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Arunrungvichian K, Vajragupta O, Hayakawa Y, Pongrakhananon V. Targeting Alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Lung Cancer: Insights, Challenges, and Therapeutic Strategies. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:28-41. [PMID: 38230275 PMCID: PMC10789132 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) is an ion-gated calcium channel that plays a significant role in various aspects of cancer pathogenesis, particularly in lung cancer. Preclinical studies have elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying α7 nAChR-associated lung cancer proliferation, chemotherapy resistance, and metastasis. Understanding and targeting this mechanism are crucial for developing therapeutic interventions aimed at disrupting α7 nAChR-mediated cancer progression and improving treatment outcomes. Drug research and discovery have determined natural compounds and synthesized chemical antagonists that specifically target α7 nAChR. However, approved α7 nAChR antagonists for clinical use are lacking, primarily due to challenges related to achieving the desired selectivity, efficacy, and safety profiles required for effective therapeutic intervention. This comprehensive review provided insights into the molecular mechanisms associated with α7 nAChR and its role in cancer progression, particularly in lung cancer. Furthermore, it presents an update on recent evidence about α7 nAChR antagonists and addresses the challenges encountered in drug research and discovery in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuntarat Arunrungvichian
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Unit
of Compounds Library for Drug Discovery, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Opa Vajragupta
- Research
Affairs, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Yoshihiro Hayakawa
- Institute
of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Varisa Pongrakhananon
- Department
of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Preclinical
Toxicity and Efficacy Assessment of Medicines and Chemicals Research
Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Wu HX, He PM, Jia R. Effects of µ-Conotoxin GIIIB on the cellular activity of mouse skeletal musculoblast: combined transcriptome and proteome analysis. Proteome Sci 2023; 21:17. [PMID: 37828502 PMCID: PMC10568904 DOI: 10.1186/s12953-023-00221-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
µ-Conotoxin GIIIB (µ-CTX GIIIB) is a polypeptide containing three disulfide bridges, produced by the sea snail Conus geographus. This study was aimed to explored the cytotoxic effects of µ-CTX GIIIB on mouse skeletal musculoblast (Sol8). Sol8 cells were exposed to ouabain and veratridine to establish the cell injury model, and then treated with µ-CTX GIIIB. CCK-8 was adopted to evaluate the cytotoxicity of µ-CTX GIIIB. Then, proteomics and transcriptome were conducted, and the explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) affected by µ-CTX GIIIB were found. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis was used to investigate the affected signaling pathways. µ-CTX GIIIB increased the cell survival rate of injured Sol8 cells. We found and identified 1,663 DEGs and 444 DEPs influenced by µ-CTX GIIIB. 106 pairs of correlated DEGs and DEPs were selected by combining transcriptome and proteome data. The results of KEGG and GO analysis showed that µ-CTX GIIB affected the cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA damage and repair, lipid metabolism and other biological processes of Sol8 cells. µ-CTX GIIIB could affected cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair, and activation of tumor factors, with potential carcinogenic effects. Our results provide an important basis for the study of in vitro toxicity, the mechanism of toxicity and injury prevention by µ-CTX GIIIB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Xi Wu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, No.999, Huchenghuan Rd, Nanhui New City, Shanghai, 201306, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Min He
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, No.999, Huchenghuan Rd, Nanhui New City, Shanghai, 201306, P.R. China
| | - Rui Jia
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, No.999, Huchenghuan Rd, Nanhui New City, Shanghai, 201306, P.R. China.
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Ikhmais BA, Hammad AM, Abusara OH, Hamadneh L, Abumansour H, Abdallah QM, Ibrahim AIM, Elsalem L, Awad M, Alshehada R. Investigating Carvedilol's Repurposing for the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity Modulation in the Presence of β-Adrenergic Agonists. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7996-8012. [PMID: 37886948 PMCID: PMC10605277 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Repurposing existing drugs appears to be a potential solution for addressing the challenges in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). β-adrenoceptor antagonist drugs (β-blockers) have tumor-inhibiting effects, making them promising candidates for potential NSCLC treatment. This study investigates the anticancer potential of a subset of β-blockers in NSCLC cell lines; A549 and H1299. Additionally, it investigates the underlying mechanism behind β-blockers' anticancer effect by influencing a potential novel target named aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). The MTT assay assessed β-blockers' cytotoxicity on both cell lines, while Western blot and NADH fluorescence assays evaluated their influence on ALDH protein expression and activity. Carvedilol (CAR) was the most effective blocker in reducing cell survival of A549 and H1299 with IC50 of 18 µM and 13.7 µM, respectively. Significantly, CAR led to a 50% reduction in ALDH expression and 80% decrease in ALDH activity in A549 cells, especially when combined with β-agonists, in comparison to the control. This effect might be attributed to β-agonist blockade or an alternative pathway. This novel finding adds to our understanding of CAR's multifaceted anticancer properties, implying that combining CAR with β-agonists could be a useful strategy for lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balqis A. Ikhmais
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan; (A.M.H.); (O.H.A.); (H.A.); (A.I.M.I.); (M.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Alaa M. Hammad
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan; (A.M.H.); (O.H.A.); (H.A.); (A.I.M.I.); (M.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Osama H. Abusara
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan; (A.M.H.); (O.H.A.); (H.A.); (A.I.M.I.); (M.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Lama Hamadneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, P.O. Box 206, Al-Salt 19117, Jordan;
| | - Hamza Abumansour
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan; (A.M.H.); (O.H.A.); (H.A.); (A.I.M.I.); (M.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Qasem M. Abdallah
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, P.O. Box 961343, Amman 11196, Jordan;
| | - Ali I. M. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan; (A.M.H.); (O.H.A.); (H.A.); (A.I.M.I.); (M.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Lina Elsalem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Mariam Awad
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan; (A.M.H.); (O.H.A.); (H.A.); (A.I.M.I.); (M.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Rahaf Alshehada
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan; (A.M.H.); (O.H.A.); (H.A.); (A.I.M.I.); (M.A.); (R.A.)
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Dong J, Zhang P, Xie J, Xie T, Zhu X, Zhangsun D, Yu J, Luo S. Loop2 Size Modification Reveals Significant Impacts on the Potency of α-Conotoxin TxID. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21050286. [PMID: 37233480 DOI: 10.3390/md21050286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
α4/6-conotoxin TxID, which was identified from Conus textile, simultaneously blocks rat (r) α3β4 and rα6/α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) with IC50 values of 3.6 nM and 33.9 nM, respectively. In order to identify the effects of loop2 size on the potency of TxID, alanine (Ala) insertion and truncation mutants were designed and synthesized in this study. An electrophysiological assay was used to evaluate the activity of TxID and its loop2-modified mutants. The results showed that the inhibition of 4/7-subfamily mutants [+9A]TxID, [+10A]TxID, [+14A]TxID, and all the 4/5-subfamily mutants against rα3β4 and rα6/α3β4 nAChRs decreased. Overall, ala-insertion or truncation of the 9th, 10th, and 11th amino acid results in a loss of inhibition and the truncation of loop2 has more obvious impacts on its functions. Our findings have strengthened the understanding of α-conotoxin, provided guidance for further modifications, and offered a perspective for future studies on the molecular mechanism of the interaction between α-conotoxins and nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Dong
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Panpan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Junjie Xie
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Ting Xie
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jinpeng Yu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Sulan Luo
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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Español A, Sanchez Y, Salem A, Obregon J, Sales ME. Nicotinic receptors modulate antitumor therapy response in triple negative breast cancer cells. World J Clin Oncol 2022; 13:505-519. [PMID: 35949430 PMCID: PMC9244968 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v13.i6.505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer is more aggressive than other breast cancer subtypes and constitutes a public health problem worldwide since it has high morbidity and mortality due to the lack of defined therapeutic targets. Resistance to chemotherapy complicates the course of patients’ treatment. Several authors have highlighted the participation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in the modulation of conventional chemotherapy treatment in cancers of the airways. However, in breast cancer, less is known about the effect of nAChR activation by nicotine on chemotherapy treatment in smoking patients.
AIM To investigate the effect of nicotine on paclitaxel treatment and the signaling pathways involved in human breast MDA-MB-231 tumor cells.
METHODS Cells were treated with paclitaxel alone or in combination with nicotine, administered for one or three 48-h cycles. The effect of the addition of nicotine (at a concentration similar to that found in passive smokers’ blood) on the treatment with paclitaxel (at a therapeutic concentration) was determined using the 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The signaling mediators involved in this effect were determined using selective inhibitors. We also investigated nAChR expression, and ATP “binding cassette” G2 drug transporter (ABCG2) expression and its modulation by the different treatments with Western blot. The effect of the treatments on apoptosis induction was determined by flow cytometry using annexin-V and 7AAD markers.
RESULTS Our results confirmed that treatment with paclitaxel reduced MDA-MB-231 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner and that the presence of nicotine reversed the cytotoxic effect induced by paclitaxel by involving the expression of functional α7 and α9 nAChRs in these cells. The action of nicotine on paclitaxel treatment was linked to modulation of the protein kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and NF-κB signaling pathways, and to an up-regulation of ABCG2 protein expression. We also detected that nicotine significantly reduced the increase in cell apoptosis induced by paclitaxel treatment. Moreover, the presence of nicotine reduced the efficacy of paclitaxel treatment administered in three cycles to MDA-MB-231 tumor cells.
CONCLUSION Our findings point to nAChRs as responsible for the decrease in the chemotherapeutic effect of paclitaxel in triple negative tumors. Thus, nAChRs should be considered as targets in smoking patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Español
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Yamila Sanchez
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Agustina Salem
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Jaqueline Obregon
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Maria Elena Sales
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
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Zheng M, Tae HS, Xue L, Jiang T, Yu R. Mechanism of interactions between α-conotoxin RegIIA and carbohydrates at the human α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:98-105. [PMID: 37073352 PMCID: PMC10077175 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-021-00108-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Conotoxins are marine peptide toxins from marine cone snails. The α-conotoxin RegIIA can selectively act on human (h) α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), and is an important lead for drug development. The high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the α3β4 nAChR demonstrates several carbohydrates are located near the orthosteric binding sites, which may affect α-conotoxin binding. Oligosaccharide chains can modify the physical and chemical properties of proteins by changing the conformation, hydrophobicity, quality and size of the protein. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of oligosaccharide chains on the binding modes and activities of RegIIA and its derivatives at hα3β4 nAChRs. Through computational simulations, we designed and synthesized RegIIA mutants at position 14 to explore the importance of residue H14 to the activity of the peptide. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the oligosaccharide chains affect the binding of RegIIA at the hα3β4 nAChR through direct interactions with H14 and by affecting the C-loop conformation of the binding sites. Electrophysiology studies on H14 analogues suggest that in addition to forming direct interactions with the carbohydrates, the residue might play an important role in maintaining the conformation of the peptide. Overall, this study further clarifies the structure-activity relationship of α-conotoxin RegIIA at the hα3β4 nAChR and, also provides important experimental and theoretical basis for the development of new peptide drugs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-021-00108-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zheng
- Molecular Synthesis Center & Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266100 China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Liang Xue
- Molecular Synthesis Center & Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266100 China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Molecular Synthesis Center & Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266100 China
| | - Rilei Yu
- Molecular Synthesis Center & Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266100 China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266003 China
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Marine Origin Ligands of Nicotinic Receptors: Low Molecular Compounds, Peptides and Proteins for Fundamental Research and Practical Applications. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020189. [PMID: 35204690 PMCID: PMC8961598 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of our review is to briefly show what different compounds of marine origin, from low molecular weight ones to peptides and proteins, offer for understanding the structure and mechanism of action of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and for finding novel drugs to combat the diseases where nAChRs may be involved. The importance of the mentioned classes of ligands has changed with time; a protein from the marine snake venom was the first excellent tool to characterize the muscle-type nAChRs from the electric ray, while at present, muscle and α7 receptors are labeled with the radioactive or fluorescent derivatives prepared from α-bungarotoxin isolated from the many-banded krait. The most sophisticated instruments to distinguish muscle from neuronal nAChRs, and especially distinct subtypes within the latter, are α-conotoxins. Such information is crucial for fundamental studies on the nAChR revealing the properties of their orthosteric and allosteric binding sites and mechanisms of the channel opening and closure. Similar data are provided by low-molecular weight compounds of marine origin, but here the main purpose is drug design. In our review we tried to show what has been obtained in the last decade when the listed classes of compounds were used in the nAChR research, applying computer modeling, synthetic analogues and receptor mutants, X-ray and electron-microscopy analyses of complexes with the nAChRs, and their models which are acetylcholine-binding proteins and heterologously-expressed ligand-binding domains.
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Bekbossynova A, Zharylgap A, Filchakova O. Venom-Derived Neurotoxins Targeting Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113373. [PMID: 34204855 PMCID: PMC8199771 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter described. The receptors targeted by acetylcholine are found within organisms spanning different phyla and position themselves as very attractive targets for predation, as well as for defense. Venoms of snakes within the Elapidae family, as well as those of marine snails within the Conus genus, are particularly rich in proteins and peptides that target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Such compounds are invaluable tools for research seeking to understand the structure and function of the cholinergic system. Proteins and peptides of venomous origin targeting nAChR demonstrate high affinity and good selectivity. This review aims at providing an overview of the toxins targeting nAChRs found within venoms of different animals, as well as their activities and the structural determinants important for receptor binding.
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Bai S, Wen W, Hou X, Wu J, Yi L, Zhi Y, Lv Y, Tan X, Liu L, Wang P, Zhou H, Dong Y. Inhibitory effect of sinomenine on lung cancer cells via negative regulation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 109:843-852. [PMID: 32726882 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.6ma0720-344rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with a high morbidity and less than 20% survival rate. Therefore, new treatment strategies and drugs are needed to reduce the mortality of patients with lung cancer. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), as a receptor of nicotine and its metabolites, is a potential target for lung cancer treatment. Our previous studies revealed that sinomenine plays anti-inflammation roles via α7 nAChR and down-regulates the expression of this receptor, thus increasing the inflammatory response. Hence, sinomenine is possibly a natural ligand of this receptor. In the present study, the effects of sinomenine on lung cancer A549 cells and tumor-bearing mice were determined to investigate whether this alkaloid has an inhibitory effect on lung cancer via α7 nAChR. CCK-8 assay, wound-healing test, and flow cytometry were performed for cell proliferation, cell migration, and apoptosis analysis in vitro, respectively. Xenograft mice were used to evaluate the effects of sinomenine in vivo. Results showed that sinomenine decreased cell proliferation and migration abilities but increased the percentage of apoptotic cells. Tumor volume in tumor-bearing mice was significantly reduced after sinomenine treatment compared with that in the vehicle group mice (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the effects of sinomenine were abolished by the α7 nAChR antagonist mecamylamine and the allosteric modulator PNU-120596, but no change occurred when the mice were pretreated with the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist atropine. Meanwhile, sinomenine suppressed α7 nAChR expression in vitro and in vivo, as well as the related signaling molecules pERK1/2 and ERK1/2 and the transcription factors TTF-1 and SP-1. By contrast, sinomenine up-regulated the expression of another transcription factor, Egr-1. These effects were restricted by mecamylamine and PNU but not by atropine. Results suggested that sinomenine can inhibit lung cancer via α7 nAChR in a negative feedback mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Bai
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wenhao Wen
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xuenan Hou
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jiexiu Wu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lang Yi
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yingkun Zhi
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yanjun Lv
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Tan
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, P. R. China
| | - Peixun Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hua Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, P. R. China
| | - Yan Dong
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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Circular RNA hsa_circ_0072309 inhibits non-small cell lung cancer progression by sponging miR-580-3p. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222657. [PMID: 32293004 PMCID: PMC7199450 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20194237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) continues to top the list of cancer mortalities worldwide. Early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions targeting NSCLC is becoming the world’s significant challenge. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as a group of potential cancer biomarkers. Materials and methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to examine the expression of circ_0072309 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), wound healing and Transwell assays were used to analyze cell proliferation, migration and invasion in A549 and H1299 cells. The relationship between circ_0072309 and miR-580-3 was analyzed by Luciferase reporter and RNA pull down assays. Results: We screened circ_0072309 from Gene Expression Omnibus and found that circ_0072309 was lowly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. The transfection of circ_0072309-overexpressing vector significantly suppressed the cell proliferation, migration and invasion in A549 and H1299 cells. We predicted that miR-580-3p is a target of circ_0072309 by using publicly available bioinformatic algorithms Circinteractome tool and confirmed that circ_0072309 directly bound to miR-580-3p. Furthermore, the addition of miR-580-3p mitigated the blockage of cell proliferation, migration and invasion induced by circ_0072309. Conclusions: These data showed that circ_0072309 inhibits the progression of NSCLC progression via blocking the expression of miR-580-3p. These findings revealed the anti-tumor role of circ_0072309 during the development of NSCLC and provided a novel diagnostic biomarker and potential therapy for NSCLC.
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Diabasana Z, Perotin JM, Belgacemi R, Ancel J, Mulette P, Delepine G, Gosset P, Maskos U, Polette M, Deslée G, Dormoy V. Nicotinic Receptor Subunits Atlas in the Adult Human Lung. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207446. [PMID: 33050277 PMCID: PMC7588933 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels responsible for rapid neural and neuromuscular signal transmission. Although it is well documented that 16 subunits are encoded by the human genome, their presence in airway epithelial cells (AECs) remains poorly understood, and contribution to pathology is mainly discussed in the context of cancer. We analysed nAChR subunit expression in the human lungs of smokers and non-smokers using transcriptomic data for whole-lung tissues, isolated large AECs, and isolated small AECs. We identified differential expressions of nAChRs in terms of detection and repartition in the three modalities. Smoking-associated alterations were also unveiled. Then, we identified an nAChR transcriptomic print at the single-cell level. Finally, we reported the localizations of detectable nAChRs in bronchi and large bronchioles. Thus, we compiled the first complete atlas of pulmonary nAChR subunits to open new avenues to further unravel the involvement of these receptors in lung homeostasis and respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zania Diabasana
- Inserm UMR-S1250, P3Cell, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France; (Z.D.); (J.-M.P.); (R.B.); (J.A.); (P.M.); (G.D.); (M.P.); (G.D.)
| | - Jeanne-Marie Perotin
- Inserm UMR-S1250, P3Cell, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France; (Z.D.); (J.-M.P.); (R.B.); (J.A.); (P.M.); (G.D.); (M.P.); (G.D.)
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Randa Belgacemi
- Inserm UMR-S1250, P3Cell, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France; (Z.D.); (J.-M.P.); (R.B.); (J.A.); (P.M.); (G.D.); (M.P.); (G.D.)
| | - Julien Ancel
- Inserm UMR-S1250, P3Cell, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France; (Z.D.); (J.-M.P.); (R.B.); (J.A.); (P.M.); (G.D.); (M.P.); (G.D.)
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Pauline Mulette
- Inserm UMR-S1250, P3Cell, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France; (Z.D.); (J.-M.P.); (R.B.); (J.A.); (P.M.); (G.D.); (M.P.); (G.D.)
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Gonzague Delepine
- Inserm UMR-S1250, P3Cell, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France; (Z.D.); (J.-M.P.); (R.B.); (J.A.); (P.M.); (G.D.); (M.P.); (G.D.)
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Philippe Gosset
- CNRS UMR9017, Inserm U1019, University of Lille, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille, Institut Pasteur, CIIL—Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
| | - Uwe Maskos
- Integrative Neurobiology of Cholinergic Systems, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3571, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Myriam Polette
- Inserm UMR-S1250, P3Cell, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France; (Z.D.); (J.-M.P.); (R.B.); (J.A.); (P.M.); (G.D.); (M.P.); (G.D.)
- Department of Biopathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Gaëtan Deslée
- Inserm UMR-S1250, P3Cell, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France; (Z.D.); (J.-M.P.); (R.B.); (J.A.); (P.M.); (G.D.); (M.P.); (G.D.)
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Valérian Dormoy
- Inserm UMR-S1250, P3Cell, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France; (Z.D.); (J.-M.P.); (R.B.); (J.A.); (P.M.); (G.D.); (M.P.); (G.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)3-10-73-62-28; Fax: +33-(0)3-26-06-58-61
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Luan X, Wu Y, Shen YW, Zhang H, Zhou YD, Chen HZ, Nagle DG, Zhang WD. Cytotoxic and antitumor peptides as novel chemotherapeutics. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 38:7-17. [PMID: 32776055 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00019a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to 2020Treatment resistance and drug-induced refractory malignancies pose significant challenges for current chemotherapy drugs. There have been increasing research efforts aimed at developing novel chemotherapeutics, especially from natural products and related derivatives. Natural cytotoxic peptides, an emerging source of chemotherapeutics, have exhibited the advantage of overcoming drug resistance and displayed broad-spectrum antitumor activities in the clinic. This highlight examines the increasingly popular cytotoxic peptides from isolated natural products. In-depth review of several peptides provides examples for how this novel strategy can lead to the improved anti-tumor effects. The mechanisms and current application of representative natural cytotoxic peptides (NCPs) have also been discussed, with a particular focus on future directions for interdisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Luan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
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13
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Isolation, Characterization and In-Silico Study of Conotoxin Protein from Conus loroisii and Its Anti-cancer Activity. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10091-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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14
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Wilson DT, Bansal PS, Carter DA, Vetter I, Nicke A, Dutertre S, Daly NL. Characterisation of a Novel A-Superfamily Conotoxin. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050128. [PMID: 32443665 PMCID: PMC7277881 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conopeptides belonging to the A-superfamily from the venomous molluscs, Conus, are typically α-conotoxins. The α-conotoxins are of interest as therapeutic leads and pharmacological tools due to their selectivity and potency at nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes. Structurally, the α-conotoxins have a consensus fold containing two conserved disulfide bonds that define the two-loop framework and brace a helical region. Here we report on a novel α-conotoxin Pl168, identified from the transcriptome of Conus planorbis, which has an unusual 4/8 loop framework. Unexpectedly, NMR determination of its three-dimensional structure reveals a new structural type of A-superfamily conotoxins with a different disulfide-stabilized fold, despite containing the conserved cysteine framework and disulfide connectivity of classical α-conotoxins. The peptide did not demonstrate activity on a range of nAChRs, or Ca2+ and Na+ channels suggesting that it might represent a new pharmacological class of conotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T. Wilson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia; (D.T.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Paramjit S. Bansal
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia; (D.T.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - David A. Carter
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.A.C.); (I.V.)
| | - Irina Vetter
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.A.C.); (I.V.)
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Annette Nicke
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany;
| | - Sébastien Dutertre
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France;
| | - Norelle L. Daly
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia; (D.T.W.); (P.S.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-4232-1815
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15
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Sun Z, Bao J, Zhangsun M, Dong S, Zhangsun D, Luo S. αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA Inhibits the Growth of Breast Cancer Cells via Interaction with α9 Nicotine Acetylcholine Receptors. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18040195. [PMID: 32272701 PMCID: PMC7231225 DOI: 10.3390/md18040195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The α9-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is increasingly emerging as a new tumor target owing to its high expression specificity in breast cancer. αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA is a potent antagonist of α9α10 nAChR. Nevertheless, the anti-tumor effect of GeXIVA on breast cancer cells remains unclear. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to study the cell viability of breast cancer MDA-MD-157 cells and human normal breast epithelial cells, which were exposed to different doses of GeXIVA. Flow cytometry was adopted to detect the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of GeXIVA in breast cancer cells. Migration ability was analyzed by wound healing assay. Western blot (WB), quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) and flow cytometry were used to determine expression of α9-nAChR. Stable MDA-MB-157 breast cancer cell line, with the α9-nAChR subunit knocked out (KO), was established using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. GeXIVA was able to significantly inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis of breast cancer MDA-MB-157 cells. Furthermore, the proliferation of breast cancer MDA-MB-157 cells was inhibited by GeXIVA, which caused cell cycle arrest through downregulating α9-nAChR. GeXIVA could suppress MDA-MB-157 cell migration as well. This demonstrates that GeXIVA induced a downregulation of α9-nAChR expression, and the growth of MDA-MB-157 α9-nAChR KO cell line was inhibited as well, due to α9-nAChR deletion. GeXIVA inhibits the growth of breast cancer cell MDA-MB-157 cells in vitro and may occur in a mechanism abolishing α9-nAChR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Z.S.); (J.B.); (M.Z.); (S.D.)
| | - Jiaolin Bao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Z.S.); (J.B.); (M.Z.); (S.D.)
| | - Manqi Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Z.S.); (J.B.); (M.Z.); (S.D.)
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Z.S.); (J.B.); (M.Z.); (S.D.)
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Medical School, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Z.S.); (J.B.); (M.Z.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence: (D.Z.); (S.L.)
| | - Sulan Luo
- Medical School, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Z.S.); (J.B.); (M.Z.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence: (D.Z.); (S.L.)
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16
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Differential Expression of Nicotine Acetylcholine Receptors Associates with Human Breast Cancer and Mediates Antitumor Activity of αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18010061. [PMID: 31963558 PMCID: PMC7024346 DOI: 10.3390/md18010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are membrane receptors and play a major role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Here, we have investigated the differential expression of nAChR subunits in human breast cancer cell lines and breast epithelial cell lines at mRNA and protein levels and the effects of the αO-conotoxin GeXIVA, antagonist of α9α10 nAChR, on human breast cancer cells. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated that all nAChR subunits, except α6, were expressed in the 20 tested cell lines. Real time quantitative PCR (QRT-PCR) suggested that the mRNA of α5, α7, α9 and β4 nAChR subunits were overexpressed in all the breast cancer cell lines compared with the normal epithelial cell line HS578BST. α9 nAChR was highly expressed in almost all the breast cancer cell lines in comparison to normal cells. The different expression is prominent (p < 0.001) as determined by flow cytometry and Western blotting, except for MDA-MB-453 and HCC1395 cell lines. αO-conotoxin GeXIVA that targeted α9α10 nAChR were able to significantly inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro and merits further investigation as potential agents for targeted therapy.
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