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Saikia L, Gogoi B, Sen S, Tonk RK, Kumar D, Dutta PP. The recent update and advancements of natural products in targeting the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway for cancer prevention and therapeutics. Med Oncol 2024; 41:164. [PMID: 38816663 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02387-5] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-Catenin pathway (Wnt/β-CatP) is implicated in accelerating carcinogenesis and cancer progression, contributing to increased morbidity and treatment resistance. Even though it holds promise as a focus for cancer treatment, its intricate nature and diverse physiological effects pose significant challenges. Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in this domain, with numerous natural products demonstrating promising preclinical anti-tumor effects and identified as inhibitors of the Wnt/β-CatP through various upstream and downstream mechanisms. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of Wnt/β-Cat-targeted cancer therapy, examining the impact of natural products on Wnt/β-Cat signaling in both cancer prevention and therapeutic contexts. A comprehensive search was conducted on scientific databases like SciFinder, PubMed, and Google Scholar to retrieve relevant literature on Wnt-signaling, natural products, β-Catenin (β-Cat), and cancer from 2020 to January 2024. As per the analysis of the relevant reference within the specified period, it has been noted that a total of 58 phytoconstituents, predominantly phenolics, followed by triterpenoids and several other classes, along with a limited number of plant extracts, have exhibited activity targeting the Wnt/β-CatP. Most β-Cat regulating modulators restrict cancer cell development by suppressing β-Cat expression, facilitating proteasomal degradation, and inhibiting nuclear translocation. Multiple approaches have been devised to block the activity of β-Cat in cancer therapy, a key factor in cancer progression, leading to the discovery of various Wnt/β-CatP regulators. However, their exploration remains limited, necessitating further research using clinical models for potential clinical use in cancer prevention and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lunasmrita Saikia
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam Down Town University, Guwahati, Assam, 781026, India
| | - Bhaskarjyoti Gogoi
- Department of Biotechnology, The Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati, Assam, 781035, India
| | - Saikat Sen
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam Down Town University, Guwahati, Assam, 781026, India
| | - Rajiv K Tonk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India.
| | - Partha Pratim Dutta
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam Down Town University, Guwahati, Assam, 781026, India.
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Zhang H, Lu C, Yao Q, Jiao Q. In silico study to identify novel NEK7 inhibitors from natural sources by a combination strategy. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-024-10838-4. [PMID: 38598164 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10838-4] [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: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Cancer poses a significant global health challenge and significantly contributes to mortality. NEK7, related to the NIMA protein kinase family, plays a crucial role in spindle assembly and cell division. The dysregulation of NEK7 is closely linked to the onset and progression of various cancers, especially colon and breast cancer, making it a promising target for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the shortage of high-quality NEK7 inhibitors highlights the need for new therapeutic strategies. In this study, we utilized a multidisciplinary approach, including virtual screening, molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, molecular dynamics simulations (MDs), and MM/PBSA calculations, to evaluate natural compounds as NEK7 inhibitors comprehensively. Through various docking strategies, we identified three natural compounds: (-)-balanol, digallic acid, and scutellarin. Molecular docking revealed significant interactions at residues such as GLU112 and ALA114, with docking scores of -15.054, -13.059, and -11.547 kcal/mol, respectively, highlighting their potential as NEK7 inhibitors. MDs confirmed the stability of these compounds at the NEK7-binding site. Hydrogen bond analysis during simulations revealed consistent interactions, supporting their strong binding capacity. MM/PBSA analysis identified other crucial amino acids contributing to binding affinity, including ILE20, VAL28, ILE75, LEU93, ALA94, LYS143, PHE148, LEU160, and THR161, crucial for stabilizing the complex. This research demonstrated that these compounds exceeded dabrafenib in binding energy, according to MM/PBSA calculations, underscoring their effectiveness as NEK7 inhibitors. ADME/T predictions showed lower oral toxicity for these compounds, suggesting their potential for further development. This study highlights the promise of these natural compounds as bases for creating more potent derivatives with significant biological activities, paving the way for future experimental validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chenhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qilong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qingcai Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Zhang H, Lin L, Yang A, Liang Y, Huang B. Scutellarin alleviates tensile stress-induced proliferation and migration of venous smooth muscle cells via mediating the p38 MAPK pathway. Tissue Cell 2024; 87:102300. [PMID: 38211409 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102300] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abnormal proliferation and migration of biomechanical force-induced venous smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a major cause to limit the efficacy of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for coronary heart disease (CHD). Scutellarin is the main active ingredient of Erigeron Breviscapus, and has broad-spectrum pharmacological effects. Therefore, the present study was proposed to investigate the effect of Scutellarin on VSMCs under tensile stress. METHODS After interfering with VSMCs at different tensile stresses, the optimal tensile stress was screened. In a tensile stress environment, 100 μM Scutellarin and Hesperetin (p38 MAPK pathway activator) was used to treatment with VSMCs. CCK-8, EDU, Wound healing, flow cytometry and western blotting assays were used to detect cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Caspase3, Bcl2 and Bax). RESULTS Tensile stress with 10% significantly enhanced the activity, wound-healing ratio, and EDU+ cells of VSMCs, and decreased their apoptosis ratio. Moreover, it upregulated Bcl2 expression, and downregulated cleaved-Caspase3 and Bax expression of VSMCs. Hence, 10% tensile stress was selected to creates a tensile stress environment for VSMCs. Interestingly, 100 μM Scutellarin alleviated the effect of 10% tensile stress on the phenotype of VSMCs. Notably, 10% tensile stress increased the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK (Thr180 +Tyr182) in VSMCs, which was restricted by Scutellarin. Further, Hesperetin restored the effect of Scutellarin on the phenotype of VSMCs. CONCLUSION Scutellarin alleviates tension stress-induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs via suppressing p38 MAPK pathway. Scutellarin may be used as an adjunctive strategy for future GABG treatment in CHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Zhang
- Departments of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Departments of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Ailing Yang
- Departments of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Yasha Liang
- Departments of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Operating Room, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China.
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Garcia PJB, Huang SKH, De Castro-Cruz KA, Leron RB, Tsai PW. An In Vitro Evaluation and Network Pharmacology Analysis of Prospective Anti-Prostate Cancer Activity from Perilla frutescens. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3006. [PMID: 37631218 PMCID: PMC10457999 DOI: 10.3390/plants12163006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is extensively cultivated in East Asia as a dietary vegetable, and nutraceuticals are reportedly rich in bioactive compounds, especially with anticancer activities. This study explored the in vitro cytotoxic effects of P. frutescens parts' (stems, leaves, and seeds) extracts on prostate cancer cells (DU-145) and possible interactions of putative metabolites to related prostate cancer targets in silico. The ethanol extract of P. frutescens leaves was the most cytotoxic for the prostate cancer cells. From high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, rosmarinic acid was identified as the major metabolite in the leaf extracts. Network analysis revealed interactions from multiple affected targets and pathways of the metabolites. From gene ontology enrichment analysis, P. frutescens leaf metabolites could significantly affect 14 molecular functions and 12 biological processes in five cellular components. Four (4) KEGG pathways, including for prostate cancer, and six (6) Reactome pathways were shown to be significantly affected. The molecular simulation confirmed the interactions of relevant protein targets with key metabolites, including rosmarinic acid. This study could potentially lead to further exploration of P. frutescens leaves or their metabolites for prostate cancer treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Jay B. Garcia
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines; (P.J.B.G.); (K.A.D.C.-C.); (R.B.L.)
- School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines
| | - Steven Kuan-Hua Huang
- Department of Medical Science Industries, College of Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 711, Taiwan;
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 711, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Kathlia A. De Castro-Cruz
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines; (P.J.B.G.); (K.A.D.C.-C.); (R.B.L.)
| | - Rhoda B. Leron
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines; (P.J.B.G.); (K.A.D.C.-C.); (R.B.L.)
| | - Po-Wei Tsai
- Department of Medical Science Industries, College of Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 711, Taiwan;
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Alkhathami AG, Abdullah MR, Ahmed M, Hassan Ahmed H, Alwash SW, Muhammed Mahdi Z, Alsaikhan F, Dera AA. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)9 in cancer development: mechanistic, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches? J Drug Target 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37461888 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2236330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9 is considered a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)β superfamily. It was first found as an inducer of bone and cartilage formation and then discovered that this factor mediates several physiologic functions and hemostasis. Besides physiological conditions, BMP9 has also been elucidated that it is involved in several pathological situations, especially cancer. In various cancers, dysregulation of BMP9 has raised the issue that BMP9 might play a conflicting role in tumour development. BMP9 binding to its receptors (BMPRs), including ALKs and BMPRII, induces canonical SMAD-dependent and non-canonical PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling pathways in tumour cells. BMP9, via inducing apoptosis, inhibiting tumour-promoting cell signalling pathways, suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, blocking angiogenesis, and preventing cross-talk in the tumour microenvironment, mainly exerts tumour-suppressive functions. In contrast, BMP9 triggers tumour-supportive signalling pathways, promotes EMT, and enhances angiogenesis, suggesting that BMP9 is also involved in tumour development. It has been demonstrated that modulating BMP9 expression and functions might be a promising approach to cancer treatment. It has also been indicated that evaluating BMP9 expression in cancers might be a biomarker for predicting cancer prognosis. Overall, BMP9 would provide a promising target in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali G Alkhathami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Muhjaha Ahmed
- Medical Technical college, Al-Farahidi University, Iraq
| | | | - Sarab W Alwash
- Medical Laboratory Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Iraq Hillah
| | | | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayed A Dera
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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