Biochemical characterization and zinc binding group (ZBGs) inhibition studies on the catalytic domain of MMP7 (cdMMP7)

Matrix Metalloproteinases Inhibitors in Cancer Treatment: An Updated Review (2013-2023)

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are identifiable members of proteolytic enzymes that can degrade a wide range of proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM). MMPs can be categorized into six groups based on their substrate specificity and structural differences: collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins, matrilysins, metalloelastase, and membrane-type MMPs. MMPs have been linked to a wide variety of biological processes, such as cell transformation and carcinogenesis. Over time, MMPs have been evaluated for their role in cancer progression, migration, and metastasis. Accordingly, various MMPs have become attractive therapeutic targets for anticancer drug development. The first generations of broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors displayed effective inhibitory activities but failed in clinical trials due to poor selectivity. Thanks to the evolution of X-ray crystallography, NMR analysis, and homology modeling studies, it has been possible to characterize the active sites of various MMPs and, consequently, to develop more selective, second-generation MMP inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the computational and synthesis approaches used in the development of MMP inhibitors and their evaluation as potential anticancer agents.

Effect of Alkylresorcinols on Autophagy, Migration, and Invasion of HepG2 Cells

Alkylresorcinols are phenolic lipids that mainly exist in the cortex of grains, and they exhibit anticancer activity against various cancer cells in vitro. However, the underlying action mechanisms are still unclear. In our study, the influence of alkylresorcinols C_19:0 and C_21:0 (ARs) upon migration, invasion, and autophagy in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells was evaluated. Results showed that ARs at 80 and 160 µg/mL significantly suppressed cells proliferation, migration, and invasion, downregulated the expression of proteins RhoA and MMP-7 associated with migration and invasion. ARs at 160 µg/mL, the rate of LC3 puncta was appreciably increased. After autophagy was blocked by 3-MA or CQ, the expression of LC3II was significantly increased in 3-MA+ARs group and p62 was significantly decreased in CQ+ARs group. The results indicate that ARs may promote autophagic flow. ARs (80, 160 µg/mL) significantly inhibited the expression of proteins p-mTOR, p-PI3K, and p-Akt related to the PI3K/Akt pathway. The results of the present study suggest that ARs can activate autophagy and suppresses the biological behaviors of HepG2 cells by inhibiting the activation of MMP-7, Rho/Rho-associated protein kinase, and activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The anticancer mechanism of ARs in wheat bran was studied, which provided a basis for the development of anticancer functional auxiliary food with wheat bran as raw material. It is of great practical significance to promote the effective utilization of grain processing by-products and improve the economic benefits of the grain industry.

Inhibitory effect of Ginkgol C17:1 on the biological behavior of tumor cells

Ginkgol C17:1 is a bioactive compound derived from Ginkgo biloba. In the present study, the effect and possible mechanisms of action of Ginkgol C17:1 on the biological behaviors of tumor cells were investigated. Whilst cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT assay, the behaviors of cell migration and invasion were explored using Transwell and modified Transwell assays. The results revealed that Ginkgol C17:1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of human tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, due to their associations with the biological behaviors of tumor cells, the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7, Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA) and phosphorylated-protein kinase B (Akt) was analyzed by western blotting. The results showed that the expression of the aforementioned proteins was decreased markedly following Ginkgol C17:1 treatment. The results of the present study suggested that Ginkgol C17:1 suppresses the biological behaviors of tumor cells by inhibiting the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/MMP, Rho/Rho-associated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathways.