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Ghosh S, Das SK, Sinha K, Ghosh B, Sen K, Ghosh N, Sil PC. The Emerging Role of Natural Products in Cancer Treatment. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:2353-2391. [PMID: 38795134 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03786-3] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
The exploration of natural products as potential agents for cancer treatment has garnered significant attention in recent years. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the diverse array of natural compounds, including alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, lignans, polyketides, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, highlighting their emerging roles in cancer therapy. These compounds, derived from various botanical sources, exhibit a wide range of mechanisms of action, targeting critical pathways involved in cancer progression such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Through a meticulous examination of preclinical and clinical studies, we provide insights into the therapeutic potential of these natural products across different cancer types. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and challenges associated with their use in cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize their efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and delivery methods. Overall, this review underscores the importance of natural products in advancing cancer therapeutics and paves the way for future investigations into their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, Belur Math, Howrah, 711202, India
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Sanjib Kumar Das
- Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram, 721507, India
| | - Krishnendu Sinha
- Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram, 721507, India.
| | - Biswatosh Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Bidhannagar College, Kolkata, 700064, India
| | - Koushik Sen
- Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram, 721507, India
| | - Nabanita Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata, 700013, India
| | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, 700054, India.
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Ye J, Kan CH, Yang X, Ma C. Inhibition of bacterial RNA polymerase function and protein-protein interactions: a promising approach for next-generation antibacterial therapeutics. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1471-1487. [PMID: 38784472 PMCID: PMC11110800 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00690e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens necessitates the urgent development of new antimicrobial agents with innovative modes of action for the next generation of antimicrobial therapy. Bacterial transcription has been identified and widely studied as a viable target for antimicrobial development. The main focus of these studies has been the discovery of inhibitors that bind directly to the core enzyme of RNA polymerase (RNAP). Over the past two decades, substantial advancements have been made in understanding the properties of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and gaining structural insights into bacterial RNAP and its associated factors. This has led to the crucial role of computational methods in aiding the identification of new PPI inhibitors to affect the RNAP function. In this context, bacterial transcriptional PPIs present promising, albeit challenging, targets for the creation of new antimicrobials. This review will succinctly outline the structural foundation of bacterial transcription networks and provide a summary of the known small molecules that target transcription PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Kowloon Hong Kong SAR China
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University Hefei 230032 China
| | - Cheuk Hei Kan
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Cong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Kowloon Hong Kong SAR China
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Feng K, Li X, Bai Y, Zhang D, Tian L. Mechanisms of cancer cell death induction by triptolide: A comprehensive overview. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24335. [PMID: 38293343 PMCID: PMC10826740 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The need for naturally occurring constituents is driven by the rise in the cancer prevalence and the unpleasant side effects associated with chemotherapeutics. Triptolide, the primary active component of "Tripterygium Wilfordii", has exploited for biological mechanisms and therapeutic potential against various tumors. Based on the recent pre-clinical investigations, triptolide is linked to the induction of death of cancerous cells by triggering cellular apoptosis via inhibiting heat shock protein expression (HSP70), and cyclin dependent kinase (CDKs) by up regulating expression of P21. MKP1, histone methyl transferases and RNA polymerases have all recently identified as potential targets of triptolide in cells. Autophagy, AKT signaling pathway and various pathways involving targeted proteins such as A-disintegrin & metalloprotease-10 (ADAM10), Polycystin-2 (PC-2), dCTP pyro-phosphatase 1 (DCTP1), peroxiredoxin-I (Prx-I), TAK1 binding protein (TAB1), kinase subunit (DNA-PKcs) and the xeroderma-pigmentosum B (XPB or ERCC3) have been exploited. Besides that, triptolide is responsible for enhancing the effectiveness of various chemotherapeutics. In addition, several triptolide moieties, including minnelide and LLDT8, have progressed in investigations on humans for the treatment of cancer. Targeted strategies, such as triptolide conjugation with ligands or triptolide loaded nano-carriers, are efficient techniques to confront toxicities associated with triptolide. We expect and anticipate that advances in near future, regarding combination therapies of triptolide, might be beneficial against cancerous cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Xiaojiang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Yuzhuo Bai
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery Baishan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baishan, 134300, China
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Lung Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130000, China
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Wang HF, Zhao ZL. Triptolide inhibits proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by blocking Nrf2 expression. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14410. [PMID: 38230794 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14410] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Triptolide (TPL), the main active ingredient of Tripterygium wilfordii, has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antitumor actions. It can also inhibit cell proliferation and metastasis while promoting apoptosis of several tumors, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanism of TPL against CRC is not clear. This study was designed to investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of TPL on the proliferation and invasion ability of CRC cells. A human CRC cell line (HT29 cell line) cultured in vitro was treated with different concentrations of TPL (0, 25, 50, and 100 nmol/L). The proliferation of cells was detected by MTT, the invasion ability of cells by Transwell, and the apoptosis level by flow cytometry. The protein expression levels of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 were detected by western blotting. After transfection with sh-Nrf2, HT29 cells were divided into NC group, NC + TPL group and sh-Nrf2 + TPL group, and the above assays were repeated for each group. TPL significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion ability of HT29 cells and promoted apoptosis (p < .05). Notably, its inhibitory or promotional effects were concentration-dependent, which were enhanced with increasing drug concentration (p < .05). After silencing Nrf2 expression, the proliferation, and invasion ability of HT29 cells were further significantly inhibited while cells apoptosis was further promoted (p < .05). Besides, the decreased Nrf2 expression reduced the protein expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (p < .05). TPL can effectively inhibit the proliferation and invasion while promoting apoptosis of HT29 cells. And its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of Nrf2 signaling expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Feng Wang
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Long Zhao
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
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Design, synthesis of novel triptolide-glucose conjugates targeting glucose Transporter-1 and their selective antitumor effect. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114463. [PMID: 35617856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Six positional isomers of triptolide-glucose conjugates (TG1α, TG1β, TG2, TG3, TG4 and TG6) were designed and synthesized. These conjugates exhibited better water solubility, and had selective cytotoxicity between tumor cells with high expression of glucose transport-1 (Glut-1) and non-tumor cells with low expression of Glut-1, in which TG2 formed by triptolide (TPL) and d-glucose C2-OH had the strongest cytotoxicity to tumor cells and lowest toxicity in non-tumor cells, therefore the highest relative therapeutic index, which was 5.7 times that of triptolide and consequent the most powerful selective antitumor activity in vitro. The cytotoxicity of TG2 was highly correlated with Glut-1 function. As a prodrug of triptolide, TG2 could promote RNA Pol II degradation and induce apoptosis as TPL does. TG2 had a stronger dose-dependent antitumor effect in vivo than TPL and no adverse reaction occurred when its tumor inhibition was higher than 90%, which was associated with its selective distribution in tumor tissues. TG2 could be used as a promising drug candidate for the treatment of solid tumors with high expression of Glut-1, which is worthy of further study.
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Zhang S, Wang Y, Sun Y, Zhao G, Wang J, Liu L, Liu F, Wang P, Yang J, Xu X. Hinokiflavone, as a MDM2 inhibitor, activates p53 signaling pathway to induce apoptosis in human colon cancer HCT116 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 594:93-100. [PMID: 35078113 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hinokiflavone (HF), a natural biflavonoid that possesses various biological activities, has reported that HF could be a pre-mRNA splicing modulator, whereas its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, we identified HF as a potential MDM2 inhibitor. What's more, we found that HF suppressed mdm2 mRNA synthesis at the transcriptional level. Then, this MDM2 inhibition led in turn to increase p53 protein expression and activate p53 pathway, which could decrease the survival of HCT116 colon cells by G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis induction. Then, bioinformatics suggested that ESR1 was a predicted and potential target of HF. Finally, we used molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation to demonstrate the binding patterns of HF and ESR1. To sum up, our study unearthed that HF was a feasible agent for MDM2 inhibitor through down-regulating mdm2 RNA level and activating p53 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Zhang
- School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yujie Sun
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Guangjian Zhao
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Lu Liu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Fang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jinbo Yang
- School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China; Center for Innovation Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266071, China; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Marine Drug Screening and Evaluation Platform (QNLM), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Center for Innovation Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266071, China; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Marine Drug Screening and Evaluation Platform (QNLM), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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Therapeutic Potential of Certain Terpenoids as Anticancer Agents: A Scoping Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051100. [PMID: 35267408 PMCID: PMC8909202 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a life-threatening disease and is considered to be among the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemoresistance, severe toxicity, relapse and metastasis are the major obstacles in cancer therapy. Therefore, introducing new therapeutic agents for cancer remains a priority to increase the range of effective treatments. Terpenoids, a large group of secondary metabolites, are derived from plant sources and are composed of several isoprene units. The high diversity of terpenoids has drawn attention to their potential anticancer and pharmacological activities. Some terpenoids exhibit an anticancer effect by triggering various stages of cancer progression, for example, suppressing the early stage of tumorigenesis via induction of cell cycle arrest, inhibiting cancer cell differentiation and activating apoptosis. At the late stage of cancer development, certain terpenoids are able to inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis via modulation of different intracellular signaling pathways. Significant progress in the identification of the mechanism of action and signaling pathways through which terpenoids exert their anticancer effects has been highlighted. Hence, in this review, the anticancer activities of twenty-five terpenoids are discussed in detail. In addition, this review provides insights on the current clinical trials and future directions towards the development of certain terpenoids as potential anticancer agents.
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Xu Y, Tan Y, Ma X, Jin X, Tian Y, Li M. Photodynamic Therapy with Tumor Cell Discrimination through RNA-Targeting Ability of Photosensitizer. Molecules 2021; 26:5990. [PMID: 34641533 PMCID: PMC8512109 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents an effective treatment to cure cancer. The targeting ability of the photosensitizer is of utmost importance. Photosensitizers that discriminate cancer cells can avoid the killing of normal cells and improve PDT efficacy. However, the design and synthesis of photosensitizers conjugated with a recognition unit of cancer cell markers is complex and may not effectively target cancer. Considering that the total RNA content in cancer cells is commonly higher than in normal cells, this study has developed the photosensitizer QICY with RNA-targeting abilities for the discrimination of cancer cells. QICY was specifically located in cancer cells rather than normal cells due to their stronger electrostatic interactions with RNA, thereby further improving the PDT effects on the cancer cells. After intravenous injection into mice bearing a xenograft tumor, QICY accumulated into the tumor location through the enhanced permeability and retention effect, automatically targeted cancer cells under the control of RNA, and inhibited tumor growth under 630 nm laser irradiation without obvious side effects. This intelligent photosensitizer with RNA-targeting ability not only simplifies the design and synthesis of cancer-cell-targeting photosensitizers but also paves the way for the further development of highly efficient PDTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xu
- College of Marine Technology and Environment, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China;
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yang Tan
- School of Biological Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116023, China; (Y.T.); (X.M.); (X.J.)
| | - Xiuqin Ma
- School of Biological Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116023, China; (Y.T.); (X.M.); (X.J.)
| | - Xiaoyi Jin
- School of Biological Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116023, China; (Y.T.); (X.M.); (X.J.)
| | - Ye Tian
- College of Marine Technology and Environment, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China;
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Miao Li
- School of Biological Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116023, China; (Y.T.); (X.M.); (X.J.)
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Tong L, Zhao Q, Datan E, Lin GQ, Minn I, Pomper MG, Yu B, Romo D, He QL, Liu JO. Triptolide: reflections on two decades of research and prospects for the future. Nat Prod Rep 2021; 38:843-860. [PMID: 33146205 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00054j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2000 to 2020 Triptolide is a bioactive diterpene triepoxide isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant whose extracts have been used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive remedies for centuries. Although triptolide and its analogs exhibit potent bioactivities against various cancers, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, none of them has been approved to be used in the clinic. This review highlights advances in material sourcing, molecular mechanisms, clinical progress and new drug design strategies for triptolide over the past two decades, along with some prospects for the future course of development of triptolide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tong
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Qunfei Zhao
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Emmanuel Datan
- Department of Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Hunterian Building, Room 516, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Guo-Qiang Lin
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China. and CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry of Natural Substances, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Il Minn
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Martin G Pomper
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Biao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Daniel Romo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The CPRIT Synthesis and Drug Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76710, USA
| | - Qing-Li He
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jun O Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Hunterian Building, Room 516, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Li JM, Pan XC, Ding YY, Tong YF, Chen XH, Liu Y, Zhang HG. Effect of Triptolide on Temporal Expression of Cell Cycle Regulators During Cardiac Hypertrophy. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:566938. [PMID: 33013405 PMCID: PMC7498627 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.566938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult mammalian cardiomyocytes may reenter the cell cycle and cause cardiac hypertrophy. Triptolide (TP) can regulate the expressions of various cell cycle regulators in cancer cells. However, its effects on cell cycle regulators during myocardial hypertrophy and mechanism are unclear. This study was designed to explore the profile of cell cycle of cardiomyocytes and the temporal expression of their regulators during cardiac hypertrophy, as well as the effects of TP. The hypertrophy models employed were neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) stimulated with angiotensin II (Ang II) for scheduled times (from 5 min to 48 h) in vitro and mice treated with isoprenaline (Iso) for from 1 to 21 days, respectively. TP was used in vitro at 1 μg/L and in vivo at 10 μg/kg. NRVMs were analyzed using flow cytometry to detect the cell cycle, and the expression levels of mRNA and protein of various cell cycle regulators were determined using real-time PCR and Western blot. It was found NRVM numbers in phases S and G2 increased, while that in the G1 phase decreased significantly after Ang II stimulation. The mRNA expression levels of p21 and p27 increased soon after stimulation, and thereafter, mRNA expression levels of all cell cycle factors showed a decreasing trend and reached their lowest levels in 1–3 h, except for cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and CDK4 mRNA. The mRNA expression levels of CDK1, p21, and p27 increased markedly after stimulation with Ang II for 24–48 h. In myocardium tissue, CDK and cyclin expression levels peaked in 3–7 days, followed by a decreasing trend, while those of p21 and p27 mRNA remained at a high level on day 21. Expression levels of all protein were consistent with the results of mRNA in NRVMs or mice. The influence of Ang II or Iso on protein expression was more obvious than that on mRNA. TP treatment effectively prevented the imbalance in the expression of cell cycle regulators in the hypertrophy model group. In Conclusion, an imbalance in the expression of cell cycle regulators occurs during cardiac hypertrophy, and triptolide corrects these abnormal expression levels and attenuates cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Mei Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Xi-Chun Pan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yang-Fei Tong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Chongqing Traditional Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hai-Gang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
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12
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Combination of Anti-Cancer Drugs with Molecular Chaperone Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215284. [PMID: 31652993 PMCID: PMC6862641 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Most molecular chaperones belonging to heat shock protein (HSP) families are known to protect cancer cells from pathologic, environmental and pharmacological stress factors and thereby can hamper anti-cancer therapies. In this review, we present data on inhibitors of the heat shock response (particularly mediated by the chaperones HSP90, HSP70, and HSP27) either as a single treatment or in combination with currently available anti-cancer therapeutic approaches. An overview of the current literature reveals that the co-administration of chaperone inhibitors and targeting drugs results in proteotoxic stress and violates the tumor cell physiology. An optimal drug combination should simultaneously target cytoprotective mechanisms and trigger the imbalance of the tumor cell physiology.
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Liang X, Xie R, Su J, Ye B, Wei S, Liang Z, Bai R, Chen Z, Li Z, Gao X. Inhibition of RNA polymerase III transcription by Triptolide attenuates colorectal tumorigenesis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:217. [PMID: 31122284 PMCID: PMC6533717 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1232-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background Upregulation of RNA polymerase (Pol) III products, including tRNAs and 5S rRNA, in tumor cells leads to enhanced protein synthesis and tumor formation, making it a potential target for cancer treatment. In this study, we evaluated the inhibition of Pol III transcription by triptolide and the anti-cancer effect of this drug in colorectal tumorigenesis. Methods The effect of triptolide on colorectal cancer development was assessed in colorectal cancer mouse models, 3D organoids, and cultured cells. Colorectal cancer cells were treated with triptolide. Pol III transcription was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The formation of TFIIIB, a multi-subunit transcription factor for Pol III, was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Results Triptolide reduced both tumor number and tumor size in adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) mutated (ApcMin/+) mice as well as AOM/DSS-induced mice. Moreover, triptolide effectively inhibited colorectal cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, and organoid growth in vitro, which was associated with decreased Pol III target genes. Mechanistically, triptolide treatment blocked TBP/Brf1interaction, leading to the reduced formation of TFIIIB at the promoters of tRNAs and 5S rRNA. Conclusions Together, our data suggest that inhibition of Pol III transcription with existing drugs such as triptolide provides a new avenue for developing novel therapies for colorectal cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1232-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Liang
- Medical Research Institute, & Guangdong Women and Children's Disease Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering Technology Research Center, Baoan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Renxiang Xie
- Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jinfeng Su
- Medical Research Institute, & Guangdong Women and Children's Disease Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering Technology Research Center, Baoan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Bingqi Ye
- Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Saisai Wei
- Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhibing Liang
- Medical Research Institute, & Guangdong Women and Children's Disease Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering Technology Research Center, Baoan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Rongpan Bai
- Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhanghui Chen
- Affiliated Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524045, China
| | - Zhongxiang Li
- Medical Research Institute, & Guangdong Women and Children's Disease Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering Technology Research Center, Baoan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518102, China.
| | - Xiangwei Gao
- Department of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Kijima T, Prince T, Neckers L, Koga F, Fujii Y. Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1)-targeted anticancer therapeutics: overview of current preclinical progress. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:369-377. [PMID: 30931649 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1602119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) plays a pivotal role in guarding proteome stability or proteostasis by induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs). While HSF1 remains mostly latent in unstressed normal cells, it is constitutively active in malignant cells, rendering them addicted to HSF1 for their growth and survival. HSF1 affects tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and treatment resistance by preserving cancer proteostasis, thus suggesting disruption of HSF1 activity as a potential anticancer strategy. Areas covered: In this review, we focus on the HSF1 activation cycle and its interaction with HSPs, the role of HSF1 in oncogenesis, and development of HSF1-targeted drugs as a potential anticancer therapy for disrupting cancer proteostasis. Expert opinion: HSF1 systematically maintains proteostasis in malignant cancer cells. Although genomic instability is widely accepted as a hallmark of cancer, little is known about the role of proteostasis in cancer. Unveiling the complicated mechanism of HSF1 regulation, particularly in cancer cells, will enable further development of proteostasis-targeted anticancer therapy. ABBREVIATIONS AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; DBD: DNA-binding domain; HR-A/B; HR-C: heptad repeats; HSE: heat shock elements; HSF1: heat shock factor; HSPs: heat shock proteins; HSR: heat shock response; MEK: mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase; mTOR: mammalian target of rapamycin; NF1: neurofibromatosis type 1; P-TEFb: positive transcription elongation factor b; RD: regulatory domain; RNAi: RNA interference; TAD: transactivation domain; TRiC: TCP-1 ring complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Kijima
- a Department of Urology , Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Thomas Prince
- b Departments of Urology and Molecular Functional Genomics , Geisinger Clinic , Danville , PA , USA
| | - Len Neckers
- c Urologic Oncology Branch , National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Fumitaka Koga
- d Department of Urology , Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Fujii
- a Department of Urology , Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo , Japan
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Human Host Range Restriction of the Vaccinia Virus C7/K1 Double Deletion Mutant Is Mediated by an Atypical Mode of Translation Inhibition. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.01329-18. [PMID: 30209174 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01329-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Replication of vaccinia virus in human cells depends on the viral C7 or K1 protein. A previous human genome-wide short interfering RNA (siRNA) screen with a C7/K1 double deletion mutant revealed SAMD9 as a principal host range restriction factor along with additional candidates, including WDR6 and FTSJ1. To compare their abilities to restrict replication, the cellular genes were individually inactivated by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis. The C7/K1 deletion mutant exhibited enhanced replication in each knockout (KO) cell line but reached wild-type levels only in SAMD9 KO cells. SAMD9 was not depleted in either WDR6 or FTSJ1 KO cells, suggesting less efficient alternative rescue mechanisms. Using the SAMD9 KO cells as controls, we verified a specific block in host and viral intermediate and late protein synthesis in HeLa cells and demonstrated that the inhibition could be triggered by events preceding viral DNA replication. Inhibition of cap-dependent and -independent protein synthesis occurred primarily at the translational level, as supported by DNA and mRNA transfection experiments. Concurrent with collapse of polyribosomes, viral mRNA was predominantly in 80S and lighter ribonucleoprotein fractions. We confirmed the accumulation of cytoplasmic granules in HeLa cells infected with the C7/K1 deletion mutant and further showed that viral mRNA was sequestered with SAMD9. RNA granules were still detected in G3BP KO U2OS cells, which remained nonpermissive for the C7/K1 deletion mutant. Inhibition of cap-dependent and internal ribosome entry site-mediated translation, sequestration of viral mRNA, and failure of PKR, RNase L, or G3BP KO cells to restore protein synthesis support an unusual mechanism of host restriction.IMPORTANCE A dynamic relationship exists between viruses and their hosts in which each ostensibly attempts to exploit the other's vulnerabilities. A window is opened into the established condition, which evolved over millennia, if loss-of-function mutations occur in either the virus or host. Thus, the inability of viral host range mutants to replicate in specific cells can be overcome by identifying and inactivating the opposing cellular gene. Here, we investigated a C7/K1 host range mutant of vaccinia virus in which the cellular gene SAMD9 serves as the principal host restriction factor. Host restriction was triggered early in infection and manifested as a block in translation of viral mRNAs. Features of the block include inhibition of cap-dependent and internal ribosome entry site-mediated translation, sequestration of viral RNA, and inability to overcome the inhibition by inactivation of protein kinase R, ribonuclease L, or G3 binding proteins, suggesting a novel mechanism of host restriction.
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Triptolide inhibits Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 expression by increasing sensitivity of mitochondria apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:192. [PMID: 30111354 PMCID: PMC6094928 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0865-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is widely found in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tissue and associated with poor prognosis of patients. EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) is expressed in all NPC tumors and plays multiple biological roles in both virus and host cells. Triptolide is a natural product extracted from Tripterygium and shows anti-cancer activities. The goal of this work was to illustrate the anti-cancer effect of triptolide and elucidate a novel anti-apoptotic mechanism of EBNA1 in NPC cells encountered with triptolide. METHODS In the present study, a CCK-8 assay was used to analyze the proliferation of NPC cells treated with triptolide in a dose- and time-dependent ways. Effects of triptolide on NPC cell cycle and apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometric analysis. EBNA1 expression in mRNA and protein levels was determined by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS Our results showed that triptolide effectively inhibited proliferation of NPC cells. Triptolide arrested NPC cell cycles in S phase and induced apoptosis through a caspase-9-dependent apoptosis pathway. Low-dose of triptolide reduced the half-life of EBNA1 and significantly decreased EBNA1 expression by promoting the process of proteasome-ubiquitin pathway. Over-expression of EBNA1, which was independent from EBV genome, effectively attenuated the apoptosis induced by triptolide. In addition, triptolide significantly inhibited proliferations of tumors induced by EBV-positive cells in vivo. Furthermore, EBNA1 were expressed in all NPC biopsies of Chinese patients. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our study provides the evidence that triptolide induces EBNA1 degradation and stimulates NPC apoptosis through mitochondria apoptotic pathway. In addition, EBNA1 assists NPC cells to resist triptolide-induced apoptosis through inhibiting caspase-9-dependent apoptotic pathway.
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17
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Broad targeting of triptolide to resistance and sensitization for cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 104:771-780. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.05.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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18
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Mao X, Tong J, Wang Y, Zhu Z, Yin Y, Wang Y. Triptolide exhibits antitumor effects by reversing hypermethylation of WIF‑1 in lung cancer cells. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:3041-3049. [PMID: 30015908 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Triptolide (TP) exhibits numerous biological activities, including immunosuppressive, anti‑inflammatory and antitumor effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of TP as a potent therapeutic drug for the treatment of lung cancer and to investigate the underlying therapeutic mechanisms. Western blot analyses and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to investigate the expression of genes at transcriptional and translational levels, respectively. Methylation‑specific PCR assays were conducted to investigate whether TP affects the Wnt inhibitory factor‑1 (WIF‑1) methylation status and subsequently affects apoptosis, migration or the invasion of lung cancer cells. The results of the present study revealed that the methylation status of WIF‑1 in lung cancer cell lines A549 and H460 was significantly enhanced compared with the human normal bronchial epithelial cell line HBE, whereas treatment with TP was revealed to induce the demethylation of WIF‑1. The present study aimed to investigate whether the biological activities of TP are regulated by inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway via an increase in WIF‑1 expression levels. The results of the present study revealed that Wnt signaling was suppressed in cells following treatment with TP, which was concluded by the downregulation of Axin 2 and β‑catenin expression. Further investigation demonstrated that the silencing of WIF‑1 expression with small interfering RNA reversed the TP‑induced upregulation of WIF‑1 expression, upregulated Axin 2 and β‑catenin expression and enhanced the activation of Wnt signaling. Notably, an upregulation of cellular tumor antigen p53 expression, and downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase‑9 (MMP‑9) and phosphorylated‑nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) P65 (p‑P65) levels was observed following TP treatment. These results suggest that the Wnt, p53 and NF‑κB signaling pathways mediate the potent antitumor effects of TP. Notably, the silencing of WIF‑1 did not completely recover the levels of p53, MMP‑9 and p‑P65 in cells treated with TP compared with the control cells, thus suggesting that TP exhibits further functions in addition to the targeting of WIF‑1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Mao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, P.R. China
| | - Jichun Tong
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, P.R. China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, P.R. China
| | - Zheng Zhu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, P.R. China
| | - Yajun Yin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, P.R. China
| | - Yeming Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, P.R. China
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Genomic and transcriptomic comparison of allergen and silver nanoparticle-induced mast cell degranulation reveals novel non-immunoglobulin E mediated mechanisms. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193499. [PMID: 29566008 PMCID: PMC5863960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cells represent a crucial cell type in host defense; however, maladaptive responses are contributing factors in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that exposure to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) results in mast cell degranulation via a non-immunoglobulin E (IgE) mechanism. In this study, we utilized a systems biology approach to identify novel genetic factors playing a role in AgNP-induced mast cell degranulation compared to the classical activation by antigen-mediated FcεRI crosslinking. Mast cell degranulation was assessed in bone marrow-derived mast cells isolated from 23 strains of mice following exposure to AgNPs or FcεRI crosslinking with dinitrophenyl (DNP). Utilizing strain-dependent mast cell degranulation, an association mapping study identified 3 chromosomal regions that were significantly associated with mast cell degranulation by AgNP and one non-overlapping region associated with DNP-mediated degranulation. Two of the AgNP-associated regions correspond to genes previously reported to be associated with allergic disorders (Trac2 on chromosome 1 and Traf6 on chromosome 2) and an uncharacterized gene identified on chromosome 1 (Fam126b). In conjunction, RNA-sequencing performed on mast cells from the high and low responder strains revealed 3754 and 34 differentially expressed genes that were unique to DNP and AgNP exposures, respectively. Select candidate genes include Ptger4, a gene encoding a G-protein coupled receptor in addition to a multifunctional adaptor protein, Txnip, that may be driving mast cell degranulation by AgNP. Taken together, we identified novel genes that have not been previously shown to play a role in nanoparticle-mediated mast cell activation. With further functional evaluation in the future, these genes may be potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of non-IgE mediated mast cell-linked disorders.
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20
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Chen SR, Dai Y, Zhao J, Lin L, Wang Y, Wang Y. A Mechanistic Overview of Triptolide and Celastrol, Natural Products from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:104. [PMID: 29491837 PMCID: PMC5817256 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Triptolide and celastrol are predominantly active natural products isolated from the medicinal plant Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. These compounds exhibit similar pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic activities. Triptolide and celastrol also provide neuroprotection and prevent cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, toxicity restricts the further development of triptolide and celastrol. In this review, we comprehensively review therapeutic targets and mechanisms of action, and translational study of triptolide and celastrol. We systemically discuss the structure-activity-relationship of triptolide, celastrol, and their derivatives. Furthermore, we propose the use of structural derivatives, targeted therapy, and combination treatment as possible solutions to reduce toxicity and increase therapeutic window of these potent natural products from T. wilfordii Hook F.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Ru Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Yan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Ligen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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21
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Wang Y, Guo SH, Shang XJ, Yu LS, Zhu JW, Zhao A, Zhou YF, An GH, Zhang Q, Ma B. Triptolide induces Sertoli cell apoptosis in mice via ROS/JNK-dependent activation of the mitochondrial pathway and inhibition of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2018; 39:311-327. [PMID: 28905938 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2017.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Triptolide (TP), an oxygenated diterpene, has a variety of beneficial pharmacodynamic activities but its clinical applications are restricted due to severe testicular injury. This study aimed to delineate the molecular mechanisms of TP-induced testicular injury in vitro and in vivo. TP (5-50000 nmol/L) dose-dependently decreased the viability of TM4 Sertoli cells with an IC50 value of 669.5-269.45 nmol/L at 24 h. TP (125, 250, and 500 nmol/L) dose-dependently increased the accumulation of ROS, the phosphorylation of JNK, mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in TM4 cells. These processes were attenuated by co-treatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC, 1 mmol/L). Furthermore, TP treatment inhibited the translocation of Nrf2 from cytoplasm into the nucleus as well as the expression of downstream genes NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase1 (NQO1), catalase (CAT) and hemeoxygenase 1 (HO-1), thus abrogating Nrf2-mediated defense mechanisms against oxidative stress. Moreover, siRNA knockdown of Nrf2 significantly potentiated TP-induced apoptosis of TM4 cells. The above results from in vitro experiments were further validated in male mice after oral administration of TP (30, 60, and 120 mg·kg-1·d-1, for 14 d), as evidenced by the detected indexes, including dose-dependently decreased SDH activity, increased MDA concentration, altered testicle histomorphology, elevated caspase-3 activation, apoptosis induction, increased phosphorylation of JNK, and decreased gene expression of NQO1, CAT and HO-1 as well as nuclear protein expression of Nrf2 in testicular tissue. Our results demonstrate that TP activates apoptosis of Sertoli cells and injury of the testis via the ROS/JNK-mediated mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis pathway and down-regulates Nrf2 activation.
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22
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Yu C, Li Y, Liu M, Gao M, Li C, Yan H, Li C, Sun L, Mo L, Wu C, Qi X, Ren J. Critical Role of Hepatic Cyp450s in the Testis-Specific Toxicity of (5R)-5-Hydroxytriptolide in C57BL/6 Mice. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:832. [PMID: 29209210 PMCID: PMC5702336 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Low solubility, tissue accumulation, and toxicity are chief obstacles to developing triptolide derivatives, so a better understanding of the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of triptolide derivatives will help with these limitations. To address this, we studied pharmacokinetics and toxicity of (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide (LLDT-8), a novel triptolide derivative immunosuppressant in a conditional knockout (KO) mouse model with liver-specific deletion of CYP450 reductase. Compared to wild type (WT) mice, after LLDT-8 treatment, KO mice suffered severe testicular toxicity (decreased testicular weight, spermatocytes apoptosis) unlike WT mice. Moreover, KO mice had greater LLDT-8 exposure as confirmed with elevated AUC and Cmax, increased drug half-life, and greater tissue distribution. γ-H2AX, a marker of meiosis process, its localization and protein level in testis showed a distinct meiosis block induced by LLDT-8. RNA polymerase II (Pol II), an essential factor for RNA storage and synapsis in spermatogenesis, decreased in testes of KO mice after LLDT-8 treatment. Germ-cell line based assays confirmed that LLDT-8 selectively inhibited Pol II in spermatocyte-like cells. Importantly, the analysis of androgen receptor (AR) related genes showed that LLDT-8 did not change AR-related signaling in testes. Thus, hepatic CYP450s were responsible for in vivo metabolism and clearance of LLDT-8 and aggravated testicular injury may be due to increased LLDT-8 exposure in testis and subsequent Pol II reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunzhi Yu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Li
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxia Liu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Man Gao
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenggang Li
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunzhu Li
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lihan Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liying Mo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunyong Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinming Qi
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Ren
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Ji W, Liu S, Zhao X, Guo Y, Xia S, Lu Y, Yin M, Xu X. Triptolide inhibits proliferation, differentiation and induces apoptosis of osteoblastic MC3T3‑E1 cells. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:7391-7397. [PMID: 28944904 PMCID: PMC5865870 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterized by the formation of bony spurs. Treatment of the resulting ankylosis, excessive bone formation and associated functional impairment, remain the primary therapeutic aims in research regarding this condition. Triptolide is the primary active component of the perennial vine Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f., and has previously been demonstrated to exert anti-tumor activities including inhibition of cell growth and the induction of apoptosis, however, the effect of triptolide on osteoblasts remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblast cell line was treated with differing concentrations of triptolide for various intervals. Cell proliferation was detected using the bromodeoxyuridine assay, cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry, nuclear apoptosis was observed by Hoechst staining and associated proteins were determined via western blot analysis. The cells were then further incubated with osteogenic induction medium supplemented with triptolide for 7 or 12 days and the differentiation to osteoblasts was examined by picrosirius staining, observation of alkaline phosphatase activity and a calcium deposition assay. It was demonstrated that treatment with triptolide significantly inhibited osteoblast proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of the osteoblasts. Furthermore, treatment with triptolide reduced collagen formation, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition. The present study demonstrated an inhibitory effect of triptolide on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, and therefore suggests a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of AS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ji
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Shijia Liu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Yunke Guo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Sha Xia
- Hematology‑Oncology Department, Zhenjiang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, P.R. China
| | - Yueyang Lu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Menyun Yin
- Hematology‑Oncology Department, Zhenjiang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Xu
- College of Nursing, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
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Triptonide Effectively Inhibits Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling via C-terminal Transactivation Domain of β-catenin. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32779. [PMID: 27596363 PMCID: PMC5011721 DOI: 10.1038/srep32779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling is implicated in many diseases including cancer. As a result, therapeutic agents that disrupt this signaling pathway have been highly sought after. Triptonide is a key bioactive small molecule identified in a traditional Chinese medicine named Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F., and it has a broad spectrum of biological functions. Here we show that triptonide can effectively inhibit canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling by targeting the downstream C-terminal transcription domain of β-catenin or a nuclear component associated with β-catenin. In addition, triptonide treatment robustly rescued the zebrafish “eyeless” phenotype induced by GSK-3β antagonist 6-bromoindirubin-30-oxime (BIO) for Wnt signaling activation during embryonic gastrulation. Finally, triptonide effectively induced apoptosis of Wnt-dependent cancer cells, supporting the therapeutic potential of triptonide.
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25
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Zhao X, Zhang Q, Chen L. Triptolide induces the cell apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells through the TRAIL pathway. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:1499-505. [PMID: 27461934 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on triptolide, a diterpenoid epoxide found in the Thunder God Vine Tripterygium wilfordii, has increased our knowledge of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology and clinical application of this agent. In the present study, we aimed to identify the effects of triptolide on the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells and to evaluate the anti-proliferative action of this agent. MG-63 cells were treated either with various doses of triptolide (50, 100 or 200 nM) or DMSO for 6, 12 and 24 h. Treatment with triptolide effectively suppressed the cell viability and induced the apoptosis of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells as detected by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, by using caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 activity assays and western blot analysis, the anticancer effects of triptolide against osteosarcoma growth were found to involve activation of the DR-5/p53/Bax/caspase-9/ caspase-3 signaling pathway and the DR-5/FADD/caspase-8/lysosomal/cathepsin B/caspase-3 signaling pathway in the MG-63 cells. An important factor in the anticancer effects of triptolide against osteosarcoma was TRAIL-DR-5. The data suggest that triptolide may be a potential novel chemotherapeutic agent for osteosarcoma and acts through the TRAIL-DR-5 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwei Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Taishan Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Taishan Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Taishan Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, P.R. China
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Mohammad RM, Muqbil I, Lowe L, Yedjou C, Hsu HY, Lin LT, Siegelin MD, Fimognari C, Kumar NB, Dou QP, Yang H, Samadi AK, Russo GL, Spagnuolo C, Ray SK, Chakrabarti M, Morre JD, Coley HM, Honoki K, Fujii H, Georgakilas AG, Amedei A, Niccolai E, Amin A, Ashraf SS, Helferich WG, Yang X, Boosani CS, Guha G, Bhakta D, Ciriolo MR, Aquilano K, Chen S, Mohammed SI, Keith WN, Bilsland A, Halicka D, Nowsheen S, Azmi AS. Broad targeting of resistance to apoptosis in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 35 Suppl:S78-S103. [PMID: 25936818 PMCID: PMC4720504 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 512] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis or programmed cell death is natural way of removing aged cells from the body. Most of the anti-cancer therapies trigger apoptosis induction and related cell death networks to eliminate malignant cells. However, in cancer, de-regulated apoptotic signaling, particularly the activation of an anti-apoptotic systems, allows cancer cells to escape this program leading to uncontrolled proliferation resulting in tumor survival, therapeutic resistance and recurrence of cancer. This resistance is a complicated phenomenon that emanates from the interactions of various molecules and signaling pathways. In this comprehensive review we discuss the various factors contributing to apoptosis resistance in cancers. The key resistance targets that are discussed include (1) Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins; (2) autophagy processes; (3) necrosis and necroptosis; (4) heat shock protein signaling; (5) the proteasome pathway; (6) epigenetic mechanisms; and (7) aberrant nuclear export signaling. The shortcomings of current therapeutic modalities are highlighted and a broad spectrum strategy using approaches including (a) gossypol; (b) epigallocatechin-3-gallate; (c) UMI-77 (d) triptolide and (e) selinexor that can be used to overcome cell death resistance is presented. This review provides a roadmap for the design of successful anti-cancer strategies that overcome resistance to apoptosis for better therapeutic outcome in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi M Mohammad
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Interim translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Irfana Muqbil
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Leroy Lowe
- Getting to Know Cancer, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Clement Yedjou
- C-SET, [Jackson, #229] State University, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Hsue-Yin Hsu
- Department of Life Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Tzung Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Markus David Siegelin
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Italy
| | - Nagi B Kumar
- Moffit Cancer Center, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Q Ping Dou
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit MI, United States
| | - Huanjie Yang
- The School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | | | - Gian Luigi Russo
- Institute of Food Sciences National Research Council, Avellino, Italy
| | - Carmela Spagnuolo
- Institute of Food Sciences National Research Council, Avellino, Italy
| | - Swapan K Ray
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Mrinmay Chakrabarti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - James D Morre
- Mor-NuCo, Inc, Purdue Research Park, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Helen M Coley
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Kanya Honoki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Fujii
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Alexandros G Georgakilas
- Department of Physics, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, university of florence, Italy
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, university of florence, Italy
| | - Amr Amin
- Department of Biology, College of Science, UAE University, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - S Salman Ashraf
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UAE University, United Arab Emirates
| | - William G Helferich
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Xujuan Yang
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Chandra S Boosani
- Department of BioMedical Sciences, School of Medicine Creighton University, Omaha NE, United States
| | - Gunjan Guha
- School of Chemical and Bio Technology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Dipita Bhakta
- School of Chemical and Bio Technology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | | | - Katia Aquilano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Italy
| | - Sophie Chen
- Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Research Trust Laboratory, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Sulma I Mohammed
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - W Nicol Keith
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Ireland
| | - Alan Bilsland
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Ireland
| | - Dorota Halicka
- Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Somaira Nowsheen
- Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic Medical Scientist Training Program, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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Chauhan L, Jenkins GD, Bhise N, Feldberg T, Mitra-Ghosh T, Fridley BL, Lamba JK. Genome-wide association analysis identified splicing single nucleotide polymorphism in CFLAR predictive of triptolide chemo-sensitivity. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:483. [PMID: 26121980 PMCID: PMC4485866 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1614-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triptolide is a therapeutic diterpenoid derived from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f. Triptolide has been shown to induce apoptosis by activation of pro-apoptotic proteins, inhibiting NFkB and c-KIT pathways, suppressing the Jak2 transcription, activating MAPK8/JNK signaling and modulating the heat shock responses. Results In the present study, we used lymphoblast cell lines (LCLs) derived from 55 unrelated Caucasian subjects to identify genetic markers predictive of cellular sensitivity to triptolide using genome wide association study. Our results identified SNPs on chromosome 2 associated with triptolide IC50 (p < 0.0001). This region included biologically interesting genes as CFLAR, PPIl3, Caspase 8/10, NFkB and STAT6. Identification of a splicing-SNP rs10190751, which regulates CFLAR alternatively spliced isoforms predictive of the triptolide cytotoxicity suggests its role in triptolides action. Our results from functional studies in Panc-1 cell lines further demonstrate potential role of CFLAR in triptolide toxicity. Analysis of gene-expression with cytotoxicity identified JAK1 expression to be a significant predictor of triptolide sensitivity. Conclusions Overall out results identified genetic factors associated with triptolide chemo-sensitivity thereby opening up opportunities to better understand its mechanism of action as well as utilize these biomarkers to predict therapeutic response in patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1614-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lata Chauhan
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Gregory D Jenkins
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Neha Bhise
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Tanya Feldberg
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Taraswi Mitra-Ghosh
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Brooke L Fridley
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
| | - Jatinder K Lamba
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Zhang D, Feng Y, Zhang Q, Su X, Lu X, Liu S, Zhong L. Raman spectrum reveals the cell cycle arrest of Triptolide-induced leukemic T-lymphocytes apoptosis. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2015; 141:216-222. [PMID: 25681805 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2015.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Triptolide (TPL), a traditional Chinese medicine extract, possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Though some research results have implicated that Triptolide (TPL) can be utilized in the treatment of leukemia, it remains controversial about the mechanism of TPL-induced leukemic T-lymphocytes apoptosis. In this study, combining Raman spectroscopic data, principal component analysis (PCA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging, both the biochemical changes and morphological changes during TPL-induced cell apoptosis were presented. In contrast, the corresponding data during Daunorubicin (DNR)-induced cell apoptosis was also exhibited. The obtained results showed that Raman spectral changes during TPL-induced cell apoptosis were greatly different from DNR-induced cell apoptosis in the early stage of apoptosis but revealed the high similarity in the late stage of apoptosis. Moreover, above Raman spectral changes were respectively consistent with the morphological changes of different stages during TPL-induced apoptosis or DNR-induced apoptosis, including membrane shrinkage and blebbing, chromatin condensation and the formation of apoptotic bodies. Importantly, it was found that Raman spectral changes with TPL-induced apoptosis or DNR-induced apoptosis were respectively related with the cell cycle G1 phase arrest or G1 and S phase arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daosen Zhang
- Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Feng
- Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Qinnan Zhang
- Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Su
- Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoxu Lu
- Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengde Liu
- Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Liyun Zhong
- Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China.
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Wang B, Chen C, Zhang JT, Song RX, Yu XC. Triptolide (TPL) improves locomotor function recovery in rats and reduces inflammation after spinal cord injury. Neurol Sci 2014; 36:701-5. [PMID: 25547329 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-014-2001-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we studied the effect of triptolide (TPL) on locomotor function in rats with spinal cord injury. A total of 40 rats were studied after dividing them in two major groups, one was experimental group denoted as TPL group while other was control group denoted as PBS group. Each group was subdivided in four subgroups having five rats each (n = 5). TPL was given intraperitonially at the rate of 5 mg/kg/day in TPL group while PBS was given at the same time interval in the same manner in control group for comparison. A reduction in the cavity area of tissue sections was observed by bright field microscopy from 0.22 ± 0.05 to 0.12 ± 0.05 mm(2) in experimental group after 28 days of treatment while BBB score also improved from 1 to 5 after 14 days of treatment. SPSS software, one way ANOVA, was used for recording statistical analysis and values were expressed as mean ± SEM where P value of <0.01 was considered significant. The expression of I-kBα and NF-kB p65 was also studied using western blotting and after recording optical density (OD) values of western blots. It was observed that treatment with TPL significantly reduced the expression of these factors after 28 days of treatment compared with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic, The General Hospital of Jinan Military Commanding Region, No. 25 Shifan Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, 250031, Shandong, China
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Li XJ, Jiang ZZ, Zhang LY. Triptolide: progress on research in pharmacodynamics and toxicology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 155:67-79. [PMID: 24933225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (Tripterygium wilfordii), also known as Huangteng and gelsemium elegan, is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been marketed in China as Tripterygium wilfordii glycoside tablets. Triptolide (TP), an active component in Tripterygium wilfordii extracts, has been used to treat various diseases, including lupus, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and nephritic syndrome. This review summarizes recent developments in the research on the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacy and toxicology of TP, with a focus on its novel mechanism of reducing toxicity. This review provides insight for future studies on traditional Chinese medicine, a field that is both historically and currently important. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included studies published primarily within the last five years that were available in online academic databases (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI, SciFinder and Web of Science). RESULTS TP has a long history of use in China because it displays multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-rheumatism, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and neuroprotective properties. It has been widely used for the treatment of various diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, nephritic syndrome, lupus, Behcet׳s disease and central nervous system diseases. Recently, numerous breakthroughs have been made in our understanding of the pharmacological efficacy of TP. Although TP has been marketed as a traditional Chinese medicine, its multi-organ toxicity prevents it from being widely used in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS Triptolide, a biologically active natural product extracted from the root of Tripterygium wilfordii, has shown promising pharmacological effects, particularly as an anti-tumor agent. Currently, in anti-cancer research, more effort should be devoted to investigating effective anti-tumor targets and confirming the anti-tumor spectrum and clinical indications of novel anti-tumor pro-drugs. To apply TP appropriately, with high efficacy and low toxicity, the safety and non-toxic dose range for specific target organs and diseases should be determined, the altered pathways and mechanisms of exposure need to be clarified, and an early warning system for toxicity needs to be established. With further in-depth study of the efficacy and toxicity of TP, we believe that TP will become a promising multi-use drug with improved clinical efficacy and safety in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jiaoyang Li
- Jiangsu Center of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Zhen-Zhou Jiang
- Jiangsu Center of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Lu-yong Zhang
- Jiangsu Center of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Selective tumor cell killing by triptolide in p53 wild-type and p53 mutant ovarian carcinomas. Med Oncol 2014; 31:14. [PMID: 24880464 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-014-0014-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Triptolide is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb-derived antineoplastic agent. However, its antitumor activity against gynecologic carcinomas has not yet been well described. It is the purpose of this article to investigate the effect and mechanism of triptolide in human ovarian cancer using both A2780 (p53 wild) and OVCAR-3 (p53 mutated) cells. Our results showed that triptolide exerted a potent inhibitory effect on the growth and proliferation of both cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner and that the effect was independent of the expression of p53. In contrast, triptolide had only a marginal cytotoxicity in noncancerous ovary cells, lung fibroblast cells, and macrophage cells, indicating differential inhibitory effects of the drug on cell growth between ovarian cancer cells and normal tissue cells. Exposure of the ovarian cancer cells to triptolide induced apoptosis, as evaluated by annexin V/propidium iodide-labeled flow cytometry. Triptolide-induced apoptosis was accompanied by cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation and was associated with downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that treatment with triptolide induced cell cycle S phase arrest in A2780 cells and G2/M phase arrest in OVCAR-3 cells. Further detection by Western blotting revealed that the cell cycle arrest by triptolide in both cell lines occurred in concert with increased expression of p21(CIP1/WAF1). This study shows that triptolide selectively kills ovarian cancer cells with different p53 status predominantly through regulating the coordinate and dynamic cellular processes of proliferation and apoptosis, thereby making it a promising chemotherapeutic agent against a broad spectrum of ovarian carcinomas.
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Nakazato T, Sagawa M, Kizaki M. Triptolide induces apoptotic cell death of multiple myeloma cells via transcriptional repression of Mcl-1. Int J Oncol 2014; 44:1131-8. [PMID: 24481531 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Triptolide, a diterpenoid trioxide purified from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been used as a natural medicine in China for hundreds of years. Several reports have demonstrated that triptolide inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and reduces the growth of several types of tumors in vivo. To address the potential of triptolide as a novel therapeutic agent for patients with multiple myeloma, we investigated the effects of triptolide on the induction of apoptosis in human multiple myeloma cells in vitro. Triptolide rapidly induces apoptotic cell death in various myeloma cell lines. Triptolide-induced apoptosis in myeloma cells is associated with the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (∆ψm), the release of cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO from mitochondria into the cytosol, and the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Furthermore, triptolide induces a rapid decline in the levels of Mcl-1 protein that correlates with caspase activation and induction of apoptosis. Inhibition of Mcl-1 synthesis by triptolide occurs at the level of mRNA transcription and is associated with an inhibition of phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II CTD. These results indicate that Mcl-1 is an important target for triptolide-induced apoptosis in myeloma cells that occurs via inhibition of Mcl-1 mRNA transcription coupled with rapid protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Nakazato
- Department of Hematology, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Kanagawa 240-8550, Japan
| | - Morihiko Sagawa
- Division of Hematology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-0001, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kizaki
- Department of Hematology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama 350-8550, Japan
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Ben Yebdri F, Van Grevenynghe J, Tang VA, Goulet ML, Wu JH, Stojdl DF, Hiscott J, Lin R. Triptolide-mediated inhibition of interferon signaling enhances vesicular stomatitis virus-based oncolysis. Mol Ther 2013; 21:2043-53. [PMID: 23985699 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical trials demonstrated that use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) is a promising new therapeutic approach to treat multiple types of cancer. To further improve their viral oncolysis, experimental strategies are now combining OVs with different cytotoxic compounds. In this study, we investigated the capacity of triptolide - a natural anticancer molecule - to enhance vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) oncolysis in OV-resistant cancer cells. Triptolide treatment increased VSV replication in the human prostate cancer cell line PC3 and in other VSV-resistant cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, triptolide (TPL) inhibited the innate antiviral response by blocking type I interferon (IFN) signaling, downstream of IRF3 activation. Furthermore, triptolide-enhanced VSV-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion in VSV-resistant cells, as measured by annexin-V, cleaved caspase-3, and B-cell lymphoma 2 staining. In vivo, using the TSA mammary adenocarcinoma and PC3 mouse xenograft models, combination treatment with VSV and triptolide delayed tumor growth and prolonged survival of tumor-bearing animals by enhancing viral replication. Together, these results demonstrate that triptolide inhibition of IFN production sensitizes prostate cancer cells to VSV replication and virus-mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fethia Ben Yebdri
- Department of Medicine, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Han R, Rostami-Yazdi M, Gerdes S, Mrowietz U. Triptolide in the treatment of psoriasis and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2013; 74:424-36. [PMID: 22348323 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04221.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from cancer chronic (auto)immune-mediated diseases are a major threat for patients and a challenge for physicians. These conditions include classic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis and also immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Traditional therapies for these conditions include unspecific immunosuppressants including steroids and cyclophosphamide, more specific compounds such as ciclosporin or other drugs which are thought to act as immunomodulators (fumarates and intravenous immunoglobulins). With increasing knowledge about the underlying pathomechanisms of the diseases, targeted biologic therapies mainly consisting of anti-cytokine or anti-cytokine receptor agents have been developed. The latter have led to a substantial improvement of the induction of long term remission but drug costs are high and are not affordable in all countries. In China an extract of the herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. (TwHF) is frequently used to treat autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases due to its favourable cost-benefit ratio. Triptolide has turned out to be the active substance of TwHF extracts and has been shown to exert potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects in vitro and in vivo. There is increasing evidence for an immunomodulatory and partly immunosuppressive mechanism of action of triptolide. Thus, compounds such as triptolide or triptolide derivatives may have the potential to be developed as a new class of drugs for these diseases. In this review we summarize the published knowledge regarding clinical use, pharmacokinetics and the possible mode of action of triptolide in the treatment of inflammatory diseases with a particular focus on psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany.
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Zheng Y, Zhang WJ, Wang XM. Triptolide with potential medicinal value for diseases of the central nervous system. CNS Neurosci Ther 2012; 19:76-82. [PMID: 23253124 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f. (TWHF) has a long history as a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb that aids in treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The major bioactive component of TWHF is triptolide, which has been recognized to possess a broad spectrum of biological profiles including antiinflammatory, immunosuppressive, antifertility, and antitumor activities, as well as neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. Limitation of triptolide, such as poor water solubility and severe systemic toxicity, has postponed clinical development and trials; however, the wide range of medicinal value of triptolide has been drawing intensive worldwide attention. In particular, triptolide has been shown to have significant effects on central nervous system (CNS) diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord and brain injury, and multiple sclerosis. This review focuses on the potential therapeutic role of triptolide on CNS diseases, and discusses the structural features, potential modifications, and the other pharmacological activities of triptolide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zheng
- Department of Physiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing
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Zhang H, Zhu W, Su X, Wu S, Lin Y, Li J, Wang Y, Chen J, Zhou Y, Qiu P, Yan G, Zhao S, Hu J, Zhang J. Triptolide inhibits proliferation and invasion of malignant glioma cells. J Neurooncol 2012; 109:53-62. [PMID: 22562416 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-012-0885-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Malignant glioma is the most devastating and aggressive tumor in brain, characterized by rapid proliferation and diffuse invasion. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the pivotal strategies after surgery; however, high drug resistance of malignant glioma and the blood-brain barrier usually render chemotherapy drugs ineffective. Here, we find that triptolide, a small molecule with high lipid solubility, is capable of inhibiting proliferation and invasion of malignant glioma cells effectively. In both investigated malignant glioma cell lines, triptolide repressed cell proliferation via inducing cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, associated with downregulation of G0/G1 cell cycle regulators cyclin D1, CDK4, and CDK6 followed by reduced phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb). In addition, triptolide induced morphological change of C6 cells through downregulation of protein expression of MAP-2 and inhibition of activities of GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1/2/3, thus significantly suppressing migratory and invasive capacity. Moreover, in an in vivo tumor model, triptolide delayed growth of malignant glioma xenografts. These findings suggest an important inhibitory action of triptolide on proliferation and invasion of malignant glioma, and encourage triptolide as a candidate for glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
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Xiaowen H, Yi S. Triptolide sensitizes TRAIL-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells via p53-mediated DR5 up-regulation. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 39:8763-70. [PMID: 22707197 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-1737-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising agent for cancer therapy. However, a number of prostate cancer cells exhibit high resistance to TRAIL effect. In this study, we found that Triptolide, a Chinese medicine, significantly sensitizes prostate cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated cellular apoptosis by up-regulating DR5 expression. Triptolide treatment can suppress Akt/Hdm2 signaling pathway, and lead to p53 accumulation, thereby up-regulating DR5 expression. Taken together, all evidences indicate that Triptolide may become a promising therapeutic agent that prevents the progression of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Xiaowen
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Liu J, Shen M, Yue Z, Yang Z, Wang M, Li C, Xin C, Wang Y, Mei Q, Wang Z. Triptolide inhibits colon-rectal cancer cells proliferation by induction of G1 phase arrest through upregulation of p21. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 19:756-762. [PMID: 22464014 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Triptolide, a diterpene triepoxide compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F., is a potential cancer chemotherapeutic for tumors. However, the mechanism of anti-proliferative mechanism of triptolide in colon cancer cells is not entirely clear. Triptolide markedly inhibited HT29 and SW480 cells proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Triptolide decreased ERK and AKT phosphorylation, and GABPα expression in colon cancer cells. Beta-catenin expression and phosphorylation were not altered by incubation of triptolide. However, we found that triptolide repressed expression of LEF/TCF. Although it did not significantly affect cells apoptosis, triptolide induced G1 phase arrest dose-dependently. Further detection for the expression of cell cycle-related proteins suggesting that triptolide stimulate expression of p21 and repress cyclin A1. Increased p21 binded to CDK4/CDK6, therefore blocked function of CDK4/CDK6, and subsequently contribute to the G1 arrest. These data suggested that triptolide is a potential agent for treatment of colon cancer, and its anti-proliferation effect mainly occur through G1 phase arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Huang W, He T, Chai C, Yang Y, Zheng Y, Zhou P, Qiao X, Zhang B, Liu Z, Wang J, Shi C, Lei L, Gao K, Li H, Zhong S, Yao L, Huang ME, Lei M. Triptolide inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer cells and down-regulates SUMO-specific protease 1 expression. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37693. [PMID: 22666381 PMCID: PMC3364364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal herbs have attracted more attentions worldwide for its anti-tumor efficacy. Celastrol and Triptolide, two active components extracted from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (known as Lei Gong Teng or Thunder of God Vine), have shown anti-tumor effects. Celastrol was identified as a natural 26 s proteasome inhibitor which promotes cell apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth. The effect and mechanism of Triptolide on prostate cancer (PCa) is not well studied. Here we demonstrated that Triptolide, more potent than Celastrol, inhibited cell growth and induced cell death in LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines. Triptolide also significantly inhibited the xenografted PC-3 tumor growth in nude mice. Moreover, Triptolide induced PCa cell apoptosis through caspases activation and PARP cleavage. Unbalance between SUMOylation and deSUMOylation was reported to play an important role in PCa progression. SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) was thought to be a potential marker and therapeutical target of PCa. Importantly, we observed that Triptolide down-regulated SENP1 expression in both mRNA and protein levels in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners, resulting in an enhanced cellular SUMOylation in PCa cells. Meanwhile, Triptolide decreased AR and c-Jun expression at similar manners, and suppressed AR and c-Jun transcription activity. Furthermore, knockdown or ectopic SENP1, c-Jun and AR expression in PCa cells inhibited the Triptolide anti-PCa effects. Taken together, our data suggest that Triptolide is a natural compound with potential therapeutic value for PCa. Its anti-tumor activity may be attributed to mechanisms involving down-regulation of SENP1 that restores SUMOylation and deSUMOyaltion balance and negative regulation of AR and c-Jun expression that inhibits the AR and c-Jun mediated transcription in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiantian He
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
- UMR3348 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France
| | - Chengsen Chai
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yahong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zengzhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Junru Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Changhong Shi
- State Key laboratory of Tumor Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Lei
- Xi'an San-Yao Bio-pharmaceutical Corporation, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hewei Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sue Zhong
- Xi'an San-Yao Bio-pharmaceutical Corporation, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Libo Yao
- State Key laboratory of Tumor Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Er Huang
- UMR3348 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France
| | - Ming Lei
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Wu Y, Chen C, Sun X, Shi X, Jin B, Ding K, Yeung SCJ, Pan J. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7/9 inhibitor SNS-032 abrogates FIP1-like-1 platelet-derived growth factor receptor α and bcr-abl oncogene addiction in malignant hematologic cells. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:1966-78. [PMID: 22447844 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-1971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The "gate-keeper" mutations T674I platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) in hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and T315I Bcr-Abl in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are resistant to imatinib and the second-generation small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). However, to combat acquired resistance to imatinib, an alternative approach is to decrease the expression of the addicted gene to efficiently kill resistant malignant hematologic cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strategy of shutting down the transcription and expression of FIP1-like-1 (FIP1L1)-PDGFRα and Bcr-Abl with SNS-032, an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) and CDK9 in phase I clinical trials. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The effects of SNS-032 on PDGFRα and Bcr-Abl signaling pathways, apoptosis, and cell cycling were analyzed in TKI-resistant cells of HES and CML. The in vivo antitumor activity of SNS-032 was assessed with xenografted BaF3-T674I FIP1L1-PDGFRα and KBM5-T315I Bcr-Abl cells in nude mouse models. RESULTS SNS-032 inhibited the phosphorylation on Ser5 and Ser2 of RNA polymerase II. SNS-032 decreased both the mRNA and protein levels of FIP1L1-PDGFRα and Bcr-Abl and inhibited the proliferation of malignant cells expressing FIP1L1-PDGFRα or Bcr-Abl. It also decreased the phosphorylation of downstream molecules. It induced apoptosis by triggering both the mitochondrial pathway and the death receptor pathway. CONCLUSIONS This CDK7/9 inhibitor potently inhibits FIP1L1-PDGFRα-positive HES cells and Bcr-Abl-positive CML cells regardless of their sensitivity to imatinib. SNS-032 may have potential in treating hematologic malignancy by abrogating oncogene addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbin Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou 510089, PR China
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Wong KF, Yuan Y, Luk JM. Tripterygium wilfordii bioactive compounds as anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2012; 39:311-20. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2011.05586.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Liu Y, Song F, Wu WKK, He M, Zhao L, Sun X, Li H, Jiang Y, Yang Y, Peng K. Triptolide inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation and induces cleavage and translocation of 14-3-3 epsilon. Cell Biochem Funct 2012; 30:271-8. [PMID: 22315045 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.2793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Triptolide is a diterpenoid triepoxide derived from the traditional Chinese medical herb Tripterygium wilfordii. In the present study, we demonstrated that this phytochemical attenuated colon cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Using a proteomic approach, we found that 14-3-3 epsilon, a cell cycle- and apoptosis-related protein, was altered in colon cancer cells treated with triptolide. In this regard, triptolide induced cleavage and perinuclear translocation of 14-3-3 epsilon. Taken together, our findings suggest that triptolide may merit investigation as a potential therapeutic agent for colon cancer, and its anticancer action may be associated with alteration of 14-3-3 epsilon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Transcriptome and Proteome of Human Diseases Supported by Guangdong Province and the Ministry of China, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhou ZL, Yang YX, Ding J, Li YC, Miao ZH. Triptolide: structural modifications, structure-activity relationships, bioactivities, clinical development and mechanisms. Nat Prod Rep 2012; 29:457-75. [PMID: 22270059 DOI: 10.1039/c2np00088a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Triptolide, a principal bioactive ingredient of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has attracted extensive exploration due to its unique structure of a diterpenoid triepoxide and multiple biological activities. This review will focus on the structural modifications, structure-activity relationships, pharmacology, and clinical development of triptolide in the last forty years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Li Zhou
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, P.R. China
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MRx102, a triptolide derivative, has potent antileukemic activity in vitro and in a murine model of AML. Leukemia 2011; 26:443-50. [PMID: 21904380 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2011.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Triptolide, isolated from the herb Tripterygium wilfordii, has been shown to potently induce apoptosis in various malignant cells by inhibiting RNA synthesis and nuclear factor-κB activity. Previously, we showed that triptolide promotes apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells via the mitochondria-mediated pathway, in part, by decreasing levels of the anti-apoptotic proteins XIAP and Mcl-1. MRx102 is a triptolide derivative, currently in preclinical development. Here we show that MRx102 potently promoted apoptosis in AML cell lines, with EC(50) values of 14.5±0.6 nM and 37.0±0.9 nM at 48 h for OCI-AML3 and MV4-11 cells, respectively. MRx102, at low nanomolar concentrations, also induced apoptosis in bulk, CD34(+) progenitor, and more importantly, CD34(+)CD38(-) stem/progenitor cells from AML patients, even when they were protected by coculture with bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells. MRx102 decreased XIAP and Mcl-1 protein levels and inhibited RNA synthesis in OCI-AML3 cells. In vivo, MRx102 greatly decreased leukemia burden and increased survival time in non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice harboring Ba/F3-ITD cells. Collectively, we demonstrated that MRx102 has potent antileukemic activity both in vitro and in vivo, has the potential to eliminate AML stem/progenitor cells and overcome microenvironmental protection of leukemic cells, and warrants clinical investigation.
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Triptolide exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic as well as anabolic effects and suppresses TLR expression and MAPK activity in IL-1β treated human intervertebral disc cells. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2011; 21 Suppl 6:S850-9. [PMID: 21789526 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-011-1919-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines seem to play a pivotal role in the development of back pain in a subpopulation of patients with degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) disease. As current treatment options are mostly limited to surgical interventions or conservative treatment, anti-inflammatory substances might offer a novel, more target-orientated therapeutic approach. Triptolide (TPL), a natural substance found in the Chinese medicinal herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook, has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory effects in various cells, but no studies exist so far for the IVD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of TPL on human IVD cells by analyzing changes in gene expression and underlying molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory, anabolic and anti-catabolic effect of TPL, dose-dependency experiments (n = 5) and time course experiments (n = 5) were performed on IL-1β prestimulated human IVD cells and changes in gene expression of IL-6/-8, TNF-α, PGE2S, MMP1/2/3/13, aggrecan and collagen-I/-II were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. The molecular mechanisms underlying the effects observed upon TPL treatment were investigated by analyzing involvement of Toll-like receptors TLR2/4 (real-time RT-PCR, n = 5), NF-κB, MAP kinases p38, ERK and JNK (immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry, n = 4) as well as RNA polymerase II (immunoblotting, n = 3). RESULTS Results showed that 50 nM TPL exhibited an anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic and anabolic effect on the mRNA level for IL-6/-8, PGE2S, MMP1/2/3/13, aggrecan, collagen-II and TLR2/4, with most pronounced changes after 18 h for proinflammatory cytokines and MMPs or 30 h for TLRs and matrix proteins. However, we also observed an up-regulation of TNF-α at higher concentrations. The effects of TPL did not seem to be mediated via an inhibition of NF-κB or a decrease of RNA polymerase II levels, but TPL influenced activity of MAP kinases p38 and ERK (but not JNK) and expression of TLR2/4. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, TPL may possess promising potential for the treatment of inflammation-related discogenic back pain in vitro, but its analgetic effect will need to be confirmed in an appropriate in vivo animal model.
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The main anticancer bullets of the Chinese medicinal herb, thunder god vine. Molecules 2011; 16:5283-97. [PMID: 21701438 PMCID: PMC6264543 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16065283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Revised: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thunder god vine or Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. is a representative Chinese medicinal herb which has been used widely and successfully for centuries in treating inflammatory diseases. More than 100 components have been isolated from this plant, and most of them have potent therapeutic efficacy for a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In the past four decades, the anticancer activities of the extracts from this medicinal herb have attracted intensive attention by researchers worldwide. The diterpenoid epoxide triptolide and the quinone triterpene celastrol are two important bioactive ingredients that show a divergent therapeutic profile and can perturb multiple signal pathways. Both compounds promise to turn traditional medicines into modern drugs. In this review, we will mainly address the anticancer activities and mechanisms of action of these two agents and briefly describe some other antitumor components of the thunder god vine.
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Corson TW, Cavga H, Aberle N, Crews CM. Triptolide directly inhibits dCTP pyrophosphatase. Chembiochem 2011; 12:1767-73. [PMID: 21671327 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Triptolide is a potent natural product, with documented antiproliferative, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, antifertility, and antipolycystic kidney disease effects. Despite a wealth of knowledge about the biology of this compound, direct intracellular target proteins have remained elusive. We synthesized a biotinylated photoaffinity derivative of triptolide, and used it to identify dCTP pyrophosphatase 1 (DCTPP1) as a triptolide-interacting protein. Free triptolide interacts directly with recombinant DCTPP1, and inhibits the enzymatic activity of this protein. Triptolide is thus the first dCTP pyrophosphatase inhibitor identified, and DCTPP1 is a biophysically validated target of triptolide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy W Corson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, P. O. Box 208103, New Haven, CT 06520-8103, USA.
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Kwon HY, Kim SJ, Kim CH, Son SW, Kim KS, Lee JH, Do SI, Lee YC. Triptolide downregulates human GD3 synthase (hST8Sia I) gene expression in SK-MEL-2 human melanoma cells. Exp Mol Med 2011; 42:849-55. [PMID: 21072003 DOI: 10.3858/emm.2010.42.12.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we have shown that gene expression of human GD3 synthase (hST8Sia I) is suppressed by triptolide (TPL) in human melanoma SK-MEL-2 cells. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the downregulation of hST8Sia I gene expression in TPL-treated SK-MEL-2 cells, we characterized the TPL-inducible promoter region within the hST8Sia I gene using luciferase constructs carrying 5'-deletions of the hST8Sia I promoter. Functional analysis of the 5'-flanking region of the hST8Sia I gene demonstrated that the -1146 to -646 region, which contains putative binding sites for transcription factors c-Ets-1, CREB, AP-1 and NF-κB, functions as the TPL-inducible promoter of hST8Sia I in SK-MEL-2 cells. Site-directed mutagenesis and ChIP analysis indicated that the NF-κB binding site at -731 to -722 is crucial for TPL-induced suppression of hST8Sia I in SK-MEL-2 cells. This suggests that TPL induces down-regulation of hST8Sia I gene expression through NF-κB activation in human melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haw-Young Kwon
- Department of Biotechnology, Brain Korea 21 Center for Silver-Bio Industrialization, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Korea
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Titov DV, Gilman B, He QL, Bhat S, Low WK, Dang Y, Smeaton M, Demain AL, Miller PS, Kugel JF, Goodrich JA, Liu JO. XPB, a subunit of TFIIH, is a target of the natural product triptolide. Nat Chem Biol 2011; 7:182-8. [PMID: 21278739 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 362] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Triptolide (1) is a structurally unique diterpene triepoxide isolated from a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, contraceptive and antitumor activities. Its molecular mechanism of action, however, has remained largely elusive to date. We report that triptolide covalently binds to human XPB (also known as ERCC3), a subunit of the transcription factor TFIIH, and inhibits its DNA-dependent ATPase activity, which leads to the inhibition of RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription and likely nucleotide excision repair. The identification of XPB as the target of triptolide accounts for the majority of the known biological activities of triptolide. These findings also suggest that triptolide can serve as a new molecular probe for studying transcription and, potentially, as a new type of anticancer agent through inhibition of the ATPase activity of XPB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis V Titov
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Li-Weber M. Targeting apoptosis pathways in cancer by Chinese medicine. Cancer Lett 2010; 332:304-12. [PMID: 20685036 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2010.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Revised: 07/11/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses a combination of different natural products based on practical experiences. To better understand the therapeutic functions of TCM, large efforts have been made to identify the principle constituents of TCM and to unravel the molecular mechanisms behind the efficacy observed. This review aims to summarize research results obtained from the most intensively studied TCM phytochemical compounds namely the alkaloids Berberine, Evodiamine; anthraquinones Emodin, Aloe-emodin, Rhein; the terpenoids Artemisinin, Celastrol, Triptolide; the flavones Apigenin, Chrysin, Wogonin, Baicalein; and the cyclopenta[b]benzofuran derivatives Rocaglamide. Most of them have been originally identified as anti-inflammatory and anti-viral reagents and are now known to also possess anti-tumor activities by targeting the apoptosis pathways in cancer. This review also intends to give an overview of the mechanisms of action identified so far. These breakthrough findings may have important implications for targeted-cancer therapy and for modernization of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li-Weber
- Tumor Immunology Program (D030), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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