Cordycepin enhances the chemosensitivity of esophageal cancer cells to cisplatin by inducing the activation of AMPK and suppressing the AKT signaling pathway

Targeting protein homeostasis with small molecules as a strategy for the development of pan-coronavirus antiviral therapies

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global health crisis, with challenges arising from the ongoing evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the emergence of new strains, and the long-term effects of COVID-19. Aiming to overcome the development of viral resistance, our study here focused on developing broad-spectrum pan-coronavirus antiviral therapies by targeting host protein quality control mechanisms essential for viral replication. Screening an in-house compound library led to the discovery of three candidate compounds targeting cellular proteostasis. The three compounds are (1) the nucleotide analog cordycepin, (2) a benzothiozole analog, and (3) an acyldepsipeptide analog initially developed as part of a campaign to target the mitochondrial ClpP protease. These compounds demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy against multiple coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, effectively inhibiting viral replication in vitro as well as in lung organoids. Notably, the compounds also showed efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron strains. As part of this work, we developed a BSL2-level cell-integrated SARS-CoV-2 replicon, which could serve as a valuable tool for high-throughput screening and studying intracellular viral replication. Our study should aid in the advancement of antiviral drug development efforts.

AMPK Activation Serves as a Common Pro-Survival Pathway in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a subtype of esophageal cancer that is difficult to treat, with overall poor survival and frequent recurrence despite curative-intent treatment strategies. There is limited understanding of EAC resistance mechanisms to chemotherapy or radiation. We have found that the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) can serve a pro-survival function in EAC cells in response to cytotoxic treatments. Treatment with the IL-6 inhibitor tocilizumab, which previously has been shown to inhibit EAC organoid growth, resulted in the activation of AMPK in the OE33 EAC cell line, which was accompanied by a decrease in MTORC1 signaling and an increase in oxidative mitochondrial metabolism, both known downstream effects of AMPK activation to promote cell survival under conditions of metabolic stress. This increase in oxidative metabolism was abrogated in cells with a genetic knockdown of AMPK expression. Furthermore, we found that AMPK was activated in OE33 cells following treatment with cisplatin or ionizing radiation. Treatment with the AMPK inhibitor Compound C or genetic knockdown of AMPK expression enhanced cell death in a synergistic manner with chemotherapeutics or ionizing radiation. These findings were recapitulated in human patient-derived EAC organoids, suggesting that AMPK may be a common pro-survival mechanism to confer treatment resistance in EAC and may serve as a novel target to enhance the efficacy of current and future treatment strategies.

Application and research progress of cordycepin in the treatment of tumours (Review)

Cordycepin is a nucleoside molecule found in Cordyceps sinensis and can be obtained through chemical synthesis and biotransformation. Cordycepin has been extensively studied and has been shown to have antitumour activity. This activity includes effects on the autophagy process and inhibition of the MAPK/ERK and Hedgehog pathways. Ultimately, the inhibitory effect of cordycepin on tumour cells is due to the interplay of these effects. Cordycepin was shown to enhance the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy. There is increasing evidence indicating that cordycepin plays an anticancer role in the treatment of various cancers. The present review aims to provide a clear understanding of the antitumour mechanisms of cordycepin and discuss its present application in the treatment of tumours. This information can be an important theoretical basis and provide clinical guidance for the further development of cordycepin as an antitumour drug.

Cordycepin Enhanced Therapeutic Potential of Gemcitabine against Cholangiocarcinoma via Downregulating Cancer Stem-Like Properties

Cordycepin, a valuable bioactive component isolated from Cordyceps militaris, has been reported to possess anti-cancer potential and the property to enhance the effects of chemotherapeutic agents in various types of cancers. However, the ability of cordycepin to chemosensitize cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells to gemcitabine has not yet been evaluated. The current study was performed to evaluate the above, and the mechanisms associated with it. The study analyzed the effects of cordycepin in combination with gemcitabine on the cancer stem-like properties of the CCA SNU478 cell line, including its anti-apoptotic, migratory, and antioxidant effects. In addition, the combination of cordycepin and gemcitabine was evaluated in the CCA xenograft model. The cordycepin treatment significantly decreased SNU478 cell viability and, in combination with gemcitabine, additively reduced cell viability. The cordycepin and gemcitabine co-treatment significantly increased the Annexin V+ population and downregulated B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression, suggesting that the decreased cell viability in the cordycepin+gemcitabine group may result from an increase in apoptotic death. In addition, the cordycepin and gemcitabine co-treatment significantly reduced the migratory ability of SNU478 cells in the wound healing and trans-well migration assays. It was observed that the cordycepin and gemcitabine cotreatment reduced the CD44highCD133high population in SNU478 cells and the expression level of sex determining region Y-box 2 (Sox-2), indicating the downregulation of the cancer stem-like population. Cordycepin also enhanced oxidative damage mediated by gemcitabine in MitoSOX staining associated with the upregulated Kelch like ECH Associated Protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression ratio. In the SNU478 xenograft model, co-administration of cordycepin and gemcitabine additively delayed tumor growth. These results indicate that cordycepin potentiates the chemotherapeutic property of gemcitabine against CCA, which results from the downregulation of its cancer-stem-like properties. Hence, the combination therapy of cordycepin and gemcitabine may be a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of CCA.

Anti-ENO1 antibody combined with metformin against tumor resistance: a novel antibody-based platform

Background

Antibody-based platforms (i.e., ADC) have emerged as one of the most encouraging tools for the cancer resistance caused by cancer stem cells (CSCs) enrichment. Our study might provide a promising therapeutic direction against drug resistance and serve as a potential precursor platform for screening ADC.

Methods

The cell migration, invasion, drug resistance, and self-renewal were assessed by the cell invasion and migration assay, wound healing assay, CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, and sphere formation assay, respectively. The expression profiles of CSCs (ALDH+ and CD44+) subpopulations were screened by flow cytometry. The western blot and cell immunofluorescence assay were used to evaluate pathway-related protein expression in both anti-ENO1 antibody, MET combined with DPP/CTX-treated CSCs.

Results

In the present study, western blot and flow cytometry verified that anti-ENO1 antibody target the CD44+ subpopulation by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway, while metformin might target the ALDH+ subpopulation through activation of the AMPK pathway and thus reverse drug resistance to varying degrees. Subsequently, in vitro investigation indicated that anti-ENO1 antibody, metformin combined with cisplatin/cetuximab could simultaneously target ALDH+ and CD44+ subpopulations. The combination also inhibited the CSCs proliferation, migration, invasion, and sphere formation; which may result in overcoming the drug resistance. Then, molecular mechanism exploration verified that the anti-ENO1 antibody, metformin combined with cisplatin/cetuximab inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Conclusions

The study preliminarily revealed anti-ENO1 antibody combined with metformin could overcome drug resistance against CSCs by inhibiting the Wnt//β-catenin pathway and might serve as a potential precursor platform for screening ADC. More importantly, it is reasonably believed that antibody-based drug combination therapy might function as an encouraging tool for oncotherapy.

AMPK Alchemy: Therapeutic Potentials in Allergy, Aging, and Cancer

All cells are equipped with intricate signaling networks to meet the energy demands and respond to the nutrient availability in the body. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is among the most potent regulators of cellular energy balance. Under ATP -deprived conditions, AMPK phosphorylates substrates and affects various biological processes, such as lipid/glucose metabolism and protein synthesis. These actions further affect the cell growth, death, and functions, altering the cellular outcomes in energy-restricted environments. AMPK plays vital roles in maintaining good health. AMPK dysfunction is observed in various chronic diseases, making it a promising target for preventing and alleviating such diseases. Herein, we highlight the different AMPK functions, especially in allergy, aging, and cancer, to facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches in the future.

Redefining bioactive small molecules from microbial metabolites as revolutionary anticancer agents

Cancer treatment remains a significant challenge due to issues such as acquired resistance to conventional therapies and the occurrence of adverse treatment-related toxicities. In recent years, researchers have turned their attention to the microbial world in search of novel and effective drugs to combat this devastating disease. Microbial derived secondary metabolites have proven to be a valuable source of biologically active compounds, which exhibit diverse functions and have demonstrated potential as treatments for various human diseases. The exploration of these compounds has provided valuable insights into their mechanisms of action against cancer cells. In-depth studies have been conducted on clinically established microbial metabolites, unraveling their anticancer properties, and shedding light on their therapeutic potential. This review aims to comprehensively examine the anticancer mechanisms of these established microbial metabolites. Additionally, it highlights the emerging therapies derived from these metabolites, offering a glimpse into the immense potential they hold for anticancer drug discovery. Furthermore, this review delves into approved treatments and major drug candidates currently undergoing clinical trials, focusing on specific molecular targets. It also addresses the challenges and issues encountered in the field of anticancer drug research and development. It also presents a comprehensive exposition of the contemporary panorama concerning microbial metabolites serving as a reservoir for anticancer agents, thereby illuminating their auspicious prospects and the prospect of forthcoming strides in the domain of cancer therapeutics.

CAB39 promotes cisplatin resistance in bladder cancer via the LKB1-AMPK-LC3 pathway

Systemic therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (BC) remains dominated by cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, resistance to cisplatin therapy greatly limits long-term survival. Resistance to cisplatin-based chemotherapy still needs to be addressed. In this study, we established three cisplatin-resistant BC cell lines by multiple cisplatin pulse treatments. Interestingly, after exposure to cisplatin, all cisplatin-resistant cell lines showed lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels than the corresponding parental cell lines. Using proteomic analysis, we identified 35 proteins that were upregulated in cisplatin-resistant BC cells. By knocking down eleven of these genes, we found that after CAB39 knockdown, BC cisplatin-resistant cells were more sensitive to cisplatin. Overexpression of CAB39 had the opposite effect. Then, the knockdown of six genes downstream of CAB39 revealed that CAB39 promoted cisplatin resistance in BC through LKB1. Moreover, a key cause of cisplatin-induced cell death is damage to mitochondria and increased ROS levels. In our study, cisplatin-resistant cells exhibited higher autophagic flux and healthier mitochondrial status after cisplatin exposure. We demonstrated that the CAB39-LKB1-AMPK-LC3 pathway plays a critical role in enhancing autophagy to maintain the health of mitochondria and reduce ROS levels. In addition, the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) can significantly enhance the killing effect of cisplatin on BC cells. Compared with gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC), GC plus CQ significantly reduced tumor burden in vivo. In conclusion, our study shows that CAB39 counteracts the killing of cisplatin by enhancing the autophagy of BC cells to damaged mitochondria and other organelles to alleviate the damage of cells caused by harmful substances such as ROS.

Cordycepin synergizes with CTLA-4 blockade to remodel the tumor microenvironment for enhanced cancer immunotherapy

The strategy of using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer treatment, leading to remarkable clinical outcomes. However, certain cancer types and patient demographics continue to face unique challenges. As a result, it is vital to investigate combination therapies that involve ICIs to boost therapeutic efficacy. Cordycepin, an adenosine derivative composed of adenine and pentose, holds immense promise for treating inflammation and cancer. Our recent research has demonstrated that the combined treatment of cordycepin and the anti-CD47 antibody significantly curtails tumor growth and extends the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice. In the current study, we showed that the combination of cordycepin and CTLA-4 blockade had a profound impact on suppressing tumor growth. We utilized the MC38 and CT26 tumor models to evaluate the therapeutic effect of cordycepin, CTLA-4 blockade, and their combined approach. Flow cytometry results unveiled that cordycepin, when combined with CTLA-4 blockade, considerably augmented the presence of tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells and diminished the population of Foxp3+Tregs within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, we employed single-cell analysis to examine the TME's reconfiguration upon the combined treatment of anti-CTLA-4 and cordycepin. We observed a significant impact on inhibiting tumor growth and substantially extended survival in tumor-bearing mice. Our data also demonstrated an increased proportion of effector CD8+T cells in the combined treatment group compared to all other groups, while exhausted CD8+T cells diminished in the combined group compared to the anti-CTLA-4 treatment alone. In conclusion, our findings supported the idea that combining cordycepin and CTLA-4 blockade could modify the effector and exhaustion status of CD8+T cells, thereby bolstering CD8+T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity in the TME. Collectively, our current study successfully established a combination therapeutic strategy utilizing cordycepin and CTLA-4 blockade. This strategy demonstrated a significant synergistic effect against cancer, highlighting its importance in cancer treatment.

Pharmacological and therapeutic potentials of cordycepin in hematological malignancies

Hematological malignancies(HMs) are highly heterogeneous diseases with globally rising incidence. Despite major improvements in the management of HMs, conventional therapies have limited efficacy, and relapses with high mortality rates are still frequent. Cordycepin, a nucleoside analog extracted from Cordyceps species, represents a wide range of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-metastatic activities. Cordycepin induces apoptosis in different subtypes of HMs by triggering adenosine receptors, death receptors, and several vital signaling pathways such as MAPK, ERK, PI3K, AKT, and GSK-3β/β-catenin. This review article summarizes the impact of utilizing cordycepin on HMs, and highlights its potential as a promising avenue for future cancer research based on evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials.

Noncoding RNAs as regulators of STAT3 pathway in gastrointestinal cancers: Roles in cancer progression and therapeutic response

Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors (cancers of the esophagus, gastric, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum) contribute to a large number of deaths worldwide. STAT3 is an oncogenic transcription factor that promotes the transcription of genes associated with proliferation, antiapoptosis, survival, and metastasis. STAT3 is overactivated in many human malignancies including GI tumors which accelerates tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Research in recent years demonstrated that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a major role in the regulation of many signaling pathways including the STAT3 pathway. The major types of endogenous ncRNAs that are being extensively studied in oncology are microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs. These ncRNAs can either be tumor-promoters or tumor-suppressors and each one of them imparts their activity via different mechanisms. The STAT3 pathway is also tightly modulated by ncRNAs. In this article, we have elaborated on the tumor-promoting role of STAT3 signaling in GI tumors. Subsequently, we have comprehensively discussed the oncogenic as well as tumor suppressor functions and mechanism of action of ncRNAs that are known to modulate STAT3 signaling in GI cancers.

Unraveling the Complexity of Regulated Cell Death in Esophageal Cancer: from Underlying Mechanisms to Targeted Therapeutics

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the sixth most common and the seventh most deadly malignancy of the digestive tract, representing a major global health challenge. Despite the availability of multimodal therapeutic strategies, the existing EC treatments continue to yield unsatisfactory results due to their limited efficacy and severe side effects. Recently, knowledge of the subroutines and molecular mechanisms of regulated cell death (RCD) has progressed rapidly, enhancing the understanding of key pathways related to the occurrence, progression, and treatment of many types of tumors, including EC. In this context, the use of small-molecule compounds to target such RCD subroutines has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with EC. Thus, in this review, we firstly discussed the risk factors and prevention of EC. We then outlined the established treatment regimens for patients with EC. Furthermore, we not only briefly summarized the mechanisms of five best studied subroutines of RCD related to EC, including apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis and autophagy, but also outlined the recent advances in the development of small-molecule compounds and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) targeting the abovementioned RCD subroutines, which may serve as a new therapeutic strategy for patients with EC in the future.

Cordycepin and kinase inhibition in cancer

Cordycepin, a nucleoside from Cordyceps mushrooms, has many beneficial properties for health, including anticancer activities. In cancer cells, cordycepin targets various signaling molecules. Here, we review the possible anticancer mechanisms of cordycepin involving the targeting of kinases. Abnormal kinase expression is involved in cancer development and progression through different molecular mechanisms, including phosphorylation, amplification, genetic mutations, and epigenetic regulation. Research suggests that kinases, such as the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), AMP kinase (AMPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathways, can be targeted by cordycepin and disrupting their activity. Given that kinase inhibitors can have crucial roles in cancer treatment, targeting kinases might be one of the molecular mechanisms involved in the anticancer potential of cordycepin.

Combined time-restricted feeding and cisplatin enhance the anti-tumor effects in cisplatin-resistant and -sensitive lung cancer cells

Combination therapy as an important treatment option for lung cancer has been attracting attention due to the primary and acquired resistance of chemotherapeutic drugs in the clinical application. In the present study, as a new therapy strategy, concomitant treatment with time-restricted feeding (TRF) plus cisplatin (DDP) on lung cancer growth was investigated in DDP-resistant and DDP-sensitive lung cancer cells. We first found that TRF significantly enhanced the drug susceptibility of DDP in DDP-resistant A549 (A549/DDP) cell line, illustrated by reversing the inhibitory concentration 50 (IC₅₀) values of A549/DDP cells to normal level of parental A549 cells. We also found that TRF markedly enhanced DDP inhibition on cell proliferation, migration, as well as promoted apoptosis compared to the DDP alone group in A549, H460 and A549/DDP cells lines. We further revealed that the synergistic anti-tumor effect of combined DDP and TRF was greater than that of combined DDP and simulated fasting condition (STS), a known anti-tumor cellular medium. Moreover, mRNA sequence analysis from A549/DDP cell line demonstrated the synergistic anti-tumor effect involved in upregulated pathways in p53 signaling pathway and apoptosis. Notably, compared with the DDP alone group, combination of TRF and DDP robustly upregulated the P53 protein expression without mRNA level change by regulating its stability via promoting protein synthesis and inhibiting degradation, revealed by cycloheximide and MG132 experiments. Collectively, our results suggested that TRF in combination with cisplatin might be an additional novel therapeutic strategy for patients with lung cancer.

The role of AMPK in cancer metabolism and its impact on the immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment

Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key metabolic sensor that is pivotal for the maintenance of cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK contributes to diverse metabolic and physiological effects besides its fundamental role in glucose and lipid metabolism. Aberrancy in AMPK signaling is one of the determining factors which lead to the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. The activation of AMPK and its downstream signaling cascades orchestrate dynamic changes in the tumor cellular bioenergetics. It is well documented that AMPK possesses a suppressor role in the context of tumor development and progression by modulating the inflammatory and metabolic pathways. In addition, AMPK plays a central role in potentiating the phenotypic and functional reprogramming of various classes of immune cells which reside in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, AMPK-mediated inflammatory responses facilitate the recruitment of certain types of immune cells to the TME, which impedes the development, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Thus, AMPK appears to play an important role in the regulation of anti-tumor immune response by regulating the metabolic plasticity of various immune cells. AMPK effectuates the metabolic modulation of anti-tumor immunity via nutrient regulation in the TME and by virtue of its molecular crosstalk with major immune checkpoints. Several studies including that from our lab emphasize on the role of AMPK in regulating the anticancer effects of several phytochemicals, which are potential anticancer drug candidates. The scope of this review encompasses the significance of the AMPK signaling in cancer metabolism and its influence on the key drivers of immune responses within the TME, with a special emphasis on the potential use of phytochemicals to target AMPK and combat cancer by modulating the tumor metabolism.

Synergistic effect of CD47 blockade in combination with cordycepin treatment against cancer

Cordycepin is widely considered a direct tumor-suppressive agent. However, few studies have investigated as the effect of cordycepin therapy on the tumor microenvironment (TME). In our present study, we demonstrated that cordycepin could weaken the function of M1-like macrophages in the TME and also contribute to macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. Herein, we established a combined therapeutic strategy combining cordycepin and an anti-CD47 antibody. By using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we showed that the combination treatment could significantly enhance the effect of cordycepin, which would reactivate macrophages and reverse macrophage polarization. In addition, the combination treatment could regulate the proportion of CD8⁺ T cells to prolong the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with digestive tract malignancies. Finally, flow cytometry validated the changes in the proportions of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Collectively, our findings suggested that the combination treatment of cordycepin and the anti-CD47 antibody could significantly enhance tumor suppression, increase the proportion of M1 macrophages, and decrease the proportion of M2 macrophages. In addition, the PFS in patients with digestive tract malignancies would be prolonged by regulating CD8 ⁺ T cells.

Cordycepin Attenuates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats via Modulation of AMPK and AKT Activation

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a disease that commonly affects elderly men. Cordycepin is an adenosine analog with a wide range of pharmacological activities including antiproliferative and prostatic smooth muscle relaxant effects. This study was designed to assess the actions of cordycepin in testosterone-induced BPH in rats. Animals were divided into six treatment groups: control, cordycepin-alone (10 mg/kg), testosterone-alone (3 mg/kg), cordycepin (5 mg/kg) + testosterone, cordycepin (10 mg/kg) + testosterone, and finasteride (0.5 mg/kg) + testosterone. Treatments were continued daily, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. Cordycepin significantly prevented the increase in prostate weight and prostate index induced by testosterone. This was confirmed by histopathological examinations. Cordycepin antiproliferative activity was further defined by its ability to inhibit cyclin-D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. In addition, cordycepin exhibited significant antioxidant properties as proven by the prevention of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione diminution, and superoxide dismutase exhaustion. This was paralleled by anti-inflammatory activity as shown by the inhibition of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear factor-κB expression in prostatic tissues. It also enhanced apoptosis as demonstrated by its ability to enhance and inhibit mRNA expression of Bax and Bcl2, respectively. Western blot analysis indicated that cordycepin augmented phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and inhibited p-AKT expression. Collectively, cordycepin has the ability to prevent testosterone-induced BPH in rats. This is mediated, at least partially, by its antiproliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic actions in addition to its modulation of AMPK and AKT activation.

Overexpression of GNA13 correlates with poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to explore the expression and clinical implication of guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha 13 (GNA13) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

We first employed western blot analysis to test the GNA13 protein expression level in ESCC tissues. Subsequently, we used immunohistochemistry assays to detect the GNA13 in ESCC specimens from 173 patients who underwent esophagectomy. Survival analysis was performed to define the impact of GNA13 expressions on the prognosis of the ESCC patients based on the clinical and follow-up data.

RESULTS

The GNA13 protein was shown to be considerably higher in ESCC tissues than in normal esophageal tissues. The level of expression was closely related to the tumor, node, TNM stage, and tumor size. More importantly, ESCC patients with high GNA13 expression carried an increased risk of tumor recurrence compared to those with low GNA13 expression. In addition, a high GNA13 expression level could independently predict worse overall survival and disease-free survival in ESCC.

CONCLUSIONS

GNA13 could be a novel prognostic biomarker for ESCC patients after esophagectomy.

Daidzein Synergizes with Gefitinib to Induce ROS/JNK/c-Jun Activation and Inhibit EGFR-STAT/AKT/ERK Pathways to enhance Lung Adenocarcinoma cells chemosensitivity

Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer associated mortality. Mutations in EGFR have been implicated in lung cancer pathogenesis. Gefitinib (GF) is a RTKI (receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor) first-choice drug for EGFR mutated advanced lung cancer. However, drug toxicity and cancer cell resistance lead to treatment failure. Consequently, new therapeutic strategies are urgently required. Therefore, this study was aimed at identifying tumor suppressive compounds that can synergistically improve Gefitinib chemosensitivity in the lung cancer treatment. Medicinal plants offer a vast platform for the development of novel anticancer agents. Daidzein (DZ) is an isoflavone compound extracted from soy plants and has been shown to possess many medicinal benefits. The anticancer potential of GF and DZ combination treatment was investigated using MTT, western blot, fluorescent microscopy imaging, flow cytometry and nude mice tumor xenograft techniques. Our results demonstrate that DZ synergistically induces c-Jun nuclear translocation through ROS/ASK1/JNK and downregulates EGFR-STAT/AKT/ERK pathways to activate apoptosis and a G0/G1 phase cell cycle blockade. In in-vivo, the combination treatment significantly suppressed A549 lung cancer cells tumor xenograft growth without noticeable toxicity. Daidzein supplements with current chemotherapeutic agents may well be an alternative strategy to improve the treatment efficacy of lung adenocarcinoma.

Cordycepin inhibits the proliferation and progression of NPC by targeting the MAPK/ERK and β-catenin pathways

Cordycepin is an extract from the Cordyceps genus of ascomycete fungi. In the present study, the anticancer potential of cordycepin against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and the potential underlying mechanisms, were investigated. Using Cell Counting Kit 8, wound-healing and Transwell assays, cordycepin was found to reduce the viability and inhibit the migration of C666-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, in colony formation assays, co-treatment with cordycepin and cisplatin inhibited the proliferation of C666-1 cells. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis identified 72 significantly differentially expressed genes and different signaling pathways that may be regulated by cordycepin. After treatment with cordycepin, the expression levels of ERK1/2, phosphorylated ERK1/2 and β-catenin were significantly downregulated. Therefore, cordycepin may be a novel candidate for NPC treatment or a co-treatment candidate with cisplatin in chemotherapy.

A Systematic Review of the Biological Effects of Cordycepin

We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the effects of cordycepin on cell survival and proliferation, inflammation, signal transduction and animal models. A total of 1204 publications on cordycepin were found by the cut-off date of 1 February 2021. After application of the exclusion criteria, 791 papers remained. These were read and data on the chosen subjects were extracted. We found 192 papers on the effects of cordycepin on cell survival and proliferation and calculated a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 135 µM. Cordycepin consistently repressed cell migration (26 papers) and cellular inflammation (53 papers). Evaluation of 76 papers on signal transduction indicated consistently reduced PI3K/mTOR/AKT and ERK signalling and activation of AMPK. In contrast, the effects of cordycepin on the p38 and Jun kinases were variable, as were the effects on cell cycle arrest (53 papers), suggesting these are cell-specific responses. The examination of 150 animal studies indicated that purified cordycepin has many potential therapeutic effects, including the reduction of tumour growth (37 papers), repression of pain and inflammation (9 papers), protecting brain function (11 papers), improvement of respiratory and cardiac conditions (8 and 19 papers) and amelioration of metabolic disorders (8 papers). Nearly all these data are consistent with cordycepin mediating its therapeutic effects through activating AMPK, inhibiting PI3K/mTOR/AKT and repressing the inflammatory response. We conclude that cordycepin has excellent potential as a lead for drug development, especially for age-related diseases. In addition, we discuss the remaining issues around the mechanism of action, toxicity and biodistribution of cordycepin.

Activity of Cordycepin From Cordyceps sinensis Against Drug-Resistant Tumor Cells as Determined by Gene Expression and Drug Sensitivity Profiling

Cordycepin is one of the substantial components of the parasitic fungus Cordyceps sinensis as well as other Cordyceps species. It exerts various effects such as antimetastatic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activities. Assorted studies revealed in vitro and in vivo anticancer influence of cordycepin and put forward its potential for cancer therapy. However, the role of multidrug resistance-associated mechanisms for the antitumor effect of cordycepin has not been investigated in great detail thus far. Therefore, we searched cordycepin’s cytotoxicity with regard to well-known anticancer drug resistance mechanisms, including ABCB1, ABCB5, ABCC1, ABCG2, EGFR, and TP53, and identified putative molecular determinants related to the cellular responsiveness of cordycepin. Bioinformatic analyses of NCI microarray data and gene promoter transcription factor binding motif analyses were performed to specify the mechanisms of cordycepin towards cancer cells. COMPARE and hierarchical analyses led to the detection of the genes involved in cordycepin’s cytotoxicity and sensitivity and resistance of cell lines towards cordycepin. Tumor-type dependent response and cross-resistance profiles were further unravelled. We found transcription factors potentially involved in the common transcriptional regulation of the genes identified by COMPARE analyses. Cordycepin bypassed resistance mediated by the expression of ATP-binding cassete (ABC) transporters (P-gp, ABCB5, ABCC1 and BCRP) and mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The drug sensitivity profiles of several DNA Topo I and II inhibitors were significantly correlated with those of cordycepin’s activity. Among eight different tumor types, prostate cancer was the most sensitive, whereas renal carcinoma was the most resistant to cordycepin. NF-κB was discovered as a common transcription factor. The potential of cordycepin is set forth as a potential new drug lead by bioinformatic evaluations. Further experimental studies are warranted for better understanding of cordycepin’s activity against cancer.