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Chang WK, Chen YT, Lin CP, Wang CJ, Shieh HR, Chi CW, Tsai TH, Chen YJ. Cordycepin Augments the Efficacy of Anti-PD1 against Colon Cancer. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1568. [PMID: 39062140 PMCID: PMC11274779 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071568] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer has a poor clinical response to anti-PD1 therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cordycepin on the efficacy of anti-PD1 treatment in colon cancer. The viability of CT26 mouse colon carcinoma cells, cell-cycle progression, morphology, and the expression of mRNA and protein were assessed. A syngeneic animal model was established by implanting CT26 cells into BALB/c mice for in vivo experiments. Multi-parameter flow cytometry was used to analyze the splenic cell lineages and tumor microenvironment (TME). The in vitro data revealed that cordycepin, but not adenosine, inhibited CT26 cell viability. The protein, but not mRNA, expression levels of A2AR and A2BR were suppressed by cordycepin but not by adenosine in CT26 cells. The combination of cordycepin, but not adenosine, with anti-PD1 exhibited a greater tumor-inhibitory effect than anti-PD1 alone as well as inhibited the expression of A2AR and A2BR in splenic macrophages. In the TME, the combination of cordycepin and anti-PD1 increased the number of CD3+ T cells and neutrophils and decreased the number of natural killer (NK) cells. Overall, cordycepin augmented the antitumor effects of anti-PD1 against mouse colon carcinoma cells and inhibited the expression of the adenosine receptors A2AR and A2BR in splenic macrophages and intratumoral NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Kuei Chang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 104, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei 252, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ting Chen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 104, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei 252, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Ping Lin
- Department Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Wang
- Department Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ru Shieh
- Department Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Chi
- Department Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hu Tsai
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Chen
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 104, Taiwan
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Yang Y, Zhao M, Kuang Q, You F, Jiang Y. A comprehensive review of phytochemicals targeting macrophages for the regulation of colorectal cancer progression. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155451. [PMID: 38513378 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phytochemicals are natural compounds derived from plants, and are now at the forefront of anti-cancer research. Macrophage immunotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). In the context of colorectal cancer, which remains highly prevalent and difficult to treat, it is of research value to explore the potential mechanisms and efficacy of phytochemicals targeting macrophages for CRC treatment. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to gain insight into the role of phytochemical-macrophage interactions in regulating CRC and to provide a theoretical basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies in the future. STUDY DESIGN This review discusses the potential immune mechanisms of phytochemicals for the treatment of CRC by summarizing research of phytochemicals targeting macrophages. METHODS We reviewed the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CNKI databases from their initial establishment to July 2023 to classify and summaries phytochemicals according to their mechanism of action in targeting macrophages. RESULTS The results of the literature review suggest that phytochemicals interfere with CRC development by affecting macrophages through four main mechanisms. Firstly, they modulate the production of cytotoxic substances, such as NO and ROS, by macrophages to exert anticancer effects. Secondly, phytochemicals polarize macrophages towards the M1 phenotype, inhibit M2 polarisation and enhance the anti-tumour immune responses. Thirdly, they enhance the secretion of macrophage-derived cytokines and alter the tumour microenvironment, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. Finally, they activate the immune response by targeting macrophages, triggering the recruitment of other immune cells, thereby enhancing the immune killing effect and exerting anti-tumor effects. These findings highlight phytochemicals as potential therapeutic strategies to intervene in colorectal cancer development by modulating macrophage activity, providing a strong theoretical basis for future clinical applications. CONCLUSION Phytochemicals exhibit potential anti-tumour effects by modulating macrophage activity and intervening in the colorectal cancer microenvironment by multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610072, PR China
| | - Maoyuan Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, PR China
| | - Qixuan Kuang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610072, PR China
| | - Fengming You
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610072, PR China; Cancer Institute, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610075, PR China.
| | - Yifang Jiang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610072, PR China.
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Gonzalez-Llerena JL, Espinosa-Rodriguez BA, Treviño-Almaguer D, Mendez-Lopez LF, Carranza-Rosales P, Gonzalez-Barranco P, Guzman-Delgado NE, Romo-Mancillas A, Balderas-Renteria I. Cordycepin Triphosphate as a Potential Modulator of Cellular Plasticity in Cancer via cAMP-Dependent Pathways: An In Silico Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5692. [PMID: 38891880 PMCID: PMC11171877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115692] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin, or 3'-deoxyadenosine, is an adenosine analog with a broad spectrum of biological activity. The key structural difference between cordycepin and adenosine lies in the absence of a hydroxyl group at the 3' position of the ribose ring. Upon administration, cordycepin can undergo an enzymatic transformation in specific tissues, forming cordycepin triphosphate. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the structural features of cordycepin and its derivatives, contrasting them with endogenous purine-based metabolites using chemoinformatics and bioinformatics tools in addition to molecular dynamics simulations. We tested the hypothesis that cordycepin triphosphate could bind to the active site of the adenylate cyclase enzyme. The outcomes of our molecular dynamics simulations revealed scores that are comparable to, and superior to, those of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the endogenous ligand. This interaction could reduce the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) by acting as a pseudo-ATP that lacks a hydroxyl group at the 3' position, essential to carry out nucleotide cyclization. We discuss the implications in the context of the plasticity of cancer and other cells within the tumor microenvironment, such as cancer-associated fibroblast, endothelial, and immune cells. This interaction could awaken antitumor immunity by preventing phenotypic changes in the immune cells driven by sustained cAMP signaling. The last could be an unreported molecular mechanism that helps to explain more details about cordycepin's mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Gonzalez-Llerena
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 66460, Mexico;
| | - Bryan Alejandro Espinosa-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
| | - Daniela Treviño-Almaguer
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
| | - Luis Fernando Mendez-Lopez
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 66460, Mexico;
| | - Pilar Carranza-Rosales
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Monterrey 64720, Mexico;
| | - Patricia Gonzalez-Barranco
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
| | - Nancy Elena Guzman-Delgado
- Health Research Division, High Specialty Medical Unit, Cardiology Hospital N. 34. Mexican Social Security Institute, Monterrey 64360, Mexico;
| | - Antonio Romo-Mancillas
- Computer Aided Drug Design and Synthesis Group, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76010, Mexico
| | - Isaias Balderas-Renteria
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
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Li W, Zou G, Bao D, Wu Y. Current Advances in the Functional Genes of Edible and Medicinal Fungi: Research Techniques, Functional Analysis, and Prospects. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:311. [PMID: 38786666 PMCID: PMC11121823 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050311] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional genes encode various biological functions required for the life activities of organisms. By analyzing the functional genes of edible and medicinal fungi, varieties of edible and medicinal fungi can be improved to enhance their agronomic traits, growth rates, and ability to withstand adversity, thereby increasing yield and quality and promoting industrial development. With the rapid development of functional gene research technology and the publication of many whole-genome sequences of edible and medicinal fungi, genes related to important biological traits have been mined, located, and functionally analyzed. This paper summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of different functional gene research techniques and application examples for edible and medicinal fungi; systematically reviews the research progress of functional genes of edible and medicinal fungi in biological processes such as mating type, mycelium and fruit growth and development, substrate utilization and nutrient transport, environmental response, and the synthesis and regulation of important active substances; and proposes future research directions for functional gene research for edible and medicinal fungi. The overall aim of this study was to provide a valuable reference for further promoting the molecular breeding of edible and medicinal fungi with high yield and quality and to promote the wide application of edible and medicinal fungi products in food, medicine, and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyun Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Edible Fungi, Key Laboratory of Applied Mycological Resources and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (W.L.); (G.Z.)
- College of Food Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Gen Zou
- National Engineering Research Center of Edible Fungi, Key Laboratory of Applied Mycological Resources and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (W.L.); (G.Z.)
| | - Dapeng Bao
- National Engineering Research Center of Edible Fungi, Key Laboratory of Applied Mycological Resources and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (W.L.); (G.Z.)
- College of Food Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yingying Wu
- National Engineering Research Center of Edible Fungi, Key Laboratory of Applied Mycological Resources and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (W.L.); (G.Z.)
- College of Food Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
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Hu J, Jiang J, Xu B, Li Y, Wang B, He S, Ren X, Shi B, Zhang X, Zheng H, Hua B, Liu R. Bioinformatics analyses of infiltrating immune cell participation on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression and in vivo experiment of the therapeutic effect of Shuangshen granules. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117590. [PMID: 38113986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shuangshen granules (SSG), a nationally patented Chinese medicinal formula, including Panax quinquefolium L., Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen, and Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc., has demonstrated remarkable therapeutic effects on pancreatic cancer in clinical treatment for nearly 10 years. Previous pharmacological researches have found that its main components, including ginsenosides and cordycepin have anticancer or preventive effects on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which may be associated with immune metabolism. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanism of SSG in the truncation effect of PDAC progression is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To comprehensively understand the infiltrating immune cells during the different stages of the PDAC development chain and search for immune-related biomarkers that could potentially serve as drug targets through bioinformatic analysis. Meanwhile, the truncation effect of SSG on PDAC progression was also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The gene expression profiles at different PDAC developmental stages, including normal pancreas, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), and PDAC, were retrieved from the GEO database. The GEO2R tool was used to identify differentially expressed genes among the three groups. Functional enrichment analysis was performed with the GSEA software and Metascape platform. The CIBERSORT algorithm evaluated immune cell infiltration in the three groups, and immune-related biomarkers were identified. Correlation analysis was employed to examine the association between immune cells and the biomarkers. One of these biomarkers was selected for immunohistochemistry validation in human samples. Lastly, the effectiveness of SSG against PDAC progression and the influence on the selected biomarker were validated in vivo. The underlying pharmacological mechanisms were also explored. RESULTS One dataset was obtained, where the functional enrichment of DEGs primarily involved immune effector processes and cytokine production of immune cells. The differential immune cells reflected during the progression from PanIN to PDAC were B memory cells, monocytes, M2 macrophages, and activated dendritic cells. The upregulation of ACTA2 was closely associated with M2 macrophage regulation. The immunohistochemistry on human samples validated significant differences in ACTA2 expression levels as the PDAC progressed. Moreover, animal experiments revealed that the national patented drug SSG ameliorated the pathological changes, decreased the expression of ACTA2 and its functional protein α-smooth muscle actin during PDAC progression. The underlying pharmacological mechanism was related to the regulation of macrophage polarization and downregulation of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS The immunosuppressive environment changes during the PDAC progression. ACTA2 is a potential immuned-target for drug prevention of PDAC, while SSG could be a promising drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Hu
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Juling Jiang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bowen Xu
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bei Wang
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shulin He
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Ren
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bolun Shi
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Honggang Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baojin Hua
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Li X, He X, Lin B, Li L, Deng Q, Wang C, Zhang J, Chen Y, Zhao J, Li X, Li Y, Xi Q, Zhang R. Quercetin Limits Tumor Immune Escape through PDK1/CD47 Axis in Melanoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2024; 52:541-563. [PMID: 38490807 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x2450023x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Quercetin (3,3[Formula: see text],4[Formula: see text],5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) is a bioactive plant-derived flavonoid, abundant in fruits and vegetables, that can effectively inhibit the growth of many types of tumors without toxicity. Nevertheless, the effect of quercetin on melanoma immunology has yet to be determined. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of the antitumor immunity action of quercetin in melanoma through both in vivo and in vitro methods. Our research revealed that quercetin has the ability to boost antitumor immunity by modulating the tumor immune microenvironment through increasing the percentages of M1 macrophages, CD8[Formula: see text] T lymphocytes, and CD4[Formula: see text] T lymphocytes and promoting the secretion of IL-2 and IFN-[Formula: see text] from CD8[Formula: see text] T cells, consequently suppressing the growth of melanoma. Furthermore, we revealed that quercetin can inhibit cell proliferation and migration of B16 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, down-regulating PDK1 can inhibit the mRNA and protein expression levels of CD47. In the rescue experiment, we overexpressed PDK1 and found that the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD47 increased correspondingly, while the addition of quercetin reversed this effect. Moreover, quercetin could stimulate the proliferation and enhance the function of CD8[Formula: see text] T cells. Therefore, our results identified a novel mechanism through which CD47 is regulated by quercetin to promote phagocytosis, and elucidated the regulation of quercetin on macrophages and CD8[Formula: see text] T cells in the tumor immune microenvironment. The use of quercetin as a therapeutic drug holds potential benefits for immunotherapy, enhancing the efficacy of existing treatments for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Xue He
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Bing Lin
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Qifeng Deng
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Chengzhi Wang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, School of Basic Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Ying Chen
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Jingyi Zhao
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Xinrui Li
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Qing Xi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510062, P. R. China
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, P. R. China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
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Chen X, Liao B, Ren T, Liao Z, Huang Z, Lin Y, Zhong S, Li J, Wen S, Li Y, Lin X, Du X, Yang Y, Guo J, Zhu X, Lin H, Liu R, Wang J. Adjuvant activity of cordycepin, a natural derivative of adenosine from Cordyceps militaris, on an inactivated rabies vaccine in an animal model. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24612. [PMID: 38293396 PMCID: PMC10826310 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is the most feasible way of preventing rabies, an ancient zoonosis that remains a major public health concern globally. However, administration of inactivated rabies vaccination without adjuvants is always inefficient and necessitates four to five injections. In the current study, we explored the adjuvant characteristics of cordycepin, a major bioactive component of Cordyceps militaris, to boost immune responses against a commercially available rabies vaccine. We found that cordycepin could stimulate stronger phenotypic and functional maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). For animal experiments, mice were immunized 3 times with rabies vaccine in the presence or absence of cordycepin at 1-week interval. Analysis of T cell differentiation and serum antibody isotypes showed that humoral immunity was dominant with a Th2 biased immune response. These results were also supported by the raised ratio of follicular helper T cells (TFH) and germinal center B cells (GCB). Thus, titer of rabies virus neutralizing antibody (RVNAb) and rabies virus-specific memory B cells were both raised as a result. Furthermore, administration of cordycepin did not cause pathological phenomena or body weight loss. The findings indicate that cordycepin could be used as a promising adjuvant for rabies vaccines to get a higher range of protection without any side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Boyu Liao
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Tianci Ren
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Zhipeng Liao
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Zijie Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Yujuan Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Shouhao Zhong
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Jiaying Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Shun Wen
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Yingyan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Xiaohan Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Xingchen Du
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Yuhui Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Jiubiao Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Haishu Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jingbo Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
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Wu S, Fang W, Chen L, Feng C, Chen R, Ying H, Zheng X, Jiang J. Cordycepin remodels the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer by down-regulating the expression of PD-L1. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17567-17579. [PMID: 37910234 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05460-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Colorectal cancer, as a common malignant tumor, poses a serious threat to human life. Cordycepin, derived from Cordyceps militaris extract, which was established as a capable inhibitor of tumor growth. Nevertheless, the precise antitumor mechanism of cordycepin in colorectal cancer cells remains elusive. METHODS Herein, our initial focus was to explore the tumor-suppressive impact of cordycepin through its influence on various biological functions in murine colorectal cancer cells, conducted by an in vitro setting. First, we investigated the tumor-suppressive effect of cordycepin on the regulation of biological functions in murine colorectal cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, we evaluated the in vivo antitumor potential of cordycepin using a mouse preclinical tumor model, and further explored the antitumor mechanism. RESULTS Our findings revealed that cordycepin effectively inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of murine colon cancer cells. Moreover, there is a substantial reduction in the expression of PD-L1 observed in tumor cells, in response to cordycepin treatment. Collectively, these results demonstrate the significant tumor-suppressive attributes of cordycepin against colorectal cancer. Consequently, our study lays a solid foundation for the potential clinical utilization of cordycepin in cancer therapy. CONCLUSION Cordycepin inhibits the biological functions of colorectal cancer cells and suppresses tumor growth by reducing the expression of PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxian Wu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiwei Fang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Feng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rongzhang Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hanjie Ying
- National Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China.
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China.
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9
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Unal U, Gov E. Drug Repurposing Analysis for Colorectal Cancer through Network Medicine Framework: Novel Candidate Drugs and Small Molecules. Cancer Invest 2023; 41:713-733. [PMID: 37682113 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2023.2255672] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to reveal the drug-repurposing candidates for colorectal cancer (CRC) via drug-repurposing methods and network biology approaches. A novel, differentially co-expressed, highly interconnected, and co-regulated prognostic gene module was identified for CRC. Based on the gene module, polyethylene glycol (PEG), gallic acid, pyrazole, cordycepin, phenothiazine, pantoprazole, cysteamine, indisulam, valinomycin, trametinib, BRD-K81473043, AZD8055, dovitinib, BRD-A17065207, and tyrphostin AG1478 presented as drugs and small molecule candidates previously studied in the CRC. Lornoxicam, suxamethonium, oprelvekin, sirukumab, levetiracetam, sulpiride, NVP-TAE684, AS605240, 480743.cdx, HDAC6 inhibitor ISOX, BRD-K03829970, and L-6307 are proposed as novel drugs and small molecule candidates for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulku Unal
- Department of Bioengineering, Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Esra Gov
- Department of Bioengineering, Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University, Adana, Turkey
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10
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Chen M, Luo J, Jiang W, Chen L, Miao L, Han C. Cordycepin: A review of strategies to improve the bioavailability and efficacy. Phytother Res 2023; 37:3839-3858. [PMID: 37329165 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cordycepin is a bioactive compound extracted from Cordyceps militaris. As a natural antibiotic, cordycepin has a wide variety of pharmacological effects. Unfortunately, this highly effective natural antibiotic is proved to undergo rapid deamination by adenosine deaminase (ADA) in vivo and, as a consequence, its half-life is shortened and bioavailability is decreased. Therefore, it is of critical importance to work out ways to slow down the deamination so as to increase its bioavailability and efficacy. This study reviews recent researches on a series of aspects of cordycepin such as the bioactive molecule's pharmacological action, metabolism and transformation as well as the underlying mechanism, pharmacokinetics and, particularly, the methods for reducing the degradation to improve the bioavailability and efficacy. It is drawn that there are three methods that can be applied to improve the bioavailability and efficacy: to co-administrate an ADA inhibitor and cordycepin, to develop more effective derivatives via structural modification, and to apply new drug delivery systems. The new knowledge can help optimize the application of the highly potent natural antibiotic-cordycepin and develop novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Jiahao Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wenming Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Lijing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Longxing Miao
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chunchao Han
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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11
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Huang L, Sun F, Liu Z, Jin W, Zhang Y, Chen J, Zhong C, Liang W, Peng H. Probing the Potential of Defense Response-Associated Genes for Predicting the Progression, Prognosis, and Immune Microenvironment of Osteosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082405. [PMID: 37190333 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082405] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The defense response is a type of self-protective response of the body that protects it from damage by pathogenic factors. Although these reactions make important contributions to the occurrence and development of tumors, the role they play in osteosarcoma (OS), particularly in the immune microenvironment, remains unpredictable. METHODS This study included the clinical information and transcriptomic data of 84 osteosarcoma samples and the microarray data of 12 mesenchymal stem cell samples and 84 osteosarcoma samples. We obtained 129 differentially expressed genes related to the defense response (DRGs) by taking the intersection of differentially expressed genes with genes involved in the defense response pathway, and prognostic genes were screened using univariate Cox regression. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression were then used to establish a DRG prognostic signature (DGPS) via the stepwise method. DGPS performance was examined using independent prognostic analysis, survival curves, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In addition, the molecular and immune mechanisms of adverse prognosis in high-risk populations identified by DGPS were elucidated. The results were well verified by experiments. RESULT BNIP3, PTGIS, and ZYX were identified as the most important DRGs for OS progression (hazard ratios of 2.044, 1.485, and 0.189, respectively). DGPS demonstrated outstanding performance in the prediction of OS prognosis (area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.842 and 0.787 in the training and test sets, respectively, adj-p < 0.05 in the survival curve). DGPS also performed better than a recent clinical prognostic approach with an AUC value of only 0.674 [metastasis], which was certified in the subsequent experimental results. These three genes regulate several key biological processes, including immune receptor activity and T cell activation, and they also reduce the infiltration of some immune cells, such as B cells, CD8+ T cells, and macrophages. Encouragingly, we found that DGPS was associated with sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs including JNK Inhibitor VIII, TGX221, MP470, and SB52334. Finally, we verified the effect of BNIP3 on apoptosis, proliferation, and migration of osteosarcoma cells through experiments. CONCLUSIONS This study elucidated the role and mechanism of BNIP3, PTGIS, and ZYX in OS progression and was well verified by the experimental results, enabling reliable prognostic means and treatment strategies to be proposed for OS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangkun Huang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zilin Liu
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wenyi Jin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yubiao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Junwen Chen
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Changheng Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wanting Liang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xianyue Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 310058, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
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12
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Cheruku S, Rao V, Pandey R, Rao Chamallamudi M, Velayutham R, Kumar N. Tumor-associated macrophages employ immunoediting mechanisms in colorectal tumor progression: Current research in Macrophage repolarization immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109569. [PMID: 36773572 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute the most prolific resident of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that regulate its TME into tumor suppressive or progressive milieu by utilizing immunoediting machinery. Here, the tumor cells construct an immunosuppressive microenvironment that educates TAMs to polarize from anti-tumor TAM-M1 to pro-tumor TAM-M2 phenotype consequently contributing to tumor progression. In colorectal cancer (CRC), the TME displays a prominent pro-tumorigenic immune profile with elevated expression of immune-checkpoint molecules notably PD-1, CTLA4, etc., in both MSI and ultra-mutated MSS tumors. This authenticated immune-checkpoint inhibition (ICI) immunotherapy as a pre-requisite for clinical benefit in CRC. However, in response to ICI, specifically, the MSIhi tumors evolved to produce novel immune escape variants thus undermining ICI. Lately, TAM-directed therapies extending from macrophage depletion to repolarization have enabled TME alteration. While TAM accrual implicates clinical benefit in CRC, sustained inflammatory insult may program TAMs to shift from M1 to M2 phenotype. Their ability to oscillate on both facets of the spectrum represents macrophage repolarization immunotherapy as an effective approach to treating CRC. In this review, we briefly discuss the differentiation heterogeneity of colonic macrophages that partake in macrophage-directed immunoediting mechanisms in CRC progression and its employment in macrophage re-polarization immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- SriPragnya Cheruku
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal- 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Vanishree Rao
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal- 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Ruchi Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education, and Research, Hajipur, Export Promotions Industrial Park (EPIP), Industrial area, Hajipur, Vaishali, 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Mallikarjuna Rao Chamallamudi
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal- 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Ravichandiran Velayutham
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education, and Research, Hajipur, Export Promotions Industrial Park (EPIP), Industrial area, Hajipur, Vaishali, 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Nitesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education, and Research, Hajipur, Export Promotions Industrial Park (EPIP), Industrial area, Hajipur, Vaishali, 844102, Bihar, India.
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13
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Liu PX, Ma JX, Liang RN, He XW, Zhao GZ. Development of an efficient method for separation and purification of cordycepin from liquid fermentation of Cordyceps militaris and analysis of cordycepin antitumor activity. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14184. [PMID: 36923906 PMCID: PMC10009733 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14184] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin (3 '-deoxyadenosine) is the main active component of Cordyceps militaris, which is a chemical marker for quality detection of Cordyceps militaris and has important medicinal development value. Existing methods for obtaining cordycepin are complex and costly. In this study, an economical and simple method for separation and purification of cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris fermentation liquid through physical crystallization was explored. First, lyophilized powdered fermentation liquid (LPFL) and pure methanol (1 g/100 mL, w/v) were mixed, and then repeatedly dissolved and crystallized until the precipitation was white. Purified product was obtained by freeze-drying the precipitate. The substance was determined to be cordycepin by high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy, and the purity was 94.26%. Compared with the existing methods, this method is simple and low cost. In addition, the functional activity of cordycepin was determined by in vitro test. The results exhibited that cordycepin caused death and morphological changes in human colon cancer Caco-2 cells, and significantly inhibited the proliferation of Caco-2 cells, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 107.2 μg/mL. Cordycepin could induce early apoptosis of Caco-2 and caused cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase. Caco-2 cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest showed dose dependence to cordycepin over a certain range. These results improved cordycepin purification method, provided insights into the mechanism of cordycepin in cancer inhibition, and would provide important reference for further development and clinical application of cordycepin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Xiao Liu
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Safety in Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jie-Xin Ma
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Safety in Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Rui-Na Liang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Safety in Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiang-Wei He
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Safety in Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Guo-Zhu Zhao
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Safety in Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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14
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Feng C, Chen R, Fang W, Gao X, Ying H, Zheng X, Chen L, Jiang J. Synergistic effect of CD47 blockade in combination with cordycepin treatment against cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1144330. [PMID: 37138855 PMCID: PMC10149837 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1144330] [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: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin is widely considered a direct tumor-suppressive agent. However, few studies have investigated as the effect of cordycepin therapy on the tumor microenvironment (TME). In our present study, we demonstrated that cordycepin could weaken the function of M1-like macrophages in the TME and also contribute to macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. Herein, we established a combined therapeutic strategy combining cordycepin and an anti-CD47 antibody. By using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we showed that the combination treatment could significantly enhance the effect of cordycepin, which would reactivate macrophages and reverse macrophage polarization. In addition, the combination treatment could regulate the proportion of CD8+ T cells to prolong the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with digestive tract malignancies. Finally, flow cytometry validated the changes in the proportions of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Collectively, our findings suggested that the combination treatment of cordycepin and the anti-CD47 antibody could significantly enhance tumor suppression, increase the proportion of M1 macrophages, and decrease the proportion of M2 macrophages. In addition, the PFS in patients with digestive tract malignancies would be prolonged by regulating CD8 + T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Feng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
| | - Rongzhang Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
| | - Weiwei Fang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
| | - Xinran Gao
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
| | - Hanjie Ying
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiang Su, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- *Correspondence: Jingting Jiang, ; Lujun Chen,
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Chang Zhou, Jiang Su, China
- *Correspondence: Jingting Jiang, ; Lujun Chen,
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15
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Zhang SR, Pan M, Gao YB, Fan RY, Bin XN, Qian ST, Tang CL, Ying HJ, Wu JQ, He MF. Efficacy and mechanism study of cordycepin against brain metastases of small cell lung cancer based on zebrafish. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 109:154613. [PMID: 36610112 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive tumor with high brain metastasis (BM) potential. There has been no significant progress in the treatment of SCLC for more than 30 years. Cordycepin has shown the therapeutic potential for cancer by modulating multiple cellular signaling pathways. However, the effect and mechanism of cordycepin on anti-SCLC BM remain unknown. PURPOSE In this study, we focused on the anti-SCLC BM effect of cordycepin in the zebrafish model and its potential mechanism. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A SCLC xenograft model based on zebrafish embryos and in vitro cell migration assay were established. Cordycepin was administrated by soaking and microinjection in the zebrafish model. RNA-seq assay was performed to analyze transcriptomes of different groups. Geno Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were performed to reveal the underlying mechanism. Real-time qPCR was used to verify the effects of cordycepin on the key genes. RESULTS Cordycepin showed lower cytotoxicity in vitro compared with cisplatin, anlotinib and etoposide, but showed comparable anti-proliferation and anti-BM effects in zebrafish SCLC xenograft model. Cordycepin showed significant anti-SCLC BM effects when administrated by both soaking and microinjection. RNA-seq demonstrated that cordycepin was involved in vitamin D metabolism, lipid transport, and proteolysis in cellular protein catabolic process pathways in SCLC BM microenvironment in zebrafish, and was involved in regulating the expressions of key genes such as cyp24a1, apoa1a, ctsl. The anti-BM effect of cordycepin in SCLC was mediated by reversing the expression of these genes. CONCLUSION Our work is the first to describe the mechanism of cordycepin against SCLC BM from the perspective of regulating the brain microenvironment, providing new evidence for the anti-tumor effect of cordycepin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ru Zhang
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu South Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Miao Pan
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu South Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Ying-Bin Gao
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu South Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Ruo-Yue Fan
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu South Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xin-Ni Bin
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu South Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Si-Tong Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Cheng-Lun Tang
- Luzhou Pinchuang Technology Co. Ltd., Nanjing Sheng Ming Yuan Health Technology Co. Ltd., Nanjing 210032, China
| | - Han-Jie Ying
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu South Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Jia-Qi Wu
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu South Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Ming-Fang He
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu South Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
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16
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Reprograming immune microenvironment modulates CD47 cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109475. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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17
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He X, Wang N, Zhang Y, Huang X, Wang Y. The therapeutic potential of natural products for treating pancreatic cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1051952. [PMID: 36408249 PMCID: PMC9666876 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1051952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant tumors of the digestive tract, with the poor prognosis and low 5-year survival rate less than 10%. Although surgical resection and chemotherapy as gemcitabine (first-line treatment) has been applied to the pancreatic cancer patients, the overall survival rates of pancreatic cancer are quite low due to drug resistance. Therefore, it is of urgent need to develop alternative strategies for its treatment. In this review, we summarized the major herbal drugs and metabolites, including curcumin, triptolide, Panax Notoginseng Saponins and their metabolites etc. These compounds with antioxidant, anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic activities can inhibit the progression and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Expecting to provide comprehensive information of potential natural products, our review provides valuable information and strategies for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia He
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaobo Huang, ; Yi Wang,
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaobo Huang, ; Yi Wang,
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18
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Liu Y, Guo ZJ, Zhou XW. Chinese Cordyceps: Bioactive Components, Antitumor Effects and Underlying Mechanism-A Review. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196576. [PMID: 36235111 PMCID: PMC9572669 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chinese Cordyceps is a valuable source of natural products with various therapeutic effects. It is rich in various active components, of which adenosine, cordycepin and polysaccharides have been confirmed with significant immunomodulatory and antitumor functions. However, the underlying antitumor mechanism remains poorly understood. In this review, we summarized and analyzed the chemical characteristics of the main components and their pharmacological effects and mechanism on immunomodulatory and antitumor functions. The analysis revealed that Chinese Cordyceps promotes immune cells' antitumor function by via upregulating immune responses and downregulating immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment and resetting the immune cells' phenotype. Moreover, Chinese Cordyceps can inhibit the growth and metastasis of tumor cells by death (including apoptosis and autophagy) induction, cell-cycle arrest, and angiogenesis inhibition. Recent evidence has revealed that the signal pathways of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB), cysteine-aspartic proteases (caspases) and serine/threonine kinase Akt were involved in the antitumor mechanisms. In conclusion, Chinese Cordyceps, one type of magic mushroom, can be potentially developed as immunomodulator and anticancer therapeutic agents.
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