BRM270 inhibits cancer stem cell maintenance via microRNA regulation in chemoresistant A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells

Therapeutic effects of medicinal plants and their constituents on lung cancer, in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence

The most common type of cancer in the world is lung cancer. Traditional treatments have an important role in cancer therapy. In the present review, the most recent findings on the effects of medicinal plants and their constituents or natural products (NP) in treating lung cancer are discussed. Empirical studies until the end of March 2022 were searched using the appropriate keywords through the databases PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus. The extracts and essential oils tested were all shown to effect lung cancer by several mechanisms including decreased tumour weight and volume, cell viability and modulation of cytokine. Some plant constituents increased expression of apoptotic proteins, the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase and subG0/G1 phase, and Cyt c levels. Also, natural products (NP) activate apoptotic pathways in lung cancer cell including p-JNK, Akt/mTOR, PI3/ AKT\ and Bax, Bcl2, but suppressed AXL phosphorylation. Plant-derived substances altered the cell morphology, reduced cell migration and metastasis, oxidative marker production, p-eIF2α and GRP78, IgG, IgM levels and reduced leukocyte counts, LDH, GGT, 5'NT and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Therefore, medicinal plant extracts and their constituents could have promising therapeutic value for lung cancer, especially if used in combination with ordinary anti-cancer drugs.

Modification of the Linker Amino Acid in the Cell-Penetrating Peptide NickFect55 Leads to Enhanced pDNA Transfection for In Vivo Applications

Despite numerous efforts over the last three decades, nucleic acid-based therapeutics still lack delivery platforms in the clinical stage. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) may offer solutions as potential delivery vectors. We have previously shown that designing a “kinked” structure in the peptide backbone resulted in a CPP with efficient in vitro transfection properties. Further optimization of the charge distribution in the C-terminal part of the peptide led to potent in vivo activity with the resultant CPP NickFect55 (NF55). Currently, the impact of the linker amino acid was further investigated in the CPP NF55, with the aim to discover potential transfection reagents for in vivo application. Taking into account the expression of the delivered reporter in the lung tissue of mice, and the cell transfection in the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, the new peptides NF55-Dap and NF55-Dab* have a high potential for delivering nucleic acid-based therapeutics to treat lung associated diseases, such as adenocarcinoma.

Impact of Cancer Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cell-Driven Drug Resiliency in Lung Tumor: Options in Sight

Causing a high mortality rate worldwide, lung cancer remains an incurable malignancy resistant to conventional therapy. Despite the discovery of specific molecular targets and new treatment strategies, there remains a pressing need to develop more efficient therapy to further improve the management of this disease. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered the root of sustained tumor growth. This consensus corroborates the CSC model asserting that a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within a tumor drives and maintains tumor progression with high heterogeneity. Besides being highly tumorigenic, CSCs are highly refractory to standard drugs; therefore, cancer treatment should be focused on eliminating these cells. Herein, we present the current knowledge of the existence of CSCs, CSC-associated mechanisms of chemoresistance, the ability of CSCs to evade immune surveillance, and potential CSC inhibitors in lung cancer, to provide a wider insight to drive a more efficient elimination of this pro-oncogenic and treatment-resistant cell fraction.

Cancer Stem Cells: An Ever-Hiding Foe

Cancer stem cells are a population of cells enable to reproduce the original phenotype of the tumor and capable to self-renewal, which is crucial for tumor proliferation, differentiation, recurrence, and metastasis, as well as chemoresistance. Therefore, the cancer stem cells (CSCs) have become one of the main targets for anticancer therapy and many ongoing clinical trials test anti-CSCs efficacy of plenty of drugs. This chapter describes CSCs starting from general description of this cell population, through CSCs markers, signaling pathways, genetic and epigenetic regulation, role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transition and autophagy, cooperation with microenvironment (CSCs niche), and finally role of CSCs in escaping host immunosurveillance against cancer.

Cervical cancer progression is regulated by SOX transcription factors: Revealing signaling networks and therapeutic strategies

Cervical cancer is the fourth common gynecologic cancer and is considered as second leading cause of death among women. Various strategies are applied in treatment of cervical cancer including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. However, cervical cancer cells demonstrate aggressive behavior in advanced phases, requiring novel strategies in their elimination. On the other hand, SOX proteins are transcription factors capable of regulating different molecular pathways and their expression varies during embryogenesis, disease development and carcinogenesis. In the present review, our aim is to reveal role of SOX transcription factors in cervical cancer. SOX transcription factors play like a double-edged sword in cancer. For instance, SOX9 possesses both tumor-suppressor and tumor-promoting role in cervical cancer. Therefore, exact role of each SOX members in cervical cancer has been discussed to direct further experiments for revealing other functions. SOX proteins can regulate proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, response of cervical cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is tightly regulated by SOX transcription factors. Different downstream targets of SOX proteins such as Wnt signaling, EMT and Hedgehog have been identified. Besides, upstream mediators such as microRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs can regulate SOX expression in cervical cancer. In addition to pre-clinical studies, role of SOX transcription factors as prognostic and diagnostic tools in cervical cancer has been shown.

Traditional Chinese medicine reverses cancer multidrug resistance and its mechanism

Chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used clinical treatments among the currently available cancer therapies. However, the phenomenon of Multidrug resistance (MDR) has become a challenge in the treatment process, weakening the impact of chemotherapy. Extensive research on elucidating the development of cancer MDR has identified the following mechanisms that play a critical role in the development of several MDR reversal agents: abnormal expression of cell membrane transporters, adaptation of cancer cells to the microenvironment, regulation of hypoxia, repair of DNA damage and reduction of apoptosis, the enhancement of the EMT process, the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and the abnormal activation of key signaling pathways. However, they failed to demonstrate significant efficacy due to severe side effects during their clinical trials. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are known to play an important anti-cancer role since they have low toxicity, high efficacy, and safety and can reverse MDR. TCMs reversal agents can be divided into Chinese medicine monomers, synthetic monomers, analogs, or derivatives. Several studies have shown that TCMs can effectively overcome cancer MDR and can be effectively used for treating cancer patients.

Combined BRM270 and endostatin inhibit relapse of NSCLC while suppressing lung cancer stem cell proliferation induced by endostatin

Endostatin (ES, ENDO) has been reported to suppress the growth of tumors while inducing the proliferation of lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs), causing a poor prognosis for lung cancer. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether BRM270 can inhibit the proliferation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Endostatin + BRM270 showed anti-tumor effects by reducing tumor volume and increasing survival. Administration of BRM270 reduced the number of aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive (ALDH+) cells and the level of ALDH1A1 expression in tumors by increasing the level of miR-128 while decreasing the levels of BMI-1, ABCC-5, E2F3, and c-MET. The luciferase activity of miR-128 promoter was increased by an increasing concentration of BRM270. In addition, BMI-1, ABCC-5, E2F3, and c-MET were identified as candidate targets of miR-128, and the overexpression of miR-128 significantly reduced mRNA/protein levels of BMI-1, ABCC-5, E2F3, and c-MET in A549 and H460 cells. Administration of BRM270 inhibited the expression of BMI-1, ABCC-5, E2F3, and c-MET in a dose-dependent manner. In this study, we showed for the first time that the combined administration of endostatin and BRM270 achieved anti-tumor effects while suppressing the proliferation of stem cells.

Experimental and clinical studies on the effects of Portulaca oleracea L. and its constituents on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders, a review

Various pharmacological effects for Portulaca oleracea were shown in previous studies. Therefore, the effects of P. oleracea and its derivatives on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic diseases according to update experimental and clinical studies are provided in this review article. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using appropriate keywords until the end of December 2020. The effects of P. oleracea and its constituents such as quercetin and kaempferol on an animal model of asthma were shown. Portulaca oleracea and its constituents also showed therapeutic effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis in both experimental and clinical studies. The possible bronchodilatory effect of P. oleracea and its ingredients was also reported. Portulaca oleracea and its constituents showed the preventive effect on lung cancer and a clinical study showed the effect of P. oleracea on patients with lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, a various constituents of P. oleracea including, quercetin and kaempferol showed therapeutic effects on lung infections. This review indicates the therapeutic effect of P. oleracea and its constituents on various lung and allergic disorders but more clinical studies are required to establish the clinical efficacy of this plant and its constituents on lung and allergic disorders.

HYD-PEP06 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell-like properties by inhibiting PI3K/AKT and WNT/β-catenin signaling activation

HYD-PEP06, an endostatin-modified polypeptide, has been shown to produce effective anti-colorectal carcinoma effects through inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, whether HYD-PEP06 has similar suppressive effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remained unknown. In this study, HYD-PEP06 inhibited metastasis and EMT but not proliferation in vitro. Cignal finder pathway reporter array and Western blot analysis revealed that HYD-PEP06 suppressed HCCLM3 cell metastasis and EMT by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway. Moreover, HYD-PEP06 exerted anti-metastasis effects in HepG2 cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) via suppressing the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Finally, in HCCLM3 tumor-bearing BALB/c nu/nu nude mice, HYD-PEP06 substantially suppressed tumor growth, lung metastasis and HCC progress. Our results suggest that HYD-PEP06 inhibits the metastasis and EMT of HCC and CSCs as well, and thus has the potential as an agent for HCC treatment.

Effective Drug Concentration and Selectivity Depends on Fraction of Primitive Cells

Poor efficiency of chemotherapeutics in the eradication of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) has been driving the search for more active and specific compounds. In this work, we show how cell density-dependent stage culture profiles can be used in drug development workflows to achieve more robust drug activity (IC₅₀ and EC₅₀) results. Using flow cytometry and light microscopy, we characterized the cytological stage profiles of the HL-60-, A-549-, and HEK-293-derived sublines with a focus on their primitive cell content. We then used a range of cytotoxic substances—C-123, bortezomib, idarubicin, C-1305, doxorubicin, DMSO, and ethanol—to highlight typical density-related issues accompanying drug activity determination. We also showed that drug EC₅₀ and selectivity indices normalized to primitive cell content are more accurate activity measurements. We tested our approach by calculating the corrected selectivity index of a novel chemotherapeutic candidate, C-123. Overall, our study highlights the usefulness of accounting for primitive cell fractions in the assessment of drug efficiency.

BRM270 Suppresses Cervical Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics and Progression by Inhibiting SOX2

BACKGROUND/AIM

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women worldwide. BRM270 (BRMLife) has therapeutic potential for cancer treatment owing to its ability to inhibit cell proliferation, and expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 133 in CD133⁺ cancer cells. This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of plant extract formulation BRM270 against cervical cancer progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) was tested in four different cervical cancer cell lines, HeLA, SiHa, Caski and C33A. SOX2-expressing SiHa and C33A cell lines were selected for further experiments on the in vitro and in vivo effects of BRM270 on cervical cancer progression using western blotting, flow cytometry, sphere-formation assay, magnetic-activated cell sorting of CD133⁺ cervical cancer cells, and xenografts in female athymic BALB/c nude mice.

RESULTS

In the present study, in cervical cancer stem cells (CSCs), we found that BRM270 inhibited expression of SOX2, which is associated with cervical cancer initiation and metastasis. BRM270 also inhibited CD133 expression and induced apoptosis of CSCs and suppressed CD133⁺ CSC proliferation and sphere formation in vitro as well as SiHa and C33A cell xenograft tumor growth in vivo. This was accompanied by down-regulation of markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

CONCLUSION

BRM270 might be an effective agent for cervical cancer treatment.

Natural Compounds Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: A Promising Resource for Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are the subpopulation of cancer cells which are directly involved in drug resistance, metastases to distant organ and cancer recurrence.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted through various electronic databases including, Pubmed, Scopus, Google scholar using the keywords "cancer stem cells" and "natural compounds" in the present study. Articles published between 1999 and 2019 were reviewed. All the expositions concerning CSCs associated cancer pathogenesis and therapy resistance, as well as targeting these properties of CSCs by natural compounds were selected for the current study.

RESULTS

Natural compounds have always been thought as a rich source of biologically active principles, which target aberrantly activated signaling pathways and other modalities of CSCs, while tethering painful side effects commonly involved in the first-line and second-line chemo-radiotherapies. In this review, we have described the key signaling pathways activated in CSCs to maintain their survival and highlighted how natural compounds interrupt these signaling pathways to minimize therapy resistance, pathogenesis and cancer recurrence properties of CSCs, thereby providing useful strategies to treat cancer or aid in cancer therapy improvement. Like normal stem cells, CSCs rely on different signaling pathways and other properties for their maintenance. Therefore, the success of cancer treatment depends on the development of proper anti-neoplastic drugs capable of intercepting those signaling pathways as well as other properties of CSCs in order to eradicate this evasive subpopulation of cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Compounds of natural origin might act as an outstanding source to design novel therapies against cancer stem cells.

BRM270 targets cancer stem cells and augments chemo-sensitivity in cancer

Over the past decade, a number of studies have demonstrated the resistance of cancer cells to conventional drugs and have recognized this as a major challenge in cancer therapy. While attempting to understand the underlying mechanisms of chemoresistance, several studies have suggested that the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumors is one of the major pathways contributing toward resistance. Chemoresistance leads to cancer treatment failure and worsens the prognosis of patients. Natural herbal compounds are gaining attention as an alternative treatment strategy for cancer. These compounds may be effective against chemoresistant cells either alone or synergistically alongside conventional drugs, sensitizing cancer cells and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy. BRM270 is a natural compound made from seven herbal plant (Saururus chinensis, Citrus unshiu Markovich, Aloe vera, Arnebia euchroma, Portulaca oleracea, Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina and Scutellaria bacicalensis) extracts used in Asian traditional medicine and has the potential to target CSCs. Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of BRM270 against chemoresistant cancer and its synergy alongside existing cancer drugs, including paclitaxel and gefitinib. These effects have been observed against various cancer types, including resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), glioblastoma, multi-drug resistant osteosarcoma, cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer and hepatocarcinoma. The present review discusses the effects of BRM270 treatment against CSC-associated chemoresistance in common types of cancer.

Piperlongumine Inhibits Akt Phosphorylation to Reverse Resistance to Cisplatin in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells via ROS Regulation

Resistance is a major concern when administering chemotherapy to patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Chemosensitizer are agents that can reverse resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, thereby enhancing the chemosensitivity of tumor cells. Thus, their development will improve therapeutic efficacy in cancer. However, few effective chemosensitizer have been identified to date. Piperlongumine (PL) has been shown to effectively reverse resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in several types of cancers. However, the mechanisms associated with the chemotherapy resistance reversal effect of PL and its regulation of target factors in chemotherapy resistance cells are still unclear. This study investigated the reversal effect of PL both in vitro and in vivo, and provided evidence that PL inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt via the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in chemotherapy resistance cells. Consequently, various Akt activation-dependent genes caused a reduction of drug efflux and induction of apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant A549 NSCLC cells. Our results indicate that Akt phosphorylation may play a functional role in the reversal effect of PL and contribute, at least in part, to the treatment outcomes of patients with chemotherapy resistance.

Role of miRNA-Regulated Cancer Stem Cells in the Pathogenesis of Human Malignancies

Recent biomedical discoveries have revolutionized the concept and understanding of carcinogenesis, a complex and multistep phenomenon which involves accretion of genetic, epigenetic, biochemical, and histological changes, with special reference to MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs). miRNAs are small noncoding molecules known to regulate expression of more than 60% of the human genes, and their aberrant expression has been associated with the pathogenesis of human cancers and the regulation of stemness features of CSCs. CSCs are the small population of cells present in human malignancies well-known for cancer resistance, relapse, tumorigenesis, and poor clinical outcome which compels the development of novel and effective therapeutic protocols for better clinical outcome. Interestingly, the role of miRNAs in maintaining and regulating the functioning of CSCs through targeting various oncogenic signaling pathways, such as Notch, wingless (WNT)/β-Catenin, janus kinases/ signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3/AKT), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B (NF-kB), is critical and poses a huge challenge to cancer treatment. Based on recent findings, here, we have documented the regulatory action or the underlying mechanisms of how miRNAs affect the signaling pathways attributed to stemness features of CSCs, such as self-renewal, differentiation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, resistance and recurrence etc., associated with the pathogenesis of various types of human malignancies including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, etc. We also shed light on the fact that the targeted attenuation of deregulated functioning of miRNA related to stemness in human carcinogenesis could be a viable approach for cancer treatment.

MicroRNA 145 enhances chemosensitivity of glioblastoma stem cells to demethoxycurcumin

Background: The presence of glioma stem cells (GSCs) is thought to be a key factor responsible for development of the incurable glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). GSCs are often displayed during chemotherapy resistance, except for demethoxycurcumin (DMC), a component of curcumin, which has been previously confirmed to inhibit GSCs proliferation and induce apoptosis.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify the main mechanism underlying anti-GSCs resistance by DMC.

Patients and methods: qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression of miR-145 in glioma patients and GSCs, and GSCs were transfected with miR-145 overexpressed vectors. Then, functional analyses (in vitro and in vivo) were performed to confirm the role of miR-145 and DMC in GSCs. Finally, related proteins were tested by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.

Results: miR-145 was atypically low-expressed miRNA in GSCs, and could enhance GSC chemosensitivity to DMC both in vitro and in vivo. Upregulation of miR-145 in GSCs resulted in increased cell growth inhibition and apoptosis to DMC. Further research on the mechanism demonstrated that the combined effects of miR-145 and DMC were involved in the miR-145/SOX2-Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Overexpression of SOX2 reduced GSC resistance to growth inhibition by miR-145+ DMC treatment.

Conclusion: Our data strongly support an important role for miR-145 in enhancing GSC chemosensitivity to DMC by targeting the SOX2-Wnt/β-catenin axis.

BRM270 Inhibits the Proliferation of CD44 Positive Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells via Downregulation of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling

Pancreatic cancer has a poor survival rate as compared to other types of cancer. Surface marker CD44 plays important role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell phenotype. Therefore, targeting CD44 positive pancreatic cancer cells might enhance therapies effectiveness. Our previous studies indicated the antitumorigenesis effect of BRM270 in osteosarcoma, lung cancer, and glioblastoma; however there is no evidence on BRM270 impacts on pancreatic cancer growth. In this study, we investigated the effect of BRM270 on the isolated CD44 positive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells (CD44⁺ PDAC). Results showed that CD44 positive cells undergo apoptosis induced by BRM270. Moreover, BRM270 also inhibits stemness and metastasis traits in CD44⁺ PDAC via Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway and SALL4 expression. In vivo study indicated that tumor growth derived from CD44⁺ PDAC was suppressed as daily uptake by BRM270 5 mg/kg. These data suggest the alternative approach in antipancreatic tumorigenesis via herbal plants extract and selectively targeting CD44⁺ PDAC cells in tumor.

Novel molecular insights and new therapeutic strategies in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most prevalent malignant cancers with lower survival and poor overall prognosis mainly in children and adolescents. Identifying the molecular mechanisms and OS stem cells (OSCs) as new concepts involved in disease pathogenesis and progression may potentially lead to new therapeutic targets. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of OSCs can be one of the most important and effective strategies for the treatment of OS. This review describes the new molecular targets of OS as well as novel therapeutic approaches in the design of future investigations and treatment.

Peroxiredoxin II Regulates Cancer Stem Cells and Stemness-Associated Properties of Cancers

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a sub-population of cancer cells with the ability to regulate stemness-associated properties which are specifically responsible for unlimited growth of cancers, generation of diverse cancer cells in differentiated state and resistance to existing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Even though, current therapies destroy majority of cancer cells, it is believed to leave CSCs without eradicating which may be the conceptualization for chemoresistance and radio-resistance. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) maintain stem cells and regulate the stemness-associated properties of cancers. Beyond the maximum limit, ROS can damage cellular functions of cancers by subjecting them to oxidative stress. Thus, maintenance of ROS level plays an important role in cancers to regulate stemness-associated properties. Peroxiredoxin II (Prx II) is a member of peroxiredoxin antioxidant enzyme family which considers as a regulator of ROS in cellular environments by modulating redox status to maintain CSC phenotype and stemness properties. Prx II has cell type-dependent expression in various types of cancer cells and overexpression or silenced expression of Prx II in cancers is associated with stem cell phenotype and stemness-associated properties via activation or deactivation of various signaling pathways. In this review, we summarized available studies on Prx II expression in cancers and the mechanisms by which Prx II takes parts to regulate CSCs and stemness-associated properties. We further discussed the potential therapeutic effects of altering Prx II expression in cancers for better anticancer strategies by sensitizing cancer cells and stem cells to oxidative stress and inhibiting stemness-associated properties.

The Novel Nutraceutical KJS018A Prevents Hepatocarcinogenesis Promoted by Inflammation

Inflammation is tightly associated with carcinogenesis at both the initiation and development of tumor. Many reports indicated that Cox-2 substantially contributes to inflammation and tumorigenesis. The novel nutraceutical KJS018A (BRM270 Function Enhanced Products) is the extract mixture from 8 herbal plants, which have been used to inhibit cancers and inflammation. The aim of the present study is to examine the inhibitory effects of KJS018A mixture to hepatocarcinogenesis and inflammation. The results showed that KJS018A significantly inhibited the proliferation of hepatic malignant cells and downregulated levels of IL-6 and Cox-2. Furthermore, KJS018A diminished the effect of PMA, an inflammatory inducer via IL-6/STAT3/Cox-2 pathway. Furthermore, KJS018A suppressed metastatic traits of hepatic malignant cells via downregulating Twist, N-cadherin, and MMP-9 while restoring E-cadherin expression. KJS018A also restrained tumor growth and levels of IL-6 and Cox-2 in immunohistochemistry staining. Taken together, these data suggest potential application of KJS018A in prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis promoted by inflammation.