosome-inactivating protein, has attracted a great deal of attention because of its antitumor activity. However, the cytotoxicity of α-MMC is limited due to insufficient cellular internalization in cancer cells. To enhance the cytotoxicity of α-MMC, a heparin-binding domain derived from heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (named heparin-binding peptide [HBP]) was used as a cell-penetrating peptide and fused to the C-terminus of α-MMC. This novel α-MMC-HBP fusion protein was expressed and purified with a Ni2+ -resin. The N-glycosidase activity and DNase activity assay indicated that the introduction of HBP did not interfere with the intrinsic bioactivities of α-MMC. HBP was able to efficiently carry α-MMC into the tested cancer cells and significantly enhance the cytotoxic effects of α-MMC in a dose-dependent manner. This enhanced cytotoxic ability occurred due to the higher level of cell apoptosis induced by α-MMC-HBP, which was demonstrated in western blot analysis in which α-MMC-HBP triggered caspase 8, caspase 9, casapase 3, and PARP more intensely than α-MMC alone. α-MMC-HBP led to an upregulation of cleaved PARP and an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Our study provided a new practical way to greatly improve the antitumor activity of α-MMC, which could significantly expand the pharmaceutical applications of α-MMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Jie Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Wei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng-Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Zhou Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Jun Wang
- Zhejiang Reachall Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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28
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Yang T, Meng Y, Chen LJ, Lin HH, Xi DH. The Roles of Alpha-Momorcharin and Jasmonic Acid in Modulating the Response of Momordica charantia to Cucumber Mosaic Virus. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1796. [PMID: 27881976 PMCID: PMC5101195 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-momorcharin (α-MMC) is a type-I ribosome inactivating protein with a molecular weight of 29 kDa that is found in Momordica charantia, and has been shown to be effective against a broad range of human viruses as well as having anti-tumor activities. However, the role of endogenous α-MMC under viral infection and the mechanism of the anti-viral activities of α-MMC in plants are still unknown. To study the effect of α-MMC on plant viral defense and how α-MMC increases plant resistance to virus, the M. charantia–cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) interaction system was investigated. The results showed that the α-MMC level was positively correlated with the resistance of M. charantia to CMV. α-MMC treatment could alleviate photosystem damage and enhance the ratio of glutathione/glutathione disulfide in M. charantia under CMV infection. The relationship of α-MMC and defense related phytohormones, and their roles in plant defense were further investigated. α-MMC treatment led to a significant increase of jasmonic acid (JA) and vice versa, while there was no obvious relevance between salicylic acid and α-MMC. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were induced in α-MMC-pretreated plants, in a similar way to the ROS burst in JA-pretreated plants. The production of ROS in both ibuprofen (JA inhibitor) and (α-MMC+ibuprofen)-pretreated plants was reduced markedly, leading to a greater susceptibility of M. charantia to CMV. Our results indicate that the anti-viral activities of α-MMC in M. charantia may be accomplished through the JA related signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, College of Life Science, Sichuan University Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Meng
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College Chengdu, China
| | - Li-Juan Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, College of Life Science, Sichuan University Chengdu, China
| | - Hong-Hui Lin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, College of Life Science, Sichuan University Chengdu, China
| | - De-Hui Xi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, College of Life Science, Sichuan University Chengdu, China
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Raina K, Kumar D, Agarwal R. Promise of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) bioactives in cancer prevention and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2016; 40-41:116-129. [PMID: 27452666 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, there is a paradigm shift that the whole food-derived components are not 'idle bystanders' but actively participate in modulating aberrant metabolic and signaling pathways in both healthy and diseased individuals. One such whole food from Cucurbitaceae family is 'bitter melon' (Momordica charantia, also called bitter gourd, balsam apple, etc.), which has gained an enormous attention in recent years as an alternative medicine in developed countries. The increased focus on bitter melon consumption could in part be due to several recent pre-clinical efficacy studies demonstrating bitter melon potential to target obesity/type II diabetes-associated metabolic aberrations as well as its pre-clinical anti-cancer efficacy against various malignancies. The bioassay-guided fractionations have also classified the bitter melon chemical constituents based on their anti-diabetic or cytotoxic effects. Thus, by definition, these bitter melon constituents are at cross roads on the bioactivity parameters; they either have selective efficacy for correcting metabolic aberrations or targeting cancer cells, or have beneficial effects in both conditions. However, given the vast, though dispersed, literature reports on the bioactivity and beneficial attributes of bitter melon constituents, a comprehensive review on the bitter melon components and the overlapping beneficial attributes is lacking; our review attempts to fulfill these unmet needs. Importantly, the recent realization that there are common risk factors associated with obesity/type II diabetes-associated metabolic aberrations and cancer, this timely review focuses on the dual efficacy of bitter melon against the risk factors associated with both diseases that could potentially impact the course of malignancy to advanced stages. Furthermore, this review also addresses a significant gap in our knowledge regarding the bitter melon drug-drug interactions which can be predicted from the available reports on bitter melon effects on metabolism enzymes and drug transporters. This has important implications, given that a large proportion of individuals, taking bitter melon based supplements/phytochemical extracts/food based home-remedies, are also likely to be taking conventional therapeutic drugs at the same time. Accordingly, the comprehensively reviewed information here could be prudently translated to the clinical implications associated with any potential concerns regarding bitter melon consumption by cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Raina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States; University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States; University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
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30
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Wang L, Shen F, Zhang M, He Q, Zhao H, Yu X, Yang S, Liu Y, Deng N, Zheng J, Zhu L, Liu X. Cytotoxicity mechanism of α-MMC in normal liver cells through LRP1 mediated endocytosis and JNK activation. Toxicology 2016; 357-358:33-43. [PMID: 27262837 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2016.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-momorcharin (α-MMC), a type I ribosome-inactivating protein isolated from Momordica charantia, is a potential drug candidate with strong anti-tumor activity. However, α-MMC has a severe hepatotoxicity when applied in vivo, which may greatly hinders its use in clinic in the future. The biological mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by α-MMC is largely unknown, especially the mechanism by which α-MMC enters the hepatocytes. In this study, we investigated α-MMC-induced cytotoxicity in normal liver L02 cell line as well as the mechanism underlying it. As expected, α-MMC is more toxic in L02 cells than in various normal cells from other organs. The cytotoxic effect of α-MMC on L02 cells is found to be mediated through cell apoptosis as detected by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Importantly, α-MMC was shown to bind to a specific receptor on cell membrane, as the density of the cell membrane receptor is closely related to both the amount of α-MMC endocytosed and the cytotoxicity in different cell lines. By using LRP1 competitive inhibitor α2-M or siRNA targeting LRP1, we further identified that LRP1 protein served as the membrane receptor for α-MMC. Both α2-M and siRNA targeting LRP1 can significantly inhibit α-MMC's endocytosis as well as its cytotoxicity in L02 cells. In addition, it was found that α-MMC can activate the JNK signalling pathways via LRP1 in L02 cells. As JNK activation often leads to cell apoptosis, the activation of JNK may play an important role in α-MMC-induced cytotoxicity. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that LRP1 mediates the cytotoxicity of α-MMC through (1) endocytosis and induced apoptosis and (2) the activation of the JNK pathway. Our findings shed light on the fundamental mechanism of hepatotoxicity of α-MMC and offer reference to understand its mechanism of lymphocytotoxicity and neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Fubing Shen
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China.
| | - Min Zhang
- Isotope Lab, College of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Qianchuan He
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Cardiology (II), Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei Province, Xiangyang 441021, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Department of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Shuxia Yang
- Center of Science and Research, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Nianhua Deng
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Juecun Zheng
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Xiaolan Liu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
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31
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Citores L, Iglesias R, Gay C, Ferreras JM. Antifungal activity of the ribosome-inactivating protein BE27 from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) against the green mould Penicillium digitatum. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2016; 17:261-271. [PMID: 25976013 PMCID: PMC6638414 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The ribosome-inactivating protein BE27 from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) leaves is an apoplastic protein induced by signalling compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid, which has been reported to be involved in defence against viruses. Here, we report that, at a concentration much lower than that present in the apoplast, BE27 displays antifungal activity against the green mould Penicillium digitatum, a necrotrophic fungus that colonizes wounds and grows in the inter- and intracellular spaces of the tissues of several edible plants. BE27 is able to enter into the cytosol and kill fungal cells, thus arresting the growth of the fungus. The mechanism of action seems to involve ribosomal RNA (rRNA) N-glycosylase activity on the sarcin-ricin loop of the major rRNA which inactivates irreversibly the fungal ribosomes, thus inhibiting protein synthesis. We compared the C-terminus of the BE27 structure with antifungal plant defensins and hypothesize that a structural motif composed of an α-helix and a β-hairpin, similar to the γ-core motif of defensins, might contribute to the specific interaction with the fungal plasma membranes, allowing the protein to enter into the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Citores
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosario Iglesias
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Carolina Gay
- Laboratory of Research on Proteins, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences and Surveying, National University of the Northeast (UNNE), 3400, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - José Miguel Ferreras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
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Dandawate PR, Subramaniam D, Padhye SB, Anant S. Bitter melon: a panacea for inflammation and cancer. Chin J Nat Med 2016; 14:81-100. [PMID: 26968675 PMCID: PMC5276711 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(16)60002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nature is a rich source of medicinal plants and their products that are useful for treatment of various diseases and disorders. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one of such plants known for its biological activities used in traditional system of medicines. This plant is cultivated in all over the world, including tropical areas of Asia, Amazon, east Africa, and the Caribbean and used as a vegetable as well as folk medicine. All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are commonly consumed and cooked with different vegetables, stir-fried, stuffed or used in small quantities in soups or beans to give a slightly bitter flavor and taste. The plant is reported to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory activities. The plant extract inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy and inhibiting cancer stem cells. The plant is rich in bioactive chemical constituents like cucurbitane type triterpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins, fatty acids, and proteins. Some of the isolated compounds (Kuguacin J, Karaviloside XI, Kuguaglycoside C, Momordicoside Q-U, Charantin, α-eleostearic acid) and proteins (α-Momorcharin, RNase MC2, MAP30) possess potent biological activity. In the present review, we are summarizing the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities of Momordica charantia along with a short account of important chemical constituents, providing a basis for establishing detail biological activities of the plant and developing novel drug molecules based on the active chemical constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad R Dandawate
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Dharmalingam Subramaniam
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Subhash B Padhye
- Interdisciplinary Science & Technology Research Academy, Abeda Inamdar Senior College, Azam Campus, Pune, 411001, India
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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Kwatra D, Dandawate P, Padhye S, Anant S. Bitter Melon as a Therapy for Diabetes, Inflammation, and Cancer: a Panacea? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40495-016-0045-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Pan WL, Ng TB. A dimeric Phaseolus coccineus lectin with anti-oxidative, anti-proliferative and cytokine-inducing activities. Int J Biol Macromol 2015; 81:960-6. [PMID: 26410813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, a dimeric glucosamine binding lectin, designated as CHL, was purified from Phaseolus coccineus L. var. albonanus Bailey through three chromatographic steps. The molecular weight of CHL was approximately 66kDa. Its hemagglutinating activity toward rabbit erythrocytes was dependent on carbohydrates, especially glucosamine, and was stable at temperatures between 20 and 70°C, and at pH between 1 and 13. Intriguingly, further characterization showed that CHL served as a potent antioxidant to prevent erythrocytes from haemolysis induced by 2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, it exerted antitumor activity against human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 cells, hepatoma HepG2 cells, and breast cancer MCF7 cells but was devoid of antifungal activity. In addition, the CHL could bring about a significant dose-dependent increase in the production of mRNAs of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interferon-gamma and interleukin-2. These results suggest the potential therapeutic utility of CHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Liang Pan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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PENG TAO, HU MIN, WU TINGTING, CHEN ZHE, ZHANG CEN, HUANG SHOU, ZHOU XUHONG. Effects of high-mobility group box 1 knockdown on proliferation, migration and invasion of the HONE-1 human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:7531-7. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Akkouh O, Ng TB, Cheung RCF, Wong JH, Pan W, Ng CCW, Sha O, Shaw PC, Chan WY. Biological activities of ribosome-inactivating proteins and their possible applications as antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-pest agents and in neuroscience research. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:9847-63. [PMID: 26394859 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6941-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are enzymes which depurinate ribosomal RNA (rRNA), thus impeding the process of translation resulting in inhibition of protein synthesis. They are produced by various organisms including plants, fungi and bacteria. RIPs from plants are linked to plant defense due to their antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities in which they can be applied in agriculture to combat microbial pathogens and pests. Their anticancer, antiviral, embryotoxic, and abortifacient properties may find medicinal applications. Besides, conjugation of RIPs with antibodies or other carriers to form immunotoxins has been found useful to research in neuroscience and anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouafae Akkouh
- Department of Biology and Medical Laboratory Research, Faculty of Technology, University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Zernikdreef 11, 2333 CK, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
| | - Randy Chi Fai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
| | - Jack Ho Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
| | - Wenliang Pan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
| | - Charlene Cheuk Wing Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
| | - Ou Sha
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Pang Chui Shaw
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
| | - Wai Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
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Shan Y, Li X, You B, Shi S, Zhang Q, You Y. MicroRNA-338 inhibits migration and proliferation by targeting hypoxia-induced factor 1α in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2015; 34:1943-52. [PMID: 26260688 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is an endemic type of head and neck cancer with a high rate of cervical lymph node metastasis. An increasing number of studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in the development and progression of NPC. miR-338-3p has been demonstrated as an anti-oncogene in different solid tumors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of miR‑338-3p in the development and progression of NPC. Compared with normal samples, our data showed that miR-338-3p were downregulated in NPC tissues and cells. The luciferase assay demonstrated that HIF-1α was a direct target of miR-338-3p. We also found that miR-338-3p regulated the expression levels of HIF-1α, respectively. Overexpression of miR-338-3p in NPC cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, and migration. Conversely, miR-338-3p knockdown in cells with lower endogenous expression levels significantly reduced antitumor behavior. Furthermore, enforced expression of miR-338-3p led to a decline in ERK phosphorylation as well as inhibited the hypoxia induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Cells pre-transfected with miR-338-3p can overcome hypoxia-mediated cisplatin resistance. Taken together, we found that miR-338-3p directly targeted HIF-1α, and we provide insight into NPC initiation and progression, possibly representing a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shan
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Xingyu Li
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Bo You
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Qicheng Zhang
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yiwen You
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
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Zeng M, Zheng M, Lu D, Wang J, Jiang W, Sha O. Anti-tumor activities and apoptotic mechanism of ribosome-inactivating proteins. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2015; 34:325-34. [PMID: 26184404 PMCID: PMC4593346 DOI: 10.1186/s40880-015-0030-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) belong to a family of enzymes that attack eukaryotic ribosomes and potently inhibit cellular protein synthesis. RIPs possess several biomedical properties, including anti-viral and anti-tumor activities. Multiple RIPs are known to inhibit tumor cell proliferation through inducing apoptosis in a variety of cancers, such as breast cancer, leukemia/lymphoma, and hepatoma. This review focuses on the anti-tumor activities of RIPs and their apoptotic effects through three closely related pathways: mitochondrial, death receptor, and endoplasmic reticulum pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Zeng
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Manyin Zheng
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Desheng Lu
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Wang
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenqi Jiang
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, People's Republic of China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ou Sha
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Xu X, Gu Z, Liu S, Gao N, He X, Xin X. Purification and characterization of a glucan from Bacillus Calmette Guerin and the antitumor activity of its sulfated derivative. Carbohydr Polym 2015; 128:138-46. [PMID: 26005149 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A water-soluble glucan, BCG-PASW, with a molecular weight of 2.10×10(4)Da, was separated from polysaccharide nucleic acid fraction of Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG-PSN) using DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-200 chromatography. Based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques (COSY, HSQC and HMBC), BCG-PASW was found to be an α-d-glucan composed of α-d-(1→4)-linked glucopyranosyl residues, with branches at O-6 consisting of non-reducing terminal α-d-Glcp approximately every eight residues. In vitro antitumor activity by MTS method, its sulfated derivative with a substitution degree of 0.59, could inhibite C666-1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells growth significantly. The results indicated that the sulfate content play a decisive role in the bioactivities of the polysaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongbo Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410008, China; School of Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zixin Gu
- Jiuzhitang Co., Ltd, Changsha 410021, China
| | - Shao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410008, China; School of Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
| | - Na Gao
- Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Xiaozhen He
- Tumor Institute of Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Xiu Xin
- Jiuzhitang Co., Ltd, Changsha 410021, China
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Cao D, Sun Y, Wang L, He Q, Zheng J, Deng F, Deng S, Chang S, Yu X, Li M, Meng Y, Jin J, Shen F. Alpha-momorcharin (α-MMC) exerts effective anti-human breast tumor activities but has a narrow therapeutic window in vivo. Fitoterapia 2014; 100:139-49. [PMID: 25447153 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-momorcharin (α-MMC), a ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) extracted from the seeds of Momordica charantia, exerts anti-tumor, antiviral, and anti-fungal activities. However, α-MMC has an obvious toxicity that limits its clinical application. We examined the effect of α-MMC on the inhibition of human breast cancer and assessed its general toxicity to find the therapeutic window in vivo for its potential clinical use. It was purified using column chromatography, and then injected into the xenograft nude mouse model induced by MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. The anti-tumor efficacy was evaluated with T/C%. Next, the α-MMC was injected at a series of doses to Balb/C mice to assess its general toxicity. The MTT assay, the apoptosis test, and the cell cycle inhibition of α-MMC in human breast cancer cells were performed. In the xenografted tumors induced by MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, α-MMC exerted an obvious inhibition effects on tumor growth at the dosage of 1.2mg/kg and 0.8 mg/kg. For in vivo toxicity experiments of α-MMC in Balb/C mice, the minimal toxic dose of α-MMC was 1.2mg/kg. Alpha-MMC induced apoptosis by increasing caspase3 activities, and the cell cycle was arrested at the G0/G1 or G2/M phases. The measurements of IC50 were 15.07 μg/mL, 33.66 μg/mL, 42.94 μg/mL for MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-453 respectively. Alpha-MMC exhibits anti-tumor effects in human breast cancer in vivo and in vitro. It inhibits breast cancer cells through the inhibition of tumor growth and induction of cell apoptosis. However, due to its obvious toxicity, α-MMC has a relatively narrow therapeutic window in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongliang Cao
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Yun Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Attached Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Qianchuan He
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Juecun Zheng
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Fei Deng
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Shanshan Deng
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - ShuChing Chang
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - XiaoPing Yu
- Center of Science and Research, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610083, PR China
| | - Minhui Li
- Center of Science and Research, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610083, PR China
| | - Yao Meng
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Jiagui Jin
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China
| | - Fubing Shen
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, PR China.
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