Berberine suppresses in vitro migration and invasion of human SCC-4 tongue squamous cancer cells through the inhibitions of FAK, IKK, NF-κB, u-PA and MMP-2 and -9

Berberine synergises with ferroptosis inducer sensitizing NSCLC to ferroptosis in p53-dependent SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway

Berberine (BBR) is a compound derived from Chinese herbal medicine, known for its anticancer properties through multiple signaling pathways. However, whether BBR can inhibit tumor growth by participating in ferroptosis remains unconfirmed. In this study, we demonstrated that berberine synergistically inhibited NSCLC in combination with multiple ferroptosis inducers, and this combination synergistically down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, and NRF2, resulting in ferroptosis accompanied by significant depletion of GSH, and aberrant accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. In a lung cancer allograft model, the combination treatment exhibited enhanced anticancer effects compared to using either drug alone. Notably, p53 is critical in determining the ferroptosis sensitivity. We found that the combination treatment did not elicit a synergistic anticancer effect in cells with a p53 mutation or with exogenous expression of mutant p53. These findings provide insight into the mechanism by which combination induces ferroptosis and the regulatory role of p53 in this process. It may guide the development of new strategies for treating NSCLC, offering great medical potential for personal diagnosis and treatment.

Research progress on pharmacological effects and bioavailability of berberine

Berberine (BBR), a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid obtained from natural medicines such as coptidis rhizoma, has a wide range of pharmacological activities such as protecting the nervous system, protecting the cardiovascular system, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antitumor, antibacterial, and antidiarrheal. However, factors such as poor solubility, low permeability, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux, and hepatic-intestinal metabolism result in BBR having a low bioavailability (< 1%), which restricts its application in clinical settings. Therefore, improving its bioavailability is a prerequisite for its clinical applications. This review summarizes the various pharmacological effects of BBR and analyzes the main reasons for its poor bioavailability. It introduces methods to improve the bioavailability of BBR through the use of absorption enhancers and P-gp inhibitors, structural modification of BBR, and preparation of BBR salts and cocrystals as well as the development of new formulations and focuses on the bioavailability study of the new formulations of BBR. The research of BBR was also prospected in order to provide reference for the further research of BBR.

Identification of FtfL as a novel target of berberine in intestinal bacteria

BACKGROUND

Berberine (BBR) is a commonly used anti-intestinal inflammation drug, and its anti-cancer activity has been found recently. BBR can intervene and control malignant colorectal cancer (CRC) through intestinal microbes, but the direct molecular target and related mechanism are unclear. This study aimed to identify the target of BBR and dissect related mechanisms against the occurrence and development of CRC from the perspective of intestinal microorganisms.

RESULTS

Here, we found that BBR inhibits the growth of several CRC-driving bacteria, especially Peptostreptococcus anaerobius. By using a biotin-conjugated BBR derivative, we identified the protein FtfL (formate tetrahydrofolate ligase), a key enzyme in C1 metabolism, is the molecular target of BBR in P. anaerobius. BBR exhibits strong binding affinity and potent inhibition on FtfL. Based on this, we determined the crystal structure of PaFtfL (P. anaerobius FtfL)-BBR complex and found that BBR can not only interfere with the conformational flexibility of PaFtfL tetramer by wedging the tetramer interface but also compete with its substrate ATP for binding within the active center. In addition, the enzymatic activities of FtfL homologous proteins in human tumor cells can also be inhibited by BBR.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our study has identified FtfL as a direct target of BBR and uncovered molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-CRC of BBR. BBR interferes with intestinal pathogenic bacteria by targeting FtfLs, suggesting a new means for controlling the occurrence and development of CRC.

Drug Candidates for Autoimmune Diseases

Most of the immunosuppressive drugs used in the clinic to prevent organ rejection or to treat autoimmune disorders were originally isolated from fungi or bacteria. Therefore, in addition to plants, these are valuable sources for identification of new potent drugs. Many side effects of established drugs limit their usage and make the identification of new immunosuppressants necessary. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of natural products with potent anti-inflammatory activities that have been tested successfully in different models of chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Some of these candidates already have passed first clinical trials. The anti-inflammatory potency of these natural products was often comparable to those of established drugs, and they could be used at least in addition to standard therapy to reduce their dose to minimize unwanted side effects. A frequent mode of action is the inhibition of classical inflammatory signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, in combination with downregulation of oxidative stress. A drawback for the therapeutic use of those natural products is their moderate bioavailability, which can be optimized by chemical modifications and, in addition, further safety studies are necessary. Altogether, very interesting candidate compounds exist which have the potential to serve as starting points for the development of new immunosuppressive drugs.

Modulation of TLR/NF-κB/NLRP Signaling by Bioactive Phytocompounds: A Promising Strategy to Augment Cancer Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Background

Tumors often progress to a more aggressive phenotype to resist drugs. Multiple dysregulated pathways are behind this tumor behavior which is known as cancer chemoresistance. Thus, there is an emerging need to discover pivotal signaling pathways involved in the resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and cancer immunotherapy. Reports indicate the critical role of the toll-like receptor (TLR)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing (NLRP) pathway in cancer initiation, progression, and development. Therefore, targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling is a promising strategy to augment cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy and to combat chemoresistance. Considering the potential of phytochemicals in the regulation of multiple dysregulated pathways during cancer initiation, promotion, and progression, such compounds could be suitable candidates against cancer chemoresistance.

Objectives

This is the first comprehensive and systematic review regarding the role of phytochemicals in the mitigation of chemoresistance by regulating the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway in chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Methods

A comprehensive and systematic review was designed based on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane electronic databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to include papers on TLR/NF-κB/NLRP and chemotherapy/immunotherapy/chemoresistance by phytochemicals.

Results

Phytochemicals are promising multi-targeting candidates against the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway and interconnected mediators. Employing phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, and sulfur compounds could be a promising strategy for managing cancer chemoresistance through the modulation of the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway. Novel delivery systems of phytochemicals in cancer chemotherapy/immunotherapy are also highlighted.

Conclusion

Targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling with bioactive phytocompounds reverses chemoresistance and improves the outcome for chemotherapy and immunotherapy in both preclinical and clinical stages.

Anticancer mechanisms of Berberine: a good choice for glioblastoma multiforme therapy

The most typical malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), seems to have a grim outcome, despite the intensive multi-modality interventions. Literature suggests that biologically active phytomolecules may exert anticancer properties by regulating several signaling pathways. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has various pharmacological applications to combat severe diseases like cancer. Mechanistically, Berberine inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, suppresses tumor angiogenesis, and induces cell apoptosis. The effect of the antitumoral effect of Berberine in GBM is increasingly recognized. This review sheds new light on the regulatory signaling mechanisms of Berberine in various cancer, proposing its potential role as a therapeutic agent for GBM. ‎.

Berberine and its derivatives represent as the promising therapeutic agents for inflammatory disorders

Berberine, with the skeleton of quaternary ammonium, has been considered as the well-defined natural product in treating multiple diseases, including inflammation, acute and chronic infection, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes. However, due to the low bioavailability and systemic exposure, broad clinical applications of berberine have been largely impeded. Numerous studies have been conducted to further explore the therapeutic capacities of berberine in preclinical and clinical trials. Over the past, berberine and its derivatives have been shown to possess numerous pharmacological activities, as evidenced in intestinal, pulmonary, skin, and bone inflammatory disorders. In the present review, the pharmacological impact of berberine on inflammatory diseases are fully discussed, with indication that berberine and its potential derivatives represent promising natural therapeutic agents with anti-inflammatory properties.

Leaf Extract and Active Fractions of Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. Reduce In Vitro Human Cancer Cell Migration Via NF-κB Pathway

Background:

Different parts of Dillenia pentagyna have long been used in traditional medicines to cure several diseases including cancer. However, the mechanism(s) of anti-cancer effects are still unknown. We aimed to elucidate the anti-metastatic potential of ethanolic extracts of leaves of D. pentagyna (EELDP) and active fractions of it in highly metastatic human cancer cells.

Methods:

We screened different HPLC fractions of EELDP based on their anti-metastatic effect. We used TLC and ESI-MS for determining the presence of various phytochemicals in EELDP and fractions. We monitored in vitro anti-metastasis effect of EELDP (0-0.6 mg/ml) and active fractions (0-0.050 mg/ml) on various human cancer cells like A549, HeLa, and U2OS.

Results:

EELDP significantly reduced cell viability and cell migration in A549, HeLa, and U2OS cells. However, higher sensitivity was observed in A549 cells. We screened 2 active HPLC fractions F6 and F8 having anti-MMPs activity. EELDP and active fractions reduced metastasis via the NF-κB pathway, decreased the expression of Vimentin, N-cadherin, and increased the expression of Claudin-1.

Conclusion:

Significant reduction of metastasis by EELDP at a dose of 0.1 mg/ml or by active fractions at 0.050 mg/ml implicates that the active compound(s) present in crude or fractions are extremely potent to control highly metastatic cancer.

San-Zhong-Kui-Jian-Tang Exerts Antitumor Effects Associated With Decreased Cell Proliferation and Metastasis by Targeting ERK and the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Pathway in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive cancer whose 5-year survival rate remains poor. San-Zhong-Kui-Jian-Tang (SZKJT), a Chinese herbal formula, has long been used in clinical practice as adjuvant therapy in cancers. However, its therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms in OSCC remain unclear.

METHODS

We investigated the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanism of SZKJT in OSCC in tumor cell lines and in tumor xenograft mice and evaluated combined SZKJT and cisplatin treatment efficacy. In vitro-cultured OSCC cells were administered SZKJT at different doses or SZKJT plus cisplatin, and cell proliferation, colony formation assays, and cell cycle analysis were used to assess the effects on cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. We also analyzed the effects of SZKJT on oral cancer cell line migration, the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated genes. The antitumor effects of SZKJT plus cisplatin were also tested in vivo using a tumor-bearing NOD/SCID mice model.

RESULTS

The results showed that SZKJT effectively inhibited OSCC cell proliferation, induced cell cycle S phase arrest, and induced cell apoptosis. SZKJT also inhibited cell migration by modulating the MAPK signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Further exploration suggested that SZKJT affects OSCC by modulating ERK pathway; downregulating vimentin, fibronectin, and Oct-4; and upregulating E-cadherin. In vivo, SZKJT significantly inhibited tumor growth, and SZKJT and cisplatin exerted synergistic antitumor effects in model animals.

CONCLUSIONS

SZKJT exerts antitumor effects in OSCC cells. Additionally, SZKJT and cisplatin exhibit synergy in OSCC treatment. These findings support the clinical usage of Chinese herbal formulas as adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy in cancer treatment.

Research progress on the pharmacological effects of berberine targeting mitochondria

Berberine is a natural active ingredient extracted from the rhizome of Rhizoma Coptidis, which interacts with multiple intracellular targets and exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities. Previous studies have preliminarily confirmed that the regulation of mitochondrial activity is related to various pharmacological actions of berberine, such as regulating blood sugar and lipid and inhibiting tumor progression. However, the mechanism of berberine's regulation of mitochondrial activity remains to be further studied. This paper summarizes the molecular mechanism of the mitochondrial quality control system and briefly reviews the targets of berberine in regulating mitochondrial activity. It is proposed that berberine mainly regulates glycolipid metabolism by regulating mitochondrial respiratory chain function, promotes tumor cell apoptosis by regulating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, and protects cardiac function by promoting mitophagy to alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction. It reveals the mechanism of berberine's pharmacological effects from the perspective of mitochondria and provides a scientific basis for the application of berberine in the clinical treatment of diseases.

Phytodentistry in Africa: prospects for head and neck cancers

Background

Orthodox dentistry has undergone significant changes in recent times with the introduction of various omics and molecular targeted therapies both at the experimental/trial and clinical implementation level. Although, significant milestones have been achieved in the molecular dentistry field in the past decade, there remains a dearth of application of phytopharmacological innovation in personalized and targeted therapies for dental diseases.

Main body

From time immemorial, plant products have long been an integral aspect of dental practice ranging from chewing sticks/herbal kinds of toothpaste to dental/impression materials. The current era of precision medicine seeks to apply a multipronged molecular and bio-computational approaches to solve fundamental medical problems that have hitherto remained difficult. Remarkable changes in the molecular/omics era, have transformed empirical therapies into personalized/individualized ones. Furthermore, the combinatorial application and the widespread introduction of high-throughput molecular tools such as pharmacogenomics, phytopharmacology, metabolomics, mathematical modelling, and genetic engineering inter alia, has tremendously improved the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape of medicine. Additionally, the variable molecular epidemiology of diseases among different population and emerging molecular evidence warrants the use of customized novel theranostic techniques. Unfortunately, the footprint of such emerging application is sparse in dental diseases such as maxillofacial cancers.

Conclusion

Hence, this review seeks to evaluate the potential application of phytopharmacological approaches to head and neck cancers in a resource-limited environment, such as Africa.

Phytochemicals as Potential Chemopreventive and Chemotherapeutic Agents for Emerging Human Papillomavirus-Driven Head and Neck Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Prospects

Head and neck cancer (HNC) usually arises from squamous cells of the upper aerodigestive tract that line the mucosal surface in the head and neck region. In India, HNC is common in males, and it is the sixth most common cancer globally. Conventionally, HNC attributes to the use of alcohol or chewing tobacco. Over the past four decades, portions of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive HNC are increasing at an alarming rate. Identification based on the etiological factors and molecular signatures demonstrates that these neoplastic lesions belong to a distinct category that differs in pathological characteristics and therapeutic response. Slow development in HNC therapeutics has resulted in a low 5-year survival rate in the last two decades. Interestingly, HPV-positive HNC has shown better outcomes following conservative treatments and immunotherapies. This raises demand to have a pre-therapy assessment of HPV status to decide the treatment strategy. Moreover, there is no HPV-specific treatment for HPV-positive HNC patients. Accumulating evidence suggests that phytochemicals are promising leads against HNC and show potential as adjuvants to chemoradiotherapy in HNC. However, only a few of these phytochemicals target HPV. The aim of the present article was to collate data on various leading phytochemicals that have shown promising results in the prevention and treatment of HNC in general and HPV-driven HNC. The review explores the possibility of using these leads against HPV-positive tumors as some of the signaling pathways are common. The review also addresses various challenges in the field that prevent their use in clinical settings.

Anticancer activity of Nigerian medicinal plants: a review

Background

Cancer is currently the leading cause of death globally and the number of deaths from cancer is on the rise daily. Medicinal plants have been in continuous use over the years for the management of cancer, particularly, in most developing countries of the world including Nigeria. The use of synthetic drugs for the treatment of cancer is often accompanied by toxic side effects. Thus, the alternative use of readily available and inexpensive medicinal plants is the panacea to the toxic side effects associated with synthetic drugs.

Main body

The present review summarized the anticancer activity of 51 medicinal plants that are widespread in all regions of Nigeria. Furthermore, the proposed anticancer pharmacological actions as well as the anticancer bioactive compounds, the type of cancer cell inhibited, the plant parts responsible for the anticancer activity, and the nature of the extracts used for the studies were discussed in this review. The 51 Nigerian medicinal plants were reported to exhibit anticancer activities of the prostate, cervices, lung, skin, colon, esophagus, blood, ovary, central nervous system/brain, breast, stomach, pancreas, larynx, and kidney. The major classes of bioactive compounds indicated to be responsible for the anticancer activity include the polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, triterpenes, tannins, and quinones. The major anticancer pharmacological actions of these bioactive compounds were antiproliferative, cytotoxic, cytostatic, antimetastatic, apoptotic, and antioxidative as well as provoked cell cycle arrest, inhibition of angiogenesis and reduction of cancer cell viability.

Conclusion

The Nigerian medicinal plants can be harnessed to provide for readily available and inexpensive anticancer drugs in the future because the plants reported in this review showed promising anticancer activity.

Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory impacts of berberine on activation of autoreactive T cells in autoimmune inflammation

Autoreactive inflammatory CD4+ T cells, such as T helper (Th)1 and Th17 subtypes, have been found to associate with the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. On the other hand, CD4+ Foxp3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells are crucial for the immune tolerance and have a critical role in the suppression of the excessive immune and inflammatory response promoted by these Th cells. In contrast, dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages are immune cells that through their inflammatory functions promote autoreactive T-cell responses in autoimmune conditions. In recent years, there has been increasing attention to exploring effective immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory agents from the herbal collection of traditional medicine. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, is one of the main active ingredients extracted from medicinal herbs and has been shown to exert various biological and pharmacological effects that are suggested to be mainly attributed to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Several lines of experimental study have recently investigated the therapeutic potential of berberine for treating autoimmune conditions in animal models of human autoimmune diseases. Here, we aimed to seek mechanisms underlying immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of berberine on autoreactive inflammatory responses in autoimmune conditions. Reported data reveal that berberine can directly suppress functions and differentiation of pro-inflammatory Th1 and Th17 cells, and indirectly decrease Th cell-mediated inflammation through modulating or suppressing other cells assisting autoreactive inflammation, such as Tregs, DCs and macrophages.

Effects of Coriandrum sativum on Migration and Invasion Abilities of Cancer Cells

Coriandrum sativum (coriander) is an annual herb in the Apiaceae family. Its leaves and seeds are used for cooking. Coriander has several beneficial functions such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-cancer effects. Although anti-carcinogenic potential of coriander has been known well, the effects of coriander on cancer metastasis have not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study, the effects of coriander on migration and invasion were investigated in vitro and in vivo by using human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) and mouse melanoma cell line (B16F10). The migration and invasion abilities of cancer cells had been evaluated by trans-well double chamber and these abilities were significantly impaired by treatment of cancer cells with coriander extract whose concentration did not affect proliferation. The treatment of cancer cells with coriander extract significantly reduced both matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) activities, which were involved in cell migration and invasion, in their conditioned media. Furthermore, coriander extract suppressed the phosphorylation of Erk 1 or IkB in B16F10 cells, and inhibited the expression of MMP-2 or u-PA mRNA. After injection of B16F10 cells into the tail vein of C57BL/6J mice, the number of metastatic regions in lungs were counted. Mice fed with diet containing coriander possessed a smaller number of metastatic regions than those fed with control diet. It was suggested that coriander extract might have the abilities to suppress cancer cell migration and invasion, indicating that coriander provides the improvement of cancer prognosis.

Biologically active isoquinoline alkaloids covering 2014-2018

Isoquinoline alkaloids, an important class of N-based heterocyclic compounds, have attracted considerable attention from researchers worldwide since the early 19th century. Over the past 200 years, many compounds from this class were isolated, and most of them and their analogs possess various bioactivities. In this review, we survey the updated literature on bioactive alkaloids and highlight research achievements of this alkaloid class during the period of 2014-2018. We reviewed over 400 molecules with a broad range of bioactivities, including antitumor, antidiabetic and its complications, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and other activities. This review should provide new indications or directions for the discovery of new and better drugs from the original naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloids.

Role of Focal Adhesion Kinase in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Therapeutic Prospect

Head and neck cancers are one of the most prevalent cancers globally. Among them, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for approximately 90% of head and neck cancers, which occurs in the oral cavity, oral pharynx, hypopharynx and larynx. The 5-year survival rate of HNSCC patients is only 63%, mainly because about 80–90% of patients with advanced HNSCC tend to suffer from local recurrence or even distant metastasis. Despite the more in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of HNSCC in recent years, effective targeted therapies are unavailable for HNSCC, which emphasize the urgent demand for studies in this area. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is an intracellular non-receptor tyrosine kinase that contributes to oncogenesis and tumor progression by its significant function in cell survival, proliferation, adhesion, invasion and migration. In addition, FAK exerts an effect on the tumor microenvironment, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, radiation (chemotherapy) resistance, tumor stem cells and regulation of inflammatory factors. Moreover, the overexpression and activation of FAK are detected in multiple types of tumors, including HNSCC. FAK inhibition can induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, significantly decrease cell growth, invasion and migration in HNSCC cell lines. In this article, we mainly review the research progress of FAK in the occurrence, development and metastasis of HNSCC, and put forward the prospects for the therapeutic targets of HNSCC.

Traditional Herbal Medicine Mediated Regulations during Head and Neck Carcinogenesis

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most prevalent neoplasms worldwide. It is well recognized that environmental challenges such as smoking, viral infection and alcohol consumption are key factors underlying HNSCC pathogenesis. Other than major clinical interventions (e.g., surgical resection, chemical and radiotherapy) that have been routinely practiced over years, adjuvant anticancer agents from Traditional Herbal Medicine (THM) are proposed, either alone or together with conventional therapies, to be experimentally effective for improving treatment efficacy in different cancers including HNSCCs. At a cellular and molecular basis, THM extracts could modulate different malignant indices via distinct signaling pathways and provide better control in HNSCC malignancy and its clinical complications such as radiotherapy-induced xerostomia/oral mucositis. In this article, we aim to systemically review the impacts of THM in regulating HNSCC tumorous identities and its potential perspective for clinical use.

Berberine inhibits proliferation and induces G0/G1 phase arrest in colorectal cancer cells by downregulating IGF2BP3

AIMS

Berberine (BBR) is one of isoquinoline alkaloids from Coptidis Rhizoma and possesses extensive pharmacological activities, including anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) activity. However, the detailed mechanisms remain to be determined. The current study aims to investigate the ability and the potential mechanism of BBR against CRC.

MAIN METHODS

By mining recognized CRC datasets and RNA-seq results of cells and tumors treated with BBR for perform bioinformatics analysis to find key targets IGF2BP3. Overexpression and knockdown of IGF2BP3 assays were used to explore the biological role of IGF2BP3 in the process of BBR against CRC.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results showed that BBR inhibits proliferation and induces G0/G1 phase arrest in CRC cells by downregulating IGF2BP3. Specifically, Knockdown of IGF2BP3 could suppress the PI3K/AKT pathway to inhibit cell proliferation and cycle transition. The negative effects of BBR in CRC cells could be rescued by overexpressing IGF2BP3.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our data might provide a theoretical basis for the future use of BBR in colorectal cancer prevention.

Feeling Things Out: Bidirectional Signaling of the Cell-ECM Interface, Implications in the Mechanobiology of Cell Spreading, Migration, Proliferation, and Differentiation

Biophysical cues stemming from the extracellular environment are rapidly transduced into discernible chemical messages (mechanotransduction) that direct cellular activities-placing the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a potent regulator of cell behavior. Dynamic reciprocity between the cell and its associated matrix is essential to the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and dysregulation of both ECM mechanical signaling, via pathological ECM turnover, and internal mechanotransduction pathways contribute to disease progression. This review covers the current understandings of the key modes of signaling used by both the cell and ECM to coregulate one another. By taking an outside-in approach, the inherent complexities and regulatory processes at each level of signaling (ECM, plasma membrane, focal adhesion, and cytoplasm) are captured to give a comprehensive picture of the internal and external mechanoregulatory environment. Specific emphasis is placed on the focal adhesion complex which acts as a central hub of mechanical signaling, regulating cell spreading, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, a wealth of available knowledge on mechanotransduction is curated to generate an integrated signaling network encompassing the central components of the focal adhesion, cytoplasm and nucleus that act in concert to promote durotaxis, proliferation, and differentiation in a stiffness-dependent manner.

Small molecule inhibitors and stimulators of inducible nitric oxide synthase in cancer cells from natural origin (phytochemicals, marine compounds, antibiotics)

Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are a family of isoforms, which generate nitric oxide (NO). NO is one of the smallest molecules in nature and acts mainly as a potent vasodilator. It participates in various biological processes ranging from physiological to pathological conditions. Inducible NOS (iNOS, NOS2) is a calcium-independent and inducible isoform. Despite high iNOS expression in many tumors, the role of iNOS is still unclear and complex with both enhancing and prohibiting actions in tumorigenesis. Nature presents a broad variety of natural stimulators and inhibitors, which may either promote or inhibit iNOS response. In the present review, we give an overview of iNOS-modulating agents with a special focus on both natural and synthetic molecules and their effects in related biological processes. The role of iNOS in physiological and pathological conditions is also discussed.

Coptidis Rhizoma: a comprehensive review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

CONTEXT

Coptidis rhizome (CR), also known as Huanglian in Chinese, is the rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch., C. deltoidea C.Y. Cheng et Hsiao, or C. teeta Wall (Ranunculaceae). It has been widely used to treat bacillary dysentery, diabetes, pertussis, sore throat, aphtha, and eczema in China.

OBJECTIVES

The present paper reviews the latest advances of CR, focusing on the botany, phytochemistry, traditional usages, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology and toxicology of CR and its future perspectives.

METHODS

Studies from 1985 to 2018 were reviewed from books; PhD. and MSc. dissertations; the state and local drug standards; PubMed; CNKI; Scopus; the Web of Science; and Google Scholar using the keywords Coptis, Coptidis Rhizoma, Huanglian, and goldthread.

RESULTS

Currently, 128 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from CR. Alkaloids are the characteristic components, together with organic acids, coumarins, phenylpropanoids and quinones. The extracts/compounds isolated from CR cover a wide pharmacological spectrum, including antibacterial, antivirus, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer and cardioprotective effects. Berberine is the most important active constituent and the primary toxic component of CR.

CONCLUSIONS

As an important herbal medicine in Chinese medicine, CR has the potential to treat various diseases. However, further research should be undertaken to investigate the clinical effects, toxic constituents, target organs and pharmacokinetics, and to establish criteria for quality control, for CR and its related medications. In addition, the active constituents, other than alkaloids, in both raw and processed products of CR should be investigated.

Effects of Resveratrol, Berberine and Their Combinations on Reactive Oxygen Species, Survival and Apoptosis in Human Squamous Carcinoma (SCC-25) Cells

Background:

Levels of cellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) influence the oxidized/reduced states of cellular proteins, and create redox-signaling pathways that can activate transcription factors, kinases, and phosphatases. ROS levels can be increased radically by external factors, including ionizing and UV radiation or exposure to chemical compounds. These increased ROS levels can, in turn, lead to oxidative damage of DNA. Natural plant treatments against cancer can modulate these processes by inducing or decreasing ROS production.

Methods:

Here we report new observations that squamous carcinoma (SCC-25) cells, exposed to 24 hours of combined resveratrol and berberine treatment, contain increased ROS levels. Using flow cytometry, for drug activity characteristics, an accumulation of ROS was observed. A combination of different dyes, CellROX Green (Life Technologies) and DCFH-DA (Sigma), allowed for flow cytometric estimation of levels of cellular ROS as well as cellular localization.

Results:

Live staining and microscopic observations confirmed the accumulation of ROS in SCC-25 cells following a combination treatment at concentrations of 10μg/ml. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the compounds was significantly improved after their combined application. Additive effects were observed for doses lower than the calculated IC50 of berberine [IC50=23µg/ml] and resveratrol [IC50=9µg/ml]. Viability (MTS) assays and analysis of isobolograms revealed a significant impact on cell viability upon combination treatment.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that administration of berberine, in the presence of resveratrol, could be decreased even to 50% (half the IC50 for berberine) for cancer treatment.

Berberine as a potential autophagy modulator

Today, pharmacognosy is considered a valuable science in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Among herbals, Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in the Berberis species. Surprisingly, it shows antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory potential. Furthermore, it diminishes drug resistance in cancer therapy and enhances tumor suppression in part through autophagy and cell cycle arrest mechanisms. In the present review, we discuss the effect of berberine on diverse cellular pathways and describe how berberine acts as an autophagy modulator to adjust physiologic and pathologic conditions and diminishes drug resistance in cancer therapy.

Ethanolic extract of leaf of Dillenia pentagyna reduces in-vitro cell migration and induces intrinsic pathway of apoptosis via downregulation of NF-κβ in human NSCLC A549 cells

Despite the advancement of the pharmaceutical industry, medicinal plants are still a reliable source of traditional medicines to cure a number of diseases. Various parts of Dillenia pentagyna are used in traditional medicine in India for treatment of various disorders including cancers, but detailed mechanisms are still unknown. Dried leaves of D. pentagyna were extracted with ethanol and termed as an ethanolic extract of leaves of D. pentagyna (EELDP). Our aim was to elucidate the role of EELDP in in-vitro cell migration and apoptosis in highly metastatic human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. We measured cell viability and in-vitro cell migration in three different human cancer cells A549, HeLa and U2OS treated with EELDP (0-0.6 mg/mL). However, A549 cells showed higher sensitivity to EELDP treatment. Hence we studied several key markers of metastasis and apoptosis pathway in A549 cells treated with EELDP. EELDP treatment significantly reduced in-vitro cell migration, wound healing, expression and activity of MMP-2, MMP-9 via reduction of nuclear factor kappa Beta (NF-κβ). EELDP also reduced vimentin, N-cadherin and increased claudin-1. The intrinsic pathway of apoptosis was triggered by EELDP via the NF-κβ pathway through the increase of the Bax to Bcl₂ ratio, leading to the fall of mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequently induced release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-3 followed by nuclear fragmentation in A549 cells. Furthermore, we observed change of a few markers of metastasis and apoptosis in other two cell types HeLa and U2OS treated with EELDP. These data implicate that the effect of EELDP is not cell-specific. Since only 0.1 mg/mL EELDP significantly reduces in-vitro cell migration and increases apoptosis, the active compound(s) present in EELDP is very much potent to control highly metastatic cancer.

Berberine inhibits angiogenesis in glioblastoma xenografts by targeting the VEGFR2/ERK pathway

CONTEXT

Berberine is used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years with recent reports of its anticancer activity.

OBJECTIVE

To test antiangiogenic effects of berberine on human glioblastoma and clarify involvement of the VEGFR2/ERK pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell viability, proliferation and migration assays were performed to determine in vitro antiangiogenic effects of berberine (6.25-200 μmol/L, 6-48 h). Ectopic and orthotopic xenograft models in BALB/c nude mice were induced to determine antitumour and antiangiogenic effects of berberine (50 mg/kg by oral gavage for 28 days) or vehicle control (carboxymethylcellulose sodium).

RESULTS

Berberine inhibited cell viability (IC50 of 42 and 32 μmol/L, respectively) and proliferation of U87 and U251 human glioblastoma cell lines. Berberine (50 μmol/L) inhibited cell migration of HUVEC by 67.50 ± 8.14% in the Transwell assay and tube formation of HUVEC by 73.00 ± 11.12% in the Matrigel assay. In the ectopic xenograft model, tumour weight was significantly decreased by 50 mg/kg of berberine (401.2 ± 71.5 mg vs. 860.7 ± 117.1 mg in vehicle group, p ˂ 0.001). Berberine significantly decreased haemoglobin content (28.81 ± 3.64 μg/mg vs. 40.84 ± 5.15 μg/mg in vehicle group, p ˂ 0.001) and CD31 mRNA expression in tumour tissue. In the orthotopic xenograft model, berberine (50 mg/kg) significantly improved the survival rate of mice (p = 0.0078). Berberine inhibited (p ˂ 0.001) the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and ERK.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Berberine inhibited angiogenesis in glioblastoma xenografts by targeting the VEGFR2/ERK pathway. Our work sheds new light on complementary and alternative therapy for glioblastoma.

Precise Dissolution Control and Bioavailability Evaluation for Insoluble Drug Berberine via a Polymeric Particle Prepared Using Supercritical CO₂

It is still controversial whether poor aqueous solubility is the most primary reason for the low oral bioavailability of insoluble drugs. Therefore, in this study, berberine-loaded solid polymeric particles (BPs) of varied dissolution profiles with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as carrier were fabricated using solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids (SEDS), and the relationship between dissolution and berberine (BBR) bioavailability was evaluated. Dissolution property was controlled via particle morphology manipulation, which was achieved by adjusting several key operating parameters during the SEDS process. Characterization on BP using infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction indicated that BBR was dispersed in amorphous form, while nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that methoxy groups of BBR were included into the cavities of β-CD. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that oral bioavailability increased by about 54% and 86% when the dissolution rate of BBR was increased by 51% and 83%, respectively. The entry speed of BBR into the bloodstream was also advanced with the degree of dissolution enhancement. It seemed that dissolution enhancement gave positive effect to the oral bioavailability of berberine, but this might not be the crucial point. Meanwhile, supercritical CO₂ technology is a promising method for pharmaceutical research due to its advantages in regulating drug-dosage properties.

Potential Prophylactic Effect of Berberine against Rat Colon Carcinoma Induce by 1,2-Dimethyl Hydrazine

Introduction: Colon Cancer remains one of the major worldwide causes of cancer related morbidity and mortality in both genders. Berberine (BBR), a major component of alkaloids that possess a variety of pharmacological properties. Objective: This study shows the ameliorating roles of berberine on 1,2 Di methyl hydrazine (DMH) induced colon cancer in male Swiss albino rats. Methods: The rats were segregated into four groups: group 1, control rats; group 2, rats were orally received berberine (75 mg/kg b.wt./day) daily for ten weeks; group 3,rats were subcutaneously injected with DMH (20 mg/kg b.wt) once a week for 8 weeks ,group 4, rats were treated firstly with berberine for two weeks before DMH intoxication and concurrently with DMH over 8 weeks. Result: DMH injection decreased the antioxidants levels (GSH and SOD) and increased inflammatory markers (MPO, MAPK and COX-2). Moreover, it downregulated apoptotic markers (Caspase-3 and P53) expression that confirmed by colon cell proliferation. The prophylactic effect of berberine was noticed as its pre-and co-administration increased antioxidants status and apoptotic markers expression that associated with inflammatory markers down-regulation with absence of proliferated colon cells. Conclusion: Therefore, the overall findings proved that the anti-proliferative effect of berberine return to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that activated the programmed cell death process.

Role of Daucosterol Linoleate on Breast Cancer: Studies on Apoptosis and Metastasis

The antitumor property of steroids in sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas L.) remains poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the anticancer effect on breast carcinoma of daucosterol linoleate (DL), a steroid isolated from sweet potato. DL inhibited the cell viability of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells at an IC₅₀ value of 53.27 ± 9.02 μg/mL, while the effect was modest in ER-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Flow cytometry indicated that the DL-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells is dose-dependent. However, DL inhibited tumor growth and tumor weight at 100 mg/kg in MCF-7 xenograft nude mice. DL diminished the expression of Bcl-xl, Bcl-2, and XIAP, while increasing Bax, Bad, and activated caspase-dependent apoptosis in tumor tissues. Furthermore, DL inactivated the upstream Pi3k/Akt/NF-κB pathway. In the 4T1 spontaneous metastasis model, DL blocked metastasis progression, decreased the number of visible metastasis foci and inhibited metastasis size distribution in lung tissue. Further studies showed that DL suppressed VEGF, MMP 2, and MMP 9 expression in both tumor and lung tissues. From these results, we can assume that DL is a potential adjuvant therapy for ER-positive breast cancer patients.

Berberine Suppresses Fibronectin Expression through Inhibition of c-Jun Phosphorylation in Breast Cancer Cells

Purpose

The exact mechanism regulating fibronectin (FN) expression in breast cancer cells has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the pharmacological mechanism of berberine (BBR) with respect to FN expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells.

Methods

The clinical significance of FN mRNA expression was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database (http://kmplot.com/breast). FN mRNA and protein expression levels were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively.

Results

Using publicly available clinical data, we observed that high FN expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. FN mRNA and protein expression was increased in TNBC cells compared with non-TNBC cells. As expected, recombinant human FN significantly induced cell spreading and adhesion in MDA-MB231 TNBC cells. We also investigated the regulatory mechanism underlying FN expression. Basal levels of FN mRNA and protein expression were downregulated by a specific activator protein-1 (AP-1) inhibitor, SR11302. Interestingly, FN expression in TNBC cells was dose-dependently decreased by BBR treatment. The level of c-Jun phosphorylation was also decreased by BBR treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that FN expression is regulated via an AP-1–dependent mechanism, and that BBR suppresses FN expression in TNBC cells through inhibition of AP-1 activity.

Berberine inhibits the chemotherapy-induced repopulation by suppressing the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway and phosphorylation of FAK in ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVES

Cytotoxic chemotherapy is an effective and traditional treatment of ovarian cancer. However, chemotherapy-induced apoptosis may also trigger and ultimately accelerate the repopulation of the small number of adjacent surviving cells. This study mainly focused on the tumour cell repopulation caused by chemotherapy in ovarian cancer and the adjunctive/synergistic effect of Berberine on the prevention of tumour repopulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The transwell system was used to mimic the co-culture of surviving ovarian cancer cells in the microenvironment of cytotoxic chemotherapy-treated dying cells. Tumour cell proliferation was observed by crystal violet staining. AA and PGE₂ levels were measured by ELISA, and changes of protein expression were analysed by Western blot.

RESULTS

Chemotherapy drug VP16 treatment triggered AA pathway, leading to the elevated PGE₂ level, and ultimately enhanced the repopulation of ovarian cancer cells. Berberine can block the caspase 3-iPLA₂ -AA-COX-2-PGE₂ pathway by inhibiting the expression of iPLA₂ and COX-2. Berberine can also reverse the increased phosphorylation of FAK caused by abnormal PGE₂ level and thus reverse the repopulation of ovarian cancer cells after VP16 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observation suggested that Berberine could inhibit the chemotherapy-induced repopulation of ovarian cancer cells by suppressing the AA pathway and phosphorylation of FAK. And these findings implicated a novel combined use of Berberine and chemotherapeutics, which might prevent ovarian cancer recurrence by abrogating early tumour repopulation.

Role of JNK signaling in oral cancer: A mini review

JNKs (c-Jun N-terminal kinases) belong to mitogen-activated protein kinases' family and become activated by several growth factors, stress, radiation, and other extracellular signals. In turn, JNK activation results in phosphorylation of downstream molecules involved in many normal cellular processes. Nevertheless, recent data have linked JNK signaling with several pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and cancer. The role of JNK in cancer remains controversial. Initially, JNK was thought to play a rather oncosuppressive role by mediating apoptosis in response to stress stimuli, inflammatory, or oncogenic signals. However, a number of studies have implicated JNK in malignant transformation and tumor growth. The contradictory functions of JNK in cancer may be due to the diversity of JNK upstream and downstream signaling and are under intensive investigation. This review summarizes current literature focusing on the significance of JNK pathway in cancer development and progression, particularly addressing its role in oral cancer. Understanding the complexity of JNK signaling has the potential to elucidate important molecular aspects of oral cancer, possibly leading to development of novel and individualized therapeutic strategies.

Cucurbitacin B inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells via modulation of the JAK2/STAT3 and MAPK pathways

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most commonly diagnosed tumor of the bones in children and young adults. Even with conventional therapies the 5-year survival rate is ~65% in patients with OS. Considering the side effects and aggressiveness of malignant bone tumors, research is focussing on multi-targeted strategies in treatment. Cucurbitacin B, a triterpenoid compound has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell types. The Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signalling cascades and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) signalling cascades are critical regulators of tumorigenesis. The present study assessed the influence of cucurbitacin B on the viability and expression of MAPKs and proteins of the JAK2/STAT3 cascades in human OS cells (U-2 OS). Cucurbitacin B (20-100 µM) significantly reduced cell viability (P<0.05) and induced apoptosis, as assessed by MTT and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, along with inhibiting cell migration. Gelatin zymography revealed supressed activities of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-)2 and 9. Furthermore, cucurbitacin B effectively upregulated the apoptotic pathway and caused the effective inhibition of MAPK signalling and JAK2/STAT3 cascades. Multifold suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor by cucurbitacin B was also observed, indicating inhibition of angiogenesis. Thus, by downregulating major pathways-MAPK and JAK2/STAT3 and MMPs, cucurbitacin B has potent anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects that require further investigation with regards to cancer treatment.

Focal adhesion kinases crucially regulate TGFβ-induced migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells via Src kinase and E-cadherin

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinase that is triggered off by special extracellular signals such as some growth factors and integrins. FAK is found in cell-matrix attachment sites and implicated in cell migration, invasion, movement, gene expression, survival and apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether FAK plays a role in invasion and migration of bladder cancer cells. Using an FAK-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) and an FAK inhibitor PF-228, we found that inhibition of FAK tyrosine phosphorylation or knockdown of FAK suppressed invasion and migration of bladder cancer cells. Src is an important mediator of FAK-regulated migratory and invasive activity. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Src and FAK is mutually dependent and plays a key role in transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-induced invasion and migration. E-cadherin acts downstream of FAK and is a critical negative regulator in FAK-regulated invasion and migration of bladder cancer cells. These findings imply that FAK is involved in oncogenic signaling of invasion and migration, which can be a novel therapeutic target to treat patients with bladder cancer.

The Clinical Study of Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Gastric Cancer

The aim of this study is to explore the expression and significance of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gastric cancer, providing a novel insight for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer. The gastric cancer specimens, which were excised from 87 patients and confirmed during July, 2012-July, 2014, were selected as observation group, and the normal tissue next to the tumor (more than 5 cm from the edge of the tumor) from 45 patients were randomly selected as control. u-PA and VEGF were detected by immunohistochemistry for the analysis of the correlation of u-PA and VEGF in two groups. The positive rates of u-PA and VEGF in gastric cancer tissue were 81.61 and 79.31 %, respectively, which were 6.67 and 8.89 % in the control group, respectively. The positive rates in the observation group were obviously higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Among the 87 gastric cancer tissue samples from the observation group, the positive rates of u-PA and VEGF in the gastric cancer with poor differentiation, lymphatic metastasis, invasion up to serosal layer, and TNM stage III + IV were obviously higher than those in the gastric cancer with high differentiation, non-lymphatic metastasis, invasion not up to the serosal layer, and TNM stage I + II, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Among the 87 gastric cancer tissue samples from the observation group, u-PA and VEGF were found to be positive in 60 cases and negative in 7 cases. By comparing the two groups, u-PA and VEGF were positively correlated in gastric cancer tissue (P < 0.05). u-PA and VEGF were highly expressed in gastric cancer tissue, which could be used as the molecular biological indicators to predict the invasion and metastasis potential of gastric cancer. The combination of two factors plays a guiding role in early diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.

Identification of actin as a direct proteomic target of berberine using an affinity-based chemical probe and elucidation of its modulatory role in actin assembly

Actin was identified as a direct target of berberine via a chemoproteomic approach and its assembly was modulated by berberine.

Plant Isoquinoline Alkaloid Berberine Exhibits Chromatin Remodeling by Modulation of Histone Deacetylase To Induce Growth Arrest and Apoptosis in the A549 Cell Line

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a group of epigenetic enzymes that control gene expression through their repressive influence on histone deacetylation transcription. HDACs are probable therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, spurring the progress of different types of HDAC inhibitors. Further, natural-source-based derived bioactive compounds possess HDAC inhibitor property. In this way, we hypothesized that plant isoquinoline alkaloid berberine (BBR) could be a HDAC inhibitor in the human lung cancer A549 cell line. BBR represses total HDAC and also class I, II, and IV HDAC activity through hyperacetylation of histones. Furthermore, BBR triggers positive regulation of the sub-G₀/G₁ cell cycle progression phase in A549 cells. Moreover, BBR-induced A549 cell growth arrest and morphological changes were confirmed using different fluorescence-dye-based microscope techniques. Additionally, BBR downregulates oncogenes (TNF-α, COX-2, MMP-2, and MMP-9) and upregulates tumor suppressor genes (p21 and p53) mRNA and protein expressions. Besides, BBR actively regulates Bcl-2/Bax family proteins and also triggered the caspase cascade apoptotic pathway in A549 cells. Our finding suggests that BBR mediates epigenetic reprogramming by HDAC inhibition, which may be the key mechanism for its antineoplastic activity.

LIM-Only Protein 4 (LMO4) and LIM Domain Binding Protein 1 (LDB1) Promote Growth and Metastasis of Human Head and Neck Cancer (LMO4 and LDB1 in Head and Neck Cancer)

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) accounts for more than 300,000 deaths worldwide per year as a consequence of tumor cell invasion of adjacent structures or metastasis. LIM-only protein 4 (LMO4) and LIM-domain binding protein 1 (LDB1), two directly interacting transcriptional adaptors that have important roles in normal epithelial cell differentiation, have been associated with increased metastasis, decreased differentiation, and shortened survival in carcinoma of the breast. Here, we implicate two LDB1-binding proteins, single-stranded binding protein 2 (SSBP2) and 3 (SSBP3), in controlling LMO4 and LDB1 protein abundance in HNSCC and in regulating specific tumor cell functions in this disease. First, we found that the relative abundance of LMO4, LDB1, and the two SSBPs correlated very significantly in a panel of human HNSCC cell lines. Second, expression of these proteins in tumor primaries and lymph nodes involved by metastasis were concordant in 3 of 3 sets of tissue. Third, using a Matrigel invasion and organotypic reconstruct assay, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of LDB1 in the VU-SCC-1729 cell line, which is highly invasive of basement membrane and cellular monolayers, reduced tumor cell invasiveness and migration, as well as proliferation on tissue culture plastic. Finally, inactivation of the LDB1 gene in these cells decreased growth and vascularization of xenografted human tumor cells in vivo. These data show that LMO4, LDB1, and SSBP2 and/or SSBP3 regulate metastasis, proliferation, and angiogenesis in HNSCC and provide the first evidence that SSBPs control LMO4 and LDB1 protein abundance in a cancer context.

Hsa-miR-623 suppresses tumor progression in human lung adenocarcinoma

Our previous study revealed that Ku80 was overexpressed in lung cancer tissues and hsa-miR-623 regulated the Ku80 expression; however, the detailed function of hsa-miR-623 in lung cancer was unclear. We identified that hsa-miR-623 bound to the 3'-UTR of Ku80 mRNA, thus significantly decreasing Ku80 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Hsa-miR-623 was downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues compared with corresponding non-tumorous tissues, and its expression was inversely correlated with Ku80 upregulation. Downregulation of hsa-miR-623 was associated with poor clinical outcomes of lung adenocarcinoma patients. Hsa-miR-623 suppressed lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration and invasion in vitro. Hsa-miR-623 inhibited xenografts growth and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma in vivo. Ku80 knockdown in lung adenocarcinoma cells suppressed tumor properties in vitro and in vivo similar to hsa-miR-623 overexpression. Further, hsa-miR-623 overexpression decreased matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 expression levels, with decreased ERK/JNK phosphorylation. Inhibition of hsa-miR-623 or overexpression of Ku80 promoted lung adenocarcinoma cell invasion, activated ERK/JNK phosphorylation and increased MMP-2/9 expressions, which could be reversed by ERK kinase inhibitor or JNK kinase inhibitor. In summary, our results showed that hsa-miR-623 was downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma and suppressed the invasion and metastasis targeting Ku80 through ERK/JNK inactivation mediated downregulation of MMP-2/9. These findings reveal that hsa-miR-623 may serve as an important therapeutic target in lung cancer therapy.

The novel model peptide, αAL14, regulates angiogenesis by inhibiting VEGFR 2-mediated signaling in HUVECs

Inhibition of angiogenesis has been focused on as a strategy for treating several diseases including cancer. In this study, a novel model peptide αAL14 was synthesized and used to identify its inhibitory effects on angiogenesis. The anti-angiogenic effects of αAL14 were investigated using vascular endothelial cells, HUVECs. αAL14 inhibited critical angiogenic processes including tubule formation, cell migration and cell invasion with no influence on cell proliferation in HUVECs. Activity of VEGFR2 was inhibited by αAL14 treatment in HUVECs. Additionally, activities of major subsequent downstream factors of VEGFR2 such as ERK, FAK and Akt were decreased. αAL14 affected expression of Rac1, Cdc42, Arp2 and WAVE2 which are involved in formation of lamellipodia. Moreover, αAL14 reduced NF-κB that can promote expression of several genes relating to cell invasion such as MMP2 and MMP9. Therefore, the results suggest that αAL14 has a potential to be developed as anti-angiogenic drug for treating diseases driven by abnormal angiogenesis.

AMPK-dependent signaling modulates the suppression of invasion and migration by fenofibrate in CAL 27 oral cancer cells through NF-κB pathway

Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist and lipid-lowering agent, has been used worldwide for treatment of hyperlipidemia. The clinical trials demonstrate that fenofibrate possesses multiple pharmacological activities, including antitumor effects. However, the precise mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of fenofibrate on the migration and invasion of human oral cancer CAL 27 cells. Fenofibrate inhibited the cell migration and invasion of CAL 27 cells by the wound healing and Boyden chamber transwell assays, respectively. In addition, fenofibrate reduced the protein expressions of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-9 by Western blotting and inhibited enzyme activities of MMP-2/-9 using gelatin zymography assay. Results from immunoblotting analysis showed that the proteins of p-LKB1 (Ser428), LKB1, p-AMPKα (Thr172), p-AMPKα1/α2 (Ser425/Ser491), p-AMPKβ1 (Ser108), and AMPKγ1 were upregulated by fenofibrate; the levels of p-IKKα/β (Ser176) and p-IκBα were reduced in fenofibrate-treated cells. Also, fenofibrate suppressed the expressions of nuclear NF-κB p65 and p50 by immunoblotting and NF-κB DNA binding activity by EMSA assay. The anti-invasive effect of fenofibrate was attenuated by compound C [an adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor] or dominant negative form of AMPK (DN-AMPKα1). Thus, fenofibrate considerably inhibited metastatic behaviors of CAL 27 cells might be mediated through blocking NF-κB signaling, resulting in the inhibition of MMPs; these effects were AMPK-dependent rather than PPARα signaling. Our findings provide a molecular rationale, whereby fenofibrate exerts anticancer effects and additional beneficial effects for the treatment of cancer patients. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 866-876, 2016.

Silver Nanoparticles Exhibit the Dose-Dependent Anti-Proliferative Effect against Human Squamous Carcinoma Cells Attenuated in the Presence of Berberine

The biological activity of nanosize silver particles towards oral epithelium-derived carcinoma seems to be still underinvestigated. We evaluated the influence of low doses of nanosize scale silver particles on the proliferation and viability of malignant oral epithelial keratinocytes in vitro, alone and in conjunction with the plant alkaloid berberine. Cells of human tongue squamous carcinoma SCC-25 (ATCC CRL-1628), cultivated with the mixture of Dulbecco's modified Eagle’s medium, were exposed to silver nanoparticles alone (AgNPs, concentrations from 0.31 to 10 μg/mL) and to a combination of AgNPs with berberine chloride (BER, 1/2 IC₅₀ concentration) during 24 h and 48 h. The cytotoxic activity of AgNPs with diameters of 10 nm ± 4 nm was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell cycle analysis was performed by treating cells with propidium iodide followed by flow-activated cell sorting. RT-QPCR reaction was used to assess expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein Bax genes expression. Monodisperse silver nanoparticles at a concentration of 10 μg/mL arrested SCC-25 cells cycle after 48 h at the G0/G1 phase in a dose- and time-dependent manner through disruption G0/G1 checkpoint, with increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio gene expression. AgNPs exhibit cytotoxic effects on SCC-25 malignant oral epithelial keratinocytes, which is diminished when combined with BER. The AgNPs concentration required to inhibit the growth of carcinoma cells by 50% (IC₅₀) after 48 h was estimated at 5.19 μg/mL. AgNPs combined with BER increased the expression of Bcl-2 while decreasing the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in SCC-25 cells. Silver particles at low doses therefore reduce the proliferation and viability of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. SCC-25 cells are susceptible to damage from AgNPs-induced stress, which can be regulated by the natural alkaloid berberine, suggesting that nanoparticles may be potentially used in a chemoprevention/chemotherapy by augmentation of action of standard anti-cancer drugs.

Design, synthesis and anti-inflammatory effects of novel 9-O-substituted-berberine derivatives

A series of novel 9-O-substituted-berberine derivatives were synthesized and their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. Among them, compounds 3i and 5e exhibited excellent anti-inflammatory potential.