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Saeed Y, Zhong R, Sun Z. Advances in traditional herbal formulation based nano-vaccine for cancer immunotherapy: Unraveling the enigma of complex tumor environment and multidrug resistance. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111948. [PMID: 38554445 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is attributed to uncontrolled cell growth and is among the leading causes of death with no known effective treatment while complex tumor microenvironment (TME) and multidrug resistance (MDR) are major challenges for developing an effective therapeutic strategy. Advancement in cancer immunotherapy has been limited by the over-activation of the host immune response that ultimately affects healthy tissues or organs and leads to a feeble response of the patient's immune system against tumor cells. Besides, traditional herbal medicines (THM) have been well-known for their essential role in the treatment of cancer and are considered relatively safe due to their compatibility with the human body. Yet, poor solubility, low bio-availability, and lack of understanding about their pathophysiological mechanism halt their clinical application. Moreover, considering the complex TME and drug resistance, the most precarious and least discussed concerns for developing THM-based nano-vaccination, are identification of specific biomarkers for drug inhibitory protein and targeted delivery of bioactive ingredients of THM on the specific sites in tumor cells. The concept of THM-based nano-vaccination indicates immunomodulation of TME by THM-based bioactive adjuvants, exerting immunomodulatory effects, via targeted inhibition of key proteins involved in the metastasis of cancer. However, this concept is at its nascent stage and very few preclinical studies provided the evidence to support clinical translation. Therefore, we attempted to capsulize previously reported studies highlighting the role of THM-based nano-medicine in reducing the risk of MDR and combating complex tumor environments to provide a reference for future study design by discussing the challenges and opportunities for developing an effective and safe therapeutic strategy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen Saeed
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China.
| | - Ruimin Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Zhanghua Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
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Shimada A, Ueno H, Yamamoto K, Kawabata K, Inagaki M. Pentacyclic triterpene acids, rotungenic acid and barbinervic acid, from fresh leaves of Diospyros kaki Thunberg and their glutaminase inhibitory activities. Nat Prod Res 2024; 38:1611-1615. [PMID: 36434778 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2150765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Glutaminase is an important target that is often over-expressed in neurodegenerative and lifestyle-related diseases but few effective inhibitors of this enzyme have yet reached clinical trials. Three compounds isolated from fresh leaves of Diospyros kaki Thunberg, ursolic acid (1), rotungenic acid (2) and barbinervic acid (3), were identified by analyzing their NMR and MS spectral data and comparison of these with reported data. The IC50 values of 1-3 and 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) as control were 775, 13, 14, and 434 μM, respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 showed higher glutaminase inhibitory activities than DON. Compounds 2 and 3 may serve as potential lead compounds for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative and lifestyle-related diseases by targeting glutaminase. This is the first report on glutaminase inhibitory activities of 2 and 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsumi Shimada
- Division of Food and Nutrition, Nakamura Gakuen University Junior College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ueno
- Department of Medical Technology, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kenta Yamamoto
- Department of Food Management, Faculty of Nutritional Sciences, Nakamura Gakuen University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kohei Kawabata
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women's University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masanori Inagaki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women's University, Hiroshima, Japan
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3
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Lin LQ, Lv SY, Ren HZ, Li RR, Li L, Pang YQ, Wang J. Evodiamine inhibits EPRS expression to regulate glutamate metabolism and proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2024; 40:348-359. [PMID: 38243370 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The effects of evodiamine (EVO) on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are not yet understood. Based on our earlier findings, we hypothesized that evodiamine may affect OSCC cell proliferation and glutamate metabolism by modulating the expression of EPRS (glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase 1). From GEPIA, we obtained EPRS expression data in patients with OSCC as well as survival prognosis data. An animal model using Cal27 cells in BALB/c nude mice was established. The expression of EPRS was assessed by immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and quantitative PCR. Glutamate measurements were performed to evaluate the impact of evodiamine on glutamate metabolism of Cal27 and SAS tumor cells. transient transfection techniques were used to knock down and modulate EPRS in these cells. EPRS is expressed at higher levels in OSCC than in normal tissues, and it predicts poor prognosis in patients. In a nude mouse xenograft model, evodiamine inhibited tumor growth and the expression of EPRS. Evodiamine impacted cell proliferation, glutamine metabolism, and EPRS expression on Cal27 and SAS cell lines. In EPRS knockdown cell lines, both cell proliferation and glutamine metabolism are suppressed. EPRS's overexpression partially restores evodiamine's inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and glutamine metabolism. This study provides crucial experimental evidence supporting the potential therapeutic application of evodiamine in treating OSCC. Evodiamine exhibits promising anti-tumor effects by targeting EPRS to regulate glutamate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Qi Lin
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Si-Yi Lv
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hao-Zhe Ren
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Rong-Rong Li
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lin Li
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yun-Qing Pang
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
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4
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Zhang Q, Yuan Y, Cao S, Kang N, Qiu F. Withanolides: Promising candidates for cancer therapy. Phytother Res 2024; 38:1104-1158. [PMID: 38176694 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Natural products have played a significant role throughout history in the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases, particularly cancers. As a natural product primarily derived from various medicinal plants in the Withania genus, withanolides have been shown in several studies to exhibit potential activities in cancer treatment. Consequently, understanding the molecular mechanism of withanolides could herald the discovery of new anticancer agents. Withanolides have been studied widely, especially in the last 20 years, and attracted the attention of numerous researchers. Currently, over 1200 withanolides have been classified, with approximately a quarter of them having been reported in the literature to be able to modulate the survival and death of cancer cells through multiple avenues. To what extent, though, has the anticancer effects of these compounds been studied? How far are they from being developed into clinical drugs? What are their potential, characteristic features, and challenges? In this review, we elaborate on the current knowledge of natural compounds belonging to this class and provide an overview of their natural sources, anticancer activity, mechanism of action, molecular targets, and implications for anticancer drug research. In addition, direct targets and clinical research to guide the design and implementation of future preclinical and clinical studies to accelerate the application of withanolides have been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - YongKang Yuan
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijie Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Kang
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Li X, Peng X, Li Y, Wei S, He G, Liu J, Li X, Yang S, Li D, Lin W, Fang J, Yang L, Li H. Glutamine addiction in tumor cell: oncogene regulation and clinical treatment. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:12. [PMID: 38172980 PMCID: PMC10763057 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01449-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
After undergoing metabolic reprogramming, tumor cells consume additional glutamine to produce amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids, and other substances to facilitate their unlimited proliferation. As such, the metabolism of glutamine is intricately linked to the survival and progression of cancer cells. Consequently, targeting the glutamine metabolism presents a promising strategy to inhibit growth of tumor cell and cancer development. This review describes glutamine uptake, metabolism, and transport in tumor cells and its pivotal role in biosynthesis of amino acids, fatty acids, nucleotides, and more. Furthermore, we have also summarized the impact of oncogenes like C-MYC, KRAS, HIF, and p53 on the regulation of glutamine metabolism and the mechanisms through which glutamine triggers mTORC1 activation. In addition, role of different anti-cancer agents in targeting glutamine metabolism has been described and their prospective applications are assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xueqiang Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Shibo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Guangpeng He
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Jiaxing Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Dai Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Weikai Lin
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Jianjun Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
| | - Hangyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
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Zhang Z, Yang Y, Xu Y, Liu Y, Li H, Chen L. Molecular targets and mechanisms of anti-cancer effects of withanolides. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 384:110698. [PMID: 37690745 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Withanolides are a class of natural products with a steroidal lactone structure that exhibit a broad spectrum of anti-cancer effects. To date, several studies have shown that their possible mechanisms in cancer development and progression are associated with the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Withanolides can also attenuate inflammatory responses, as well as modulate the genomic instability and energy metabolism of cancer cells. In addition, they may improve the safety and efficacy of cancer treatments as adjuvants to traditional cancer therapeutics. Herein, we summarize the molecular targets and mechanisms of withanolides in different cancers, as well as their current clinical studies on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiruo Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yueying Yang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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7
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Tu Y, Tan L, Tao H, Li Y, Liu H. CETSA and thermal proteome profiling strategies for target identification and drug discovery of natural products. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 116:154862. [PMID: 37216761 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring target engagement at various stages of drug development is essential for natural product (NP)-based drug discovery and development. The cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) developed in 2013 is a novel, broadly applicable, label-free biophysical assay based on the principle of ligand-induced thermal stabilization of target proteins, which enables direct assessment of drug-target engagement in physiologically relevant contexts, including intact cells, cell lysates and tissues. This review aims to provide an overview of the work principles of CETSA and its derivative strategies and their recent progress in protein target validation, target identification and drug lead discovery of NPs. METHODS A literature-based survey was conducted using the Web of Science and PubMed databases. The required information was reviewed and discussed to highlight the important role of CETSA-derived strategies in NP studies. RESULTS After nearly ten years of upgrading and evolution, CETSA has been mainly developed into three formats: classic Western blotting (WB)-CETSA for target validation, thermal proteome profiling (TPP, also known as MS-CETSA) for unbiased proteome-wide target identification, and high-throughput (HT)-CETSA for drug hit discovery and lead optimization. Importantly, the application possibilities of a variety of TPP approaches for the target discovery of bioactive NPs are highlighted and discussed, including TPP-temperature range (TPP-TR), TPP-compound concentration range (TPP-CCR), two-dimensional TPP (2D-TPP), cell surface-TPP (CS-TPP), simplified TPP (STPP), thermal stability shift-based fluorescence difference in 2D gel electrophoresis (TS-FITGE) and precipitate supported TPP (PSTPP). In addition, the key advantages, limitations and future outlook of CETSA strategies for NP studies are discussed. CONCLUSION The accumulation of CETSA-based data can significantly accelerate the elucidation of the mechanism of action and drug lead discovery of NPs, and provide strong evidence for NP treatment against certain diseases. The CETSA strategy will certainly bring a great return far beyond the initial investment and open up more possibilities for future NP-based drug research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbei Tu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Lihua Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Hongxun Tao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yanfang Li
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
| | - Hanqing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
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8
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Chemical constituents from the stems of Physalis pubescens L. (Solanaceae). BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2023.104607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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9
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Nguyen TTT, Katt WP, Cerione RA. Alone and together: current approaches to targeting glutaminase enzymes as part of anti-cancer therapies. FUTURE DRUG DISCOVERY 2023; 4:FDD79. [PMID: 37009252 PMCID: PMC10051075 DOI: 10.4155/fdd-2022-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a major hallmark of malignant transformation in cancer, and part of the so-called Warburg effect, in which the upregulation of glutamine catabolism plays a major role. The glutaminase enzymes convert glutamine to glutamate, which initiates this pathway. Inhibition of different forms of glutaminase (KGA, GAC, or LGA) demonstrated potential as an emerging anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. The regulation of these enzymes, and the molecular basis for their inhibition, have been the focus of much recent research. This review will explore the recent progress in understanding the molecular basis for activation and inhibition of different forms of glutaminase, as well as the recent focus on combination therapies of glutaminase inhibitors with other anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Tien T Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - William P Katt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Kowalczyk T, Merecz-Sadowska A, Rijo P, Mori M, Hatziantoniou S, Górski K, Szemraj J, Piekarski J, Śliwiński T, Bijak M, Sitarek P. Hidden in Plants—A Review of the Anticancer Potential of the Solanaceae Family in In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061455. [PMID: 35326606 PMCID: PMC8946528 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Solanaceae family is one of the most important arable and economic families in the world. In addition, it includes a wide range of valuable active secondary metabolites of species with biological and medical properties. This literature review focuses on the assessment of the anticancer properties of the extracts and pure compounds, and the synergistic effects with chemotherapeutic agents and nanoparticles from various species of the Solanaceae family, as well as their potential molecular mechanisms of action in in vitro and in vivo studies in various types of tumours. Abstract Many of the anticancer agents that are currently in use demonstrate severe side effects and encounter increasing resistance from the target cancer cells. Thus, despite significant advances in cancer therapy in recent decades, there is still a need to discover and develop new, alternative anticancer agents. The plant kingdom contains a range of phytochemicals that play important roles in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. The Solanaceae family is widely used in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, due to its bioactive ingredient content. The purpose of this literature review is to highlight the antitumour activity of Solanaceae extracts—single isolated compounds and nanoparticles with extracts—and their synergistic effect with chemotherapeutic agents in various in vitro and in vivo cancer models. In addition, the biological properties of many plants of the Solanaceae family have not yet been investigated, which represents a challenge and an opportunity for future anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Kowalczyk
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Anna Merecz-Sadowska
- Department of Computer Science in Economics, University of Lodz, 90-214 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Patricia Rijo
- CBIOS—Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal;
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Sophia Hatziantoniou
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Karol Górski
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Janusz Szemraj
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Janusz Piekarski
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University in Lodz, Nicolaus Copernicus Multidisciplinary Centre for Oncology and Traumatology, 93-513 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Śliwiński
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Michał Bijak
- Biohazard Prevention Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Przemysław Sitarek
- Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Lodz, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence:
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11
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Blockade of glutamine-dependent cell survival augments antitumor efficacy of CPI-613 in head and neck cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:393. [PMID: 34906193 PMCID: PMC8670127 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02207-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in metabolism are one of the emerging hallmarks of cancer cells and targeting dysregulated cancer metabolism provides a new approach to developing more selective therapeutics. However, insufficient blockade critical metabolic dependencies of cancer allows the development of metabolic bypasses, thus limiting therapeutic benefits. METHODS A series of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines and animal models were used to determine the efficacy of CPI-613 and CB-839 when given alone or in combination. Glutaminase 1 (GLS1) depletion was achieved by lentiviral shRNAs. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined in HNSCC cells cultured in 2D culture dish and SeedEZ™ 3D scaffold. Molecular alterations were examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Metabolic changes were assessed by glucose uptake, lactate production, glutathione levels, and oxygen consumption rate. RESULTS We show here that HNSCC cells display strong addiction to glutamine. CPI-613, a novel lipoate analog, redirects cellular activity towards tumor-promoting glutaminolysis, leading to low anticancer efficacy in HNSCC cells. Mechanistically, CPI-613 inhibits the tricarboxylic acid cycle by blocking the enzyme activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, which upregulates GLS1 and eventually promotes the compensatory role of glutaminolysis in cancer cell survival. Most importantly, the addition of a GLS1 inhibitor CB-839 to CPI-613 treatment abrogates the metabolic dependency of HNSCC cells on glutamine, achieving a synergistic anticancer effect in glutamine-addicted HNSCC. CONCLUSIONS These findings uncover the critical role of GLS1-mediated glutaminolysis in CPI-613 treatment and suggest that the CB-839 and CPI-613 combination may potentiate synergistic anticancer activity for HNSCC therapeutic gain.
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12
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Nkwe DO, Lotshwao B, Rantong G, Matshwele J, Kwape TE, Masisi K, Gaobotse G, Hefferon K, Makhzoum A. Anticancer Mechanisms of Bioactive Compounds from Solanaceae: An Update. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4989. [PMID: 34638473 PMCID: PMC8507657 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants continue to provide unlimited pharmacologically active compounds that can treat various illnesses, including cancer. The Solanaceae family, besides providing economically important food plants, such as potatoes and tomatoes, has been exploited extensively in folk medicine, as it provides an array of bioactive compounds. Many studies have demonstrated the anticancer potency of some of the compounds, but the corresponding molecular targets are not well defined. However, advances in molecular cell biology and in silico modelling have made it possible to dissect some of the underlying mechanisms. By reviewing the literature over the last five years, we provide an update on anticancer mechanisms associated with phytochemicals isolated from species in the Solanaceae plant family. These mechanisms are conveniently grouped into cell cycle arrest, transcription regulation, modulation of autophagy, inhibition of signalling pathways, suppression of metabolic enzymes, and membrane disruption. The majority of the bioactive compounds exert their antiproliferative effects by inhibiting diverse signalling pathways, as well as arresting the cell cycle. Furthermore, some of the phytochemicals are effective against more than one cancer type. Therefore, understanding these mechanisms provides paths for future formulation of novel anticancer drugs, as well as highlighting potential areas of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O. Nkwe
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana; (B.L.); (G.R.); (T.E.K.); (K.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Bonolo Lotshwao
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana; (B.L.); (G.R.); (T.E.K.); (K.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Gaolathe Rantong
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana; (B.L.); (G.R.); (T.E.K.); (K.M.); (G.G.)
| | - James Matshwele
- Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana;
- Department of Applied Sciences, Botho University, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Tebogo E. Kwape
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana; (B.L.); (G.R.); (T.E.K.); (K.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Kabo Masisi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana; (B.L.); (G.R.); (T.E.K.); (K.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Goabaone Gaobotse
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana; (B.L.); (G.R.); (T.E.K.); (K.M.); (G.G.)
| | - Kathleen Hefferon
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada;
| | - Abdullah Makhzoum
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana; (B.L.); (G.R.); (T.E.K.); (K.M.); (G.G.)
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13
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Wang S, Fu JL, Hao HF, Jiao YN, Li PP, Han SY. Metabolic reprogramming by traditional Chinese medicine and its role in effective cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105728. [PMID: 34119622 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming, characterized by alterations of cellular metabolic patterns, is fundamentally important in supporting the malignant behaviors of cancer cells. It is considered as a promising therapeutic target against cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its bioactive components have been used in cancer therapy for an extended period, and they are well-known for their multi-target pharmacological functions and fewer side effects. However, the detailed and advanced mechanisms underlying the anticancer activities of TCM remain obscure. In this review, we summarized the critical processes of cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, including glycolysis, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, glutaminolysis, and fatty acid biosynthesis. Moreover, we systemically reviewed the regulatory effects of TCM and its bioactive ingredients on metabolic enzymes and/or signal pathways that may impede cancer progress. A total of 46 kinds of TCMs was reported to exert antitumor effects and/or act as chemosensitizers via regulating metabolic processes of cancer cells, and multiple targets and signaling pathways were revealed to contribute to the metabolic-modulating functions of TCM. In conclusion, TCM has its advantages in ameliorating cancer cell metabolic reprogramming by its poly-pharmacological actions. This review may shed some new light on the explicit recognition of the mechanisms of anticancer actions of TCM, leading to the development of natural antitumor drugs based on reshaping cancer cell metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, PR China
| | - Jia-Lei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, PR China
| | - Hui-Feng Hao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, PR China
| | - Yan-Na Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, PR China
| | - Ping-Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, PR China.
| | - Shu-Yan Han
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, PR China.
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14
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Shimada A, Ueno H, Inagaki M. Glutaminase inhibitory activities of pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Thymus vulgaris L. Nat Prod Res 2021; 36:2864-2868. [PMID: 33957830 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1921766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Glutaminase is an important target that is often over expressed in neurodegenerative and lifestyle related diseases but few effective inhibitors of this enzyme have yet reached clinical trials. Ursolic acid (1), betulinic acid (2) and oleanolic acid (3), three pentacyclic triterpene acids, have been isolated from the leaves of Thymus vulgaris L. Enzyme inhibition experiments demonstrated their inhibitory effects against glutaminase activity. Compound 2 significantly inhibited the glutaminase activity with IC50 of 0.31 mM, stronger than the positive control 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) with IC50 of 0.57 mM. Compound 2 may serve as a potential lead compound for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and lifestyle related diseases by targeting glutaminase. This is the first report on glutaminase inhibitory activities of 1-3 isolated from T. vulgaris L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsumi Shimada
- Division of Food and Nutrition, Nakamura Gakuen University Junior College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ueno
- Department of Medical Technology, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masanori Inagaki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women's University, Hiroshima, Japan
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15
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Xiang K, Li C, Li MX, Song ZR, Ma XX, Sun DJ, Li H, Chen LX. Withanolides isolated from Tubocapsicum anomalum and their antiproliferative activity. Bioorg Chem 2021; 110:104809. [PMID: 33752145 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Seven undescribed withanolides (1-7) and six artificial withanolides (8-13), along with 20 known compounds (14-33) were isolated from the aerial parts of Tubocapsicum anomalum. Their structures were confirmed by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was defined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. All isolates were evaluated for their antiproliferative effects against five human tumor cell lines (Hep3B, MDA-MB-231, SW480, HCT116 and A549), among which compound 24 (tubocapsanolide A) exhibited the highest activities against the MDA-MB-231 cells with an IC50 value of 1.89 ± 1.03 μM. Further studies showed that 24 exhibited significant damage to mitochondria in MDA-MB-231 cells, including excess reactive oxygen species, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis initiation. In addition, compound 24 also inhibited cell migration. These findings show that tubocapsanolide A may be a promising molecule for triple-negative breast cancer treatment and merit further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xiang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Chen Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Ming-Xue Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhuo-Rui Song
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xiao-Xin Ma
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - De-Juan Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Li-Xia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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16
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Wang Z, Liu F, Fan N, Zhou C, Li D, Macvicar T, Dong Q, Bruns CJ, Zhao Y. Targeting Glutaminolysis: New Perspectives to Understand Cancer Development and Novel Strategies for Potential Target Therapies. Front Oncol 2020; 10:589508. [PMID: 33194749 PMCID: PMC7649373 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.589508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism rewiring is an important hallmark of cancers. Being one of the most abundant free amino acids in the human blood, glutamine supports bioenergetics and biosynthesis, tumor growth, and the production of antioxidants through glutaminolysis in cancers. In glutamine dependent cancer cells, more than half of the tricarboxylic/critic acid (TCA) metabolites are derived from glutamine. Glutaminolysis controls the process of converting glutamine into TCA cycle metabolites through the regulation of multiple enzymes, among which the glutaminase shows the importance as the very first step in this process. Targeting glutaminolysis via glutaminase inhibition emerges as a promising strategy to disrupt cancer metabolism and tumor progression. Here, we review the regulation of glutaminase and the role of glutaminase in cancer metabolism and metastasis. Furthermore, we highlight the glutaminase inhibitor based metabolic therapy strategy and their potential applications in clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhefang Wang
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fanyu Liu
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ningbo Fan
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Chenghui Zhou
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dai Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas Macvicar
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Qiongzhu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Christiane J Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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