Scriptaid inhibits cell survival, cell cycle, and promotes apoptosis in multiple myeloma via epigenetic regulation of p21

Increased ATP2A1 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients With Colorectal Carcinoma

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system. Traditional diagnosis and treatment methods have not significantly improved the overall survival of patients. In this study, we explored the value of ATP2A1 as a biomarker in predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients. We used the TCGA database to reveal the relationship between ATP2A1 mRNA level and prognosis, methylation, and immune invasion in colorectal cancer. The results showed that the expression of ATP2A1 was increased in colorectal cancer. The overall survival of patients with high expression of ATP2A1 was significantly lower than patients with low expression of ATP2A1. Cox regression analysis showed that high expression of ATP2A1 was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients. In addition, we used three datasets to perform a meta-analysis, which further confirmed the reliability of the results. Furthermore, we revealed that ATP2A1 could significantly inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting the autophagy process and was associated with several immune cells, especially CD8 + T cells. Finally, four small molecule drugs with potential inhibition of ATP2A1 expression were found by CMap analysis. This study demonstrates for the first time that ATP2A1 is a potential pathogenic factor, which may play a significant role in colorectal cancer.

Investigating the Interplay between Myeloma Cells and Bone Marrow Stromal Cells in the Development of Drug Resistance: Dissecting the Role of Epigenetic Modifications

Simple Summary

Despite advances made in the last two decades, multiple myeloma (MM) is still an incurable disease. The genetic complexity of MM and the presence of intra-clonal heterogeneity are major contributors to disease relapse and the development of treatment resistance. Additionally, the bone marrow microenvironment is known to play a pivotal role in MM disease progression. Together with genetic modifications, epigenetic changes have been shown to influence MM development and progression. However, epigenetic treatments for MM are still lacking. This is mainly due to the high rate of adverse events of epigenetic drugs in clinical practice. In this review, we will focus on the role of epigenetic modifications in MM disease progression and the development of drug resistance, as well as their role in shaping the interplay between bone marrow stromal cells and MM cells. The current and future treatment strategies involving epigenetic drugs will also be addressed.

Abstract

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of plasma cells infiltrating the bone marrow (BM). Many studies have demonstrated the crucial involvement of bone marrow stromal cells in MM progression and drug resistance. Together with the BM microenvironment (BMME), epigenetics also plays a crucial role in MM development. A variety of epigenetic regulators, including histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and lysine demethylases (KDMs), are altered in MM, contributing to the disease progression and prognosis. In addition to histone modifications, DNA methylation also plays a crucial role. Among others, aberrant epigenetics involves processes associated with the BMME, like bone homeostasis, ECM remodeling or the development of treatment resistance. In this review, we will highlight the importance of the interplay of MM cells with the BMME in the development of treatment resistance. Additionally, we will focus on the epigenetic aberrations in MM and their role in disease evolution, interaction with the BMME, disease progression and development of drug resistance. We will also briefly touch on the epigenetic treatments currently available or currently under investigation to overcome BMME-driven treatment resistance.

Anti-cancer Effects of Epigenetics Drugs Scriptaid and Zebularine in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells

BACKGROUND

High relapse and metastasis progression in breast cancer patients have prompted the need to explore alternative treatments. Epigenetic therapy has emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy due to the reversibility of epigenome structures.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the anti-cancer effects of epigenetic drugs scriptaid and zebularine in human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells.

METHODS

First, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of scriptaid, zebularine and the combination of both drugs on human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells was determined. Next, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were treated with scriptaid, zebularine and the combination of both. After treatments, the anti-cancer effects were evaluated via cell migration assay, cell cycle analysis and apoptotic studies, which included histochemical staining and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the apoptotic genes.

RESULTS

Both epigenetic drugs inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner with 2 nM scriptaid, 8 µM zebularine and combination of 2 nM scriptaid and 2 µM zebularine. Both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells exhibited a reduction in cell migration after the treatments. In particular, MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited a significant reduction in cell migration (p < 0.05) after the treatments of zebularine and the combination of scriptaid and zebularine. Besides, cell cycle analysis demonstrated that scriptaid and the combination of both drugs could induce cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, histochemical staining allowed the observation of apoptotic features, such as nuclear chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, nuclear chromatin fragmentation and cytoplasmic extension, in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells after the treatments. Further apoptotic studies revealed that the upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax, downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and elevation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were found in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with zebularine and MCF-7 cells treated with all drug regimens.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings suggest that scriptaid and zebularine are potential anti-cancer drugs, either single or in combination, for the therapy of breast cancer. Further investigations of the gene regulatory pathways directed by scriptaid and zebularine are definitely warranted in the future.

Design, Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Naphthofuran Derivatives as Potent SIRT1 Activators

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most important medical complications in diabetic patients, which is an essential cause of end-stage renal disease in diabetic patients and still lacks effective medicines. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) is closely related to the occurrence and development of DN. Activation of SIRT1 could significantly improve the symptoms of DN, while the activities of SIRT1 activators need to be further improved. Based on the crystal structure of SIRT1, structure and ligand-based approaches were carried out, and a lead compound 4,456–0661 (renamed as M1) was identified. Moreover, seven M1 analogues (6a-6g) were designed using a structure-based drug design strategy followed by bioactivity evaluation with SRTR2104 used as positive drugs. Among the target molecules, compounds M1, 6b, and 6d were proved to be potent SIRT1 activators, the activities of which are comparable to SRT2104. More importantly, compounds M1, 6b, and 6d could resist high glucose-induced apoptosis of HK-2 cells by activating SIRT1 and deacetylation of p53. Apart from the beneficial effect on apoptosis of DN, these compounds also alleviated high glucose stimulating inflammation response in HK-2 cells through SIRT1/NF-κB (p65) pathway. Consequently, M1, 6b, and 6d could be promising drug candidates for SIRT1 related diseases.

Identification of a Novel c-Myc Inhibitor 7594-0037 by Structure-Based Virtual Screening and Investigation of Its Anti-Cancer Effect on Multiple Myeloma

Introduction

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an extremely malignant and incurable hematological cancer. Increased expression of the c-Myc oncoprotein is closely associated with shorter overall survival of MM patients, implying that c-Myc is a potential therapeutic target.

Main Methods

We identified a potential c-Myc inhibitor 7594-0037 by structure-based virtual screening from the ChemDiv database. CCK8 assay and flow cytometry were used to detect MM cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis. Q-PCR and Western blot were used to measure corresponding mRNA and protein expression levels. Protein stability assay measured the stability of c-Myc.

Results

Compound 7594-0037 exhibited stronger anti-proliferative activity against MM cells, and induced MM cell cycle G2 phase arrest and apoptosis. More importantly, compound 7594-0037 overcame myeloma resistance to bortezomib and exhibited a synergistic effect with bortezomib, resulting in increased MM cell death. The mechanism consists of compound 7594-0037 facilitating c-Myc protein degradation via decreasing the c-Myc S62 phosphorylation levels mediated by PIM1 kinase. Molecular dynamics simulation with the c-Myc/7594-0037 complex showed that compound 7594-0037 bound tightly to the N-terminus of c-Myc, and blocked the binding interaction of the two termini of c-Myc, which resulted in c-Myc entering into an unstable state.

Conclusion

Overall, our study provides preliminary data for compound 7594-0037, which can be used as a novel c-Myc inhibitor and is a potential candidate therapeutic drug for multiple myeloma.

Cadmium, Smoking, and Human Blood DNA Methylation Profiles in Adults from the Strong Heart Study

BACKGROUND

The epigenetic effects of individual environmental toxicants in tobacco remain largely unexplored. Cadmium (Cd) has been associated with smoking-related health effects, and its concentration in tobacco smoke is higher in comparison with other metals.

OBJECTIVES

We studied the association of Cd and smoking exposures with human blood DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles. We also evaluated the implication of findings to relevant methylation pathways and the potential contribution of Cd exposure from smoking to explain the association between smoking and site-specific DNAm.

METHODS

We conducted an epigenome-wide association study of urine Cd and self-reported smoking (current and former vs. never, and cumulative smoking dose) with blood DNAm in 790,026 CpGs (methylation sites) measured with the Illumina Infinium Human MethylationEPIC (Illumina Inc.) platform in 2,325 adults 45-74 years of age who participated in the Strong Heart Study in 1989-1991. In a mediation analysis, we estimated the amount of change in DNAm associated with smoking that can be independently attributed to increases in urine Cd concentrations from smoking. We also conducted enrichment analyses and in silico protein-protein interaction networks to explore the biological relevance of the findings.

RESULTS

At a false discovery rate (FDR)-corrected level of 0.05, we found 6 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) for Cd; 288 and 17, respectively, for current and former smoking status; and 77 for cigarette pack-years. Enrichment analyses of these DMPs displayed enrichment of 58 and 6 Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes gene sets, respectively, including biological pathways for cancer and cardiovascular disease. In in silico protein-to-protein networks, we observed key proteins in DNAm pathways directly and indirectly connected to Cd- and smoking-DMPs. Among DMPs that were significant for both Cd and current smoking (annotated to PRSS23, AHRR, F2RL3, RARA, and 2q37.1), we found statistically significant contributions of Cd to smoking-related DNAm.

CONCLUSIONS

Beyond replicating well-known smoking epigenetic signatures, we found novel DMPs related to smoking. Moreover, increases in smoking-related Cd exposure were associated with differential DNAm. Our integrative analysis supports a biological link for Cd and smoking-associated health effects, including the possibility that Cd is partly responsible for smoking toxicity through epigenetic changes. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6345.

Antitumor effect of lenalidomide in malignant glioma cell lines

Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor exhibiting highly aggressive proliferation and invasion capacities. Despite treatment by aggressive surgical resection and adjuvant therapy including temozolomide and radiation therapy, patient prognosis remains poor. Lenalidomide, a derivative of thalidomide, is known to be an immunomodulatory agent that has been used to treat hematopoietic malignancies. There are numerous studies revealing an antitumor effect of lenalidomide in hematopoietic cells, but not in glioma cells. The present study aimed to demonstrate the antitumor effect of lenalidomide on malignant glioma cell lines. The growth inhibition of malignant glioma cells (A-172, AM-38, T98G, U-138MG, U-251MG, and YH-13) by lenalidomide was assessed using a Coulter counter. The mechanism of the antitumor effect of lenalidomide was examined employing a fluorescence-activated cell sorter, western blot analysis, and quantitative real-time reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in malignant glioma cell lines (A-172, AM-38). The results revealed that the number of malignant glioma cells was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner by lenalidomide. DNA flow cytometric analysis demonstrated an increase in the ratio of cells at the G₀/G₁ phase following lenalidomide treatment. Western blot analysis and RT-qPCR revealed that p53 activation and the expression of p21 were increased in glioma cells treated with lenalidomide. Western blot analysis revealed that cleavage of PARP did not occur; however, increased expression of Bax protein, cleavage of caspase-9 and cleavage of caspase-3 were confirmed. Analysis by FACS also supported the conclusion that little apoptosis induction occurred following lenalidomide treatment of malignant glioma cell lines. In conclusion, lenalidomide exerts an antitumor effect on glioma cells due to alterations in cell cycle distribution.

A short guide to histone deacetylases including recent progress on class II enzymes

The interaction between histones and DNA is important for eukaryotic gene expression. A loose interaction caused, for example, by the neutralization of a positive charge on the histone surface by acetylation, induces a less compact chromatin structure, resulting in feasible accessibility of RNA polymerase and increased gene expression. In contrast, the formation of a tight chromatin structure due to the deacetylation of histone lysine residues on the surface by histone deacetylases enforces the interaction between the histones and DNA, which minimizes the chance of RNA polymerases contacting DNA, resulting in decreased gene expression. Therefore, the balance of the acetylation of histones mediated by histone acetylases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) is an issue of transcription that has long been studied in relation to posttranslational modification. In this review, current knowledge of HDACs is briefly described with an emphasis on recent progress in research on HDACs, especially on class IIa HDACs.

Targeting specific structural and functional features of enzymes involved in regulating the interactions between DNA and the histone proteins associated with it could lead to the development of more effective cancer therapeutics. Histone deacetylases (HDACs), enzymes which remove acetyl groups from histones, make the histones wrap more tightly around the DNA so that it becomes inaccessible to the initial steps in gene expression. Drugs that target these enzymes have shown limited efficacy due to lack of specificity and off-target toxicity. Jeong-Sun Kim at Chonnam National University, Gwangju, and Suk-Youl Park at Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Pohang University of Science and Technology, South Korea, review the latest knowledge about class II HDACs. They suggest that their unique structural features and low enzymatic activity are important features to consider when designing new, more selective HDAC inhibitors.

The circ_0021977/miR-10b-5p/P21 and P53 regulatory axis suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion in colorectal cancer

An in-depth understanding of circular RNAs (circRNAs) indicates that they are abundant in the eukaryotic transcriptome. Many circRNAs act as microRNA sponges; thus, they represent a new type of regulatory factor. However, the role of circRNA in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains largely unknown. Low circ_0021977 expression in patients with CRC is associated with higher tug-lymph node metastasis (TNM) stage and poorer prognosis compared with patients with high circ_0021977 expression. Moreover, miR-10b-5p was shown to be a target of circ_0021977, and p21 and p53 are suggested to be putative target genes of miR-10b-5p. The results showed that the circ_0021977/miR-10b-5p/p21&p53 regulatory axis suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion by CRC cells. This evidence reveals new relationships and brings new highlights to the treatment of CRC.

Identification of key pathways and genes in colorectal cancer to predict the prognosis based on mRNA interaction network

The aim of the present study was to identify key genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) that could be used to reliably diagnose this disease and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms in silico. The gene expression profiles of primary human cancer datasets GSE21510 and GSE32323 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The limma R software package was used to identify differentially expressed (DE) genes. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on DE genes using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DE genes. Survival rate was analyzed and visualized using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A total of 1,126 genes were significantly DE in the present study. All DE genes were enriched in KEGG pathways including 'cell cycle', 'mineral absorption', 'pancreatic secretion', 'pathways in cancer', 'metabolic pathways', 'aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption' and 'Wnt signaling pathway'. A total of 5 hub genes enriched in cell cycle and tumor-associated pathways, including E2F2, SKP2, MYC, CDKN1A and CDKN2B, were significantly DE and validated between tumor and normal tissues. CDKN1A and CDKN2B were identified within the PPI network using the Molecular Complex Detection algorithm. Survival and content distribution analyses of 362 clinical samples from TCGA revealed that CDKN1A effectively predicted the prognosis of patients. The present study identified key genes and potential signaling pathways involved in CRC. These findings may provide new insights for survival assessment during the clinical diagnosis of CRC.

Epigenetic Regulation of p21cip1/waf1 in Human Cancer

p21^cip1/waf1 is a central regulator of cell cycle control and survival. While mutations are rare, it is commonly dysregulated in several human cancers due to epigenetic mechanisms influencing its transcriptional control. These mechanisms include promoter hypermethylation as well as additional pathways such as histone acetylation or methylation. The epigenetic regulators include writers, such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs); histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone lysine methyltransferases; erasers, such as histone deacetylases (HDACs); histone lysine demethylases [e.g., the Lysine Demethylase (KDM) family]; DNA hydroxylases; readers, such as the methyl-CpG-binding proteins (MBPs); and bromodomain-containing proteins, including the bromo- and extraterminal domain (BET) family. We further discuss the roles that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) play in the epigenetic control of p21^cip1/waf1 expression and its function in human cancers.

Structural basis of the specific interaction of SMRT corepressor with histone deacetylase 4

Modification of chromatin and related transcription factors by histone deacetylases (HDACs) is one of the major strategies for controlling gene expression in eukaryotes. The HDAC domains of class IIa HDACs repress the respective target genes by interacting with the C-terminal region of the silencing mediator for retinoid and thyroid receptor (SMRT) repression domain 3 (SRD3c). However, latent catalytic activity suggests that their roles as deacetylases in gene regulation are unclear. Here, we found that two conserved GSI-containing motifs of SRD3c are critical for HDAC4 binding. Two SMRT peptides including these motifs commonly form a β-hairpin structure in the cleft and block the catalytic entry site of HDAC4. They interact mainly with class IIa HDAC-specific residues of HDAC4 in a closed conformation. Structure-guided mutagenesis confirmed critical interactions between the SMRT peptides and HDAC4 and –5 as well as the contribution of the Arg1369 residue in the first motif for optimal binding to the two HDACs. These results indicate that SMRT binding does not activate the cryptic deacetylase activity of HDAC4 and explain how class IIa HDACs and the SMRT-HDAC3 complex are coordinated during gene regulation.

Wnt and BMP signaling pathways co-operatively induce the differentiation of multiple myeloma mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts by upregulating EMX2

Osteoblast differentiation, defined as the process whereby a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of an osteoblast, is directly linked to multiple myeloma (MM) bone disease. Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) are proved to be implicated in the pathological or defective osteoblast differentiation process. This study aims to test the involvement of Wnt, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) pathways, and empty spiracles homeobox 2 (EMX2) in osteoblast differentiation and MM development. Initially, differentially expressed genes in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from MM patients and healthy donors were identified using microarray-based gene expression profiling. The functional role of Wnt and BMP in MM was determined. Next, we focused on the co-operative effects of Wnt and BMP on calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, the number of mineralized nodules, and osteocalcin (OCN) content in MSCs. The expression patterns of Wnt and BMP pathway-related genes, EMX2 and osteoblast differentiation-related factors were determined to assess their effects on osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, regulation of Wnt and BMP in ectopic osteogenesis was also investigated in vivo. An integrated genomic screen suggested that Wnt and BMP regularly co-operate to regulate EMX2 and affect MM. EMX2 was downregulated in MSCs. The activated Wnt and BMP resulted in more calcium salt deposits, mineralized nodules, and a noted increased in ALP activity and OCN content by upregulating EMX2, leading to induced differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts. Collectively, this study demonstrated that Wnt and BMP pathways could co-operatively stimulate differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts and inhibit MM progression, representing potential targets for MM treatment.

The Detailed Comparison of Cell Death Detected by Annexin V-PI Counterstain Using Fluorescence Microscope, Flow Cytometry and Automated Cell Counter in Mammalian and Microalgae Cells

The evaluation of cell wellness is an important task for molecular biology research. This mainly comprises the assessment for morphology and viability of culturing cells. Annexin V-Propidium iodide counterstaining has been currently one of the common and easy methods to discriminate apoptotic and necrotic cell profiles. The method is operated by fluorescence-based detection of counterstain via laser beam-employed instruments including flow cytometer, fluorescence microscope and automated cell counter. The detection is primarily conducted based on the same principle; however the efficiency of instruments may vary. Here we evaluated the efficiency of those instruments for the clear-cut detection of cell death through various mammalian and microalgae cell lines. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study revealing comparative analyses of apoptotic and necrotic cells in mammalian and microalgae cells using Annexin V-PI counterstain detected by flow cytometer, fluorescence microscope and automated cell counter. Fluorescence microscope and cell counter instruments were also tested and compared for the traditional trypan blue-based cell viability detection performance. For these, cell death was induced by UV-irradiation and/or bee venom for mammalian (pancreatic cancer, metastatic breast cancer and mouse fibroblasts) and microalgae cells (Chlorella vulgaris), respectfully. Findings postulated that automated cell counter and fluorescence microscopy revealed similar patterns for the detection by both counterstain and trypan blue in mammalian cells. Interestingly, flow cytometry did provide an accurate and significant detection for only one mammalian cell line when UV-treatment was followed by routine Annexin V-Propidium iodide counterstaining. Unlike, only flow cytometry revealed a significant change in the detection of death of microalgae cells by Annexin V-Propidium iodide method, but both Annexin and conventional trypan blue methods were not applicable for the automated cell counter and microscopic detections for microalgae cells. The related outputs propose that the obtaining reliable quantitation strongly depends on cell type and instruments used. These suggest the necessity of optimization and validation endeavors before any cell death detection initiative. The analytical outcomes present insights into detailed assessment of cell death detection of eukaryotic cells and provide a direction to researchers to consider.

Identification of a novel c-Myc inhibitor with antitumor effects on multiple myeloma cells

Increasing evidence shows that c-Myc oncoprotein is tightly associated with multiple myeloma (MM) progression. Herein, we identified compound 7594-0035, which is a novel inhibitor that specifically targets c-Myc. It was identified from the ChemDiv compound database by molecular docking-based, high-throughput virtual screening. Compound 7594-0035 inhibited MM cell proliferation in vitro, induced cell cycle G₂-phase arrest, and triggered MM cell death by disturbing the stability of c-Myc protein. Additionally, we also found that compound 7594-0035 overcame bortezomib (BTZ) drug resistance and increased the killing effect on MM cells in combination with BTZ. The severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mouse xenograft model revealed that compound 7594-0035 partially decreased the primary tumor growth of Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI)-8226 cells in vivo The novel small molecular compound 7594-0035 described in the present study that targets c-Myc protein is likely to be a promising therapeutic agent for relapsed/refractory MM.

Evodiamine Induces Apoptosis, G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest, and Inhibition of Cell Migration and Invasion in Human Osteosarcoma Cells via Raf/MEK/ERK Signalling Pathway

Background

Osteosarcoma is a prevalent type of bone tumor mainly reported in children and adolescents. The treatments for osteosarcoma are limited and are associated with serious adverse effects. In this study we evaluated the anticancer activity of Evodiamine, a plant-derived natural product, against a panel of osteosarcoma cells and explored the underlying mechanisms.

Material/Methods

The viability of osteosarcoma cell lines was investigated by MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected by DAPI and annexin V/PI staining and cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry. The expression of the proteins was examined by Western blotting.

Results

The results of the present study indicated that Evodiamine inhibited the proliferation of U2OS osteosarcoma cells with an IC₅₀ of 6 μM. Further investigations indicated the antiproliferative effects of Evodiamine are due to induction of apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest. The results of Western blotting revealed that the expression of several apoptosis (Cytochrome c, Bax, Bid, Caspase 3, 9, 8, and PARP) and cell cycle-related proteins (cyclin B1, Cdc25c, and Cdc2) was significantly altered. Evodiamine also suppressed the migration and invasion of U2OS osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, Evodiamine downregulated the expression of important regulatory proteins such as p-MEK and p-ERK, leading to the inhibition of Raf/MEK/ERK signalling pathways.

Conclusions

We found that Evodiamine exerts anticancer effects on osteosarcoma cells and has potential in the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Anticancer effect of histone deacetylase inhibitor scriptaid as a single agent for hepatocellular carcinoma

Recurrence is one of the major causes of poor prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and drug resistance is closely associated with disease recurrence. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor scriptaid functions as an anticancer agent in many different types of tumors, but its possible roles in HCC progression have not been explored to date. Herein, we show that HDAC inhibitor scriptaid decreases HCC cell proliferation and induces cell cycle G₂/M-phase arrest in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, scriptaid triggered HCC cell death via transcriptional activation of p21 and subsequent elevated global H3Ac levels. Importantly, we found that scriptaid showed robust antitumor activity against HCC. Thus, our findings indicate that HDAC inhibitor scriptaid could be an important potential candidate for treatment of HCC patients.

Anti-Proliferative Activity of HPOB against Multiple Myeloma Cells via p21 Transcriptional Activation

Histone acetylation or deacetylation is closely associated with the progression of multiple myeloma (MM). Currently, many histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been approved for being used in clinical trials, but theirtherapeutic effectsarestill not ideal. As a novel HDAC inhibitor, hydroxamicacid-based small-moleculeN-hydroxy-4-(2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(phenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl)benzamide (HPOB)’s possible roles in MM have not been studied. In this present study, the effect of HPOB as a potential anti-tumor agent in preventingproliferation and inducing apoptosis of MM cells had been investigated in detail. Our results showed that HPOB decreased the survival of MM cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, HPOB caused the accumulation of MM cells in G1 phase compared with the dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) control group. Interestingly, we found that HPOB could overcome bortezomib (BTZ) resistance inMM cells and combining HPOB with BTZ could further sensitize MM cells. Certainly, our data illuminated that HPOB-mediated cell death occurs via transcriptional activation of p21, which was associated with an elevated level of global histone 3 acetylation (H3Ac) modification. Therefore, HPOB could be a potential candidate for MM treatment and the combination of HPOB and bortezomibcould bea possible therapeutic strategy for relapsed and refractory MM.