A natural xanthone suppresses lung cancer growth and metastasis by targeting STAT3 and FAK signaling pathways

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone sulfonamide-based derivatives as highly potent inhibitors of LRPPRC/STAT3/CDK1

Leucine-rich pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein (LRPPRC), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) are promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. However, there is a lack of effective inhibitors of LRPPRC, STAT3, and CDK1 in clinic. Our previous study has proved that 5,7,4'-Trimethoxyflavone (TMF) is a novel inhibitor of LRPPRC/STAT3/CDK1. However, the extraction rate of TMF from Tangerine Peel is quite low, and the doses of TMF in cells and mice are rather high. Herein, structural modifications of TMF have led to two series of TMF derivatives including sulfonamide substituted at 3'-position (7a-m) and 3',8-position (11a-m). Among all compounds, 7e, 7k, 11e, and 11g exhibited as effective, broad-spectrum, and potent anticancer agents in vitro. Moreover, 7e, 7k, 11e, and 11g showed better antitumor effects than TMF and clinical used chemotherapy drug capecitabine in vivo with no obvious toxicity. Mechanism studies showed that 11g could bind to LRPPRC, STAT3, and CDK1 to disassociate the LRPPRC-JAK2-STAT3 and JAK2-STAT3-CDK1 complexes, resulting in suppression of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that 11g may serve as a leading compound for cancer therapy as a triple-target (LRPPRC, STAT3, and CDK1) inhibitor.

Bucidarasin A suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of HCC by targeting the FAK and STAT3 pathways

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Bucidarasin A, a natural diterpenoid, has been shown to exert notable cytotoxic effects across a range of tumor cell lines. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this cytotoxicity remain unclear. In this study, we sought to elucidate the antitumor mechanisms of bucidarasin A, a natural diterpenoid derived from Casearia graveolens, with a particular focus on its effects on HCC. Furthermore, we employed surface plasmon resonance (SPR), molecular docking, and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) to gain further insight into the target protein of bucidarasin A. Our findings revealed that bucidarasin A exhibited pronounced cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells. In vitro analysis indicated that bucidarasin A interrupted the cell cycle at the S phase and inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of HepG2 cells by modulating the FAK and STAT3 signaling pathways. Moreover, in vivo studies demonstrated that bucidarasin A not only exhibited antitumor effects but also impeded neovascularization, a finding that was corroborated by SPR interactions between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bucidarasin A. This research substantiated that bucidarasin A, a clerodane diterpenoid, held promise as a therapeutic candidate against HCC, showcasing substantial antitumor efficacy both in vitro and in vivo through direct targeting of the STAT3 and FAK signaling pathways.

Preparation and exploration of anti-tumor activity of Poria cocos polysaccharide gold nanorods

With the continuous advancement of nanotechnology, the application of gold nanorods (AuNRs) functionalized with polysaccharides in the realm of cancer photothermal therapy is garnering increasing attention. To harness photothermal therapy for cancer treatment, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs were successfully synthesized in this study for the first time, utilizing Poria cocos polysaccharides (FLP), mercaptophenylboronic acid (MPBA), and gold nanorods (AuNRs). FLP-MPBA-AuNRs is a nanomaterial characterized by a unique rod-shaped structure, featuring a long diameter of 29.3 nm and a short diameter of 6.5 nm, which conferred upon it exceptional photothermal stability and remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency. Under near-infrared light irradiation, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs elicited significant photothermal effects, effectively curtailing the proliferation of various cancer cells. Additionally, it impeded cancer progression by inducing cell apoptosis and releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs suppressed the metastasis and growth of cancer cells in zebrafish models. In summary, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs showcased immense potential in cancer therapy by inhibiting tumor cell growth through photothermal and photodynamic mechanisms.

Sesquiterpene dimers with a rare skeleton from Chloranthus holostegius exhibiting multidrug resistance reversal activity in vitro and in vivo

Two previously unreported lindenane sesquiterpene dimers (1 and 2) with a rare skeleton containing an oxaspiro[4.5]decane moiety were isolated from the roots of Chloranthus holostegius var. trichoneurus. Their structures were elucidated by HRESIMS, NMR, ECD, and NMR quantum chemical calculations, along with DP4+ probability analysis. In bioassay, compound 1 exhibited significant activity to reverse the multidrug resistance (MDR)in MCF-7/ADR cells, with an IC50 value of 4.4 μM. Further mechanistic studies revealed that compound 1 combined with doxorubicin could induce apoptosis of MCF-7/ADR cells and block the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Mechanistically, compound 1 could inhibit the efflux function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) using the zebrafish model. Finally, the enhanced chemotherapeutic effects of doxorubicin were further confirmed by in vivo zebrafish xenograft experiments.

Discovery of antitumor diterpenoids from Casearia graveolens targeting VEGFR-2 to inhibit angiogenesis

Eight novel clerodane diterpenoids (1-8) were isolated from the twigs of Casearia graveolens. Their structures were elucidated through comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analyses. In addition to structural determination, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays were conducted to investigate molecular interactions, revealing that compound 8 exhibited high affinity for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), a key regulator of tumor angiogenesis. Subsequent in vivo experiments demonstrated that compound 8 effectively inhibited angiogenesis and displayed significant antitumor activity by suppressing tumor proliferation and metastasis in zebrafish xenograft models. These findings suggest that compound 8 holds promise as an anticancer lead compound targeting VEGFR-2 to obstruct tumor angiogenesis.

Innovative orthogonal two-dimensional reversed-phase liquid chromatography × supercritical fluid chromatography with a phenyl/tetrazole stationary phase for the preparative isolation of diarylheptanoids

In this investigation, we successfully isolated and purified natural diarylheptanoids using an orthogonal offline two-dimensional RPLC × SFC approach, employing only the phenyl/tetrazole stationary phase. First, a styrene-divinylbenzene matrix medium pretreatment liquid chromatography system effectively processed chlorophyll-containing plant extract solution with a recovery rate of 33.8 %, obviating the need for concentration steps. Subsequently, an offline two-dimensional RPLC × SFC employing only the phenyl/tetrazole stationary phase achieved a remarkable 96.38 % orthogonality and was established and utilized in the preparative separation and purification of natural products. Finally, the constructed single stationary phase highly orthogonal RPLC × SFC system was successfully applied in the preparative separation and purification of natural diarylheptanoids from the Saxifraga tangutica target fraction and yielded four diarylheptanoids with purities exceeding 95 %.

2'-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation by Attenuating Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Damage Via Directly Inhibiting STAT3

BACKGROUND

The currently available clinical therapeutic drugs for ulcerative colitis (UC) are considered inadequate owing to certain limitations. There have been reports on the anti-inflammatory effects of 2'-hydroxycinnamaldehyde (HCA). However, whether HCA can improve UC is still unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects of HCA on UC and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

The pharmacological effects of HCA were comprehensively investigated in 2 experimental setups: mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated fetal human colon (FHC) cells. Furthermore, the interaction between HCA and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was investigated using molecular docking. The FHC cells with STAT3 knockdown or overexpression and mice with intestinal epithelium-specific STAT3 deletion (STAT3ΔIEC) were used to evaluate whether STAT3 mediated the pharmacological effects of HCA.

RESULTS

2'-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde attenuated dysregulated expression of inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner while increasing the expression of tight junction proteins, reducing the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, and effectively alleviating inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. 2'-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde bound directly to STAT3 and inhibited its activation. The modulation of STAT3 activation levels due to STAT3 knockdown or overexpression influenced the mitigating effects of HCA on colitis. Further analysis indicated that the remission effect of HCA was not observed in STAT3ΔIEC mice, indicating that STAT3 mediated the anti-inflammatory effects of HCA.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a novel finding that HCA reduces colitis severity by attenuating intestinal mucosal barrier damage via STAT3. This discovery holds promise as a potential new strategy to alleviate UC.

Suppression of JAK2/STAT3 Pathway by Notoginsenoside R1 Reduces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

It has bene reported that a novel saponin-notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) possesses strong anti-tumor activities. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of NGR1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasiveness were assessed using the ex vivo assays. NSCLC xenograft mouse models were constructed to confirm the role of NGR1 in vivo. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins and key markers in the JAK2/STAT3 pathway were examined using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry analyses. NGR1 treatment suppressed NSCLC cell growth ex vivo and in vivo. It also decreased the migratory and invasive capacities of NSCLC cells. Additionally, NGR1 increased E-cadherin expression and reduced N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail expression in TGF-β1-treated NSCLC cells and xenograft tumors. JAK2/STAT3 pathway was inhibited by NGR1. Moreover, a specific inhibitor of JAK2, AG490, or STAT3 silencing significantly enhanced the effects of NGR1 against the EMT process in NSCLC cells. NGR1 restrains EMT process in NSCLC by inactivating JAK2/STAT3 signaling, suggesting the potential of NGR1 in anti-NSCLC therapy.

Preparation and photothermal therapy of gold nanorods modified by Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC polysaccharide

In recent years, the application of nanoparticles formed by coupling metal nanomaterials of photothermal therapy with polysaccharides as modified carriers in the targeted treatment of liver cancer has attracted extensive attention. In the present work, an undescribed homogeneous polysaccharide BCP50-2 was obtained from Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC. The structural analysis displayed that BCP50-2 contained galactose and a small amount of arabinose, and was mainly composed of six monosaccharide residues: →3,5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →4)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →4,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →3)-α-l-Galp-(1→, terminal α-l-Araf, and terminal β-d-Galp. To enhance the antitumor activity of BCP50-2, BCP50-2-AuNRs were prepared by coupling BCP50-2 with gold nanorods for the treatment of liver cancer. BCP50-2-AuNRs were rod-shaped with a long diameter of 26.8 nm and had good photothermal conversion effects. Under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, BCP50-2-AuNRs possessed photothermal effects and suppressed the growth of HepG2, A549, and MCF-7 cells. In addition, BCP50-2-AuNRs inhibited the development of liver cancer by inducing cell apoptosis, arresting the cell cycle in G2/M phases, and inhibiting cell migration. Moreover, BCP50-2-AuNRs inhibited tumor proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in zebrafish. In summary, BCP50-2-AuNRs may be potentially useful for cancer treatment.

Effusanin B Inhibits Lung Cancer by Prompting Apoptosis and Inhibiting Angiogenesis

Cancer is one of the deadliest human diseases, causing high rates of illness and death. Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate among all malignancies worldwide. Effusanin B, a diterpenoid derived from Isodon serra, showed therapeutic potential in treating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Further research on the mechanism indicated that effusanin B inhibited the proliferation and migration of A549 cells both in vivo and in vitro. The in vitro activity assay demonstrated that effusanin B exhibited significant anticancer activity. Effusanin B induced apoptosis, promoted cell cycle arrest, increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and altered the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Based on mechanistic studies, effusanin B was found to inhibit the proliferation and migration of A549 cells by affecting the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathways. Moreover, effusanin B inhibited tumor growth and spread in a zebrafish xenograft model and demonstrated anti-angiogenic effects in a transgenic zebrafish model.

Chlorahololide D, a Lindenane-Type Sesquiterpenoid Dimer from Chloranthus holostegius Suppressing Breast Cancer Progression

Aimed at discovering small molecules as anticancer drugs or lead compounds from plants, a lindenane-type sesquiterpene dimer, chlorahololide D, was isolated from Chloranthus holostegius. The literature review showed that there were few reports on the antitumor effects and mechanisms of chlorahololide D. Our biological assay suggested that chlorahololide D blocked the growth and triggered apoptosis of MCF-7 cells by stimulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and arresting the cell cycle at the G2 stage. Further mechanism exploration suggested that chlorahololide D regulated apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax. Moreover, chlorahololide D inhibited cell migration by regulating the FAK signaling pathway. In the zebrafish xenograft model, chlorahololide D was observed to suppress tumor proliferation and migration significantly. Considering the crucial function of angiogenesis in tumor development, the anti-angiogenesis of chlorahololide D was also investigated. All of the research preliminarily revealed that chlorahololide D could become an anti-breast cancer drug.

Zebrafish in Lung Cancer Research

Zebrafish is increasingly used as a model organism for cancer research because of its genetic and physiological similarities to humans. Modeling lung cancer (LC) in zebrafish has received significant attention. This review focuses on the insights gained from using zebrafish in LC research. These insights range from investigating the genetic and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development and progression of LC to identifying potential drug targets, testing the efficacy and toxicity of new therapies, and applying zebrafish for personalized medicine studies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of LC research performed using zebrafish, highlights the advantages and limitations of this model organism, and discusses future directions in the field.

Lung cancer treatment potential and limits associated with the STAT family of transcription factors

Lung cancer is one of the mortal cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with a cancer survival rate of fewer than 5% in developing nations. This low survival rate can be linked to things like late-stage detection, quick postoperative recurrences in patients receiving therapy, and chemoresistance developing against various lung cancer treatments. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors are involved in lung cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, immunological control, and treatment resistance. By interacting with specific DNA sequences, STAT proteins trigger the production of particular genes, which in turn result in adaptive and incredibly specific biological responses. In the human genome, seven STAT proteins have been discovered (STAT1 to STAT6, including STAT5a and STAT5b). Many external signaling proteins can activate unphosphorylated STATs (uSTATs), which are found inactively in the cytoplasm. When STAT proteins are activated, they can increase the transcription of several target genes, which leads to unchecked cellular proliferation, anti-apoptotic reactions, and angiogenesis. The effects of STAT transcription factors on lung cancer are variable; some are either pro- or anti-tumorigenic, while others maintain dual, context-dependent activities. Here, we give a succinct summary of the various functions that each member of the STAT family plays in lung cancer and go into more detail about the advantages and disadvantages of pharmacologically targeting STAT proteins and their upstream activators in the context of lung cancer treatment.

Application of Zebrafish as a Model for Anti-Cancer Activity Evaluation and Toxicity Testing of Natural Products

Developing natural product-based anti-cancer drugs/agents is a promising way to overcome the serious side effects and toxicity of traditional chemotherapeutics for cancer treatment. However, rapid assessment of the in vivo anti-cancer activities of natural products is a challenge. Alternatively, zebrafish are useful model organisms and perform well in addressing this challenging issue. Nowadays, a growing number of studies have utilized zebrafish models to evaluate the in vivo activities of natural compounds. Herein, we reviewed the application of zebrafish models for evaluating the anti-cancer activity and toxicity of natural products over the past years, summarized its process and benefits, and provided future outlooks for the development of natural product-based anti-cancer drugs.

The effectiveness of blood-activating and stasis-transforming traditional Chinese medicines (BAST) in lung cancer progression-a comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Blood-activating and stasis-transforming traditional Chinese medicines (BAST) are a class of herbs that have the effect of dilating blood vessels and dispersing stagnation. Modern pharmaceutical research has demonstrated that they are capable of improving hemodynamics and micro-flow, resist thrombosis and promote blood flow. BAST contain numerous active ingredients, which can theoretically regulate multiple targets at the same time and have a wide range of pharmacological effects in the treatment of diseases including human cancers. Clinically, BAST have minimal side effects and can be used in combination with Western medicine to improve patients' quality of life, lessen adverse effects and minimize the risk of recurrence and metastasis of cancers.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

We aimed to summarize the research progression of BAST on lung cancer in the past five years and present a prospect for the future. Particularly, this review further analyzes the effects and molecular mechanisms that BAST inhibit the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant studies about BSAT were collected from PubMed and Web of science.

RESULTS

Lung cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the highest mortality rate. Most patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage and are highly susceptible to metastasis. Recent studies have shown that BAST, a class of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the function of opening veins and dispersing blood stasis, significantly improve hemodynamics and microcirculation, prevent thrombosis and promote blood flow, and thereby inhibiting the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer. In the current review, we analyzed 51 active ingredients extracted from BAST. It was found that BAST and their active ingredients contribute to the prevention of invasion and metastasis of lung cancer through multiple mechanisms, such as regulation of EMT process, specific signaling pathway and metastasis-related genes, tumor blood vessel formation, immune microenvironment and inflammatory response of tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

BSAT and its active ingredients have showed promising anticancer activity and significantly inhibit the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer. A growing number of studies have realized their potential clinical significance in the therapy of lung cancer, which will provide substantial evidences for the development of new TCM for lung cancer therapy.

Cratoxylumxanthone C, a natural xanthone, inhibits lung cancer proliferation and metastasis by regulating STAT3 and FAK signal pathways

To discover phytochemicals as lead compounds for cancer treatment, cratoxylumxanthone C, a natural xanthone, was obtained from Cratoxylum cochinchinense (Lour.) Bl., for which there have been no reports on the biological effects against cancer. Our study revealed that cratoxylumxanthone C had significant anti-tumor activity by inducing apoptosis, augmenting cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and arresting cell circle. The mechanistic examination showed the inhibition of A549 cell proliferation and metastasis by cratoxylumxanthone C was coupled with the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathways. Furthermore, the zebrafish models confirmed its significant in vivo anti-tumor activity, in which cratoxylumxanthone C inhibited tumor proliferation and metastasis and suppressed the angiogenesis. Comprehensively, these cellular and zebrafish experiments implied that cratoxylumxanthone C may have the potential to become an anti-tumor agent for lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).