Cordycepin suppresses cell proliferation and migration by targeting CLEC2 in human gastric cancer cells via Akt signaling pathway

Circ_0020887 Silencing Combats Hypoxic-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury in an MiR-370-3p/CYP1B1-Dependent Manner

Targeting circular RNA has been a novel approach to preventing and limiting acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Here, we planned to investigate the role and mechanism of circ_0020887 in AMI progression.Hypoxic injury in human cardiomyocytes (AC16) was measured using cell counting kit-8 assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay, flow cytometry, and colorimetric assay kits. RNA and protein expressions were determined using real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. Direct interplay between RNAs was determined using dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down, and RIP assays.In the plasma and hypoxia-induced AC16 cells of patients with AMI, circ_0020887 and miR-370-3p were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, concomitant with the upregulation of cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1). Circ_0020887 interference could inhibit hypoxia-induced AC16 cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. Circ_0020887 could sponge miR-370-3p, and miR-370-3p could target CYP1B1. The inhibition effect of circ_0020887 knockdown on hypoxia-induced AC16 cell injury could be reversed by the miR-370-3p inhibitor. Besides, CYP1B1 overexpression also overturned the suppressive effect of miR-370-3p on hypoxia-induced AC16 cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response.In conclusion, circ_0020887 regulated the miR-370-3p/CYP1B1 axis to regulate hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury, confirming that circ_0020887 might promote cardiomyocyte injury.

Single-cell RNA sequencing indicates cordycepin remodels the tumor immune microenvironment to enhance TIGIT blockade's anti-tumor effect in colon cancer

Both preclinical and clinical studies have extensively proven the effectiveness of TIGIT inhibitors in tumor immunotherapy. However, it has been discovered that the presence of CD226 on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is crucial for the effectiveness of both anti-TIGIT therapy alone and when combined with anti-PD-1 therapy for tumors. In our investigation, we observed that cordycepin therapy significantly augmented the expression of the Cd226 gene. As a result, it was hypothesized that cordycepin therapy could enhance the effectiveness of anti-TIGIT therapy. By employing single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of immune cells in the MC38 tumor model, we discovered that cordycepin combined with anti-TIGIT therapy led to a significant increase in the proportion of NK cells within the tumor immune microenvironment. This increased NK cell activity and decreased the expression of inhibitory receptors and exhaustion marker genes. In the combination therapy group, CD8+ T cells had lower exhaustion state scores and increased cytotoxicity, indicating a better immune response. The combination therapy group increased DCs in the tumor immune microenvironment and promoted cellular interaction with CD4+ T cell and CD8+ T cell populations while decreasing Treg cell interactions. In conclusion, cordycepin with anti-TIGIT therapy in colon cancer could reshape the tumor immune microenvironment and have notable anticancer effects.

CLEC19A overexpression inhibits tumor cell proliferation/migration and promotes apoptosis concomitant suppression of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in glioblastoma multiforme

BACKGROUND

GBM is the most frequent malignant primary brain tumor in humans. The CLEC19A is a member of the C-type lectin family, which has a high expression in brain tissue. Herein, we sought to carry out an in-depth analysis to pinpoint the role of CLEC19A expression in GBM.

METHODS

To determine the localization of CLEC19A, this protein was detected using Western blot, Immunocytochemistry/Immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopy imaging. CLEC19A expression in glioma cells and tissues was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were examined through MTT assay, CFSE assay, colony formation, wound healing assay, transwell test, and flow cytometry respectively after CLEC19A overexpression. The effect of CLEC19A overexpression on the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway was investigated using Western blot. An in vivo experiment substantiated the in vitro results using the glioblastoma rat models.

RESULTS

Our in-silico analysis using TCGA data and measuring CLEC19A expression level by qRT-PCR determined significantly lower expression of CLEC19A in human glioma tissues compared to healthy brain tissues. By employment of ICC/IF, confocal microscopy imaging, and Western blot we could show that CLEC19A is plausibly a secreted protein. Results obtained from several in vitro readouts showed that CLEC19A overexpression in U87 and C6 glioma cell lines is associated with the inhibition of cell proliferation, viability, and migration. Further, qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed CLEC19A overexpression could reduce the expression levels of PI3K, VEGFα, MMP2, and NF-κB and increase PTEN, TIMP3, RECK, and PDCD4 expression levels in glioma cell lines. Furthermore, flow cytometry results revealed that CLEC19A overexpression was associated with significant cell cycle arrest and promotion of apoptosis in glioma cell lines. Interestingly, using a glioma rat model we could substantiate that CLEC19A overexpression suppresses glioma tumor growth.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report providing in-silico, molecular, cellular, and in vivo evidences on the role of CLEC19A as a putative tumor suppressor gene in GBM. These results enhance our understanding of the role of CLEC19A in glioma and warrant further exploration of CLEC19A as a potential therapeutic target for GBM.

Cordycepin synergizes with CTLA-4 blockade to remodel the tumor microenvironment for enhanced cancer immunotherapy

The strategy of using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer treatment, leading to remarkable clinical outcomes. However, certain cancer types and patient demographics continue to face unique challenges. As a result, it is vital to investigate combination therapies that involve ICIs to boost therapeutic efficacy. Cordycepin, an adenosine derivative composed of adenine and pentose, holds immense promise for treating inflammation and cancer. Our recent research has demonstrated that the combined treatment of cordycepin and the anti-CD47 antibody significantly curtails tumor growth and extends the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice. In the current study, we showed that the combination of cordycepin and CTLA-4 blockade had a profound impact on suppressing tumor growth. We utilized the MC38 and CT26 tumor models to evaluate the therapeutic effect of cordycepin, CTLA-4 blockade, and their combined approach. Flow cytometry results unveiled that cordycepin, when combined with CTLA-4 blockade, considerably augmented the presence of tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells and diminished the population of Foxp3+Tregs within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, we employed single-cell analysis to examine the TME's reconfiguration upon the combined treatment of anti-CTLA-4 and cordycepin. We observed a significant impact on inhibiting tumor growth and substantially extended survival in tumor-bearing mice. Our data also demonstrated an increased proportion of effector CD8+T cells in the combined treatment group compared to all other groups, while exhausted CD8+T cells diminished in the combined group compared to the anti-CTLA-4 treatment alone. In conclusion, our findings supported the idea that combining cordycepin and CTLA-4 blockade could modify the effector and exhaustion status of CD8+T cells, thereby bolstering CD8+T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity in the TME. Collectively, our current study successfully established a combination therapeutic strategy utilizing cordycepin and CTLA-4 blockade. This strategy demonstrated a significant synergistic effect against cancer, highlighting its importance in cancer treatment.

Cordycepin reprogramming lipid metabolism to block metastasis and EMT via ERO1A/mTOR/SREBP1 axis in cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) with a high malignancy is usually diagnosed as advanced and is prone to metastasis and leads to a poor prognosis. It is reported that cordycepin has anti-tumor effect. However, the molecular targets and mechanisms of cordycepin in inhibiting CCA metastasis remains unclear. In order to evaluate the therapeutic effect of cordycepin on CCA metastasis, experiments were conducted in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that cordycepin inhibited the migration and EMT progression of HuCCT1 and QBC939 cells. Cordycepin has a strong hypolipidemic effects, therefore, we examined its effect on lipid metabolism in CCA. Cordycepin inhibits SREBP1 mediated fatty acid synthesis through the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Meanwhile, cordycepin can reduce ERO1A expression in HuCCT1 and QBC939 cells. ERO1A plays a role in malignant tumors. ERO1A promotes migration and lipid metabolism of CCA cells through AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, cordycepin significantly inhibited the tumor metastasis and the serum levels of TG and T-CHO in mice. Taken together, we demonstrate that cordycepin mediated ERO1A/mTOR/SREBP1 axis inhibits lipid metabolism and metastasis in CCA cells in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that cordycepin can be used as a novel drug for the clinical treatment of CCA and to improve the prognosis.

Cordycepin and kinase inhibition in cancer

Cordycepin, a nucleoside from Cordyceps mushrooms, has many beneficial properties for health, including anticancer activities. In cancer cells, cordycepin targets various signaling molecules. Here, we review the possible anticancer mechanisms of cordycepin involving the targeting of kinases. Abnormal kinase expression is involved in cancer development and progression through different molecular mechanisms, including phosphorylation, amplification, genetic mutations, and epigenetic regulation. Research suggests that kinases, such as the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), AMP kinase (AMPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathways, can be targeted by cordycepin and disrupting their activity. Given that kinase inhibitors can have crucial roles in cancer treatment, targeting kinases might be one of the molecular mechanisms involved in the anticancer potential of cordycepin.

Targeting lipid metabolism with natural products: A novel strategy for gastrointestinal cancer therapy

Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC), including gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, is a common malignant tumor originating from gastrointestinal epithelial cells. Although the pathogenesis of GIC remains unclear, aberrant lipid metabolism has emerged as a hallmark of cancer. Several enzymes, proteins, and transcription factors are involved in lipid metabolism reprogramming in GIC, and their abnormal expression can promote lipid synthesis and accumulation of lipid droplets through numerous mechanisms, thereby affecting the growth, proliferation, and metastasis of GIC cells. Studies show that some natural compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, can inhibit the de novo synthesis of lipids in GIC, reduce the level of lipid accumulation, and subsequently, inhibit the occurrence and development of GIC by regulating Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin PI3K/Akt/mTOR, amongst other targets and pathways. Therefore, targeting tumor lipid metabolism is the focus of anti-gastrointestinal tumor therapy. Although most natural products require further high-quality studies to firmly establish their clinical efficacy, we review the potential of natural products in the treatment of GIC and summarize the application prospect of lipid metabolism as a new target for the treatment of GIC, hoping to provide a reference for drug development for gastrointestinal tumors.

Synergistic effect of CD47 blockade in combination with cordycepin treatment against cancer

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.

Integration of network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the molecular mechanism of Cordycepin in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Background

Cordycepin is a nucleoside adenosine analog and an active ingredient isolated from the liquid fermentation of Cordyceps. This study sought to explore the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Cordycepin against Alzheimer's disease using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.

Methods

TCMSP, SYMMAP, CTD, Super-pred, SEA, GeneCards, DisGeNET database, and STRING platform were used to screen and construct the target and protein interaction network of Cordycepin for Alzheimer's disease. The results of Gene Ontology annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were obtained based on the DAVID database. The Omicshare database was also applied in GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the key targets. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database, and the potential effective targets for AD were screened based on the degree values. The correlation between the potential targets of Cordycepin in the treatment of AD and APP, MAPT, and PSEN2 was analyzed using (GEPIA) databases. We obtained potential targets related to aging using the Aging Altas database. Molecular docking analysis was performed by AutoDock Vina and Pymol software. Finally, we validated the significant therapeutic targets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.

Results

A total of 74 potential targets of Cordycepin for treating Alzheimer's disease were identified. The potential targets of Cordycepin for the treatment of AD mainly focused on Lipid and atherosclerosis (hsa05417), Platinum drug resistance (hsa01524), Apoptosis (hsa04210), and Pathways in cancer (hsa05200). Our findings suggest that the therapeutic effect of Cordycepin on AD is primarily associated with these biological processes. We obtained 12 potential therapeutic targets for AD using the degree value in Cytoscape. Interestingly, AKT1, MAPK8, BCL2L1, FOXO3, and CTNNB1 were not only significantly associated with pathogenic genes (APP, MAPT, and PSEN2) but also with longevity in Alzheimer's Disease. Thus we speculated that the five target genes were potential core targets mediating the therapeutic effect of Cordycepin against AD. Moreover, molecular docking results analysis showed good binding affinity between Cordycepin and the five core targets. Overall, MAPK8, FOXO3 and CTNNB1 may have significant clinical and treatment implications.

Conclusion

Network pharmacology demonstrated that Cordycepin exerts a therapeutic effect against Alzheimer's disease via multiple targets and signaling pathways and has huge prospects for application in treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Cancer Stem Cells in Tumor Microenvironment of Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach, Colon, and Rectum

Simple Summary

Gastrointestinal cancers have a high mortality rate worldwide, and the progression of the disease is related to cancer stem cells. Until now, its relationship with the microenvironment has been poorly understood. We describe the molecules and different pathways activated during this interaction and the new targeting therapies for cancer cells and microenvironment modulation. This approach could impact the way gastrointestinal cancers are managed.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas are one of the world’s deadliest cancers. Cancer stem cells and the tissue microenvironment are highly regulated by cell and molecular mechanisms. Cancer stem cells are essential for maintenance and progression and are associated with resistance to conventional treatments. This article reviews the current knowledge of the role of the microenvironment during the primary establishment of gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas in the stomach, colon, and rectum and its relationship with cancer stem cells. We also describe novel developments in cancer therapeutics, such as targeted therapy, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different treatments for improving gastrointestinal cancer prognosis.

CLEC1B is a Promising Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated with Immune Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

C-type lectin domain family 1 member B (CLEC1B) is a protein-coding gene involved in various processes, such as platelet activation, tumor cell metastasis and separation of blood/lymphatic vessels. However, how CLEC1B plays its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance and biological function of CLEC1B in HCC.

Patients and Methods

Based on (The Cancer Genome Atlas) TCGA database, CLEC1B expression matrix and corresponding clinical information were extracted. ROC curves and Kaplan–Meier method were generated to evaluate the value of CLEC1B as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. Moreover, single-gene difference analysis constructed by DESeq2 method and then the related genes were used to predict CLEC1B-related signaling pathways. The ssGSEA algorithm was conducted for studies related to immune infiltration. CLEC1B protein expression was evaluated and immunohistochemistry in HCC tissues through tissue microarray. Finally, the relationship between CLEC1B expression and T cell infiltration was assessed according to tissue microarray.

Results

The mRNA and protein levels of CLEC1B were significantly down-regulated in HCC compared to paired normal tissues, which were further verified in clinical tissue samples. ROC curves and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis suggested the significant diagnostic and clinical prognostic value of CLEC1B. Meanwhile, downregulation of CLEC1B was significantly associated with clinical parameters such as clinical tumor vascular invasion and distant metastasis. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene set enrichment (GSEA) analysis indicated that CLEC1B has significant association with immune function. Finally, immune infiltration analysis indicated that CLEC1B was significantly associated with immune cell subsets and affected the efficacy of immunotherapy in cancer patient.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings suggested that CLEC1B could be a promising prognostic biomarker in HCC and its expression was related to immune cell infiltration.

A Network Pharmacology Perspective Investigation of the Pharmacological Mechanisms of the Herbal Drug FDY003 in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and deadly malignant tumors worldwide. While the application of herbal drugs for GC treatment is increasing, the multicompound–multitarget pharmacological mechanisms involved are yet to be elucidated. By adopting a network pharmacology strategy, we investigated the properties of the anticancer herbal drug FDY003 against GC. We found that FDY003 reduced the viability of human GC cells and enhanced their chemosensitivity. We also identified 8 active phytochemical compounds in FDY003 that target 70 GC-associated genes and proteins. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that the targets of FDY003 are involved in various cellular processes, such as cellular proliferation, survival, and death. We further identified various major FDY003 target GC-associated pathways, including PIK3-Akt, MAPK, Ras, HIF-1, ErbB, and p53 pathways. Taken together, the overall analysis presents insight at the systems level into the pharmacological activity of FDY003 against GC.

Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Active Component and Mechanism of the Anti-Gastric-Cancer Effect of Herba Sarcandrae

Background

Herba Sarcandrae is used in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine to deal with gastric cancer. However, there are few studies on its precise mechanism.

Method

In this study, a network pharmacological approach was utilized to construct a molecular/target/pathway molecular regulatory network for the anti-gastric-cancer effect of Herba Sarcandrae. The active components of Herba Sarcandrae and their potential mechanisms were explored. Chemical components of the Herba Sarcandrae were identified through a database, and they were evaluated and screened based on oral bioavailability and drug similarity.

Results

Genes related to gastric cancer were found in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and gene targets related to anti-gastric-cancer were chosen by comparison. Using annotation, visualization, and a comprehensive discovery database, the function and related pathways of target genes were analyzed and screened. Cytoscape software was utilized to construct a component/target/pathway network for the antitumor effect of Herba Sarcandrae. Finally, 6 drug ingredients and 29 target genes related to gastric cancer were detected. IL-17 signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways were significantly enriched. Many signaling pathways that directly act on tumors and indirect pathways inhibit the development of gastric cancer.

Conclusion

This study provides a scientific basis for further elucidating the mechanism of the anti-gastric-cancer effect of Herba Sarcandrae.

A novel tumor doubling time-related immune gene signature for prognosis prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become a global health issue of wide concern due to its high prevalence and poor therapeutic efficacy. Both tumor doubling time (TDT) and immune status are closely related to the prognosis of HCC patients. However, the association between TDT-related genes (TDTRGs) and immune-related genes (IRGs) and the value of their combination in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients remains unclear. The current study aimed to discover reliable biomarkers for anticipating the future prognosis of HCC patients based on the relationship between TDTRGs and IRGs.

Methods

Tumor doubling time-related genes (TDTRGs) were acquired from GSE54236 by using Pearson correlation test and immune-related genes (IRGs) were available from ImmPort. Prognostic TDTRGs and IRGs in TCGA-LIHC dataset were determined to create a prognostic model by the LASSO-Cox regression and stepwise Cox regression analysis. International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and another cohort of individual clinical samples acted as external validations. Additionally, significant impacts of the signature on HCC immune microenvironment and reaction to immune checkpoint inhibitors were observed.

Results

Among the 68 overlapping genes identified as TDTRG and IRG, a total of 29 genes had significant prognostic relevance and were further selected by performing a LASSO-Cox regression model based on the minimum value of λ. Subsequently, a prognostic three-gene signature including HECT domain and ankyrin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (HACE1), C-type lectin domain family 1 member B (CLEC1B), and Collectin sub-family member 12 (COLEC12) was finally identified by stepwise Cox proportional modeling. The signature exhibited superior accuracy in forecasting the survival outcomes of HCC patients in TCGA, ICGC and the independent clinical cohorts. Patients in high-risk subgroup had significantly increased levels of immune checkpoint molecules including PD-L1, CD276, CTLA4, CXCR4, IL1A, PD-L2, TGFB1, OX40 and CD137, and are therefore more sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment. Finally, we first found that overexpression of CLEC1B inhibited the proliferation and migration ability of HuH7 cells.

Conclusions

In summary, the prognostic signature based on TDTRGs and IRGs could effectively help clinicians classify HCC patients for prognosis prediction and individualized immunotherapies.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02227-w.

A Systematic Review of the Biological Effects of Cordycepin

We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the effects of cordycepin on cell survival and proliferation, inflammation, signal transduction and animal models. A total of 1204 publications on cordycepin were found by the cut-off date of 1 February 2021. After application of the exclusion criteria, 791 papers remained. These were read and data on the chosen subjects were extracted. We found 192 papers on the effects of cordycepin on cell survival and proliferation and calculated a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 135 µM. Cordycepin consistently repressed cell migration (26 papers) and cellular inflammation (53 papers). Evaluation of 76 papers on signal transduction indicated consistently reduced PI3K/mTOR/AKT and ERK signalling and activation of AMPK. In contrast, the effects of cordycepin on the p38 and Jun kinases were variable, as were the effects on cell cycle arrest (53 papers), suggesting these are cell-specific responses. The examination of 150 animal studies indicated that purified cordycepin has many potential therapeutic effects, including the reduction of tumour growth (37 papers), repression of pain and inflammation (9 papers), protecting brain function (11 papers), improvement of respiratory and cardiac conditions (8 and 19 papers) and amelioration of metabolic disorders (8 papers). Nearly all these data are consistent with cordycepin mediating its therapeutic effects through activating AMPK, inhibiting PI3K/mTOR/AKT and repressing the inflammatory response. We conclude that cordycepin has excellent potential as a lead for drug development, especially for age-related diseases. In addition, we discuss the remaining issues around the mechanism of action, toxicity and biodistribution of cordycepin.

The Role of Autophagy in Anti-Cancer and Health Promoting Effects of Cordycepin

Cordycepin is an adenosine derivative isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, which has been used as an herbal complementary and alternative medicine with various biological activities. The general anti-cancer mechanisms of cordycepin are regulated by the adenosine A3 receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, leading to cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Notably, cordycepin also induces autophagy to trigger cell death, inhibits tumor metastasis, and modulates the immune system. Since the dysregulation of autophagy is associated with cancers and neuron, immune, and kidney diseases, cordycepin is considered an alternative treatment because of the involvement of cordycepin in autophagic signaling. However, the profound mechanism of autophagy induction by cordycepin has never been reviewed in detail. Therefore, in this article, we reviewed the anti-cancer and health-promoting effects of cordycepin in the neurons, kidneys, and the immune system through diverse mechanisms, including autophagy induction. We also suggest that formulation changes for cordycepin could enhance its bioactivity and bioavailability and lower its toxicity for future applications. A comprehensive understanding of the autophagy mechanism would provide novel mechanistic insight into the anti-cancer and health-promoting effects of cordycepin.

Baicalein Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration through a FAK Interaction via AKT/mTOR Signaling

Gastric cancer is a common malignancy worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, very little is known about the underlying mechanism in human gastric cancer cells. Baicalein (BAI), a widely used Chinese herbal medicine, has shown anticancer effects on many types of human cancer cell lines. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying BAI action on gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration. The results showed that BAI can expressively inhibit cell proliferation, colony-forming ability and migration ability in a dose-dependent manner, while in the meantime inducing cell apoptosis. Additionally, we found that BAI can suppress FAK and the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT and mTOR in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, BAI significantly inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft model. Also, BAI can inhibit the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells and the expression of the pathway by downregulating the expression of FAK. In short, we demonstrated that BAI inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration through FAK interaction via downregulation in AKT/mTOR signaling, which signifies that BAI may be a latent therapeutic factor for the treatment of gastric cancer patients and that FAK might be a hopeful therapy target for the disease.

Effect of chitosan oligosaccharide-conjugated selenium on improving immune function and blocking gastric cancer growth

Selenium (Se) is a potential chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agent against malignant tumor. Selenium-oligosaccharides are important selenium source of dietary supplementation. Due to the insufficient natural production, it is therefore urgent to develop selenium-oligosaccharides by artificial synthesis. Chitosan, the N-deacetylated derivative of chitin, has been applied widely in biomedical field, owing to its nontoxicity, hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradation. While chitosan is water insoluble at neutral pH, limiting its application in physiological conditions. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), the hydrolysate of chitosan, is readily soluble in water because of the shorter chain lengths of the oligomers and the free amino groups in the D-glucosamine units. This study was aimed at preparing COS-conjugated selenium (COS-Se) and examining the toxicity and ability on improving immune function and blocking gastric cancer growth. Our results demonstrated that COS-Se displayed directly co-mitogenic and mitogenic actions on mouse splenocytes proliferation in vitro. Besides, COS-Se treatment could effectively elevate phagocytosis and increase the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Further in vivo experiments showed that COS-Se exhibited immuno-enhancing effects through promoting the phagocytic index, spleen index and thymus index with no obvious toxicity to Kunming mice. Moreover, COS-Se inhibited proliferation and metastasis of human gastric cancer cells, with non-toxic effects on the normal fibroblast cells in vitro. COS-Se supplementation could significantly repress the growth of gastric adenocarcinoma through reducing levels of CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 of nude mice. In conclusion, COS-Se was non-toxic and showed great potential as a functional food ingredient in cancer prevention.

The Potential Anticancer Activity of Phytoconstituents against Gastric Cancer-A Review on In Vitro, In Vivo, and Clinical Studies

Gastric cancer belongs to the heterogeneous malignancies and, according to the World Health Organization, it is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on the role of natural products of plant origin in the therapy of gastric cancer and to present the potentially active metabolites which can be used in the natural therapeutical strategies as the support to the conventional treatment. Many of the naturally spread secondary metabolites have been proved to exhibit chemopreventive properties when tested on the cell lines or in vivo. This manuscript aims to discuss the pharmacological significance of both the total extracts and the single isolated metabolites in the stomach cancer prevention and to focus on their mechanisms of action. A wide variety of plant-derived anticancer metabolites from different groups presented in the manuscript that include polyphenols, terpenes, alkaloids, or sulphur-containing compounds, underlines the multidirectional nature of natural products.

Cordycepin induces apoptosis in human bladder cancer T24 cells through ROS-dependent inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Cordycepin, a derivative of nucleoside adenosine, is one of the active ingredients extracted from the fungi of genus Cordyceps, which have been used for traditional herbal remedies. In this study, we examined the effect of cordycepin on the proliferation and apoptosis of human bladder cancer T24 cells and its mechanism of action. Cordycepin treatment significantly reduced the cell survival rate of T24 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, which was associated with the induction of apoptosis. Cordycepin activated caspase-8 and -9, which are involved in the initiation of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, respectively, and also increased caspase-3 activity, a typical effect caspase, subsequently leading to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Additionally, cordycepin increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and truncation of Bid, and destroyed the integrity of mitochondria, which contributed to the cytosolic release of cytochrome c. Moreover, cordycepin effectively inactivated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, while LY294002, a PI3K/Akt inhibitor, increased the apoptosis-inducing effect of cordycepin. Cordycepin further enhanced the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while the addition of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a ROS inhibitor, significantly diminished cordycepin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and growth inhibition, and also blocked the inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, the presence of NAC significantly attenuated the enhanced apoptotic cell death and reduction of cell viability by treatment with cordycepin and LY294002. Collectively, the data indicate that cordycepin induces apoptosis through the activation of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways and the ROS-dependent inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling in human bladder cancer T24 cells.

Suppression of CLEC3A inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation and promotes their chemosensitivity through the AKT1/mTOR/HIF1α signaling pathway

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant tumor that occurs in bone, and mainly affects children and adolescents. C-type lectin domain family 3 member A (CLEC3A) is a member of the C-type lectin superfamily, which regulates various biological functions of cells. The present study aimed to identify the effects and related mechanisms of CLEC3A in the proliferation and chemosensitivity of OS cells. The expression of CLEC3A in OS was analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus data profile GSE99671, and its expression in OS samples was verified using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemical staining. The relationship between the expression of CLEC3A and clinical traits in patients with OS was also analyzed, including age, tumor size, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, colony formation assays and cell cycle distribution analysis were used to determine the roles of CLEC3A in the proliferation and chemosensitivity of OS cells. Finally, RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to demonstrate the relationship between CLEC3A and the AKT1/mTOR/hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF1α) pathway. Both the mRNA and protein expression levels of CLEC3A were increased in OS tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues, and this was positively associated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. The genetic knockdown of CLEC3A with small interfering RNA decreased OS cell proliferation and colony formation, and induced G1 phase arrest, whereas the overexpression of CLEC3A increased OS cell proliferation and colony formation, and alleviated G1 phase arrest. The suppression of CLEC3A also promoted enhanced the chemosensitivity of OS cells to doxorubicin (DOX) and cisplatin (CDDP); it also inhibited the expression of AKT1, mTOR and HIF1α, further to the nuclear localization of HIF1α, and HIF1α target gene expression levels, including VEGF, GLUT1 and MCL1 were also decreased. Furthermore, treatment with the AKT activator SC79 blocked the inhibitory effects of CLEC3A silencing in OS cells. In conclusion, these findings suggested that CLEC3A may function as an oncogene in OS, and that the suppression of CLEC3A may inhibit OS cell proliferation and promote chemosensitivity through the AKT1/mTOR/HIF1α signaling pathway.

Novel ADAM-17 inhibitor ZLDI-8 inhibits the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro and in vivo

AIMS

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the important regulators of metastasis in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Blocking the Notch signaling pathway and then reversing the EMT process is a hot spot in clinical tumor research. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms of ADAM-17 (a key cleavage enzyme of Notch pathway) inhibitor ZLDI-8 we found before on the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo.

MAIN METHODS

The cell viability of HCC cells was evaluated by MTT and colony formation assays. Migration and invasion were assessed respectively with wound healing and transwell assays. The expression and location of proteins were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence, respectively. The effects of ZLDI-8 on metastasis of liver cancer in vivo were investigated in a tail vein injection model.

KEY FINDINGS

In the present work, ZLDI-8 significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT phenotype of highly aggressive MHCC97-H and LM3 cells. Moreover, ZLDI-8 could inhibit the migration and invasion of HepG2 and Bel7402 cells induced by TGF-β1. ZLDI-8 suppressed the protein expression of interstitial markers and increased that of epithelial markers. Meanwhile, ZLDI-8 decreased the expression of proteins in the Notch signaling pathway. Finally, ZLDI-8 blocks metastasis in the lung metastasis model in vivo.

SIGNIFICANCE

ZLDI-8 suppressed the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma, which was associated with reversing the EMT process and regulating Notch signaling pathway. The study laid the foundation for the discovery of drugs that reverse EMT to inhibit advanced HCC metastasis.

Cordycepin suppresses the migration and invasion of human liver cancer cells by downregulating the expression of CXCR4

Liver cancer is a worldwide threat to human health. High expression levels of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) have been reported to promote the migration and invasion capacities of liver cancer cells. Cordycepin, extracted from Cordyceps militaris, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancerous properties. Therefore, in the present study, migration assays, western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence analyses were conducted to determine whether cordycepin was able to suppress the migration and invasion abilities of liver cancer cells by inhibiting CXCR4 expression. The results suggested that cordycepin notably inhibited migration and invasion, and decreased the expression of CXCR4 in a dose-dependent manner. Activation of phosphorylated (p-) NF-κB inhibitor α (IκBα) and p-P65, the principal components of the NF-κB signaling pathway, was also downregulated. In addition, cordycepin markedly suppressed the nuclear translocation of P65, but had no effect on the expression of total IκBα (t-IκBα) and total P65 (t-P65). JSH-23, an inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway, impaired the migration of liver cancer cells, and was found to act synergistically with cordycepin. Furthermore, cordycepin treatment reduced the chemotactic migration ability of liver cancer cells to stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1), which was significantly enhanced following treatment with JSH-23. Collectively, the present results indicated that cordycepin inhibited the nuclear translocation of P65 by preventing p-IκBα activation; this resulted in the downregulation of CXCR4 expression, and subsequently, in the impaired migration and invasion abilities of liver cancer cells and attenuated reactivity to SDF1. The current study revealed a novel mechanism for the antimetastatic activity of cordycepin and its potential to exert positive synergistic effects with other compounds for the treatment of liver cancer.