1
|
Sinha B, Choudhury Y. Revisiting edible insects as sources of therapeutics and drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1345281. [PMID: 38370484 PMCID: PMC10869617 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1345281] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer has been medicine's most formidable foe for long, and the rising incidence of the disease globally has made effective cancer therapy a significant challenge. Drug discovery is targeted at identifying efficacious compounds with minimal side effects and developments in nanotechnology and immunotherapy have shown promise in the fight against this complicated illness. Since ancient times, insects and insect-derived products have played a significant role in traditional medicine across several communities worldwide. The aim of this study was to inspect the traditional use of edible insects in various cultures and to explore their modern use in cancer therapy. Edible insects are sources of nutrients and a variety of beneficial substances with anticancer and immunomodulatory potential. Recently, insect derived bioactive-components have also been used as nanoparticles either in combination with chemotherapeutics or as a nano-cargo for the enhanced delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs due to their high biocompatibility, low bio-toxicity, and their antioxidant and anticancer effects. The crude extracts of different edible insects and their active components such as sericin, cecropin, solenopsin, melittin, antimicrobial peptides and fibroin produce anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects by various mechanisms which have been discussed in this review.
Collapse
|
2
|
Haque S, Hussain A, Joshi H, Sharma U, Sharma B, Aggarwal D, Rani I, Ramniwas S, Gupta M, Tuli HS. Melittin: a possible regulator of cancer proliferation in preclinical cell culture and animal models. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17709-17726. [PMID: 37919474 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05458-8] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melittin is a water-soluble cationic peptide derived from bee venom that has been thoroughly studied for the cure of different cancers. However, the unwanted interactions of melittin produce hemolytic and cytotoxic effects that hinder their therapeutic applications. To overcome the shortcomings, numerous research groups have adopted different approaches, including conjugation with tumor-targeting proteins, gene therapy, and encapsulation in nanoparticles, to reduce the non-specific cytotoxic effects and potentiate their anti-cancerous activity. PURPOSE This article aims to provide mechanistic insights into the chemopreventive activity of melittin and its nanoversion in combination with standard anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of cancer. METHODS We looked over the pertinent research on melittin's chemopreventive properties in online databases such as PubMed and Scopus. CONCLUSION In the present article, the anti-cancerous effects of melittin on different cancers have been discussed very nicely, as have their possible mechanisms of action to act against different tumors. Besides, it interacts with different signal molecules that regulate the diverse pathways of cancerous cells, such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. We also discussed the recent progress in the synergistic combination of melittin with standard anti-cancer drugs and a nano-formulated version of melittin for targeted delivery to improve its anticancer potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 11022801, Lebanon
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, 13306, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Arif Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, P.O. Box 345050, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hemant Joshi
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | - Ujjawal Sharma
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Bunty Sharma
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India
| | - Diwakar Aggarwal
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India
| | - Isha Rani
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharishi Markendashwar College of Medical Sciences and Research (MMCMSR), Sadopur, Ambala, 134007, India
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang X, Hua C, Lin L, Ganting Z. Antimicrobial peptides as potential therapy for gastrointestinal cancers. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:2831-2841. [PMID: 37249612 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02536-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Since conventional therapy faces limitations in the field of different cancers as well as gastrointestinal cancers, that decrease the survival rate of patients, there is an urgent need to find new effective therapeutic approaches without the adverse effects of the traditional agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) attract much attention and are well known for their role in innate immunity. These peptides, in addition to their antimicrobial activity, exhibit strong anticancer potential against various types of malignancy. AMPs specifically target tumor cells and have selective toxicity for these cells without affecting normal cells. Here we aim to comprehensively overview the current knowledge in the field of using AMPs as novel therapeutic agents for gastrointestinal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Yang
- Heping Hospital Attached to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000, China
| | - Cui Hua
- Tangshan Fengnan District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Tangshan, 063000, China.
| | - Lin Lin
- Tangshan Hongci Hospital, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Zhao Ganting
- Heping Hospital Attached to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pandey P, Khan F, Khan MA, Kumar R, Upadhyay TK. An Updated Review Summarizing the Anticancer Efficacy of Melittin from Bee Venom in Several Models of Human Cancers. Nutrients 2023; 15:3111. [PMID: 37513529 PMCID: PMC10385528 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Apitherapy (using bee products) has gained broad recognition in cancer therapeutics globally. Honeybee venom has a broad range of biological potential, and its utilization is rapidly emerging in apitherapy. Bee products have significant potential to strengthen the immune system and improve human health. Thus, this review is targeted toward recapitulating the chemo-preventive potential of melittin (MEL), which constitutes a substantial portion of honeybee venom. Honeybee venom (apitoxin) is produced in the venom gland of the honeybee abdomen, and adult bees utilize it as a primary colony defense mechanism. Apitoxin comprises numerous biologically active compounds, including peptides, enzymes, amines, amino acids, phospholipids, minerals, carbohydrates, and volatile components. We are mainly focused on exploring the potential of melittin (a peptide component) of bee venom that has shown promising potential in the treatment of several human cancers, including breast, stomach, lung, prostate, ovary, kidney, colon, gastric, esophageal, cervical cancers, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review has summarized all potential studies related to the anticancerous efficacy of melittin (apitoxin), its formulations, conjugates, and nano-formulations against several human carcinomas, which would further pave the way for future researchers in developing potent drugs for cancer management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Fahad Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Minhaj Ahmad Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences and Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nejati-Koshki K, Roberts CT, Babaei G, Rastegar M. The Epigenetic Reader Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) Is an Emerging Oncogene in Cancer Biology. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2683. [PMID: 37345019 PMCID: PMC10216337 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are gene regulatory processes that control gene expression and cellular identity. Epigenetic factors include the "writers", "readers", and "erasers" of epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation. Accordingly, the nuclear protein Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) is a reader of DNA methylation with key roles in cellular identity and function. Research studies have linked altered DNA methylation, deregulation of MeCP2 levels, or MECP2 gene mutations to different types of human disease. Due to the high expression level of MeCP2 in the brain, many studies have focused on its role in neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that MeCP2 also participates in the tumorigenesis of different types of human cancer, with potential oncogenic properties. It is well documented that aberrant epigenetic regulation such as altered DNA methylation may lead to cancer and the process of tumorigenesis. However, direct involvement of MeCP2 with that of human cancer was not fully investigated until lately. In recent years, a multitude of research studies from independent groups have explored the molecular mechanisms involving MeCP2 in a vast array of human cancers that focus on the oncogenic characteristics of MeCP2. Here, we provide an overview of the proposed role of MeCP2 as an emerging oncogene in different types of human cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazem Nejati-Koshki
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 85991-56189, Iran;
| | - Chris-Tiann Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
| | - Ghader Babaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 57157-89400, Iran;
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Samavarchi Tehrani S, Esmaeili F, Shirzad M, Goodarzi G, Yousefi T, Maniati M, Taheri-Anganeh M, Anushiravani A. The critical role of circular RNAs in drug resistance in gastrointestinal cancers. Med Oncol 2023; 40:116. [PMID: 36917431 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-01980-4] [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: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, drug resistance (DR) in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, as the main reason for cancer-related mortality worldwide, has become a serious problem in the management of patients. Several mechanisms have been proposed for resistance to anticancer drugs, including altered transport and metabolism of drugs, mutation of drug targets, altered DNA repair system, inhibited apoptosis and autophagy, cancer stem cells, tumor heterogeneity, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Compelling evidence has revealed that genetic and epigenetic factors are strongly linked to DR. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) interferences are the most crucial epigenetic alterations explored so far, and among these ncRNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are the most emerging members known to have unique properties. Due to the absence of 5' and 3' ends in these novel RNAs, the two ends are covalently bonded together and are generated from pre-mRNA in a process known as back-splicing, which makes them more stable than other RNAs. As far as the unique structure and function of circRNAs is concerned, they are implicated in proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and DR. A clear understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for circRNAs-mediated DR in the GI cancers will open a new window to the management of GI cancers. Hence, in the present review, we will describe briefly the biogenesis, multiple features, and different biological functions of circRNAs. Then, we will summarize current mechanisms of DR, and finally, discuss molecular mechanisms through which circRNAs regulate DR development in esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadra Samavarchi Tehrani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fataneh Esmaeili
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Moein Shirzad
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Golnaz Goodarzi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tooba Yousefi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Maniati
- Department of English, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Amir Anushiravani
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lv C, Chen J, Huang F, Fang F, Li B. Melittin inhibits the proliferation migration and invasion of HCC cells by regulating ADAMTS9-AS2 demethylation. Toxicon 2023; 222:106996. [PMID: 36535531 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.106996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melittin (MEL) has been reported to exhibit anti-cancer effects in vitro against several types of cancer. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ADAMTS9-AS2 can be used as a tumor suppressor. However, there is insufficient data on the potential link between MEL and ADAMTS9-AS2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS RT-qPCR, CCK-8, colony formation, scratch wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect the function of MEL or ADAMTS9-AS2 on HCC cells. Furthermore, Western blot analysis was applied to determine that whether an association existed in MEL or ADAMTS9-AS2 with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. In addition, RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis validated that whether MEL has a demethylation effect. RESULTS All the experimental data showed that MEL or ADAMTS9-AS2 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of MHCC97-H and HepG2 cells, which may relate to PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. Moreover, the result showed that MEL treatment inhibited the expression of DNA methyltransferase protein-1 (DNMT1), which acted as the role of demethylation, and then up-regulated the expression of ADAMTS9-AS2, affecting the development of HCC. CONCLUSIONS ADAMTS9-AS2 played a role in MEL-induced HCC inhibition. This study provided an interesting theoretical basis and further evidence for the potential application of MEL in the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can Lv
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, China
| | - Jiaojiao Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, China
| | - Feng Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, China
| | - Fanfu Fang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, China.
| | - Bai Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ullah A, Aldakheel FM, Anjum SI, Raza G, Khan SA, Tlak Gajger I. Pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of honey bee venom. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:96-109. [PMID: 36685303 PMCID: PMC9845117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bee venom (BV) is a valuable product, and has a wide range of biological effects, and its use is rapidly increasing in apitherapy. Therefore, the current study, we reviewed the existing knowledge about BV composition and its numerous pharmacological properties for future research and use. Honey bee venom or apitoxin is produced in the venom gland in the honey bee abdomen. Adult bees use it as a primary colony defense mechanism. It is composed of many biologically active substances including peptides, enzymes, amines, amino acids, phospholipids, minerals, carbohydrates as well as some volatile components. Melittin and phospholipase A2 are the most important components of BV, having anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, anti-nociceptive and other curative potentials. Therefore, in medicine, BV has been used for centuries against different diseases like arthritis, rheumatism, back pain, and various inflammatory infections. Nowadays, BV or its components separately, are used for the treatment of various diseases in different countries as a natural medicine with limited side effects. Consequently, scientists as well as several pharmaceutical companies are trying to get a new understanding about BV, its substances and its activity for more effective use of this natural remedy in modern medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat 26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Fahad Mohammed Aldakheel
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia,Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz Research Chair for Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Ishtiaq Anjum
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat 26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan,Corresponding author.
| | - Ghulam Raza
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Baltistan, Skardu, Pakistan
| | - Saeed Ahmad Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Ivana Tlak Gajger
- Department for Biology and Pathology of Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Maani Z, Farajnia S, Rahbarnia L, Hosseingholi EZ, Khajehnasiri N, Mansouri P. Rational design of an anti-cancer peptide inhibiting CD147 / Cyp A interaction. J Mol Struct 2023; 1272:134160. [PMID: 36128074 PMCID: PMC9479519 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The CD147 / Cyp A interaction is a critical pathway in cancer types and an essential factor in entering the COVID-19 virus into the host cell. Melittin acts as an inhibitory peptide in cancer types by blocking the CD147/ Cyp A interaction. The clinical application of Melittin is limited due to weak penetration into cancer cells. TAT is an arginine-rich peptide with high penetration ability into cells widely used in drug delivery systems. This study aimed to design a hybrid peptide derived from Melittin and TAT to inhibit CD147 /Cyp A interaction. An amino acid region with high anti-cancer activity in Melittin was selected based on the physicochemical properties. Based on the results, a truncated Melittin peptide with 15 amino acids by the GGGS linker was fused to a TAT peptide (nine amino acids) to increase the penetration rate into the cell. A new hybrid peptide analog(TM) was selected by replacing the glycine with serine based on random point mutation. Docking results indicated that the TM peptide acts as an inhibitory peptide with high binding energy when interacting with CD147 and the CypA proteins. RMSD and RMSF results confirmed the high stability of the TM peptide in interaction with CD147. Also, the coarse-grained simulation showed the penetration potential of TM peptide into the DOPS-DOPC model membrane. Our findings indicated that the designed multifunctional peptide could be an attractive therapeutic candidate to halter tumor types and COVID-19 infection.
Collapse
|
10
|
Farajnia S, Rahbarnia L, Khajehnasiri N, Zarredar H. Design of a hybrid peptide derived from Melittin and CXCL14 –C17: A molecular dynamics simulation study. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01067-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
11
|
Varol A, Sezen S, Evcimen D, Zarepour A, Ulus G, Zarrabi A, Badr G, Daştan SD, Orbayoğlu AG, Selamoğlu Z, Varol M. Cellular targets and molecular activity mechanisms of bee venom in cancer: recent trends and developments. TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2021.2024576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ayşegül Varol
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Serap Sezen
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Istanbul, Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilhan Evcimen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kotekli Campus, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Atefeh Zarepour
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gönül Ulus
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gamal Badr
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Immunology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sevgi Durna Daştan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Asya Gülistan Orbayoğlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kotekli Campus, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Zeliha Selamoğlu
- Department Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nigde Ömer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Varol
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kotekli Campus, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang A, Zheng Y, Zhu W, Yang L, Yang Y, Peng J. Melittin-Based Nano-Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010118. [PMID: 35053266 PMCID: PMC8773652 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melittin (MEL) is a 26-amino acid polypeptide with a variety of pharmacological and toxicological effects, which include strong surface activity on cell lipid membranes, hemolytic activity, and potential anti-tumor properties. However, the clinical application of melittin is restricted due to its severe hemolytic activity. Different nanocarrier systems have been developed to achieve stable loading, side effects shielding, and tumor-targeted delivery, such as liposomes, cationic polymers, lipodisks, etc. In addition, MEL can be modified on nano drugs as a non-selective cytolytic peptide to enhance cellular uptake and endosomal/lysosomal escape. In this review, we discuss recent advances in MEL’s nano-delivery systems and MEL-modified nano drug carriers for cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
13
|
Guha S, Ferrie RP, Ghimire J, Ventura CR, Wu E, Sun L, Kim SY, Wiedman GR, Hristova K, Wimley WC. Applications and evolution of melittin, the quintessential membrane active peptide. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114769. [PMID: 34543656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melittin, the main venom component of the European Honeybee, is a cationic linear peptide-amide of 26 amino acid residues with the sequence: GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-NH2. Melittin binds to lipid bilayer membranes, folds into amphipathic α-helical secondary structure and disrupts the permeability barrier. Since melittin was first described, a remarkable array of activities and potential applications in biology and medicine have been described. Melittin is also a favorite model system for biophysicists to study the structure, folding and function of peptides and proteins in membranes. Melittin has also been used as a template for the evolution of new activities in membranes. Here we overview the rich history of scientific research into the many activities of melittin and outline exciting future applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Guha
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan P Ferrie
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jenisha Ghimire
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Cristina R Ventura
- Seton Hall University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Eric Wu
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Leisheng Sun
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sarah Y Kim
- Duke University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gregory R Wiedman
- Seton Hall University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Wimley C Wimley
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ombredane AS, de Andrade LR, Bonadio RS, Pinheiro WO, de Azevedo RB, Joanitti GA. Melittin sensitizes skin squamous carcinoma cells to 5-fluorouracil by affecting cell proliferation and survival. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:710-716. [PMID: 33523510 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Combined 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and melittin (MEL) is believed to enhance cytotoxic effects on skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, the rationale underlying cytotoxicity is fundamentally important for a proper design of combination chemotherapy, and to provide translational insights for future therapeutics in the dermatology field. The aim was to elucidate the effects of 5-FU/MEL combination on the viability, proliferation and key structures of human squamous cell carcinoma (A431). Morphology, plasma membrane, DNA, mitochondria, oxidative stress, cell viability, proliferation and cell death pathways were targeted for investigation by microscopy, MTT, trypan blue assay, flow cytometry and real-time cell analysis. 5-FU/MEL (0.25 µM/0.52 µM) enhanced the cytotoxic effect in A431 cells (74.46%, p < .001) after 72 h exposure, showing greater cytotoxic effect when compared to each isolated compound (45.55% 5-FU and 61.78% MEL). The results suggest that MEL induces plasma membrane alterations that culminate in a loss of integrity at subsequent times, sensitizing the cell to 5-FU action. DNA fragmentation, S and G2/M arrest, disruption of mitochondrial metabolism, and alterations in cell morphology culminated in proliferation blockage and apoptosis. 5-FU/MEL combination design optimizes the cytotoxic effects of each drug at lower concentrations, which may represent an innovative strategy for SCC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia S Ombredane
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds and Nanobiotechnology (LBCNano, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program in Nanoscience and Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Laise R de Andrade
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Raphael S Bonadio
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Willie O Pinheiro
- Post-Graduation Program in Sciences and Technologies in Health, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ricardo B de Azevedo
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Graziella A Joanitti
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds and Nanobiotechnology (LBCNano, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program in Nanoscience and Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program in Sciences and Technologies in Health, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Weng H, Zeng L, Cao L, Chen T, Li Y, Xu Y, Peng Y, Ye Y. circFOXM1 contributes to sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating MECP2 via miR-1324. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 23:811-820. [PMID: 33614231 PMCID: PMC7868711 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
As one of the most common malignant tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths around the world. Emerging studies have indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs), which play a crucial role in HCC pathogenesis and metastasis, are differentially expressed in HCC. However, the regulatory mechanisms of circRNA on sorafenib resistance of HCC are still unknown. In our study, we identified a novel circRNA, circFOXM1, using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) that was increased in sorafenib-resistant HCC tissues. Functionally, circFOXM1 significantly inhibited HCC growth and enhanced sorafenib toxicity in vitro. Mechanistically, circFOXM1 acted as a sponge of microRNA (miR)-1324, which is a negative regulator of MECP2, indicating that circFOXM1 downregulation would regulate sorafenib resistance of HCC via releasing more free miR-1324 and suppressing MECP2 expression. Furthermore, miR-1324 overexpression was capable of reversing the circFOXM1-induced malignant phenotypes and elevated expression of MECP2 in HCC cells. circFOXM1 partially contributed to sorafenib resistance of HCC cells through upregulating MECP2 expression by sponging miR-1324.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanqin Weng
- Department of Hepato-Biliary Surgery, Dongguan People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan 523000, China
| | - Lexiang Zeng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Gene Regulation and Target Therapy of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Linhui Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan 523000, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Hepato-Biliary Surgery, Dongguan People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan 523000, China
| | - Yanshan Li
- Department of Hepato-Biliary Surgery, Dongguan People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan 523000, China
| | - Yunxiuxiu Xu
- Department of Oncology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan 523000, China
| | - Yaorong Peng
- Department of Hepato-Biliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Gene Regulation and Target Therapy of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yibiao Ye
- Department of Hepato-Biliary Surgery, Dongguan People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan 523000, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Liu A, Wu Q, Peng D, Ares I, Anadón A, Lopez-Torres B, Martínez-Larrañaga MR, Wang X, Martínez MA. A novel strategy for the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and chemoresistance of hepatocellular carcinoma: DNA methylation. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1973-2018. [PMID: 32525219 DOI: 10.1002/med.21696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cancer mortality rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second highest in the world and the therapeutic options are limited. The incidence of this deadly cancer is rising at an alarming rate because of the high degree of resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, lack of proper, and adequate vaccination to hepatitis B, and lack of consciousness and knowledge about the disease itself and the lifestyle of the people. DNA methylation and DNA methylation-induced epigenetic alterations, due to their potential reversibility, open the access to develop novel biomarkers and therapeutics for HCC. The contribution to these epigenetic changes in HCC development still has not been thoroughly summarized. Thus, it is necessary to better understand the new molecular targets of HCC epigenetics in HCC diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. This review elaborates on recent key findings regarding molecular biomarkers for HCC early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Currently emerging epigenetic drugs for the treatment of HCC are summarized. In addition, combining epigenetic drugs with nonepigenetic drugs for HCC treatment is also mentioned. The molecular mechanisms of DNA methylation-mediated HCC resistance are reviewed, providing some insights into the difficulty of treating liver cancer and anticancer drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimei Liu
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), Wuhan, China
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Dapeng Peng
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), Wuhan, China
| | - Irma Ares
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Arturo Anadón
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Bernardo Lopez-Torres
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Rosa Martínez-Larrañaga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), Wuhan, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Aránzazu Martínez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jagua-Gualdrón A, Peña-Latorre JA, Fernadez-Bernal RE. Apitherapy for Osteoarthritis: Perspectives from Basic Research. Complement Med Res 2020; 27:184-192. [PMID: 31896107 DOI: 10.1159/000505015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common rheumatic disease in the world and one of the leading causes of disability in the elderly. There is still no curative management for the disease, so the search for new therapeutic alternatives continues. -Apitherapy is a therapeutic tool based on the use of beehive products used since ancient times and, at present, their mechanism of action begins to be known. Many of the mechanisms of action of the beehive products are useful for chronic articular pathophysiological processes such as those described in osteoarthritis. This article presents a review of the current state of understanding of the mechanisms through which bee venom, propolis, honey, pollen, and royal jelly may act on osteoarthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Jagua-Gualdrón
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, .,Apitherapy Investigation and Development Group, Sociedad Colombiana de Apiterapia - Colombian Apitherapy Society, Bogotá, Colombia,
| | - José Adolfo Peña-Latorre
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.,Apitherapy Investigation and Development Group, Sociedad Colombiana de Apiterapia - Colombian Apitherapy Society, Bogotá, Colombia.,Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Roger Edwin Fernadez-Bernal
- Apitherapy Investigation and Development Group, Sociedad Colombiana de Apiterapia - Colombian Apitherapy Society, Bogotá, Colombia.,Universidad Provada del Valle, Cochabamba Bolivia Medical Director Medizen Bolivia, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yao J, Zhang Z, Li S, Li B, Wang XH. Melittin inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells by regulating key genes based on bioinformatics and experimental assays. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:655-670. [PMID: 31691530 PMCID: PMC6933335 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The antitumour effect of melittin (MEL) has recently attracted considerable attention. Nonetheless, information regarding the functional role of MEL in bladder cancer (BC) is currently limited. Herein, we investigated the effect of MEL on critical module genes identified in BC. In total, 2015 and 4679 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with BC were identified from the GSE31189 set and The Cancer Genome Atlas database, respectively. GSE‐identified DEGs were mapped and analysed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes analyses to determine BC‐involved crucial genes and signal pathways. Coupled with protein–protein interaction network and Molecular Complex Detection analyses, Modules 2 and 4 were highlighted in the progression of BC. In in‐vitro experiments, MEL inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of UM‐UC‐3 and 5637 cells. The expression of NRAS, PAK2, EGFR and PAK1 in Module 4—enriched in the MAPK signalling pathway—was significantly reduced after treatment with MEL at concentrations of 4 or 6 μg/mL. Finally, quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analyses revealed MEL inhibited the expression of genes at the mRNA (ERK1/2, ERK5, JNK and MEK5), protein (ERK5, MEK5, JNK and ERK1/2) and phosphorylation (p‐ERK1/2, p‐JNK, and p‐38) levels. This novel evidence indicates MEL exerts effects on the ERK5‐MAK pathway—a branch of MAPK signalling pathway. Collectively, these findings provide a theoretical basis for MEL application in BC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yao
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bai Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Huan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jeng KS, Jeng CJ, Jeng WJ, Sheen IS, Li SY, Leu CM, Tsay YG, Chang CF. Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway as a potential target to inhibit the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:4377-4384. [PMID: 31611946 PMCID: PMC6781692 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Hepatocarcinogenesis involves numerous interlinked factors and processes, including the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, which participates in the carcinogenesis, progression, invasiveness, recurrence and cancer stem cell maintenance of HCC. The Shh signaling pathway is activated by ligands that bind to their receptor protein, Protein patched homolog (Ptch). The process of Shh ligand binding to Ptch weakens the inhibition of smoothened homolog (SMO) and activates signal transduction via glioma-associated oncogene homolog (Gli) transcription factors. The overexpression of Shh pathway molecules, including Shh, Ptch-1, Gli and SMO has been indicated in patients with HCC. It has also been suggested that the Shh signaling pathway exhibits cross-talk between numerous other signaling pathways. The inactivation of the Shh signaling pathway reduces HCC growth, increases radio-sensitivity and increases the beneficial effect of chemotherapy in HCC treatment. Therefore, inhibition of the Shh pathway may be an effective target therapy that can be used in the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of General Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shih-Yun Li
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chuen-Miin Leu
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 11221, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yeou-Guang Tsay
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 11221, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of General Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 22060, Taiwan, R.O.C
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Liang MR, Zeng Y, Zeng SY, Zhang JW, Yang BC, Zhang ZY, Liu FY, Luo Y, Zou Y, Wang F, Huang OP. The Expression of MBD6 Is Associated with Tumor Size in Uterine Leiomyomas. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2019; 23:523-532. [PMID: 31313936 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2019.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Uterine leiomyoma (UL) is the most common benign smooth muscle tumor of the uterus in reproductive women. Prior studies indicated that methyl-CpG-binding domain proteins (MBDs) may be involved in the pathogenesis of UL. Materials and Methods: In this study, UL tissues and paired adjacent myometrium were collected from a total of 51 patients. The expression of MBD mRNAs and their cognate proteins were analyzed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays and western blotting, respectively. The relationships between the MBD expression levels and the patients' clinicopathologic variables were assessed using Student's t test, nonparametric tests, or Pearson χ2 methods. Results: Our results show that both the mRNA and protein levels of MBD2 were significantly decreased in ULs compared to the adjacent myometrium. In addition, MBD6 protein expression was also decreased significantly in UL samples when compared to the adjacent myometrium. There was, however, no significant difference on the mRNA expression of MBD6 between these two groups. Neither the mRNA nor the protein levels of the other MBD members (MBD1, MBD3, MBD4, MBD5, and MeCP2) showed any significant differences between ULs and the adjacent myometria. The decreased expression of the MBD6 protein was correlated with the tumor size of ULs. Conclusions: These results suggest that the dysregulated expression of MBD2 and MBD6 in ULs may play a role in their development; however, a larger sample size together with cellular functional assays should be carried out to further elucidate the precise role of MBD6 in ULs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Rong Liang
- 1Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China.,2Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China.,3Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zeng
- 3Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Si-Yuan Zeng
- 2Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Wen Zhang
- 1Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Bi-Cheng Yang
- 3Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Yu Zhang
- 3Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Fa-Ying Liu
- 3Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Yong Luo
- 3Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zou
- 3Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- 3Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Ou-Ping Huang
- 1Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China.,3Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China.,4Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Czupiel PP, Delplace V, Shoichet MS. Cationic block amphiphiles show anti-mitochondrial activity in multi-drug resistant breast cancer cells. J Control Release 2019; 305:210-219. [PMID: 31071370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there are limited treatment options for multi-drug resistant breast cancer. Lipid-modified cationic peptides have the potential to reach the mitochondria, which are attractive targets for the treatment of multi-drug resistant (MDR) breast cancer; yet, little is known about their mitochondrial targeting and anti-cancer activity. Interestingly, lipid-modified cationic peptides, typically used as gene transfection agents, exhibit similar structural features to mitochondrial targeted peptides. Using octahistidine-octaarginine (H8R8) as a model cationic peptide for cell penetration and endosomal escape, we explored the anti-cancer potential of lipid-modified cationic peptides as a function of amphiphilicity, biodegradability and lipid structure. We found that cationic peptides modified with a lipid that is at least 12 carbons in length exhibit potent anti-cancer activity in the low micromolar range in both EMT6/P and EMT6/AR-1 breast cancer cells. Comparing degradable and non-degradable linkers, as well as L- and D-amino acid sequences, we found that the anti-cancer activity is mostly independent of the biodegradation of the lipid-modified cationic peptides. Two candidates, stearyl-H8R8 (Str-H8R8) and vitamin E succinate-H8R8 (VES-H8R8) were cytotoxic to cancer cells by mitochondria depolarization. We observed increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduced cell bioenergetics and drug efflux, triggering apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest. Compared to Str-H8R8, VES-H8R8 showed enhanced cancer cell selectivity and drug efflux inhibition, thereby serving as a potential novel therapeutic agent. This study deepens our understanding of lipid-modified cationic peptides and uncovers their potential in multi-drug resistant breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petro P Czupiel
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada; Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Vianney Delplace
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada; Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada; Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Machado ART, Aissa AF, Ribeiro DL, Ferreira RS, Sampaio SV, Antunes LMG. BjussuLAAO-II induces cytotoxicity and alters DNA methylation of cell-cycle genes in monocultured/co-cultured HepG2 cells. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e147618. [PMID: 31131003 PMCID: PMC6527400 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-1476-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The use of animal venoms and their toxins as material sources for
biotechnological applications has received much attention from the
pharmaceutical industry. L-amino acid oxidases from snake venoms (SV-LAAOs)
have demonstrated innumerous biological effects and pharmacological
potential against different cancer types. Hepatocellular carcinoma has
increased worldwide, and the aberrant DNA methylation of liver cells is a
common mechanism to promote hepatic tumorigenesis. Moreover, tumor
microenvironment plays a major role in neoplastic transformation. To
elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for the cytotoxic effects of
SV-LAAO in human cancer cells, this study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity
and the alterations in DNA methylation profiler in the promoter regions of
cell-cycle genes induced by BjussuLAAO-II, an LAAO from Bothrops
jaracussu venom, in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2)
cells in monoculture and co-culture with endothelial (HUVEC) cells. Methods: BjussuLAAO-II concentrations were 0.25, 0.50, 1.00 and 5.00 μg/mL. Cell
viability was assessed by MTT assay and DNA methylation of the promoter
regions of 22 cell-cycle genes by EpiTect Methyl II PCR array. Results: BjussuLAAO-II decreased the cell viability of HepG2 cells in monoculture at
all concentrations tested. In co-culture, 1.00 and 5.00 μg/mL induced
cytotoxicity (p < 0.05). BjussuLAAO-II increased the
methylation of CCND1 and decreased the methylation of
CDKN1A in monoculture and GADD45A in
both cell-culture models (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Data showed BjussuLAAO-II induced cytotoxicity and altered DNA methylation of
the promoter regions of cell-cycle genes in HepG2 cells in monoculture and
co-culture models. We suggested the analysis of DNA methylation profile of
GADD45A as a potential biomarker of the cell cycle
effects of BjussuLAAO-II in cancer cells. The tumor microenvironment should
be considered to comprise part of biotechnological strategies during the
development of snake-toxin-based novel drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Thomazela Machado
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Ferro Aissa
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Diego Luis Ribeiro
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Suely Vilela Sampaio
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lusânia Maria Greggi Antunes
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Jiang X, Qian K, Liu G, Sun L, Zhou G, Li J, Fang X, Ge H, Lv Z. Design and activity study of a melittin-thanatin hybrid peptide. AMB Express 2019; 9:14. [PMID: 30701481 PMCID: PMC6353975 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-019-0739-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique antimicrobial mechanism of antimicrobials make them a promising substitute for antibiotics for fighting drug-resistant bacteria. Both melittin and thanatin have antimicrobial bioactivity. However, thanatin does not inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Melittin can inhibit S. aureus and has strong hemolytic activity. In the present study, the mutant fragments of melittin and thanatin were combined by flexible peptides to form a novel hybrid peptide, which was synthesized based on the secondary and tertiary structure prediction. The hybrid peptide inhibited S. aureus with a hemolytic concentration of above 45 μmol/L and inhibition rate in SMMC-7721 cells of 19.14%. The hybrid antimicrobial peptide, which was designed by the combination of α-helix and β-lamellar antimicrobial peptides, showed that both types of peptides did not interact with each either on spatial structure or biological activities, thereby providing a novel idea for the design of artificial antimicrobial peptides.
Collapse
|
24
|
Qu D, Cui F, Lu D, Yang Y, Xu Y. DEP domain containing 1 predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients and regulates tumor proliferation and metastasis. Cancer Sci 2018; 110:157-165. [PMID: 30417471 PMCID: PMC6317931 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DEP domain containing 1 (DEPDC1) protein is a novel oncoantigen upregulated in multiple types of cancers which present oncogenic activity and high immunogenicity. However, the function and therapeutic potential of DEPDC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. In the present study, we showed that DEPDC1 was frequently upregulated in HCC and associated with cancer diagnosis and poor prognosis for HCC patients. Moreover, DEPDC1 promotes HCC cell proliferation in vitro as well as carcinogenesis in vivo. Notably, DEPDC1 overexpression also increases the neoplasm metastasis ability of HCC cells both in vivo and in vitro. Gene set enrichment analysis results showed that DEPDC1 expression is positively correlated with K‐RAS signal pathway, pathways in cancer and WNT/β‐catenin signal pathway, all of which are closely associated with specific cancer‐related gene sets. Our study provides the basis for further investigation of the molecular mechanism by which DEPDC1 promotes the development and metastasis of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Qu
- Department of Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Feng Cui
- Department of Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuqing Xu
- Department of Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ke M, Dong J, Wang Y, Zhang J, Zhang M, Wu Z, Lv Y, Wu R. MEL-pep, an analog of melittin, disrupts cell membranes and reverses 5-fluorouracil resistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 101:39-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
26
|
Zheng J, Yu F, Dong P, Wu L, Zhang Y, Hu Y, Zheng L. Long non-coding RNA PVT1 activates hepatic stellate cells through competitively binding microRNA-152. Oncotarget 2018; 7:62886-62897. [PMID: 27588491 PMCID: PMC5325334 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process is considered as a key event in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is known to be required for EMT process. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in a wide range of biological processes. Plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1), a novel lncRNA, is often up-regulated in various human cancers. However, the role of PVT1 in liver fibrosis remains undefined. In this study, PVT1 was increased in fibrotic liver tissues and activated HSCs. Depletion of PVT1 attenuated collagen deposits in vivo. In vitro, PVT1 down-regulation inhibited HSC activation including the reduction of HSC proliferation, α-SMA and type I collagen. Further studies showed that PVT1 knockdown suppressed HSC activation was through inhibiting EMT process and Hh pathway. Patched1 (PTCH1), a negative regulator factor of Hh pathway, was enhanced by PVT1 knockdown. PTCH1 demethylation caused by miR-152 was responsible for the effects of PVT1 knockdown on PTCH1 expression. Notably, miR-152 inhibitor reversed the effects of PVT1 knockdown on HSC activation. Luciferase reporter assays and pull-down assays showed a direct interaction between miR-152 and PVT1. Collectively, we demonstrate that PVT1 epigenetically down-regulates PTCH1 expression via competitively binding miR-152, contributing to EMT process in liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Fujun Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Peihong Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Limei Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yanwei Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Melittin Constrains the Expression of Identified Key Genes Associated with Bladder Cancer. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:5038172. [PMID: 29854840 PMCID: PMC5960535 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5038172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This work is aimed at investigating the effect of melittin on identified key genes in bladder cancer (BC) and further providing a theoretical basis for BC treatment. GSE35014 downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BC cells and control. Results showed that a total of 389 upregulated and 169 downregulated genes were identified. Subsequently, GO analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and PPI network analysis were employed to disclose the crucial genes and signaling pathways involved in BC. Fifteen module-related DEGs and their associated signaling pathways were obtained according to the PPI network and modular analyses. Based on the analysis of articles retrieved in the PubMed database, we found that melittin could induce apoptosis and constrain the progression of tumor cells as a result of regulating critical cancer-related signaling pathways, such as PI3K-Akt and TNF signaling pathways. Furthermore, PI3K-Akt and TNF signaling pathways were also found to be associated with module-related DEGs according to biological analyses. At last, qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that melittin could constrain the expression of module-related DEGs (LPAR1, COL5A1, COL6A2, CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL3) associated with PI3K-Akt and TNF signaling pathways in BC cells. Functional assays revealed that melittin could constrain the proliferative and migrated abilities of BC cells. Conjointly, these findings provide a theoretical basis for these six genes as drug-sensitive markers of melittin in BC treatment.
Collapse
|
28
|
Ma R, Mahadevappa R, Kwok HF. Venom-based peptide therapy: insights into anti-cancer mechanism. Oncotarget 2017; 8:100908-100930. [PMID: 29246030 PMCID: PMC5725072 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The 5-year relative survival rate of all types of cancer has increased significantly over the past three decades partly due to the targeted therapy. However, still there are many targeted therapy drugs could play a role only in a portion of cancer patients with specific molecular alternation. It is necessary to continue to develop new biological agents which could be used alone and/or in combination with current FDA approved drugs to treat complex cancer diseases. Venom-based drugs have been used for hundreds of years in human history. Nevertheless, the venom-origin of the anti-cancer drug do rarely appear in the pharmaceutical market; and this is due to the fact that the mechanism of action for a large number of the venom drug such as venom-based peptide is not clearly understood. In this review, we focus on discussing some identified venom-based peptides and their anti-cancer mechanisms including the blockade of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis (hallmarks of cancer) to fulfill the gap which is hindering their use in cancer therapy. Furthermore, it also highlights the importance of immunotherapy based on venom peptide. Overall, this review provides readers for further understanding the mechanism of venom peptide and elaborates on the need to explore peptide-based therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Ravikiran Mahadevappa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xu T, Cui T, Peng L, Kong S, Zou J, Tian X. The anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity of Mel-P15 is mediated by natural killer cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:6901-6906. [PMID: 29163709 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mel-P15 is a peptide derived from melittin, the main toxic component in the venom of the European honeybee Apis mellifera. In the present study, the antitumor effects of Mel-P15 and the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects in vivo were investigated. Mel-P15 directly stimulated natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in vitro, which was increased to 55.45% at a 4 µg/ml dose of Mel-P15. In the mouse liver cancer (H22) xenograft mice model, Mel-P15 suppressed tumor growth in vivo; the tumor inhibitory rate was 61.15% following treatment with 2 mg/kg Mel-P15. In addition, the immune response was activated following Mel-P15 treatment. Mel-P15 treatment increased the spleen and thymus indices, promoted splenocyte proliferation, stimulated NK cytotoxicity and upregulated the secretion of cytokines, including interleukin-2, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, the tumor inhibitory effect of Mel-P15 on BEL-7402-bearing nude mice was abrogated by the selective depletion of NK cells via the intraperitoneal injection of an anti-asialo GM-1 antibody. The results suggest that Mel-P15 inhibits tumor growth in vivo by promoting NK cell cytotoxicity. Mel-P15 may therefore be a potential immunotherapy candidate for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Tongxing Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Lipan Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Kong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Jianqiang Zou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Xingsong Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
A Tox21 Approach to Altered Epigenetic Landscapes: Assessing Epigenetic Toxicity Pathways Leading to Altered Gene Expression and Oncogenic Transformation In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061179. [PMID: 28587163 PMCID: PMC5486002 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An emerging vision for toxicity testing in the 21st century foresees in vitro assays assuming the leading role in testing for chemical hazards, including testing for carcinogenicity. Toxicity will be determined by monitoring key steps in functionally validated molecular pathways, using tests designed to reveal chemically-induced perturbations that lead to adverse phenotypic endpoints in cultured human cells. Risk assessments would subsequently be derived from the causal in vitro endpoints and concentration vs. effect data extrapolated to human in vivo concentrations. Much direct experimental evidence now shows that disruption of epigenetic processes by chemicals is a carcinogenic mode of action that leads to altered gene functions playing causal roles in cancer initiation and progression. In assessing chemical safety, it would therefore be advantageous to consider an emerging class of carcinogens, the epigenotoxicants, with the ability to change chromatin and/or DNA marks by direct or indirect effects on the activities of enzymes (writers, erasers/editors, remodelers and readers) that convey the epigenetic information. Evidence is reviewed supporting a strategy for in vitro hazard identification of carcinogens that induce toxicity through disturbance of functional epigenetic pathways in human somatic cells, leading to inactivated tumour suppressor genes and carcinogenesis. In the context of human cell transformation models, these in vitro pathway measurements ensure high biological relevance to the apical endpoint of cancer. Four causal mechanisms participating in pathways to persistent epigenetic gene silencing were considered: covalent histone modification, nucleosome remodeling, non-coding RNA interaction and DNA methylation. Within these four interacting mechanisms, 25 epigenetic toxicity pathway components (SET1, MLL1, KDM5, G9A, SUV39H1, SETDB1, EZH2, JMJD3, CBX7, CBX8, BMI, SUZ12, HP1, MPP8, DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, TET1, MeCP2, SETDB2, BAZ2A, UHRF1, CTCF, HOTAIR and ANRIL) were found to have experimental evidence showing that functional perturbations played “driver” roles in human cellular transformation. Measurement of epigenotoxicants presents challenges for short-term carcinogenicity testing, especially in the high-throughput modes emphasized in the Tox21 chemicals testing approach. There is need to develop and validate in vitro tests to detect both, locus-specific, and genome-wide, epigenetic alterations with causal links to oncogenic cellular phenotypes. Some recent examples of cell-based high throughput chemical screening assays are presented that have been applied or have shown potential for application to epigenetic endpoints.
Collapse
|
31
|
Rady I, Siddiqui IA, Rady M, Mukhtar H. Melittin, a major peptide component of bee venom, and its conjugates in cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2017; 402:16-31. [PMID: 28536009 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melittin (MEL), a major peptide component of bee venom, is an attractive candidate for cancer therapy. This agent has shown a variety of anti-cancer effects in preclinical cell culture and animal model systems. Despite a convincing efficacy data against variety of cancers, its applicability to humans has met with challenges due to several issues including its non-specific cytotoxicity, degradation and hemolytic activity. Several optimization approaches including utilization of nanoparticle based delivery of MEL have been utilized to circumvent the issues. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the anticancer effects of bee venom and MEL on different kinds of cancers. Further, we also present the available information for the possible mechanism of action of bee venom and/or MEL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Islam Rady
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Imtiaz A Siddiqui
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Mohamad Rady
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hasan Mukhtar
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang X, Xie J, Lu X, Li H, Wen C, Huo Z, Xie J, Shi M, Tang X, Chen H, Peng C, Fang Y, Deng X, Shen B. Melittin inhibits tumor growth and decreases resistance to gemcitabine by downregulating cholesterol pathway gene CLU in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2017; 399:1-9. [PMID: 28428074 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melittin is a Chinese traditional medicine for treating chronic inflammation, immunological diseases and cancers, however, the efficacy of melittin and its mechanism for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are still unknown. Here we investigated the anti-cancer activity of melittin and its regulated mechanism(s) in the PDAC models. Melittin was found to suppress tumor growth by promoting cell apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. Interestingly, the microarray analyses demonstrated that melittin significantly regulated cholesterol biosynthesis pathway during treatment. For instance, the cholesterol pathway gene clusterin (CLU) was highly downregulated by melittin which also enhanced gemcitabine sensitivity in PDAC cells by inhibiting CLU expression. In contrast, overexpression of CLU significantly diminished melittin mediated tumor suppression and gemcitabine sensitization, suggesting that CLU is the target of melittin. Furthermore, in the xenograft mouse model, the combination therapy of melittin and gemcitabine is more efficacious for inhibiting PDAC tumor growth than either single regimen. Taken together, our study has indicated that melittin is capable of suppressing tumor growth and promoting gemcitabine sensitivity in PDAC by downregulating cholesterol pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinjing Wang
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiongxiong Lu
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhe Li
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenlei Wen
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Huo
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Xie
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minmin Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomei Tang
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenghong Peng
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaxing Deng
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Baiyong Shen
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wu Y, Han MF, Liu C, Liu TY, Feng YF, Zou Y, Li B, Liao HL. Design, synthesis, and antiproliferative activities of stapled melittin peptides. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra26427a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin is a 26-residue, amphipathic, cell-penetrating, α-helical anti-hepatoma peptide isolated from bee venom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Wu
- School of Pharmacy
- Chengdu Medical College
- Chengdu 610083
- China
| | - Meng-fei Han
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Changhai Hospital
- Second Military Medical University
- Shanghai 200433
- China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Organic Chemistry
- School of Pharmacy
- Second Military Medical University
- Shanghai 200433
- China
| | - Tai-yu Liu
- Department of Organic Chemistry
- School of Pharmacy
- Second Military Medical University
- Shanghai 200433
- China
| | - Yu-fei Feng
- Department of Organic Chemistry
- School of Pharmacy
- Second Military Medical University
- Shanghai 200433
- China
| | - Yan Zou
- Department of Organic Chemistry
- School of Pharmacy
- Second Military Medical University
- Shanghai 200433
- China
| | - Bai Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Changhai Hospital
- Second Military Medical University
- Shanghai 200433
- China
| | - Hong-li Liao
- School of Pharmacy
- Chengdu Medical College
- Chengdu 610083
- China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhao XX, Chang JJ, Wang QL, Lu R, Li LJ, Sun X, Xie WD, Li X. 5,6-Dihydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavonol induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2016; 18:1079-1090. [PMID: 27314303 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2016.1191473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
5,6-Dihydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavonol (AH5), 5,6,3'-trihydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxyflavonol (AH22), artemetin, and oroxylin A are four flavonoids with the same 2-phenyl-chromone skeleton isolated from the Chinese herb Aster himalaicus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the structure-activity relationship of these four analogs and the mediation of AH5 cytotoxicity via G2/M arrest and apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. 3-(4,5-Dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay indicated AH5 showed the better potency to inhibit proliferation in human HCC cells, which suggested hydroxyl binding to C6 is necessary to anticancer properties, whereas binding to C3' attenuated the activities and increased toxicity in tested cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that AH5-induced G2/M arrest and significantly apoptosis in these cell lines. HepG-2 cells were used to further evaluate the antitumor effects and mechanisms of AH5. AH5-induced apoptosis was further confirmed by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and the increased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Moreover, AH5 induced the release of cytochrome C and the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, thus suggesting mitochondria activation might be involved. Western blot showed that AH5 induced the phosphorylation of Cdc2 and decreased the level of Cyclin B1. These results demonstrated that AH5 could be a proapoptotic leading compound for developing novel anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Zhao
- a School of Ocean , Shandong University , Weihai 264209 , China
| | - Juan-Juan Chang
- a School of Ocean , Shandong University , Weihai 264209 , China
| | - Qi-Lin Wang
- a School of Ocean , Shandong University , Weihai 264209 , China
| | - Rong Lu
- a School of Ocean , Shandong University , Weihai 264209 , China
| | - Ling-Jun Li
- a School of Ocean , Shandong University , Weihai 264209 , China
| | - Xiao Sun
- a School of Ocean , Shandong University , Weihai 264209 , China
| | - Wei-Dong Xie
- a School of Ocean , Shandong University , Weihai 264209 , China
| | - Xia Li
- a School of Ocean , Shandong University , Weihai 264209 , China
- b School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan 250012 , China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Alonezi S, Tusiimire J, Wallace J, Dufton MJ, Parkinson JA, Young LC, Clements CJ, Park JK, Jeon JW, Ferro VA, Watson DG. Metabolomic Profiling of the Effects of Melittin on Cisplatin Resistant and Cisplatin Sensitive Ovarian Cancer Cells Using Mass Spectrometry and Biolog Microarray Technology. Metabolites 2016; 6:metabo6040035. [PMID: 27754384 PMCID: PMC5192441 DOI: 10.3390/metabo6040035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed to characterise the metabolic profiles of two human ovarian cancer cell lines A2780 (cisplatin-sensitive) and A2780CR (cisplatin-resistant) in response to their exposure to melittin, a cytotoxic peptide from bee venom. In addition, the metabolomics data were supported by application of Biolog microarray technology to examine the utilisation of carbon sources by the two cell lines. Data extraction with MZmine 2.14 and database searching were applied to provide metabolite lists. Principal component analysis (PCA) gave clear separation between the cisplatin-sensitive and resistant strains and their respective controls. The cisplatin-resistant cells were slightly more sensitive to melittin than the sensitive cells with IC50 values of 4.5 and 6.8 μg/mL respectively, although the latter cell line exhibited the greatest metabolic perturbation upon treatment. The changes induced by melittin in the cisplatin-sensitive cells led mostly to reduced levels of amino acids in the proline/glutamine/arginine pathway, as well as to decreased levels of carnitines, polyamines, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). The effects on energy metabolism were supported by the data from the Biolog assays. The lipid compositions of the two cell lines were quite different with the A2780 cells having higher levels of several ether lipids than the A2780CR cells. Melittin also had some effect on the lipid composition of the cells. Overall, this study suggests that melittin might have some potential as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanad Alonezi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Jonans Tusiimire
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Jennifer Wallace
- WestCHEM, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK.
| | - Mark J Dufton
- WestCHEM, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK.
| | - John A Parkinson
- WestCHEM, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK.
| | - Louise C Young
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Carol J Clements
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Jin Kyu Park
- Beesen Co. Ltd., Bio Venture Town, Yuseong Daero 1662, Dae Jeon 34054, Korea.
| | - Jong Woon Jeon
- Beesen Co. Ltd., Bio Venture Town, Yuseong Daero 1662, Dae Jeon 34054, Korea.
| | - Valerie A Ferro
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| | - David G Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Application of bee venom and its main constituent melittin for cancer treatment. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 78:1113-1130. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-3160-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
|