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Gao Y, Cai X, Zou W, Tang X, Jiang L, Hao J, Zheng Y, Ye X, Ying T, Li A. Self-supplying Cu 2+ and H 2O 2 synergistically enhancing disulfiram-mediated melanoma chemotherapy. RSC Adv 2024; 14:13180-13189. [PMID: 38655468 PMCID: PMC11036371 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01075b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) can target and kill cancer cells by disrupting cellular degradation of extruded proteins and has therefore received particular attention for its tumor chemotherapeutic potential. However, the uncontrollable Cu2+/DSF ratio reduces the efficacy of DSF-mediated chemotherapy. Herein, self-supplying Cu2+ and oxidative stress synergistically enhanced DSF-mediated chemotherapy is proposed for melanoma-based on PVP-coated CuO2 nanodots (CPNDs). Once ingested, DSF is broken down to diethyldithiocarbamate (DTC), which is delivered into a tumor via the circulation. Under the acidic tumor microenvironment, CPNDs produce sufficient Cu2+ and H2O2. DTC readily chelates Cu2+ ions to generate CuET, which shows antitumor efficacy. CuET-mediated chemotherapy can be enhanced by H2O2. Sufficient Cu2+ generation can guarantee the maximum efficacy of DSF-mediated chemotherapy. Furthermore, released Cu2+ can be reduced to Cu+ by glutathione (GSH) and O2- in tumor cells, and Cu+ can react with H2O2 to generate toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH) via a Fenton-like reaction, promoting the efficacy of CuET. Therefore, this study hypothesizes that employing CPNDs instead of Cu2+ ions could enhance DSF-mediated melanoma chemotherapy, providing a simple but efficient strategy for achieving chemotherapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqian Gao
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing Jiangsu China
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Xiaojun Cai
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Weijuan Zou
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Xiuzhen Tang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Lixian Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Junnian Hao
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Yuanyi Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Xinhua Ye
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Tao Ying
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Ao Li
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing Jiangsu China
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Li J, Han T, Wang X, Wang Y, Yang R, Yang Q. Development of a CD8+ T cell associated signature for predicting the prognosis and immunological characteristics of gastric cancer by integrating single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4524. [PMID: 38402299 PMCID: PMC10894294 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54273-9] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The universally poor clinical outcome makes gastric cancer (GC) still a significant public health threat, the main goal of our research is to develop a prognostic signature that can forecast the outcomes and immunological characteristics of GC via integrating single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing. The CD8+ T cell feature genes were screened out by exploring single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) profiles retrieved from the TISCH2 database. Then, Cox and LASSO regressions were exploited for constructing a prognostic model in TCGA cohort based on these CD8+ T cell feature genes. Survival analysis was conducted to investigate the predictive capability of the signature for the clinical outcome of GC patients in TCGA and GEO cohorts. Additionally, we further examined the correlations between the risk signature and tumor immunotherapeutic response from the perspectives of immune infiltration, tumor mutation burden (TMB), immune checkpoint biomarker (ICB) expression, tumor microenvironment (TME), microsatellite instability (MSI), TIDE, and TCIA scores. In total, 703 CD8+ T cell feature genes were identified, eight of which were selected for constructing a prognostic signature. GC patients who possess high-risk score had significantly poorer survival outcomes than those who possess low-risk score in TCGA and GEO cohorts. Immune infiltration analysis proved that the risk score was negatively connected with the infiltration abundance of CD8+ T cells. Then, our findings demonstrated that GC patients in the high-risk subgroup possess a higher proportion of MSI-L/MSS, lower immune checkpoint biomarker expression, lower TMB, higher TIDE scores and lower TCIA scores compared to those in the low-risk subgroup. What's more, immunotherapy cohort analysis confirmed that patients who possess high-risk score are not sensitive to anti-cancer immunotherapy. Our study developed a reliable prognostic signature for GC that was significantly correlated with the immune landscape and immunotherapeutic responsiveness. The risk signature may guide clinicians to adopt more accurate and personalized treatment strategies for GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Li
- Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 25 Taiping Street, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Han
- Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 25 Taiping Street, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 25 Taiping Street, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinchun Wang
- Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 25 Taiping Street, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 25 Taiping Street, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqiang Yang
- Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 25 Taiping Street, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People's Republic of China.
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Wang X, Chan S, Chen J, Xu Y, Dai L, Han Q, Wang Z, Zuo X, Yang Y, Zhao H, Wang M, Wang C, Li Z, Zhang H, Chen W. Robust machine-learning based prognostic index using cytotoxic T lymphocyte evasion genes highlights potential therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:52. [PMID: 38297270 PMCID: PMC10829178 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03239-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A minute fraction of patients stands to derive substantial benefits from immunotherapy, primarily attributable to immune evasion. Our objective was to formulate a predictive signature rooted in genes associated with cytotoxic T lymphocyte evasion (CERGs), with the aim of predicting outcomes and discerning immunotherapeutic response in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS 101 machine learning algorithm combinations were applied to calculate the CERGs prognostic index (CERPI) under the cross-validation framework, and patients with CRC were separated into high- and low-CERPI groups. Relationship between immune cell infiltration levels, immune-related scores, malignant phenotypes and CERPI were further analyzed. Various machine learning methods were used to identify key genes related to both patient survival and immunotherapy benefits. Expression of HOXC6, G0S2, and MX2 was evaluated and the effects of HOXC6 and G0S2 on the viability and migration of a CRC cell line were in-vitro verified. RESULTS The CERPI demonstrated robust prognostic efficacy in predicting the overall survival of CRC patients, establishing itself as an independent predictor of patient outcomes. The low-CERPI group exhibited elevated levels of immune cell infiltration and lower scores for tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion, indicative of a greater potential benefit from immunotherapy. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between CERPI levels and malignant tumor phenotypes, suggesting that heightened CERPI expression contributes to both the occurrence and progression of tumors. Thirteen key genes were identified, and their expression patterns were scrutinized through the analysis of single-cell datasets. Notably, HOXC6, G0S2, and MX2 exhibited upregulation in both CRC cell lines and tissues. Subsequent knockdown experiments targeting G0S2 and HOXC6 resulted in a significant suppression of CRC cell viability and migration. CONCLUSION We developed the CERPI for effectively predicting survival and response to immunotherapy in patients, and these results may provide guidance for CRC diagnosis and precise treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shixin Chan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jiajie Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanmin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Longfei Dai
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qijun Han
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhenglin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaomin Zuo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hu Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zichen Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Huabing Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Metabolic Disease Research Center, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- The First Affiliated Chuzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chuzhou, 239000, Anhui, China.
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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Feng P, Xue X, Bukhari I, Qiu C, Li Y, Zheng P, Mi Y. Gut microbiota and its therapeutic implications in tumor microenvironment interactions. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1287077. [PMID: 38322318 PMCID: PMC10844568 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1287077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer is not just the growth and proliferation of a single transformed cell, but its tumor microenvironment (TME) also coevolves with it, which is primarily involved in tumor initiation, development, metastasis, and therapeutic responses. Recent years, TME has been emerged as a potential target for cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, the clinical efficacy of treatments targeting the TME, especially its specific components, remains insufficient. In parallel, the gut microbiome is an essential TME component that is crucial in cancer immunotherapy. Thus, assessing and constructing frameworks between the gut microbiota and the TME can significantly enhance the exploration of effective treatment strategies for various tumors. In this review the role of the gut microbiota in human cancers, including its function and relationship with various tumors was summarized. In addition, the interaction between the gut microbiota and the TME as well as its potential applications in cancer therapeutics was described. Furthermore, it was summarized that fecal microbiota transplantation, dietary adjustments, and synthetic biology to introduce gut microbiota-based medical technologies for cancer treatment. This review provides a comprehensive summary for uncovering the mechanism underlying the effects of the gut microbiota on the TME and lays a foundation for the development of personalized medicine in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengya Feng
- Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer of Henan Province, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Children Rehabilitation Medicine, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xia Xue
- Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer of Henan Province, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ihtisham Bukhari
- Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer of Henan Province, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chunjing Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer of Henan Province, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingying Li
- Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer of Henan Province, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengyuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer of Henan Province, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yang Mi
- Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer of Henan Province, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Du YH, Zhao JJ, Li X, Huang SC, Ning N, Chen GQ, Yang Y, Nan Y, Yuan L. Mechanism of pachymic acid in the treatment of gastric cancer based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:30-50. [PMID: 38292852 PMCID: PMC10824110 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i1.30] [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] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pachymic acid (PA) is derived from Poria cocos. PA has a variety of pharmacological and inhibitory effects on various tumors. However, the mechanism of action of PA in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. AIM To investigate the mechanism of PA in treating GC via the combination of network pharmacology and experimental verification. METHODS The GeneCards and OMIM databases were used to derive the GC targets, while the Pharm Mapper database provided the PA targets. Utilizing the STRING database, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed and core targets were screened. The analyses of Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis were conducted, and molecular docking and clinical correlation analyses were performed on the core targets. Ultimately, the network pharmacology findings were validated through in vitro cell assays, encompassing assessments of cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, cloning, and western blot analysis. RESULTS According to network pharmacology analysis, the core targets were screened, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is likely to be the mechanism by which PA effectively treats GC, according to KEGG enrichment analysis. The experimental findings showed that PA could control PI3K/AKT signaling to prevent GC cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and pause the cell cycle. CONCLUSION Network pharmacology demonstrated that PA could treat GC by controlling a variety of signaling pathways and acting on a variety of targets. This has also been supported by in vitro cell studies, which serve as benchmarks for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hua Du
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jian-Jun Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xia Li
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- Ningxia Chinese Medicine Research Center, Manufacturing Laboratory, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shi-Cong Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Na Ning
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Guo-Qing Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Foundation, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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Li Y, Du X, Kong X, Fang Y, He Z, Liu D, Wu H, Ji J, Yang X, Ye L, Zhai G. A pro-death autophagy-based nanoplatform for enhancing antitumour efficacy with improved immune responses. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115952. [PMID: 37992519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115952] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Due to the pro-survival effect of mild autophagy, the therapeutic effect of chemo-immunotherapy is unsatisfactory. In addition, the adverse tumour microenvironment (TME), including the lack of antigen presentation, the deficiency of oxygen supply and immunosuppressive cells, results in immune escape and metastasis. Herein, a novel nanoplatform (CS-3BP/PA@DOX) based on the autophagy cascade is proposed for the first time to deliver the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (DOX) and respiration inhibitor 3-bromopyruvic acid (3BP) to overcome the above obstacles. CS-3BP/PA@DOX exerts a synergistic therapeutic effect to initiate pro-death autophagy and facilitate the antigen presentation process by combining DOX chemotherapy and starvation therapy with 3BP. Additionally, CS-3BP/PA@DOX remodelled the immunosuppressive TME by alleviating hypoxia, damaging dense ECM, and downregulating PD-L1 to enhance antitumour immunity. 3BP was found to promote GSH depletion by inhibiting respiration for the first time, which reduces the chemical resistance of cancer and increases the sensitivity of cells to ROS, providing a new therapeutic direction of 3BP for antitumour treatment. Collectively, this study offers an opportunity to magnify pro-death autophagy, augment antitumour efficacy, facilitate anti-metastatic effects, and boost immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Xiyou Du
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, PR China.
| | - Xinru Kong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Yuelin Fang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Zhijing He
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Dongzhu Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Hang Wu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Jianbo Ji
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Xiaoye Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Lei Ye
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Guangxi Zhai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China.
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Xie JR, Chen XJ, Zhou G. Nuciferine Inhibits Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Partially through Suppressing the STAT3 Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14532. [PMID: 37833979 PMCID: PMC10572883 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) poses a significant obstacle to the worldwide healthcare system. Discovering efficient and non-toxic medications is crucial for managing OSCC. Nuciferine, an alkaloid with an aromatic ring, is present in the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera. It has been proven to play a role in multiple biological processes, including the inhibition of inflammation, regulation of the immune system, formation of osteoclasts, and suppression of tumors. Despite the demonstrated inhibitory effects of nuciferine on different types of cancer, there is still a need for further investigation into the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of nuciferine in OSCC. Through a series of in vitro experiments, it was confirmed that nuciferine hindered the growth, movement, and infiltration, while enhancing the programmed cell death of OSCC cells. Furthermore, the administration of nuciferine significantly suppressed the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in comparison to other signaling pathways. Moreover, the activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway by colivelin resulted in the reversal of nuciferine-suppressed OSCC behaviors. In vivo, we also showed the anti-OSCC impact of nuciferine using the cell-based xenograft (CDX) model in nude mice. Nonetheless, colivelin diminished the tumor-inhibiting impact of nuciferine, suggesting that nuciferine might partially impede the advancement of OSCC by suppressing the STAT3 signaling pathway. Overall, this research could offer a fresh alternative for the pharmaceutical management of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Rong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; (J.-R.X.); (X.-J.C.)
| | - Xiao-Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; (J.-R.X.); (X.-J.C.)
- Department of Oral Medicine, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; (J.-R.X.); (X.-J.C.)
- Department of Oral Medicine, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
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Tian S, Li Y, Xu J, Zhang L, Zhang J, Lu J, Xu X, Luan X, Zhao J, Zhang W. COIMMR: a computational framework to reveal the contribution of herbal ingredients against human cancer via immune microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:bbad346. [PMID: 37816138 PMCID: PMC10564268 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune evasion and metabolism reprogramming have been regarded as two vital hallmarks of the mechanism of carcinogenesis. Thus, targeting the immune microenvironment and the reprogrammed metabolic processes will aid in developing novel anti-cancer drugs. In recent decades, herbal medicine has been widely utilized to treat cancer through the modulation of the immune microenvironment and reprogrammed metabolic processes. However, labor-based herbal ingredient screening is time consuming, laborious and costly. Luckily, some computational approaches have been proposed to screen candidates for drug discovery rapidly. Yet, it has been challenging to develop methods to screen drug candidates exclusively targeting specific pathways, especially for herbal ingredients which exert anti-cancer effects by multiple targets, multiple pathways and synergistic ways. Meanwhile, currently employed approaches cannot quantify the contribution of the specific pathway to the overall curative effect of herbal ingredients. Hence, to address this problem, this study proposes a new computational framework to infer the contribution of the immune microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming (COIMMR) in herbal ingredients against human cancer and specifically screen herbal ingredients targeting the immune microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming. Finally, COIMMR was applied to identify isoliquiritigenin that specifically regulates the T cells in stomach adenocarcinoma and cephaelin hydrochloride that specifically targets metabolic reprogramming in low-grade glioma. The in silico results were further verified using in vitro experiments. Taken together, our approach opens new possibilities for repositioning drugs targeting immune and metabolic dysfunction in human cancer and provides new insights for drug development in other diseases. COIMMR is available at https://github.com/LYN2323/COIMMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saisai Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yanan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jia Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- The Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine
| | - Jinbo Zhang
- Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin Rehabilitation Center of Joint Logistics Support Force, Tianjin, 300110, China
| | - Jinyuan Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui 230012, China
| | - Xike Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xin Luan
- The Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine
| | - Jing Zhao
- The Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine
| | - Weidong Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- The Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine
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9
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Liu J, Zhu P. A Novel Gene Signature Associated with Protein Post-translational Modification to Predict Clinical Outcomes and Therapeutic Responses of Colorectal Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00852-6. [PMID: 37592152 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00852-6] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Accumulated evidence highlights the biological significance of diverse protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) in tumorigenicity and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, ten PTM patterns (ubiquitination, methylation, phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation, SUMOylation, citrullination, neddylation, palmitoylation, and ADP-ribosylation) were analyzed for model construction. A post-translational modification index (PTMI) with a 14-gene signature was established. CRC patients with high PTMI had a worse prognosis after validating in nine independent datasets. By incorporating PTMI with clinical features, a nomogram with excellent predictive performance was constructed. Two molecular subtypes of CRC with obvious difference in survival time were identified by unsupervised clustering. Furthermore, PTMI was related to known immunoregulators and key tumor microenvironment components. Low-PTMI patients responded better to fluorouracil-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade therapy compared to high-PTMI patients, which was validated in multiple independent datasets. However, patients with high PTMI might be sensitive to bevacizumab. In short, we established a novel PTMI model by comprehensively analyzing diverse post-translational modification patterns, which can accurately predict clinical prognosis and treatment response of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 74 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 74 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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10
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Liu L, Xiao X, Guo J, Wang J, Liu S, Wang M, Peng Q, Jiang N. Aptamer and Peptide-Engineered Polydopamine Nanospheres for Target Delivery and Tumor Perfusion in Synergistic Chemo-Phototherapy of Pancreatic Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:16539-16551. [PMID: 36961248 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c01967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death, and the 5 year survival rate is only 4%. Chemotherapy is the treatment option for the majority of PC patients diagnosed at an advanced stage, whereas the desmoplastic stroma of PC could block the perfusion of chemotherapeutic agents to tumor tissues and contribute generally to chemoresistance. Therefore, the clinical status of PC calls for an urgent exploration in the effective treatment strategy. Chemo-phototherapy is an emerging modality against malignant tumors, but owing to the low targeting ability of theranostic agents or unspecific accumulation in the tumor region, majority of chemo-phototherapy techniques have disappointing therapeutic efficiencies. Herein, we have explored CD71-specific targeting aptamers and paclitaxel (PTX)-modified polydopamine (PDA) nanospheres with the conjugation of peptidomimetic AV3 (termed Apt-PDA@PTX/AV3 bioconjugates) to specifically target and combat PC in vivo by synergistic chemo-phototherapy. After the delivery of nanotheranostic agents to the tumor microenvironment (TME) or subsequent endocytic uptake by PC cells, a simultaneous release of AV3 and PTX from Apt-PDA@PTX/AV3 bioconjugates via near-infrared (NIR) irradiation can decrease desmoplastic stroma to enhance tumor perfusion and tumor-killing effects. Meanwhile, PDA cores utilize NIR laser to create unendurable hyperthermia within TME to "cook" tumors. Taken together, the current study finally suggests that our Apt-PDA@PTX/AV3 bioconjugates could act as a novel therapeutic approach by synergistic chemo-phototherapy for the programmable inhibition of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Xiao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Jiao Guo
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Meijiao Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Qiling Peng
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
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11
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Wang X, Zuo X, Hu X, Liu Y, Wang Z, Chan S, Sun R, Han Q, Yu Z, Wang M, Zhang H, Chen W. Identification of cuproptosis-based molecular subtypes, construction of prognostic signature and characterization of immune landscape in colon cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:927608. [PMID: 37007145 PMCID: PMC10064275 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.927608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundCuproptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death induced by targeting lipoacylated proteins involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. However, the roles of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in the clinical outcomes and immune landscape of colon cancer remain unknown.MethodsWe performed bioinformatics analysis of the expression data of 13 CRGs identified from a previous study and clinical information of patients with colon cancer obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Colon cancer cases were divided into two CRG clusters and prognosis-related differentially expressed genes. Patient data were separated into three corresponding distinct gene clusters, and the relationships between the risk score, patient prognosis, and immune landscape were analyzed. The identified molecular subtypes correlated with patient survival, immune cells, and immune functions. A prognostic signature based on five genes was identified, and the patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the calculated risk score. A nomogram model for predicting patient survival was developed based on the risk score and other clinical features.ResultsThe high-risk group showed a worse prognosis, and the risk score was related to immune cell abundance, microsatellite instability, cancer stem cell index, checkpoint expression, immune escape, and response to chemotherapeutic drugs and immunotherapy. Findings related to the risk score were validated in the imvigor210 cohort of patients with metastatic urothelial cancer treated with anti-programmed cell death ligand 1.ConclusionWe demonstrated the potential of cuproptosis-based molecular subtypes and prognostic signatures for predicting patient survival and the tumor microenvironment in colon cancer. Our findings may improve the understanding of the role of cuproptosis in colon cancer and lead to the development of more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaomin Zuo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xianyu Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuyao Liu
- Department of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhenglin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shixin Chan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qijun Han
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhen Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huabing Zhang
- The First Affiliated Chuzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Metabolic Disease Research Center, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- *Correspondence: Huabing Zhang, ; Wei Chen,
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- *Correspondence: Huabing Zhang, ; Wei Chen,
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12
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Roh E, Kim JE, Zhang T, Shin SH, Kim BG, Li J, Ma X, Lee KW, Dong Z. Orobol, 3'-hydroxy-genistein, suppresses the development and regrowth of cutaneous SCC. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 209:115415. [PMID: 36657604 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115415] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic solar ultraviolet exposure is a major risk factor for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), which is the second most common type of skin cancer. Our previous data showed that total protein and phosphorylation levels of T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) were enhanced in solar-simulated light (SSL)-induced skin carcinogenesis and overexpressed in actinic keratosis (AK) and cSCC human skin tissues compared to those in matched normal skin. Thus, targeting TOPK activity could be a helpful approach for treating cSCC. Our data showed that orobol directly binds to TOPK in an ATP-independent manner and inhibits TOPK kinase activity. Furthermore, orobol inhibited anchorage-independent colony formation by SCC12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. After discontinuing the treatment, patients commonly return to tumor-bearing conditions; therefore, therapy or intermittent dosing of drugs must be continued indefinitely. Thus, to examine the efficacy of orobol against the development and regrowth of cSCC, we established mouse models including prevention, and therapeutic models on the chronic SSL-irradiated SKH-1 hairless mice. Early treatment with orobol attenuates chronic SSL-induced cSCC development. Furthermore, orobol showed therapeutic efficacy after the formation of chronic SSL irradiation-induced tumor. In the mouse model with intermittent dosing of orobol, our data showed that re-application of orobol is effective for reducing tumor regrowth after discontinuation of treatment. Moreover, oncogenic protein levels were significantly attenuated by orobol treatment in the SSL-stimulated human skin. Thus, we suggest that orobol, as a promising TOPK inhibitor, could have an effective clinical approach to prevent and treat the development and regrowth of cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunmiri Roh
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Kwangju Women's University, Gwangju 62396, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Eun Kim
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong, Chungbuk 27909, Republic of Korea
| | - Tianshun Zhang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Seung Ho Shin
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Republic of Korea; Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Gee Kim
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jian Li
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Xinli Ma
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Ki Won Lee
- Biomodulation Major and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Zigang Dong
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
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13
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Li R, Luan F, Zhao Y, Wu M, Lu Y, Tao C, Zhu L, Zhang C, Wan L. Crataegus pinnatifida: A botanical, ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacological overview. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 301:115819. [PMID: 36228891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Crataegus pinnatifida belongs to the Rosaceae family and extensively distribute in North China, Europe, and North America. Its usage was first described in "Xinxiu Ben Cao." The dried fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge or Crataegus pinnatifida var. major N. E. Br., also known as "Shanzha," is a famous medicine and food homology herb with a long history of medicinal usage in China. C. pinnatifida has the functions for digestive promotion, cardiovascular protection, and lipid reduction. It was traditionally used to treat indigestion, cardiodynia, thoracalgia, hernia, postpartum blood stagnation, and hemafecia. In recent years, C. pinnatifida has attracted worldwide attention as an important medicinal and economical crop due to its multiple and excellent health-promoting effects on cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, endocrine systems, and morbigenous microorganisms of the human body due to its medicinal and nutritional values. AIM OF THE REVIEW The current review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the geographical distribution, traditional usage, phytochemical components, pharmacological actions, clinical settings, and toxicities of C. pinnatifida. Moreover, the connection between the claimed biological activities and the traditional usage, along with the future perspectives for ongoing research on this plant, were also critically summarized. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected the published literature on C. pinnatifida using a variety of scientific databases, including Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Wiley, Springer, Taylor & Francis, ACS Publications, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, The Plant List Database, and other literature sources (Ph.D. and MSc dissertations) from 2012 to 2022. RESULTS In the last decade, over 250 phytochemical compounds containing lignans, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and their glycosides, as well as other compounds, have been isolated and characterized from different parts, including the fruit, leaves, and seeds of C. pinnatifida. Among these compounds, flavonoids and triterpenoids were major bioactive components of C. pinnatifida. They exhibited a broad spectrum of pharmacological actions with low toxicity in vitro and in vivo, such as cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-diabetes, anti-cancer, anti-mutagenic, anti-osteoporosis, anti-aging, anti-obesity, and hepatoprotection and other actions. CONCLUSION A long history of traditional uses and abundant pharmacochemical and pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that C. pinnatifida is an important medicine and food homology herb, which displays outstanding therapeutic potential, especially in the digestive system and cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, the current studies on the active ingredients or crude extracts of C. pinnatifida and the possible mechanism of action are unclear. More evidence-based scientific studies are required to verify the traditional uses of C. pinnatifida. Furthermore, more efforts must be paid to selecting index components for quality control research and toxicity and safety studies of C. pinnatifida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China; Sichuan Engineering Technology Research Centre for Injection of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Resources Sanjiu (Yaan) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yaan, Sichuan, 625000, PR China
| | - Fei Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China
| | - Yunyan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China
| | - Mengyao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China
| | - Yang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China
| | - Chengtian Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China
| | - Lv Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Technology Research Centre for Injection of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Resources Sanjiu (Yaan) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yaan, Sichuan, 625000, PR China.
| | - Li Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, PR China.
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Steinhoff M, Alam M, Ahmad A, Uddin S, Buddenkotte J. Targeting oncogenic transcription factors in skin malignancies: An update on cancer stemness and therapeutic outcomes. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:98-116. [PMID: 36372325 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and prone to various diseases, including cancer; thus, provides the first line of defense against exogenous biological and non-biological agents. Skin cancer, a complex and heterogenic process, with steep incidence rate often metastasizes due to poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis and clinical challenges. Indeed, accumulating evidence indicates that deregulation of transcription factors (TFs) due to genetic, epigenetic and signaling distortions plays essential role in the development of cutaneous malignancies and therapeutic challenges including cancer stemness features and reprogramming. This review highlights the recent developments exploring underlying mechanisms how deregulated TFs (e.g., NF-κB, AP-1, STAT etc.,) orchestrates cutaneous onco-pathogenesis, reprogramming, stemness and poor clinical outcomes. Along this line, bioactive drugs, and their derivatives from natural and or synthetic origin has gained attention due to their multitargeting potential, potentially safer and effective therapeutic outcome for human malignancies. We also discussed therapeutic importance of targeting aberrantly expressed TFs in skin cancers with bioactive natural products and or synthetic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Majid Alam
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Joerg Buddenkotte
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
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15
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Cao W, Zhou W, Li M, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Yang K, Yang S, Cao G, Chen B, Xiong M. A novel signature based on CeRNA and immune status predicts prognostic risk and drug sensitivity in gastric cancer patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:951135. [PMID: 36483555 PMCID: PMC9723231 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.951135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background At present, there is increasing evidence that both competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and immune status in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the progression of gastric cancer (GC), and are closely related to the prognosis of patients. However, few studies have linked the two to jointly determine the prognosis of patients with GC. This study aimed to develop a combined prognostic model based on ceRNAs and immune biomarkers. Methods First, the gene expression profiles and clinical information were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Then two ceRNA networks were constructed on the basis of circRNA. Afterwards, the key genes were screened by univariate Cox regression analysis and Lasso regression analysis, and the ceRNA-related prognostic model was constructed by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Next, CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms were utilized to obtain the immune cell infiltration abundance and stromal/immune score in TME. Furthermore, the correlation between ceRNAs and immunity was found out through co-expression analysis, and another immune-related prognosis model was established. Finally, combining these two models, a comprehensive prognostic model was built and visualized with a nomogram. Results The (circRNA, lncRNA)-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of GC was constructed. The predictive power of ceRNA-related and immune-related prognosis models was moderate. Co-expression analysis showed that the ceRNA network was correlated with immunity. The integrated model of combined ceRNAs and immunity in the TCGA training set, the AUC values of 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates were 0.78, 0.76, and 0.78, respectively; in the independent external validation set GSE62254, they were 0.81, 0.79, and 0.78 respectively; in GSE15459, they were 0.84, 0.88 and 0.89 respectively. Besides, the prognostic score of the comprehensive model can predict chemotherapeutic drug resistance. Moreover, we found that plasma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) and infiltrating immune cells (mast cells) are worthy of further investigation as independent prognostic factors. Conclusions Two ceRNA regulatory networks were constructed based on circRNA. At the same time, a comprehensive prognosis model was established, which has a high clinical significance for prognosis prediction and chemotherapy drug selection of GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cao
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Weiguo Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mengying Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zehua Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China,Department of General Surgery, Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China
| | - Shiyi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guodong Cao
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China,*Correspondence: Guodong Cao, ; Bo Chen, ; Maoming Xiong,
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China,Department of Surgery, The People’s Hospital of Hanshan County, Ma’anshan, China,*Correspondence: Guodong Cao, ; Bo Chen, ; Maoming Xiong,
| | - Maoming Xiong
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China,*Correspondence: Guodong Cao, ; Bo Chen, ; Maoming Xiong,
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Guan X, Bao G, Liang J, Yao Y, Xiang Y, Zhong X. Evolution of small cell lung cancer tumor mutation: from molecular mechanisms to novel viewpoints. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:346-355. [PMID: 35367118 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a clinically common malignant tumor originating from the lung neuroendocrine stem cells, which has a poor prognosis and accounts for approximately 15% of all lung cancer cases. However, research on its treatment has been slow, and the 5-year survival rate of patients with SCLC has been < 5% for many years. In recent years, the development and popularization of gene sequencing technology have facilitated the understanding of the gene mutation landscape and tumor evolution of SCLC, thereby leading to a more accurate prediction of the prognosis of SCLC and the development of individualized treatment. In this review, we aimed to discuss the mutation evolution of SCLC from the perspective of a tumor evolution theory and described the sequence of mutation evolution in the occurrence and development of SCLC. In addition, we summarized the existing whole-exome sequencing (WES) data of SCLC cases at our center along with relevant publications on sequencing. Thereafter, we discuss the role of different mutated pathways in the occurrence of SCLC to predict its prognosis more accurately and summarized individualized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiao Guan
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guangyao Bao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jie Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yifan Xiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinwen Zhong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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17
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Wang X, Xu Y, Dai L, Yu Z, Wang M, Chan S, Sun R, Han Q, Chen J, Zuo X, Wang Z, Hu X, Yang Y, Zhao H, Hu K, Zhang H, Chen W. A novel oxidative stress- and ferroptosis-related gene prognostic signature for distinguishing cold and hot tumors in colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1043738. [PMID: 36389694 PMCID: PMC9660228 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1043738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and ferroptosis exhibit crosstalk in many types of human diseases, including malignant tumors. We aimed to develop an oxidative stress- and ferroptosis-related gene (OFRG) prognostic signature to predict the prognosis and therapeutic response in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Thirty-four insertion genes between oxidative stress-related genes and ferroptosis-related genes were identified as OFRGs. We then performed bioinformatics analysis of the expression profiles of 34 OFRGs and clinical information of patients obtained from multiple datasets. Patients with CRC were divided into three OFRG clusters, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between clusters were identified. OFRG clusters correlated with patient survival and immune cell infiltration. Prognosis-related DEGs in three clusters were used to calculate the risk score, and a prognostic signature was constructed according to the risk score. In this study, patients in the low-risk group had better prognosis, higher immune cell infiltration levels, and better responses to fluorouracil-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade therapy than high-risk patients; these results were successfully validated with multiple independent datasets. Thus, low-risk CRC could be defined as hot tumors and high-risk CRC could be defined as cold tumors. To further identify potential biomarkers for CRC, the expression levels of five signature genes in CRC and adjacent normal tissues were further verified via an in vitro experiment. In conclusion, we identified 34 OFRGs and constructed an OFRG-related prognostic signature, which showed excellent performance in predicting survival and therapeutic responses for patients with CRC. This could help to distinguish cold and hot tumors in CRC, and the results might be helpful for precise treatment protocols in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanmin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Longfei Dai
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhen Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shixin Chan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qijun Han
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jiajie Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaomin Zuo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhenglin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xianyu Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hu Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kongwang Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huabing Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Metabolic Disease Research Center, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The First Affiliated Chuzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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18
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Chen Z, Yan D, Zhang M, Han W, Wang Y, Xu S, Tang K, Gao J, Cao Z. MetNC: Predicting Metabolites in vivo for Natural Compounds. Front Chem 2022; 10:881975. [PMID: 35646826 PMCID: PMC9135178 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.881975] [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: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural compounds (NCs) undergo complicated biotransformation in vivo to produce diverse forms of metabolites dynamically, many of which are of high medicinal value. Predicting the profiles of chemical products may help to narrow down possible candidates, yet current computational methods for predicting biotransformation largely focus on synthetic compounds. Here, we proposed a method of MetNC, a tailor-made method for NC biotransformation prediction, after exploring the overall patterns of NC in vivo metabolism. Based on 850 pairs of the biotransformation dataset validated by comprehensive in vivo experiments with sourcing compounds from medicinal plants, MetNC was designed to produce a list of potential metabolites through simulating in vivo biotransformation and then prioritize true metabolites into the top list according to the functional groups in compound structures and steric hindrance around the reaction sites. Among the well-known peers of GLORYx and BioTransformer, MetNC gave the highest performance in both the metabolite coverage and the ability to short-list true products. More importantly, MetNC seemed to display an extra advantage in recommending the microbiota-transformed metabolites, suggesting its potential usefulness in the overall metabolism estimation. In summary, complemented to those techniques focusing on synthetic compounds, MetNC may help to fill the gap of natural compound metabolism and narrow down those products likely to be identified in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikun Chen
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Deyu Yan
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mou Zhang
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhao Han
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shudi Xu
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kailin Tang
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Gao
- International Human Phenome Institutes, Shanghai, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiwei Cao, ; Jian Gao,
| | - Zhiwei Cao
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiwei Cao, ; Jian Gao,
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19
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Kooshki L, Mahdavi P, Fakhri S, Akkol EK, Khan H. Targeting lactate metabolism and glycolytic pathways in the tumor microenvironment by natural products: A promising strategy in combating cancer. Biofactors 2022; 48:359-383. [PMID: 34724274 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Anticancer drugs are not purely effective because of their toxicity, side effects, high cost, inaccessibility, and associated resistance. On the other hand, cancer is a complex public health problem that could intelligently adopt different signaling pathways and alter the body's metabolism to escape from the immune system. One of the cancer strategies to metastasize is modifying pH in the tumor microenvironment, ranging between 6.5 and 6.9. As a powerful determiner, lactate is responsible for this acidosis. It is involved in immune stimulation, including innate and adaptive immunity, apoptotic-related factors (Bax/Bcl-2, caspase), and glycolysis pathways (e.g., GLUT-1, PKM2, PFK, HK2, MCT-1, and LDH). Lactate metabolism, in turn, is interconnected with several dysregulated signaling mediators, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, AMPK, NF-κB, Nrf2, JAK/STAT, and HIF-1α. Because of lactate's emerging and critical role, targeting lactate production and its transporters is important for preventing and managing tumorigenesis. Hence, exploring and developing novel promising anticancer agents to minimize human cancers is urgent. Based on numerous studies, natural secondary metabolites as multi-target alternative compounds with health-promoting properties possess more high effectiveness and low side effects than conventional agents. Besides, the mechanism of multi-targeted natural sources is related to lactate production and cancer-associated cross-talked factors. This review focuses on targeting the lactate metabolism/transporters, and lactate-associated mediators, including glycolytic pathways. Besides, interconnected mediators to lactate metabolism are also targeted by natural products. Accordingly, plant-derived secondary metabolites are introduced as alternative therapies in combating cancer through modulating lactate metabolism and glycolytic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Kooshki
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Parisa Mahdavi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Esra Küpeli Akkol
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
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20
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Wang Z, Wang X, Yu H, Chen M. Glioma-targeted multifunctional nanoparticles to co-deliver camptothecin and curcumin for enhanced chemo-immunotherapy. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:1292-1303. [PMID: 35083994 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01987b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Camptothecin (CPT) is a potent broad-spectrum antitumor agent with efficient therapeutic effect for various cancers. However, its application in glioma therapy has been impeded by the tumor immunosuppressive environment and blood-brain barrier (BBB)-associated drug delivery challenges. Herein, neurotransmitter analogs-modified liposomes (NTs-LIP) were prepared by doping lipidized tryptamine (Tryp) to co-deliver CPT and curcumin (CUR) for improved chemo-immunotherapy in glioma. The introduction of Tryp promotes the delivery efficiency of CPT and CUR across the BBB. CPT inhibits cell proliferation after cellular uptake of NTs-LIP, the combination of which with CUR downregulates the elevated expression of the programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) caused by CPT to prevent the inactivation of T-cells and synergistically enhance chemo-immunotherapy efficacy. Furthermore, both Tryp and CUR interfere with the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) pathway to reduce regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated immunosuppression, exhibiting the potential to combine with PD-L1 inhibition for synergistic antitumor immunity. Taken together, this platform contributes towards targeted delivery and alleviation of the immunosuppressive environment in glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Hua Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
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21
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Shay C, Teng Y. Evaluating the Anticancer Activity of Natural Products Using a Novel 3D Culture Model. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2343:159-164. [PMID: 34473320 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1558-4_9] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Natural products, particularly as anticancer agents, continue to provide prototypes for pharmacologically active compounds. Compared with traditional two-dimensional (2D) approaches, 3D cell cultures have shown a clear role in drug discovery and development as they more closely resemble in vivo cell environments and come closer to capturing the in vivo functions of organs and tissues. The growing interest in using more physiological in vitro cancer models has driven the adoption of 3D cell cultures in evaluating anticancer activities of natural products. Here, we establish a protocol to use a novel 3D culture system to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a plant-based natural compound, in head and neck cancer cells. Our findings reveal that the sensitivity of natural products in 3D culture models may differ markedly from that obtained using 2D cultures, suggesting that 3D models will become a more reliable alternative to minimize misleading data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Shay
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory Children's Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
- Georgia Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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22
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Lee J, Han Y, Wang W, Jo H, Kim H, Kim S, Yang KM, Kim SJ, Dhanasekaran DN, Song YS. Phytochemicals in Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081107. [PMID: 34439774 PMCID: PMC8393583 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of immune checkpoint molecules in the tumor microenvironment reduces the anti-tumor immune response by suppressing the recognition of T cells to tumor cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is emerging as a promising therapeutic option for cancer treatment. However, modulating the immune system with ICIs still faces obstacles with severe immunogenic side effects and a lack of response against many cancer types. Plant-derived natural compounds offer regulation on various signaling cascades and have been applied for the treatment of multiple diseases, including cancer. Accumulated evidence provides the possibility of efficacy of phytochemicals in combinational with other therapeutic agents of ICIs, effectively modulating immune checkpoint-related signaling molecules. Recently, several phytochemicals have been reported to show the modulatory effects of immune checkpoints in various cancers in in vivo or in vitro models. This review summarizes druggable immune checkpoints and their regulatory factors. In addition, phytochemicals that are capable of suppressing PD-1/PD-L1 binding, the best-studied target of ICI therapy, were comprehensively summarized and classified according to chemical structure subgroups. It may help extend further research on phytochemicals as candidates of combinational adjuvants. Future clinical trials may validate the synergetic effects of preclinically investigated phytochemicals with ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juwon Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.L.); (Y.H.); (W.W.); (H.J.); (H.K.)
- WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Youngjin Han
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.L.); (Y.H.); (W.W.); (H.J.); (H.K.)
- SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si 13494, Korea
| | - Wenyu Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.L.); (Y.H.); (W.W.); (H.J.); (H.K.)
- Interdisciplinary Program in Cancer Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - HyunA Jo
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.L.); (Y.H.); (W.W.); (H.J.); (H.K.)
- WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Heeyeon Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.L.); (Y.H.); (W.W.); (H.J.); (H.K.)
- WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Soochi Kim
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94304, USA;
| | - Kyung-Min Yang
- MedPacto Inc., 92, Myeongdal-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06668, Korea; (K.-M.Y.); (S.-J.K.)
| | - Seong-Jin Kim
- MedPacto Inc., 92, Myeongdal-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06668, Korea; (K.-M.Y.); (S.-J.K.)
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon 16229, Korea
- Department of Transdisciplinary Studies, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon 16229, Korea
| | - Danny N. Dhanasekaran
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Yong Sang Song
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.L.); (Y.H.); (W.W.); (H.J.); (H.K.)
- WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Cancer Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2072-2822
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23
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Zhang C, Xie C, Lu Y. Local Anesthetic Lidocaine and Cancer: Insight Into Tumor Progression and Recurrence. Front Oncol 2021; 11:669746. [PMID: 34249706 PMCID: PMC8264592 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.669746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading contributor to deaths worldwide. Surgery is the primary treatment for resectable cancers. Nonetheless, it also results in inflammatory response, angiogenesis, and stimulated metastasis. Local anesthetic lidocaine can directly and indirectly effect different cancers. The direct mechanisms are inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis via regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR and caspase-dependent Bax/Bcl2 signaling pathways or repressing cytoskeleton formation. Repression invasion, migration, and angiogenesis through influencing the activation of TNFα-dependent, Src-induced AKT/NO/ICAM and VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Moreover, the indirect influences are immune regulation, anti-inflammation, and postoperative pain relief. This review summarizes the latest evidence that revealed potential clinical benefits of lidocaine in cancer treatment to explore the probable molecular mechanisms and the appropriate dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cuiyu Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Ambulatory Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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24
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Dias AS, Helguero L, Almeida CR, Duarte IF. Natural Compounds as Metabolic Modulators of the Tumor Microenvironment. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123494. [PMID: 34201298 PMCID: PMC8228554 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a heterogenous assemblage of malignant and non-malignant cells, including infiltrating immune cells and other stromal cells, together with extracellular matrix and a variety of soluble factors. This complex and dynamic milieu strongly affects tumor differentiation, progression, immune evasion, and response to therapy, thus being an important therapeutic target. The phenotypic and functional features of the various cell types present in the TME are largely dependent on their ability to adopt different metabolic programs. Hence, modulating the metabolism of the cells in the TME, and their metabolic crosstalk, has emerged as a promising strategy in the context of anticancer therapies. Natural compounds offer an attractive tool in this respect as their multiple biological activities can potentially be harnessed to ‘(re)-educate’ TME cells towards antitumoral roles. The present review discusses how natural compounds shape the metabolism of stromal cells in the TME and how this may impact tumor development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S. Dias
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
- Department of Medical Sciences, iBiMED—Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (L.H.); (C.R.A.)
| | - Luisa Helguero
- Department of Medical Sciences, iBiMED—Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (L.H.); (C.R.A.)
| | - Catarina R. Almeida
- Department of Medical Sciences, iBiMED—Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (L.H.); (C.R.A.)
| | - Iola F. Duarte
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-234-401-418
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25
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Huang H, Li P, Ye X, Zhang F, Lin Q, Wu K, Chen W. Isoalantolactone Increases the Sensitivity of Prostate Cancer Cells to Cisplatin Treatment by Inducing Oxidative Stress. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:632779. [PMID: 33959604 PMCID: PMC8093765 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.632779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among men worldwide. Platinum (II)-based chemotherapy has been used to treat a number of malignancies including prostate cancer. However, the potential of cisplatin for treating prostate cancer is restricted owing to its limited efficacy and toxic side effects. Combination therapies have been proposed to increase the efficacy and reduce the toxic side effects. In the present study, we investigated how isoalantolactone (IATL), a sesquiterpene lactone extracted from the medicinal plant Inula helenium L., acts synergistically with cisplatin on human prostate cancer cells. We show that IATL significantly increased cisplatin-induced growth suppression and apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells. Mechanistically, the combined treatment resulted in an excessive accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to the activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the JNK signaling pathway in human prostate cancer cells. Pretreatment of cells with the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly abrogated the combined treatment-induced ROS accumulation and cell apoptosis. In addition, the activation of ER stress and the JNK signaling pathway prompted by IATL and cisplatin was also reversed by NAC pretreatment. In vivo, we found that IATL combined with cisplatin showed the strongest antitumor effects compared with single agents. These results support the notion that IATL and cisplatin combinational treatment may be more effective for treating prostate cancer than cisplatin alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Huang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xueting Ye
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fangyi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qi Lin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Keming Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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26
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Menegazzi M, Masiello P, Novelli M. Anti-Tumor Activity of Hypericum perforatum L. and Hyperforin through Modulation of Inflammatory Signaling, ROS Generation and Proton Dynamics. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 10:antiox10010018. [PMID: 33379141 PMCID: PMC7824709 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper we review the mechanisms of the antitumor effects of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort, SJW) and its main active component hyperforin (HPF). SJW extract is commonly employed as antidepressant due to its ability to inhibit monoamine neurotransmitters re-uptake. Moreover, further biological properties make this vegetal extract very suitable for both prevention and treatment of several diseases, including cancer. Regular use of SJW reduces colorectal cancer risk in humans and prevents genotoxic effects of carcinogens in animal models. In established cancer, SJW and HPF can still exert therapeutic effects by their ability to downregulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit pro-survival kinases, angiogenic factors and extracellular matrix proteases, thereby counteracting tumor growth and spread. Remarkably, the mechanisms of action of SJW and HPF include their ability to decrease ROS production and restore pH imbalance in tumor cells. The SJW component HPF, due to its high lipophilicity and mild acidity, accumulates in membranes and acts as a protonophore that hinders inner mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization, inhibiting mitochondrial ROS generation and consequently tumor cell proliferation. At the plasma membrane level, HPF prevents cytosol alkalization and extracellular acidification by allowing protons to re-enter the cells. These effects can revert or at least attenuate cancer cell phenotype, contributing to hamper proliferation, neo-angiogenesis and metastatic dissemination. Furthermore, several studies report that in tumor cells SJW and HPF, mainly at high concentrations, induce the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, likely by collapsing the mitochondrial membrane potential. Based on these mechanisms, we highlight the SJW/HPF remarkable potentiality in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Menegazzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, School of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, I-37134 Verona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-802-7168
| | - Pellegrino Masiello
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Michela Novelli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.N.)
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27
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Fan T, Zhu M, Wang L, Liu Y, Tian H, Zheng Y, Tan F, Sun N, Li C, He J. Immune profile of the tumor microenvironment and the identification of a four-gene signature for lung adenocarcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:2397-2417. [PMID: 33318300 PMCID: PMC7880407 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The composition and relative abundances of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment are key factors affecting the progression of lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs) and the efficacy of immunotherapy. Using the cancer gene expression dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program, we scored stromal and immune cells for tumor purity prediction by CIBERSORT and ESTMATE. Differential expression analysis was employed to identify 374 genes between the high-score group and the low-score group, which were utilized to conduct Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and Cox regression analysis were performed on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to identify four key tumor microenvironment (TME) -related genes (CCR2, CCR4, P2RY12, and P2RY13). The expression levels of the four DEGs differed significantly among LUAD patients of different ages, genders, and TNM stages. We found that the infiltration of resting memory CD4+ T cells, memory B cells, and M0 macrophages into the TME was co-regulated by these four DEGs. These four genes were closely related to the prognosis of LUAD and affected the infiltration of immune cells into the TME, which had predictive prognostic value in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Fan
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Mingchuang Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Liyu Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - He Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yujia Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Fengwei Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Nan Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
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