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Upregulation of Bax, TNF-α and down-regulation of Bcl-2 in liver cancer cells treated with HL-7 and HL-10 peptides. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00800-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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2
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Colella F, Scillitani G, Pierri CL. Sweet as honey, bitter as bile: Mitochondriotoxic peptides and other therapeutic proteins isolated from animal tissues, for dealing with mitochondrial apoptosis. Toxicology 2020; 447:152612. [PMID: 33171268 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are subcellular organelles involved in cell metabolism and cell life-cycle. Their role in apoptosis regulation makes them an interesting target of new drugs for dealing with cancer or rare diseases. Several peptides and proteins isolated from animal and plant sources are known for their therapeutic properties and have been tested on cancer cell-lines and xenograft murine models, highlighting their ability in inducing cell-death by triggering mitochondrial apoptosis. Some of those molecules have been even approved as drugs. Conversely, many other bioactive compounds are still under investigation for their proapoptotic properties. In this review we report about a group of peptides, isolated from animal venoms, with potential therapeutic properties related to their ability in triggering mitochondrial apoptosis. This class of compounds is known with different names, such as mitochondriotoxins or mitocans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Colella
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Ciro Leonardo Pierri
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy; BROWSer S.r.l. (https://browser-bioinf.com/) c/o Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70126, Bari, Italy.
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Ma R, Mahadevappa R, Kwok HF. Venom-based peptide therapy: insights into anti-cancer mechanism. Oncotarget 2017; 8:100908-100930. [PMID: 29246030 PMCID: PMC5725072 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The 5-year relative survival rate of all types of cancer has increased significantly over the past three decades partly due to the targeted therapy. However, still there are many targeted therapy drugs could play a role only in a portion of cancer patients with specific molecular alternation. It is necessary to continue to develop new biological agents which could be used alone and/or in combination with current FDA approved drugs to treat complex cancer diseases. Venom-based drugs have been used for hundreds of years in human history. Nevertheless, the venom-origin of the anti-cancer drug do rarely appear in the pharmaceutical market; and this is due to the fact that the mechanism of action for a large number of the venom drug such as venom-based peptide is not clearly understood. In this review, we focus on discussing some identified venom-based peptides and their anti-cancer mechanisms including the blockade of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis (hallmarks of cancer) to fulfill the gap which is hindering their use in cancer therapy. Furthermore, it also highlights the importance of immunotherapy based on venom peptide. Overall, this review provides readers for further understanding the mechanism of venom peptide and elaborates on the need to explore peptide-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Ravikiran Mahadevappa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
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4
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Pathan J, Martin A, Chowdhury R, Chakrabarty D, Sarkar A. Russell's viper venom affects regulation of small GTPases and causes nuclear damage. Toxicon 2015; 108:216-25. [PMID: 26519780 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Russell's viper with its five sub-species is found throughout the Indian subcontinent. Its venom is primarily hemotoxic. However, its envenomation causes damage to several physiological systems. The present work was aimed to study the dose and time dependent cytotoxic effects of Russell's viper venom (RVV) on human A549 cells grown in vitro. Time dependent changes have been observed in cellular morphology following exposure to RVV. Presence of stress granules, rounding-off of the cells, and formation of punctate structure and loss of cell-cell contact characterized the cellular effects. Fluorescence microscopic studies revealed that apoptotic cell population increased on exposure to RVV. Further to understand the mechanism of these effects, status of small GTPase (smGTPases) expression were studied by Western blot and RT-PCR; as smGTPases play pivotal roles in deciding the cellular morphology, polarity, cell movement and overall signaling cascade. It was shown for the first time that expression patterns of Rac, Rho and CDC42 genes are altered on exposure to RVV. Similarly, significant difference in the expression pattern of HSP70 and p53 at the mRNA levels were noted. Our results confirmed that RVV induces apoptosis in A549 cells; this was further confirmed by AO/EtBr staining as well as caspase-3 assay. All experiments were compared using RVV unexposed cells. We propose for the first time that RVV induces morphological changes in human A549 cells through modulation of smGTPase expression and affects the cellular-nuclear architecture which in turn interferes in proliferation and migration of these cells along with apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jigni Pathan
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar, Goa 403726, India
| | - Ansie Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar, Goa 403726, India
| | - Rajdeep Chowdhury
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Dibakar Chakrabarty
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar, Goa 403726, India.
| | - Angshuman Sarkar
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar, Goa 403726, India.
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Calderon LA, Sobrinho JC, Zaqueo KD, de Moura AA, Grabner AN, Mazzi MV, Marcussi S, Nomizo A, Fernandes CFC, Zuliani JP, Carvalho BMA, da Silva SL, Stábeli RG, Soares AM. Antitumoral activity of snake venom proteins: new trends in cancer therapy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:203639. [PMID: 24683541 PMCID: PMC3943284 DOI: 10.1155/2014/203639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Revised: 12/07/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
For more than half a century, cytotoxic agents have been investigated as a possible treatment for cancer. Research on animal venoms has revealed their high toxicity on tissues and cell cultures, both normal and tumoral. Snake venoms show the highest cytotoxic potential, since ophidian accidents cause a large amount of tissue damage, suggesting a promising utilization of these venoms or their components as antitumoral agents. Over the last few years, we have studied the effects of snake venoms and their isolated enzymes on tumor cell cultures. Some in vivo assays showed antineoplastic activity against induced tumors in mice. In human beings, both the crude venom and isolated enzymes revealed antitumor activities in preliminary assays, with measurable clinical responses in the advanced treatment phase. These enzymes include metalloproteases (MP), disintegrins, L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs), C-type lectins, and phospholipases A2 (PLA2s). Their mechanisms of action include direct toxic action (PLA2s), free radical generation (LAAOs), apoptosis induction (PLA2s, MP, and LAAOs), and antiangiogenesis (disintegrins and lectins). Higher cytotoxic and cytostatic activities upon tumor cells than normal cells suggest the possibility for clinical applications. Further studies should be conducted to ensure the efficacy and safety of different snake venom compounds for cancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo A. Calderon
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia e Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Juliana C. Sobrinho
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia e Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Kayena D. Zaqueo
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia e Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Andrea A. de Moura
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia e Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Amy N. Grabner
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia e Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Maurício V. Mazzi
- Fundação Hermínio Ometto, UNIARARAS, Núcleo de Ciências da Saúde-NUCISA, 13607-339 Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvana Marcussi
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Lavras, UFLA, 37200-000 Lavras, MG, Brazil
| | - Auro Nomizo
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla F. C. Fernandes
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia e Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Juliana P. Zuliani
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia e Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Bruna M. A. Carvalho
- Departamento de Química, Biotecnologia e Engenharia de Bioprocessos, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, UFSJ, Campus Alto paraopeba, Ouro Branco, MG, Brazil
| | - Saulo L. da Silva
- Departamento de Química, Biotecnologia e Engenharia de Bioprocessos, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, UFSJ, Campus Alto paraopeba, Ouro Branco, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo G. Stábeli
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia e Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Andreimar M. Soares
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas à Saúde, CEBio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Rondônia e Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
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Improved method for the isolation, characterization and examination of neuromuscular and toxic properties of selected polypeptide fractions from the crude venom of the Taiwan cobra Naja naja atra. Toxicon 2012; 60:623-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Paris saponin I induces G₂/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma SGC7901 cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 31:768-772. [PMID: 22173496 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-011-0674-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Paris saponin I (PS I) on human gastric carcinoma cell growth and apoptosis and to explore the potential mechanisms. The proliferation of SGC7901 cells was monitored by the MTT cell viability assay, while the nuclear morphology of apoptotic cells was assessed by Hoechst 33258 staining. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the cell cycle progression of propidium iodide (PI)-stained SGC7901 cells and the apoptotic rate of annexin V/PI-stained cells. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of several cell cycle proteins, including cyclin B1 and Cdk1, and the apoptosis-regulated proteins Bcl-2, Bax, cytochrome c, procaspase-9, and procaspase-3. The MTT assay demonstrated that PS I could induce significant dose- and time-dependent inhibition of SGC7901 cell proliferation. Marked morphological changes, including condensation of chromatin, nuclear fragmentation and apoptotic bodies were clearly shown on Hoechst 33258 staining. PSI treatment also resulted in the disruption of the cell cycle at G₂/M and the induction of apoptosis. Following PSI treatment, the cell cycle-related proteins cyclin B1 and Cdk1 were down-regulated. Expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax was increased, while anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 decreased. PSI treatment resulted in elevated cytoplasmic cytochrome c and activation of the apoptotic proteases caspase-9 and caspase-3. These data indicate that PS acts as an inhibitor of proli I feration in SGC7901 cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. PSI is a potential therapeutic agent against human gastric carcinoma.
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Debnath A, Saha A, Gomes A, Biswas S, Chakrabarti P, Giri B, Biswas AK, Gupta SD, Gomes A. A lethal cardiotoxic–cytotoxic protein from the Indian monocellate cobra (Naja kaouthia) venom. Toxicon 2010; 56:569-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2010] [Revised: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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9
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Down-regulation of the JAK2/PI3K-mediated signaling activation is involved in Taiwan cobra cardiotoxin III-induced apoptosis of human breast MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. Toxicon 2010; 55:1263-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2009] [Revised: 01/25/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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10
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Chien CM, Lin KL, Su JC, Chang LS, Lin SR. Inactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor and downstream pathways in oral squamous cell carcinoma Ca9-22 cells by cardiotoxin III from Naja naja atra. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2009; 72:1735-1740. [PMID: 19754129 DOI: 10.1021/np900010g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Cardiotoxin III (1), a basic polypeptide with 60 amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom, has potential therapeutic activity in cancer. Treatment with 1 reduced phosphorylation of EGFR and Akt, as well as ERK in Ca9-22 cells. Moreover, 1-treatment inhibited constitutive activation of STAT3 and STAT5 in a time-dependent manner. Up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins including Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), and myeloid cell leukemia-1(Mcl-1) were also found in cells treated with 1. In addition, 1-treatment disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) and resulted in release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and activation of both caspases-9 and -3. AG1478, a specific pharmacological inhibitor of EGFR activation, mimics the cytotoxic effects of 1. Taken together, these results showed that 1 causes significant induction of apoptosis in Ca9-22 cells via abolition of the EGFR-mediated survival pathway of these cells. Thus, cardiotoxin III appears to be a potential therapeutic agent for killing oral squamous carcinoma Ca9-22 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Ming Chien
- Faculty of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan, Republic of China
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11
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Chien CM, Yang SH, Yang CC, Chang LS, Lin SR. Cardiotoxin III induces c-jun N-terminal kinase-dependent apoptosis in HL-60 human leukaemia cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2009; 26:111-8. [PMID: 17514639 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.1420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cardiotoxin III (CTX III), a basic polypeptide with 60 amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom, has been reported to have anticancer activity. The molecular effects of CTX III on HL-60 cells were dissected in the present study. We found that the antiproliferative action of CTX III on HL-60 cells was mediated through apoptosis, as characterized by an increase of sub G1 population, DNA fragmentation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Upregulation of Bax, downregulation of Bcl-2, the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c to cytosol and the activations of capase-9 and -3 were noted, while CTX III had no appreciable effect on the levels of Bcl-X(L) and Bad proteins. Moreover, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was activated shortly after CTX III treatment in HL-60 cells. Consistently, the SP600125 compound, an anthrapyrazolone inhibitor of JNK, suppressed apoptosis induced by CTX III. As expected, this JNK inhibitor also attenuated the modulation of Bax and Bcl-2, as well as the cytosolic appearance of cytochrome c and the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 that induced by CTX III. These findings suggest that CTX III can induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells via the mitochondrial caspase cascade and the activation of JNK is critical for the initiation of the apoptotic death of HL-60 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Ming Chien
- Faculty of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
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12
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Apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HepG2) induced by cardiotoxin III through S-phase arrest. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 61:307-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2008.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2008] [Revised: 07/02/2008] [Accepted: 09/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Chen XY, Yang HX, Qu SF, Liu J, Lv P, Xu JP, Xu KS. Involvement of p38 and c-Jun N-Terminal Protein Kinase in Cardiotoxin III-Induced Apoptosis of K562 Cells. Biol Pharm Bull 2009; 32:583-8. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.32.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xing-yong Chen
- School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China
| | - Hua-xin Yang
- National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products, No. 2
| | - Shou-fang Qu
- National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products, No. 2
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China
| | - Ping Lv
- National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products, No. 2
| | - Jia-ping Xu
- Key Laboratory of Ion Beam Bioengineering, Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Kang-sen Xu
- National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products, No. 2
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FILIP ROSANA, FERRARO GRACIELA, MANUELE MARIAGABRIELA, ANESINI CLAUDIA. ILEX BRASILIENSIS:PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND MECHANISM OF ACTION AGAINST THE PROLIFERATION OF A LYMPHOMA CELL LINE. J Food Biochem 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-4514.2008.00196.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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15
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Chien CM, Yang SH, Chang LS, Lin SR. Involvement of both endoplasmic reticulum- and mitochondria-dependent pathways in cardiotoxin III-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2008; 35:1059-64. [PMID: 18505440 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2008.04968.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cardiotoxin (CTX) III, a basic polypeptide with 60 amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom, has been reported to have anticancer activity. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of CTX III in human leukaemia (HL-60 cells). Cardiotoxin III activated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) pathway of apoptosis in HL-60 cells, as indicated by increased levels of calcium and glucose-related protein 78 (Grp78), and triggered the subsequent activation of micro-calpain and caspase 12. In addition, CTX III initiated the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in HL-60 cells, as evidenced by an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase 9. In the presence of 50 micromol/L Z-ATAD-FMK (a caspase 12 inhibitor) and 100 micromol/L Z-LEHD-FMK (a caspase 9 inhibitor), the CTX III-mediated activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3 was significantly reduced. There was no significant effect of the caspase 12 inhibitor Z-ATAD-FMK on mitochondrial cytochrome c release. Cardiotoxin III-mediated activation of caspase 12 was not abrogated in the presence of the caspase 9 inhibitor Z-LEHD-FMK, indicating that caspase 12 activation was not downstream of caspase 9. These results indicate that CTX III induces cell apoptosis via both ER stress and a mitochondrial death pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Ming Chien
- Faculty of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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16
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Yang S, Chien C, Chang L, Lin S. Cardiotoxin III‐induced apoptosis is mediated by Ca2+‐dependent caspase‐12 activation in K562 cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2008; 22:209-18. [DOI: 10.1002/jbt.20231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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17
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Yang SH, Chien CM, Chang LS, Lin SR. Involvement of c-jun N-terminal kinase in G2/M arrest and caspase-mediated apoptosis induced by cardiotoxin III (Naja naja atra) in K562 leukemia cells. Toxicon 2007; 49:966-74. [PMID: 17368702 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2007.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2006] [Revised: 01/12/2007] [Accepted: 01/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cardiotoxin III (CTX III), a basic polypeptide with 60 amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom, may have a potentiality as a structural template for rational drug design in killing cancer cells. Treatment of K562 cells with 0.3 microM of CTX III resulted in G2/M phase cell cycle arrest that was associated with a marked decline in protein levels of G2/M regulatory proteins including cyclin A, cyclin B1, Cdk2 and Cdc25C. In contrast to no effect on the phosphorylation of ERK, p38 MAPK and Akt, an activation of JNK was noted when K562 cells were exposed to CTX III. CTX III-mediated G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis were reduced by treatment with the JNK-specific inhibitor SP600125, but not by ERK and p38MAPK inhibitors. Further investigation showed that the specific JNK inhibitor, SP600125, reduced the activation of caspase-3, caspase-9, and reversed the decline in the expression of cyclin B1. Taken together, our data show for the first time that JNK, but not ERK, p38MAPK or Akt signaling, plays an important role in CTX III-mediated G2/M arrest and apoptosis in K562 cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Huei Yang
- Faculty of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan, ROC
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18
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Debnath A, Chatterjee U, Das M, Vedasiromoni JR, Gomes A. Venom of Indian monocellate cobra and Russell's viper show anticancer activity in experimental models. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2007; 111:681-4. [PMID: 17258413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2006] [Revised: 11/07/2006] [Accepted: 12/21/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Indian monocellate cobra (Naja kaouthia) and Russell's viper (Vipera russelli) are common snakes of the East Indian sub-peninsula. The anticarcinogenic activities of their crude venoms were studied on carcinoma, sarcoma and leukemia models. Sub-lethal doses of venoms showed cytotoxicity on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in vivo. The venoms increased lifespan of EAC mice and strengthened the impaired host antioxidant system. Sarcoma formation in mice (3-methylcholanthrene induced) after venom treatment was significantly less (p < 0.005). Histopathological examination of tumors showed tissue necrosis. The venoms displayed potent cytotoxic and apoptogenic effect on human leukemic cells (U937/K562). The venoms reduced cell proliferation rate (p < 0.005) and produced morphological alterations indicative of apoptosis induction. Different degree and nature of anticarcinogenic property of cobra and viper venoms may be attributed to the difference in their constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Debnath
- Drug Development Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India
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19
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Gomes A, Choudhury SR, Saha A, Mishra R, Giri B, Biswas AK, Debnath A, Gomes A. A heat stable protein toxin (drCT-I) from the Indian Viper (Daboia russelli russelli) venom having antiproliferative, cytotoxic and apoptotic activities. Toxicon 2007; 49:46-56. [PMID: 17055549 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2006] [Revised: 09/09/2006] [Accepted: 09/12/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A heat stable 7.2kDa protein toxin (drCT-I) has been purified and crystallized from Indian Daboia russelli russelli venom (Roy Choudhury et al., 2006. Acta Cryst. F Struct Biol Cryst Commun, 62(Pt. 3), 292). The N-terminal (first 20) amino acid sequence of drCT-I was LKCNKLVPLFYKTCPAGKNL, which showed sequence homology to cytotoxins isolated from Naja venom. drCT-I has been evaluated for anticancer activity against EAC cells in vivo and human leukemic cells (U937, K562) in vitro. drCT-I (125 microg/kg, i.p/day for 10 days) significantly decreased EAC cell count, cell viability (p<0.001) and significantly increased the survival time of tumour bearing mice (T/C% 178.64, p<0.01) in comparison to untreated tumour bearing control. drCT-I, produced dose and time-dependent inhibition of U937 and K562 cell growth and had an IC50 of 8.9 and 6.7 microg/ml respectively after 24h treatment. The reduced MTT values after drCT-I treatment indicated its cytotoxic nature, which supported its antiproliferative action. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy in U937 and K562 cells after drCT-I treatment indicated certain features of apoptosis such as membrane blebbing, perforations, nuclear fragmentation. The induction of apoptosis was further confirmed by phosphatidylserine externalization observed using annexinV-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometric analysis. drCT-I brought about apoptosis by G1 phase arrest of the cell cycle. The effect of drCT-I on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMNC) viability and cytotoxicity was studied in culture and was found to be lower than that on U937 and K562 cells. Thus both in vivo and in vitro experimental results suggested that drCT-I possessed anticancer potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Gomes
- Laboratory of Toxinology and Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 A. P. C. Road, Kolkata 700 009, India.
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Yang SH, Tsai CH, Lu MC, Yang YN, Chien CM, Lin SF, Lin SR. Effects of cardiotoxin III on expression of genes and proteins related to G2/M arrest and apoptosis in K562 cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2006; 300:185-90. [PMID: 17149543 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-006-9382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2006] [Accepted: 11/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cardiotoxin III (CTX III) is a basic polypeptide of 60-amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom, exerts its anti-proliferative activity in human leukemia K562 cells. In the present study, the expression of mRNAs and proteins related to cell cycle and apoptosis in human leukemia K562 cells induced by CTX III was investigated by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that CTX III resulted in G2/M phase arrest in the cell cycle progression, which was associated with a marked decrease in the mRNA and protein expressions of cyclin A, cyclin B1, and Cdk 2, with no detectable changes in the levels of Cdk 1, cyclin D1, and cyclin E. Moreover, the increase in apoptosis was associated with the Bax gene and protein levels significantly increased as treatment durations of CTX III increased, while the Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels exhibited no changes. We also observed that caspase-9 and caspase-3 genes remained unchanged up to 12 h with 2 microg/ml CTX III. These molecular alterations provide an insight into CTX III-caused growth inhibition, G2/M arrest, and apoptotic death of K562 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Huei Yang
- Faculty of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 807, ROC
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Tsai CH, Yang SH, Chien CM, Lu MC, Lo CS, Lin YH, Hu XW, Lin SR. Mechanisms of cardiotoxin lll-induced apoptosis in human colorectal cancer colo205 cells. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2006; 33:177-82. [PMID: 16487259 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2006.04334.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cardiotoxin III (CTX III) is a basic polypeptide with 60 amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom. This is the first report on the mechanism of the anticancer effect of CTX III in human colorectal cancer Colo205 cells. 2. Cardiotoxin III-induced Colo205 cell apoptosis was confirmed by DNA fragmentation (DNA ladder and sub-G1 formation) with an IC(50) of 4 mg/mL at 48 h. 3. Further mechanistic analysis demonstrate that CTX III induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Dym), cytochrome c release from mitochondria into the cytosol and activation of capase-9, caspase 3, as well as markedly enhancing the expression of Bax, but not Bcl-2, protein in the cells. Moreover, the CTX III-induced apoptosis was significantly blocked by the broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone. 4. However, CTX III did not generate the formation of reactive oxygen species and anti-oxidants, including N-acetylcysteine, and catalase could not block CTX III-induced apoptosis in the Colo205 cells. 5. Taken together, these results suggest that CTX III may induce apoptosis through a mitochondrial- and caspase-dependent mechanism and alteration of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in human colorectal Colo205 cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Houng Tsai
- Faculty of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, Graduate Institute of Natural Products and Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
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Lin YH, Yang SH, Chien CM, Hu XW, Huang YH, Lu CM, Chen YL, Lin SR. Induction of G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis by a novel indoloquinoline derivative, IQDMA, in K562 cells. Drug Dev Res 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.20113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Wang CH, Monette R, Lee SC, Morley P, Wu WG. Cobra cardiotoxin-induced cell death in fetal rat cardiomyocytes and cortical neurons: different pathway but similar cell surface target. Toxicon 2005; 46:430-40. [PMID: 16081119 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2005.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2005] [Revised: 06/08/2005] [Accepted: 06/10/2005] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cobra cardiotoxins (CTXs) are basic polypeptides with diverse pharmacological functions that are cytotoxic to many different cell types through both necrotic and apoptotic cell death pathways. In this comparative study of the action of CTX A3 from the Taiwan cobra (Naja atra) on fetal rat cardiomyocytes and cortical neurons, it was shown that CTX A3 induced different patterns of elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), CTX internalization, caspase-3 activity and viability. Application of an anti-sulfatide monoclonal antibody, O4 specific for 3-sulfo-galactose lipid, but not in the control experiments using anti-GM3 monoclonal antibody, reduces CTX-induced [Ca2+]i elevation, CTX internalization and toxicity. Therefore, CTX may target similar sulfo-containing cell surface receptors in both fetal rat cardiomyocytes and cortical neurons, but induce cell death through different pathways specific to each cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hui Wang
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsinghua University, 30013 Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Wang CH, Wu WG. Amphiphilic β-sheet cobra cardiotoxin targets mitochondria and disrupts its network. FEBS Lett 2005; 579:3169-74. [PMID: 15922335 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2005] [Revised: 05/02/2005] [Accepted: 05/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent advance in understanding the role of toxin proteins in controlling cell death has revealed that pro-apoptotic viral proteins targeting mitochondria contain amphiphilic alpha-helices with pore-forming properties. Herein, we describe that the pore-forming amphiphilic beta-sheet cardiotoxins (or cytotoxins, CTXs) from Taiwan cobra (Naja atra) also target mitochondrial membrane after internalization and act synergistically with CTX-induced cytosolic calcium increase to disrupt mitochondria network. It is suggested that CTX-induced fragmentation of mitochondria play a role in controlling CTX-induced necrosis of myocytes and cause severe tissue necrosis in the victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hui Wang
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsinghua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
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