1
|
Cengiz M, Sezer CV, Gür B, Bayrakdar A, İzgördü H, Alanyalı F, Öziç C, Kutlu HM. The role of ceranib-2 and its nanoform on the decrease of telomerase levels in human non-small cell cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:889. [PMID: 39105852 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09838-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ceranib-2, an acid ceramidase (AC) inhibitor, can inhibit cancer cell proliferation and tumor development. However, poor water solubility and low cellular bioavailability limit its efficacy in cancer treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS This study aimed to investigate the cell death induced by ceranib-2 and its solid lipid nanoformulation (ceranib-2-SLN) produced by the hot homogenization technique and the synergistic relationship between ceramide and telomerase in vitro and in silico. Furthermore, this study proved the possible mechanism of ceranib-2-induced AC inhibition by in silico studies. The effective cytotoxic concentrations of ceranib-2, telomerase level, and changes in ceramide levels were measured by MTT colorimetric cytotoxicity assay, ELISA, and LC/MS/MS methods, respectively. TEM results showed that ceranib-2-SLN was 13-fold smaller than the size of ceranib-2. Ceranib-2 and ceranib-2-SLN had IC50 concentrations of 31.62 (± 2.1) and 27.69 (± 1.75) µM in A549, and 48.79 (± 1.56) and 67.98 (± 2.33) in Beas-2B cells. These compounds simultaneously increased ceramide levels and decreased telomerase levels in A549 cells. Ceranib-2 increased telomerase levels while decreasing ceramide levels in Beas-2B cells. It was shown how the synergistic impact of ceranib-2-induced ceramide production and ceramide-induced telomerase level reduction on cytotoxicity in A549 cells. CONCLUSIONS Ceranib-2-SLN was discovered to be more cytotoxic on cancer cells than ceranib-2, suggesting that it could be a promising option for the development of a new anti-cancer agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Cengiz
- Department of Elementary Education, Faculty of Education, Siirt University, Siirt, 56100, Türkiye.
| | - Canan Vejselova Sezer
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, 26470, Türkiye
| | - Bahri Gür
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Iğdır University, Iğdır, 76300, Türkiye.
| | - Alpaslan Bayrakdar
- Vocational School of Higher Education for Healthcare Services, Iğdır University, Iğdır, 76000, Türkiye
| | - Hüseyin İzgördü
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, 26470, Türkiye
| | - Filiz Alanyalı
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, 26470, Türkiye
| | - Cem Öziç
- Department of Medical Biology, Kafkas University, Medicine Faculty, Ahmet Arslan Street, Kars, 36100, Türkiye
| | - Hatice Mehtap Kutlu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, 26470, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gu L, Liu M, Zhang Y, Zhou H, Wang Y, Xu ZX. Telomere-related DNA damage response pathways in cancer therapy: prospective targets. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1379166. [PMID: 38910895 PMCID: PMC11190371 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1379166] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Maintaining the structural integrity of genomic chromosomal DNA is an essential role of cellular life and requires two important biological mechanisms: the DNA damage response (DDR) mechanism and telomere protection mechanism at chromosome ends. Because abnormalities in telomeres and cellular DDR regulation are strongly associated with human aging and cancer, there is a reciprocal regulation of telomeres and cellular DDR. Moreover, several drug treatments for DDR are currently available. This paper reviews the progress in research on the interaction between telomeres and cellular DNA damage repair pathways. The research on the crosstalk between telomere damage and DDR is important for improving the efficacy of tumor treatment. However, further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liting Gu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Mingdi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Honglan Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Joshi M, Bhatt P. Ameliorated in vitroanti-cancer efficacy of methotrexate loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 & MDA-MB-231 and its acute toxicity study. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 35:335101. [PMID: 38746972 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad4b24] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Traditional therapies often struggle with specificity and resistance in case of cancer treatments. It is therefore important to investigate new approaches for cancer treatment based on nanotechnology. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are known to exhibit anti-cancer properties by inducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Methotrexate (MTX) a known anti-folate shows specificity to folate receptors and interrupts healthy functioning of cells. This study proposes the use of previously characterized biocompatible Methotrexate loaded Zinc oxide nanoparticles (MTX-ZnONPs) as a dual action therapeutic strategy against breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 (MTX-sensitive) and MDA-MB-231 (MTX-resistant). To elucidate the cytotoxicity mechanism of MTX-ZnONPs an in depthIn vitrostudy was carried out.In vitroassays, including cell cycle analysis, apoptosis assay, and western blot analysis to study the protein expression were performed. Results of these assays, further supported the anti-cancer activity of MTX-ZnONPs showing apoptotic and necrotic activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell line respectively.In vivoacute oral toxicity study to identify the LD50in animals revealed no signs of toxicity and mortality up to 550 mg kg-1body weight of animal, significantly higher LD50values than anticipated therapeutic levels and safety of the synthesized nanosystem. The study concludes that MTX-ZnONPs exhibit anti-cancer potential against breast cancer cells offering a promising strategy for overcoming resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitesh Joshi
- Department of Biological Sciences, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed-to-be University), Sunandan Divatia School of Science, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Purvi Bhatt
- Department of Biological Sciences, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed-to-be University), Sunandan Divatia School of Science, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai 400056, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jayaprasad AG, Chandrasekharan A, Arun Jyothi SP, John Sam SM, Santhoshkumar TR, Pillai MR. Telomerase inhibitors induce mitochondrial oxidation and DNA damage-dependent cell death rescued by Bcl-2/Bcl-xL. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130151. [PMID: 38403227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reactivation of telomerase is a hallmark of cancer and the majority of cancers over-express telomerase. Telomerase-dependent telomere length maintenance confers immortality to cancer cells. However, telomere length-independent cell survival functions of telomerase also play a critical role in tumorigenesis. Multiple telomerase inhibitors have been developed as therapeutics and include anti-sense oligonucleotides, telomerase RNA component targeting agents, chemical inhibitors of telomerase, small molecule inhibitors of hTERT, and telomerase vaccine. In general, telomerase inhibitors affect cell proliferation and survival of cells depending on the telomere length reduction, culminating in replicative senescence or cell death by crisis. However, most telomerase inhibitors kill cancer cells prior to significant reduction in telomere length, suggesting telomere length independent role of telomerase in early telomere dysfunction-dependent cell death. METHODS In this study, we explored the mechanism of cell death induced by three prominent telomerase inhibitors utilizing a series of genetically encoded sensor cells including redox and DNA damage sensor cells. RESULTS We report that telomerase inhibitors induce early cell cycle inhibition, followed by redox alterations at cytosol and mitochondria. Massive mitochondrial oxidation and DNA damage induce classical cell death involving mitochondrial transmembrane potential loss and mitochondrial permeabilization. Real-time imaging of the progression of mitochondrial oxidation revealed that treated cells undergo a biphasic mitochondrial redox alteration during telomerase inhibition, emphasizing the potential role of telomerase in the redox regulation at mitochondria. Additionally, silencing of hTERT confirmed its predominant role in maintaining mitochondrial redox homeostasis. Interestingly, the study also demonstrated that anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins still confer protection against cell death induced by telomerase inhibitors. CONCLUSION The study demonstrates that redox alterations and DNA damage contribute to early cell death by telomerase inhibitors and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins confer protection from cell death by their ability to safeguard mitochondria from oxidation damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Geetha Jayaprasad
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India; PhD Program, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Aneesh Chandrasekharan
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India
| | - S P Arun Jyothi
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India
| | - S M John Sam
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India
| | - T R Santhoshkumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India.
| | - M Radhakrishna Pillai
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Poojappura, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gala K, Jain M, Shah P, Pandey A, Garg M, Khattar E. Role of p53 transcription factor in determining the efficacy of telomerase inhibitors in cancer treatment. Life Sci 2024; 339:122416. [PMID: 38216120 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122416] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
AIM Telomerase expression is unique to cancer cells, making it a promising target for therapy. However, a major drawback of telomerase inhibition is that it affects cancer cell proliferation only when telomeres shorten, creating a lag phase post-continuous drug treatment. Acute cytotoxicity of telomerase inhibitors is dependent on their ability to induce DNA damage. p53 senses DNA damage and is the primary effector required for sensitizing cells towards apoptosis. MAIN METHODS Isogenic p53+/+ and p53-/- ovarian cancer cell lines were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and the anti-cancer effect of telomerase inhibitors MST-312 and BIBR1532 were determined. Flow cytometry, real-time PCR, and western blot were performed to study cell cycle, apoptosis, and gene expression. KEY FINDINGS We report that MST-312 exhibits p53-dependent cytotoxicity, while BIBR1532 exhibits p53-independent cytotoxicity. Colony-forming ability also confirms the p53-dependent effect of MST-312. Re-expression of p53 in p53-/- cells could rescue MST-312 sensitivity. In p53+/+ cells, MST-312 causes S phase arrest and activation of p53-dependent target genes like anti-apoptosis markers (Fas and Puma) and cell cycle markers (p21 and cyclinB). In p53-/- cells, MST-312 causes S/G2/M arrest. BIBR1532 induces S/G2/M phase cell cycle arrest irrespective of p53 status. This correlates with the expression of the DNA damage marker (γ-H2AX). Long-term continuous treatment with MST-312 or BIBR1532 results in p53-independent telomere shortening. SIGNIFICANCE In summary, we demonstrate that acute anti-cancer effects of MST-312 are dependent on p53 expression. Hence, it is important to consider the p53 expression status in cancer cells when selecting and administering telomerase inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Gala
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Meghna Jain
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Prachi Shah
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Amit Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University, Sector-125, Noida 201313, India
| | - Ekta Khattar
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Peng X, Shen LA, Bao Y, Liu C, Chen Q, Zhang H, Li J, Zhang Q. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 8-substituted quercetin derivatives targeting the β‑catenin/B-cell lymphoma 9 interaction. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 98:129591. [PMID: 38097141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129591] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The β-catenin/B-cell lymphoma 9 (BCL9) protein-protein interaction (PPI) is a potential target for aberrantly active Wnt/β-catenin signaling which actively participates in initiating and progressing of many cancers. Herein, we discovered novel 8-substituted quercetin derivatives with potential inhibitory activities targeting β-catenin/BCL9 PPI. Among all the derivatives, compound B4 displayed the most promising PPI inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 2.25 μM in a competitive fluorescence polarization assay and a KD value of 1.44 μM for the β-catenin protein. Furthermore, B4 selectively inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, suppressed the transactivation of Wnt signaling, and downregulated the expression of oncogenic Wnt target gene. Especially, B4 showed potent anti-CRC activity in vivo with the tumor growth inhibition (TGI) of 75.99 % and regulated the tumor immune microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Peng
- Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200123, China; Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Li-An Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ya Bao
- Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qiushi Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Qingwei Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China; National Key Laboratory of Lead Druggability Research, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co. Ltd. Shanghai 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sameni S, Viswanathan R, Ng GYQ, Martinez-Lopez W, Hande MP. Telomerase Inhibition by MST-312 Sensitizes Breast Cancer Cells to the Anti-cancer Properties of Plumbagin. Genome Integr 2023; 14:e20230002. [PMID: 38765717 PMCID: PMC11102071 DOI: 10.14293/genint.14.1.003] [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] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cause of malignancy and the second most common cause of death due to cancer in women. This heterogeneous disease is currently broadly classified as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) positive luminal tumors, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplified tumors and triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). Phytochemicals are proven to be promising anti-cancer chemotherapeutics agents with minimal cytotoxic effects on normal cells. Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1, 4-naphthoquinone) is a phytochemical derived from the roots of Plumbago zeylanica and it is known to possess anti-cancer properties similar to other compounds of naphthoquinones. In about 90% of cancer cells, the telomerase enzyme activity is revived to add telomeric repeats to evade apoptosis. In this study, a combinatorial approach of combining the anti-cancer compound plumbagin to induce genotoxicity and a potent telomerase inhibitor, MST-312 (synthetic derivative of tea catechins), was used to determine the combinational treatment-induced lethality in breast cancer cells such as MDA-MB-231 (TNBC) and MCF-7 (lumina) cells. MDA-MB-231 cells were responsive to combination treatment in both short-term (48 h) and long-term treatment (14 days) in a synergistic manner, whereas in MCF-7, the combination treatment was more effective in the long-term regimen. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effects of the plumbagin and MST-312 combination treatment were not recoverable after the short-term treatment. In conclusion, a combination treatment of MST-312 and plumbagin is proven to be more effective than a single plumbagin compound treatment in inducing DNA damage and telomere dysfunction leading to greater genome instability, cell cycle arrest and eventually cell death in cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Safoura Sameni
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ramya Viswanathan
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gavin Yong-Quan Ng
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wilner Martinez-Lopez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Associate Unit on Genomic Stability, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Republic (UdelaR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M. Prakash Hande
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wendlocha D, Krzykawski K, Mielczarek-Palacz A, Kubina R. Selected Flavonols in Breast and Gynecological Cancer: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:2938. [PMID: 37447264 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The consumption of foods that are rich in phenolic compounds has chemopreventive effects on many cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. A wide spectrum of their health-promoting properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, has been demonstrated. This paper analyzes the mechanisms of the anticancer action of selected common flavonols, including kemferol, myricetin, quercetin, fisetin, galangin, isorhamnetin, and morin, in preclinical studies, with particular emphasis on in vitro studies in gynecological cancers and breast cancer. In the future, these compounds may find applications in the prevention and treatment of gynecological cancers and breast cancer, but this requires further, more advanced research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Wendlocha
- Department of Immunology and Serology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Kamil Krzykawski
- Silesia LabMed: Centre for Research and Implementation, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Mielczarek-Palacz
- Department of Immunology and Serology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Robert Kubina
- Silesia LabMed: Centre for Research and Implementation, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Parekh N, Garg A, Choudhary R, Gupta M, Kaur G, Ramniwas S, Shahwan M, Tuli HS, Sethi G. The Role of Natural Flavonoids as Telomerase Inhibitors in Suppressing Cancer Growth. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040605. [PMID: 37111362 PMCID: PMC10143453 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and multifaceted group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. While cancer can be challenging and life-altering, advances in research and development have led to the identification of new promising anti-cancer targets. Telomerase is one such target that is overexpressed in almost all cancer cells and plays a critical role in maintaining telomere length, which is essential for cell proliferation and survival. Inhibiting telomerase activity can lead to telomere shortening and eventual cell death, thus presenting itself as a potential target for cancer therapy. Naturally occurring flavonoids are a class of compounds that have already been shown to possess different biological properties, including the anti-cancer property. They are present in various everyday food sources and richly present in fruits, nuts, soybeans, vegetables, tea, wine, and berries, to name a few. Thus, these flavonoids could inhibit or deactivate telomerase expression in cancer cells by different mechanisms, which include inhibiting the expression of hTERT, mRNA, protein, and nuclear translocation, inhibiting the binding of transcription factors to hTERT promoters, and even telomere shortening. Numerous cell line studies and in vivo experiments have supported this hypothesis, and this development could serve as a vital and innovative therapeutic option for cancer. In this light, we aim to elucidate the role of telomerase as a potential anti-cancer target. Subsequently, we have illustrated that how commonly found natural flavonoids demonstrate their anti-cancer activity via telomerase inactivation in different cancer types, thus proving the potential of these naturally occurring flavonoids as useful therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neel Parekh
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Ashish Garg
- Department of P.G. Studies and Research in Chemistry and Pharmacy, Rani Durgavati University Jabalpur, Jabalpur 482001, India
| | - Renuka Choudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar, Deemed to be University, Ambala 133207, India
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Ginpreet Kaur
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, India
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar, Deemed to be University, Ambala 133207, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|