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Nie Y, Yan J, Huang X, Jiang T, Zhang S, Zhang G. Dihydrotanshinone I targets ESR1 to induce DNA double-strand breaks and proliferation inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155767. [PMID: 38833789 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to its high incidence and elevated mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as a formidable global healthcare challenge. The intricate interplay between gender-specific disparities in both incidence and clinical outcomes has prompted a progressive recognition of the substantial influence exerted by estrogen and its corresponding receptors (ERs) upon HCC pathogenesis. Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) emerged for the treatment of HCC by administering exogenous estrogen. However, the powerful side effects of estrogen, including the promotion of breast cancer and infertility, hinder the further application of ERT. Identifying effective therapeutic targets for estrogen and screening bioactive ingredients without E2-like side effects is of great significance for optimizing HCC ERT. METHODS In this study, we employed an integrative approach, harnessing data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, clinical paraffin sections, adenoviral constructs as well as in vivo studies, to unveil the association between estrogen, estrogen receptor α (ESR1) and HCC. Leveraging methodologies encompassing molecular dynamics simulation and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were used to confirm whether ESR1 is a molecular target of DHT. Multiple in vitro and in vivo experiments were used to identify whether i) ESR1 is a crucial gene that promotes DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and proliferation inhibition in HCC, ii) Dihydrotanshinone I (DHT), a quinonoid monomeric constituent derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan shen) exerts anti-HCC effects by regulating ESR1 and subsequent DSBs, iii) DHT has the potential to replace E2. RESULTS DHT could target ESR1 and upregulate its expression in a concentration-dependent manner. This, in turn, leads to the downregulation of breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1), a pivotal protein involved in the homologous recombination repair (HRR) process. The consequence of this downregulation is manifested through the induction of DSBs in HCC, subsequently precipitating a cascade of downstream events, including apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Of particular significance is the comparative assessment of DHT and isodose estradiol treatments, which underscores DHT's excellent HCC-suppressive efficacy without concomitant perturbation of endogenous sex hormone homeostasis. CONCLUSION Our findings not only confirm ESR1 as a therapeutic target in HCC management but also underscores DHT's role in upregulating ESR1 expression, thereby impeding the proliferation and invasive tendencies of HCC. In addition, we preliminarily identified DHT has the potential to emerge as an agent in optimizing HCC ERT through the substitution of E2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunmeng Nie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Junbin Yan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), No. 318 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Xueru Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), No. 318 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of Intestine-Liver of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Guangji Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-Stasis-Toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine 'Preventing Disease' Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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Li Z, Mo RL, Gong JF, Han L, Wang WF, Huang DK, Xu JG, Sun YJ, Chen S, Han GC, Sun DQ. Dihydrotanshinone I inhibits gallbladder cancer growth by targeting the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and Nrf2 phosphorylation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155661. [PMID: 38677269 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gallbladder cancer (GBC) poses a significant risk to human health. Its development is influenced by numerous factors, particularly the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells. This homeostasis is crucial for tumor cell survival, and abnormal regulation of ROS is associated with the occurrence and progression of many cancers. Dihydrotanshinone I (DHT I), a biologically effective ingredient isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has exhibited cytotoxic properties against various tumor cells by inducing apoptosis. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which dht I exerts its cytotoxic effects remain unclear. PURPOSE To explore the anti-tumor impact of dht I on GBC and elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS The proliferation of GBC cells, NOZ and SGC-996, was assessed using various assays, including CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and EdU staining. We also examined cell apoptosis, cell cycle progression, ROS levels, and alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential to delve into the intricate molecular mechanism. Quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting were performed to evaluate target gene expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. The correlation between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) were examined using co-immunoprecipitation. Finally, the in vivo effect of dht I was investigated using a xenograft model of gallbladder cancer in mice. RESULTS Our research findings indicated that dht I exerted cytotoxic effects on GBC cells, including inhibiting proliferation, disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential, inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Our in vivo studies substantiated the inhibition of dht I on tumor growth in xenograft nude mice. Mechanistically, dht I primarily targeted Nrf2 by promoting Keap1 mediated Nrf2 degradation and inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) induced Nrf2 phosphorylation. This leads to the suppression of Nrf2 nuclear translocation and reduction of its target gene expression. Moreover, Nrf2 overexpression effectively counteracted the anti-tumor effects of dht I, while Nrf2 knockdown significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of dht I on GBC. Meanwhile, PKC inhibitors and nuclear import inhibitors increased the sensitivity of GBC cells to dht I treatment. Conversely, Nrf2 activators, proteasome inhibitors, antioxidants and PKC activators all antagonized dht I induced apoptosis and ROS generation in NOZ and SGC-996 cells. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that dht I inhibited the growth of GBC cells by regulating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and Nrf2 phosphorylation. These insights provide a strong rationale for further investigation of dht I as a potential therapeutic agent for GBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Anhui Provincial Corps Hospital, Hefei 230041, China; Research Technology Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Rong-Liang Mo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jun-Feng Gong
- Department of General Surgery, The Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Anhui Provincial Corps Hospital, Hefei 230041, China
| | - Lin Han
- Department of General Surgery, The Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Anhui Provincial Corps Hospital, Hefei 230041, China
| | - Wen-Fei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Anhui Provincial Corps Hospital, Hefei 230041, China
| | - Da-Ke Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jie-Gou Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan-Jun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Anhui Provincial Corps Hospital, Hefei 230041, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Research Technology Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Gen-Cheng Han
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Deng-Qun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Anhui Provincial Corps Hospital, Hefei 230041, China.
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Yue J, Hao D, Wang Y, Guo J, Liu S, Meng L, Liu J. The multifaceted mechanisms of Dihydrotanshinone I in the treatment of tumors. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116635. [PMID: 38653110 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116635] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of malignant tumors are progressively rising on an annual basis. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds promise as a possible therapeutic agent for the avoidance or therapy of malignant tumors. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), a traditional Asian functional food, has therapeutic characteristics in application for the treatment of malignant tumors. Dihydrotanshinone I (DHTS) is the principal lipophilic phenanthraquinone compound found in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, whose anti-tumor effect has attracted widespread attention. The anti-tumor effects include inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, triggering apoptosis of tumor cells, inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells, inhibiting tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and improving drug resistance of tumor cells. In this paper, we summarized and analyzed the mechanisms and targets of anti-tumor effect of DHTS, providing new ideas and establishing a solid theoretical basis for the future advancement and clinical treatment of DHTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yue
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dingqian Hao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yingzheng Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province 250355, China
| | - Jinhao Guo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shengyang Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Linghui Meng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianliang Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Tai'an Tumor Prevention and Treatment Hospital, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, China.
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Cui XY, Jiang XD, Li WH, Zhang R, You HJ, Tang ZQ, Ma Y, Yang Z, Che NC, Liu WL. Investigation of effective components and action mechanism of Yiguanjian in treatment of liver fibrosis based on network pharmacology. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2023; 31:256-267. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v31.i7.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese medicine compounds are characterized by the comprehensive adjustment of multiple components and show unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. Yiguanjian (YGJ) is a famous prescription for nourishing Yin to soothe the liver, which can improve the symptoms of liver fibrosis, and understanding its anti-liver fibrosis mechanism can promote its development and use.
AIM To explore the mechanism of YGJ in the treatment of liver fibrosis through network pharmacology and to experi-mentally validate the initial results obtained.
METHODS Components of YGJ and potentially targeted proteins were downloaded from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. The targets of liver fibrosis were accessed from GeneCard and OMIM databases. STRING database was utilized to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network based on the components of YGJ and the targets of liver fibrosis. The PPI network was subjected to random walk with restart (RWR) to obtain key genes, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed based on the DAVID database. For animal experimental validation, eighteen SD rats were randomly assigned to a normal group, a model group, and a YGJ group. The rats in the model group and YGJ group were intraperitoneally injected with 50% CCl4 olive oil solution for 6 wk to induce liver fibrosis, and rats in the normal group were intraperitoneally injected with the same amount of olive oil solution. Then, the rats of the YGJ group were given YGJ decoction (6.67 g/kg) daily for 4 weeks. Meanwhile, rats in the other groups were given distilled water. Blood and liver samples were collected, and the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum of rats were detected with an automated analyzer. Pathological changes in liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of key proteins and genes in the liver.
RESULTS A total of 52 components and 186 potential targets of YGJ were obtained, and 1080 targets of liver fibrosis were screened. The top 10 genes with the high-affinity scores to the drug targets were STAT6, SRC, MAPK3, STX1A, EP300, STAT3, PLG, CTNNB1, CDKN1B, and CANX. The top 50 genes were mainly enriched in response to PI3K- Akt signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway, etc. In CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rats, YGJ decoction could significantly improve liver lesions and reduce fibrosis. YGJ decoction could reduce α-SMA expression, promote the expression of phosphorylated STAT6, increase the protein expression of PPAR-γ and CD163 and the mRNA expression of Arg-1, CD206, and CD163, and inhibit the gene expression of IL-6.
CONCLUSION The therapeutic effect of YGJ decoction for liver fibrosis involves multiple components and multiple pathways, including the STAT6/PPAR-γ pathway.
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Wang L, Xu X, Chen D, Li C. Dihydrotanshinone I inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cells proliferation through DNA damage and EGFR pathway. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15022. [PMID: 36935927 PMCID: PMC10019332 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15022] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are globally on the rise. Dihydrotanshinone I, a natural product isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, has attracted extensive attention in recent years for its anti-tumour proliferation efficiency. Methods Cell proliferations in hepatoma cells (Huh-7 and HepG2) were evaluated by MTT and colony formation assays. Immunofluorescence (IF) of 53BP1 and flow cytometry analysis were performed to detect DNA damage and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, network pharmacological analysis was applied to explore the potential therapeutic targets and pathway of dihydrotanshinone I. Results The results showed that dihydrotanshinone I effectively inhibited the proliferation of Huh-7 and HepG2 cells. Moreover, dihydrotanshinone I dose-dependently induced DNA-damage and apoptosis in vitro. Network pharmacological analysis and molecular simulation results indicated that EGFR might be a potential therapeutic target of dihydrotanshinone I in HCC. Collectively, our findings suggested that dihydrotanshinone I is a novel candidate therapeutic agent for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjun Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yongkang, Yongkang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangwei Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People’s Hosipital of Yongkang, Yongkang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dexing Chen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yongkang, Yongkang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenghang Li
- Department of Infectious Liver Disease, The First People’s Hospital of Yongkang, Yongkang, Zhejiang, China
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Li JK, Zhu PL, Wang Y, Jiang XL, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Yung KKL. Gracillin exerts anti-melanoma effects in vitro and in vivo: role of DNA damage, apoptosis and autophagy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154526. [PMID: 36334389 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is an aggressive cancer. Gracillin has been reported to treat various types of cancer, such as colorectal and lung cancer. However, there is a paucity of research on the anti-melanoma effects of gracillin. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess the anti-melanoma effects and mechanisms of action of gracillin in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Cell viability was detected using MTT and crystal violet staining assays. Cell proliferation was examined by EdU staining assays. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Autophagic flux was monitored under a confocal microscope. Protein levels were determined by immunoblotting. LY294002 and rapamycin (Rapa) were used to determine the involvement of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in gracillin-mediated autophagy. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was overactivated to explore the contribution of the STAT3 signaling pathway in the anti-melanoma effects of gracillin. A B16F10 allograft mouse model was developed to evaluate the anti-melanoma effects of gracillin in vivo. RESULTS We demonstrated that in melanoma cells, gracillin inhibited proliferation, induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, evoked apoptosis, and triggered autophagic cell death. Gracillin induced DNA damage in melanoma cells. Moreover, it suppressed the phosphorylation/activation of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, and 4E-BP1 in melanoma cells. Inhibiting PI3K/AKT and mTOR activity using LY294002 and Rapa, respectively, increased the protein level of LC3B-II in gracillin-treated melanoma cells. Furthermore, gracillin downregulated the protein levels of p-JAK2 (Tyr1007/1008), p-Src (Tyr416), and p-STAT3 (Tyr705) in melanoma cells. Over-expression of STAT3 in A375 cells significantly mitigated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of gracillin. In vivo studies showed that gracillin (1 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally for 16 consecutive days) suppressed B16F10 tumor growth and Src/STAT3 and AKT/mTOR signaling in tumors. No overt toxicity was observed in mice. CONCLUSION Induction of DNA damage, inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and suppression of STAT3 signaling are involved in gracillin-mediated cell cycle arrest, autophagic cell death and apoptosis, respectively, in melanoma cells. These findings provide novel insights into the anti-melanoma molecular mechanisms of gracillin, and suggest a potential role of gracillin in melanoma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Kui Li
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pei-Li Zhu
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao-Li Jiang
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhu Zhang
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ken-Kin-Lam Yung
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China.
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Wo G, Zhu Z, Fang Z, Chen X, Liang M, Wang Y, Shao X, Shen H, Tang J. Dihydrotanshinone I: A Target for STAT3 in the Therapy of Tamoxifen‐Resistant Breast Cancer. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202203082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guanqun Wo
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Xianlin Road 138 Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Zhen Zhu
- Nanjing Medical University Nanjing 210029 P. R. China
| | - Zheng Fang
- Nanjing Medical University Nanjing 210029 P. R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Xianlin Road 138 Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | | | - Yalin Wang
- Xuzhou Medical University 209 Tongshan Road Xuzhou 221004 P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Shao
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Xianlin Road 138 Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Hongyu Shen
- Nanjing Medical University Nanjing 210029 P. R. China
| | - Jin‐Hai Tang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Xianlin Road 138 Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
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Li J, Zhu P, Chen Y, Zhang S, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Jiang X, Lin K, Wu W, Mo Z, Sze SCW, Yung KKL. Isoalantolactone Induces Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis and Autophagy in Colorectal Cancer Cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:903599. [PMID: 35645799 PMCID: PMC9133875 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.903599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an aggressive cancer. Isoalantolactone (IATL) has been reported to exert cytotoxicity against various cancer cells, but not CRC. In this study, we explored the anti-CRC effects and mechanism of action of IATL in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that IATL inhibited proliferation by inducing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and autophagy in CRC cells. Repression of autophagy with autophagy inhibitors chloroquine (CQ) and Bafilomycin A1 (Baf-A1) enhanced the anti-CRC effects of IATL, suggesting that IATL induces cytoprotective autophagy in CRC cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that IATL lowered protein levels of phospho-AKT (Ser473), phospho-mTOR (Ser2448), phospho-70S6K (Thr421/Ser424) in CRC cells. Inhibition of AKT and mTOR activities using LY294002 and rapamycin, respectively, potentiated the inductive effects of IATL on autophagy and cell death. In vivo studies showed that IATL suppressed HCT116 tumor growth without affecting the body weight of mice. In consistent with the in vitro results, IATL lowered protein levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, phospho-AKT (Ser473), phospho-mTOR (Ser2448), and phsopho-70S6K (Thr421/Ser424), whereas upregulated protein levels of cleaved-PARP and LC3B-II in HCT116 tumors. Collectively, our results demonstrated that in addition to inhibiting proliferation, inducing G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, IATL initiates cytoprotective autophagy in CRC cells by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings provide an experimental basis for the evaluation of IATL as a novel medication for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkui Li
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, China
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, China
| | - Peili Zhu
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, China
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, China
| | - Yifei Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Shiqing Zhang
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhu Zhang
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, China
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, China
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, China
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, China
| | - Xiaoli Jiang
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, China
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, China
| | - Kaili Lin
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, China
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Zhixian Mo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhixian Mo, ; Stephen Cho Wing Sze, ; Ken Kin Lam Yung,
| | - Stephen Cho Wing Sze
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, China
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, China
- *Correspondence: Zhixian Mo, ; Stephen Cho Wing Sze, ; Ken Kin Lam Yung,
| | - Ken Kin Lam Yung
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, China
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), HKBU, Kowloon Tong, China
- *Correspondence: Zhixian Mo, ; Stephen Cho Wing Sze, ; Ken Kin Lam Yung,
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