Scutellarin activates IDH1 to exert antitumor effects in hepatocellular carcinoma progression

Isochlorate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is an important metabolic enzyme for the production of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG), which has antitumor effects and is considered to have potential antitumor effects. The activation of IDH1 as a pathway for the development of anticancer drugs has not been attempted. We demonstrated that IDH1 can limit glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells to activate the tumor immune microenvironment. In addition, through proteomic microarray analysis, we identified a natural small molecule, scutellarin (Scu), which activates IDH1 and inhibits the growth of HCC cells. By selectively modifying Cys297, Scu promotes IDH1 active dimer formation and increases α-KG production, leading to ubiquitination and degradation of HIF1a. The loss of HIF1a further leads to the inhibition of glycolysis in HCC cells. The activation of IDH1 by Scu can significantly increase the level of α-KG in tumor tissue, downregulate the HIF1a signaling pathway, and activate the tumor immune microenvironment in vivo. This study demonstrated the inhibitory effect of IDH1-α-KG-HIF1a on the growth of HCC cells and evaluated the inhibitory effect of Scu, the first IDH1 small molecule agonist, which provides a reference for cancer immunotherapy involving activated IDH1.

PROTAC-mediated NR4A1 degradation as a novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy

An effective cancer therapy requires killing cancer cells and targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME). Searching for molecules critical for multiple cell types in the TME, we identified NR4A1 as one such molecule that can maintain the immune suppressive TME. Here, we establish NR4A1 as a valid target for cancer immunotherapy and describe a first-of-its-kind proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC, named NR-V04) against NR4A1. NR-V04 degrades NR4A1 within hours in vitro and exhibits long-lasting NR4A1 degradation in tumors with an excellent safety profile. NR-V04 inhibits and frequently eradicates established tumors. At the mechanistic level, NR-V04 induces the tumor-infiltrating (TI) B cells and effector memory CD8+ T (Tem) cells and reduces monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (m-MDSC), all of which are known to be clinically relevant immune cell populations in human melanomas. Overall, NR-V04-mediated NR4A1 degradation holds promise for enhancing anticancer immune responses and offers a new avenue for treating various types of cancers such as melanoma.

Chemoproteomics-based profiling reveals potential antimalarial mechanism of Celastrol by disrupting spermidine and protein synthesis

BACKGROUND

Malaria remains a global health burden, and the emergence and increasing spread of drug resistance to current antimalarials poses a major challenge to malaria control. There is an urgent need to find new drugs or strategies to alleviate this predicament. Celastrol (Cel) is an extensively studied natural bioactive compound that has shown potentially promising antimalarial activity, but its antimalarial mechanism remains largely elusive.

METHODS

We first established the Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected C57BL/6 mouse model and systematically evaluated the antimalarial effects of Cel in conjunction with in vitro culture of Plasmodium falciparum. The potential antimalarial targets of Cel were then identified using a Cel activity probe based on the activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) technology. Subsequently, the antimalarial mechanism was analyzed by integrating with proteomics and transcriptomics. The binding of Cel to the identified key target proteins was verified by a series of biochemical experiments and functional assays.

RESULTS

The results of the pharmacodynamic assay showed that Cel has favorable antimalarial activity both in vivo and in vitro. The ABPP-based target profiling showed that Cel can bind to a number of proteins in the parasite. Among the 31 identified potential target proteins of Cel, PfSpdsyn and PfEGF1-α were verified to be two critical target proteins, suggesting the role of Cel in interfering with the de novo synthesis of spermidine and proteins of the parasite, thus exerting its antimalarial effects.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this study reports for the first time the potential antimalarial targets and mechanism of action of Cel using the ABPP strategy. Our work not only support the expansion of Cel as a potential antimalarial agent or adjuvant, but also establishes the necessary theoretical basis for the development of potential antimalarial drugs with pentacyclic triterpenoid structures, as represented by Cel. Video Abstract.

Mechanistic engineering of celastrol liposomes induces ferroptosis and apoptosis by directly targeting VDAC2 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of most common and deadliest malignancies. Celastrol (Cel), a natural product derived from the Tripterygium wilfordii plant, has been extensively researched for its potential effectiveness in fighting cancer. However, its clinical application has been hindered by the unclear mechanism of action. Here, we used chemical proteomics to identify the direct targets of Cel and enhanced its targetability and anti-tumor capacity by developing a Cel-based liposomes in HCC. We demonstrated that Cel selectively targets the voltage-dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2). Cel directly binds to the cysteine residues of VDAC2, and induces cytochrome C release via dysregulating VDAC2-mediated mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) function. We further found that Cel induces ROS-mediated ferroptosis and apoptosis in HCC cells. Moreover, coencapsulation of Cel into alkyl glucoside-modified liposomes (AGCL) improved its antitumor efficacy and minimized its side effects. AGCL has been shown to effectively suppress the proliferation of tumor cells. In a xenograft nude mice experiment, AGCL significantly inhibited tumor growth and promoted apoptosis. Our findings reveal that Cel directly targets VDAC2 to induce mitochondria-dependent cell death, while the Cel liposomes enhance its targetability and reduces side effects. Overall, Cel shows promise as a therapeutic agent for HCC.

Unleashing the Power of NR4A1 Degradation as a Novel Strategy for Cancer Immunotherapy

An effective cancer therapy requires both killing cancer cells and targeting tumor-promoting pathways or cell populations within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We purposely search for molecules that are critical for multiple tumor-promoting cell types and identified nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) as one such molecule. NR4A1 has been shown to promote the aggressiveness of cancer cells and maintain the immune suppressive TME. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we establish NR4A1 as a valid therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Importantly, we have developed the first-of-its kind proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC, named NR-V04) against NR4A1. NR-V04 effectively degrades NR4A1 within hours of treatment in vitro and sustains for at least 4 days in vivo, exhibiting long-lasting NR4A1-degradation in tumors and an excellent safety profile. NR-V04 leads to robust tumor inhibition and sometimes eradication of established melanoma tumors. At the mechanistic level, we have identified an unexpected novel mechanism via significant induction of tumor-infiltrating (TI) B cells as well as an inhibition of monocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells (m-MDSC), two clinically relevant immune cell populations in human melanomas. Overall, NR-V04-mediated NR4A1 degradation holds promise for enhancing anti-cancer immune responses and offers a new avenue for treating various types of cancer.

Self-assembling nanoarchitectonics of size-controllable celastrol nanoparticles for efficient cancer chemotherapy with reduced systemic toxicity

Celastrol, extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, is one of the most promising natural extract for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, insufficient tumor retention and severe systemic toxicity still hinder its application. Herein, we report for the first time that Celastrol can directly self-assemble into size-controllable nanoparticles through the anti-solvent method by using different good solvent or by the variation of Celastrol concentrations. In vitro anti-cancer experiment revealed that the as-prepared nanoparticles can kill MCF-7 cells more effectively. Moreover, the nanoparticles can efficiently accumulate in tumors of the tumor bearing mice after tail vein injection. Under the administration of lethal dosage of Celastrol, the tumors are greatly suppressed and the mice maintain the activity. These results demonstrate that anti-solvent method may be a promising strategy to fabricate Celastrol nano-drugs with controllable size and less systemic toxicity for further clinical cancer treatment.

Celastrol inhibits necroptosis by attenuating the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway and confers protection against acute pancreatitis in mice

Necroptosis is a necrotic form of regulated cell death, which is primarily mediated by the receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) pathway in a caspase-independent manner. Necroptosis has been found to occur in virtually all tissues and diseases evaluated, including pancreatitis. Celastrol, a pentacyclic triterpene extracted from the roots of Tripterygium wilfordii (thunder god vine), possesses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. Yet, it is unclear whether celastrol has any effects on necroptosis and necroptotic-related diseases. Here we showed that celastrol significantly suppressed necroptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus pan-caspase inhibitor (IDN-6556) or by tumor-necrosis factor-α in combination with LCL-161 (Smac mimetic) and IDN-6556 (TSI). In these in vitro cellular models, celastrol inhibited the phosphorylation of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL and the formation of necrosome during necroptotic induction, suggesting its possible action on upstream signaling of the necroptotic pathway. Consistent with the known role of mitochondrial dysfunction in necroptosis, we found that celastrol significantly rescued TSI-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. TSI-induced intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), which are involved in the autophosphorylation of RIPK1 and recruitment of RIPK3, were significantly attenuated by celastrol. Moreover, in a mouse model of acute pancreatitis that is associated with necroptosis, celastrol administration significantly reduced the severity of caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis accompanied by decreased phosphorylation of MLKL in pancreatic tissues. Collectively, celastrol can attenuate the activation of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling likely by attenuating mtROS production, thereby inhibiting necroptosis and conferring protection against caerulein-induced pancreatitis in mice.

Celastrol suppresses humoral immune responses and autoimmunity by targeting the COMMD3/8 complex

Celastrol, a bioactive molecule extracted from the Tripterygium wilfordii plant, has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. However, its mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that celastrol suppresses humoral immune responses and autoimmunity by disabling a protein complex consisting of copper metabolism MURR1 domain–containing (COMMD) 3 and COMMD8 (COMMD3/8 complex), a signaling adaptor for chemoattractant receptors. Having demonstrated the involvement of the COMMD3/8 complex in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, we identified celastrol as a compound that covalently bound to and dissociated the COMMD3/8 complex. Celastrol inhibited B cell migration, reduced antibody responses, and blocked arthritis progression, recapitulating deficiency of the COMMD3/8 complex. These effects of celastrol were abolished in mice expressing a celastrol-resistant mutant of the COMMD3/8 complex. These findings establish that celastrol exerts immunosuppressive activity by targeting the COMMD3/8 complex. Our study suggests that the COMMD3/8 complex is a potentially druggable target in autoimmune diseases and points to celastrol as a lead pharmacologic candidate in this capacity.

Celastrol: A lead compound that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication, the activity of viral and human cysteine proteases, and virus-induced IL-6 secretion

The global emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused substantial human casualties. Clinical manifestations of this disease vary from asymptomatic to lethal, and the symptomatic form can be associated with cytokine storm and hyperinflammation. In face of the urgent demand for effective drugs to treat COVID-19, we have searched for candidate compounds using in silico approach followed by experimental validation. Here we identified celastrol, a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, as one of the best compounds out of 39 drug candidates. Celastrol reverted the gene expression signature from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected cells and irreversibly inhibited the recombinant forms of the viral and human cysteine proteases involved in virus invasion, such as Mpro (main protease), PLpro (papain-like protease), and recombinant human cathepsin L. Celastrol suppressed SARS-CoV-2 replication in human and monkey cell lines and decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion in the SARS-CoV-2-infected human cell line. Celastrol acted in a concentration-dependent manner, with undetectable signs of cytotoxicity, and inhibited in vitro replication of the parental and SARS-CoV-2 variant. Therefore, celastrol is a promising lead compound to develop new drug candidates to face COVID-19 due to its ability to suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication and IL-6 production in infected cells.

Quantitative chemical proteomics reveals anti-cancer targets of Celastrol in HCT116 human colon cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Celastrol (Cel) is a naturally-derived compound with anti-cancer properties and exerts beneficial effects against various diseases. Although an extensive body of research already exists for Cel, the vast majority are inductive studies with limited validation of specific pathways and functions. The cellular targets that bind to Cel remain poorly characterized, which limits attempts to uncover its mechanism of action.

PURPOSE

The present study aims to comprehensively identify the protein targets of Cel in HCT116 cells in an unbiased manner, and elucidate the mechanism of the anti-cancer activity of Cel based on target information.

METHODS

A comprehensive analysis of protein targets that bind to Cel was performed in HCT116 colon cancer cells using a quantitative chemical biology method. A Cel probe (Cel-P) was synthesized to allow in situ monitoring of treatment in living HCT116 cells, and specific targets were identified with a quantitative chemical biology method (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation) using mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

In total, 100 protein targets were identified as specific targets of Cel. Pathways associated with the targets were investigated. Multiple pathways were demonstrated to be potential effectors of Cel. These pathways included the suppression of protein synthesis, deregulation of cellular reactive oxygen species, and suppression of fatty acid metabolism, and they were validated with in vitro experiments.

CONCLUSION

The extensive information on the protein targets of Cel and their functions uncovered by this study will enhance the current understanding of the mechanism of action of Cel and serve as a valuable knowledge base for future studies.

Neuroprotective Effects of Celastrol in Neurodegenerative Diseases-Unscramble Its Major Mechanisms of Action and Targets

There are rarely new therapeutic breakthroughs present for neurodegenerative diseases in the last decades. Thus, new effective drugs are urgently needed for millions of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Celastrol, a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, is one of the main active ingredients isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. that has multiple biological activities. Recently, amount evidence indicates that celastrol exerts neuroprotective effects and holds therapeutic potential to serve as a novel agent for neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on the therapeutic efficacy and major regulatory mechanisms of celastrol to rescue damaged neurons, restore normal cognitive and sensory motor functions in neurodegenerative diseases. Importantly, we highlight recent progress regarding identification of the drug targets of celastrol by using advanced quantitative chemical proteomics technology. Overall, this review provides novel insights into the pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential of celastrol for incurable neurodegenerative diseases.

Celastrol mitigates inflammation in sepsis by inhibiting the PKM2-dependent Warburg effect

BACKGROUND

Sepsis involves life-threatening organ dysfunction and is caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. No specific therapies against sepsis have been reported. Celastrol (Cel) is a natural anti-inflammatory compound that shows potential against systemic inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological activity and molecular mechanism of Cel in models of endotoxemia and sepsis.

METHODS

We evaluated the anti-inflammatory efficacy of Cel against endotoxemia and sepsis in mice and macrophage cultures treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We screened for potential protein targets of Cel using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP). Potential targets were validated using biophysical methods such as cellular thermal shift assays (CETSA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Residues involved in Cel binding to target proteins were identified through point mutagenesis, and the functional effects of such binding were explored through gene knockdown.

RESULTS

Cel protected mice from lethal endotoxemia and improved their survival with sepsis, and it significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mice and macrophages treated with LPS (P < 0.05). Cel bound to Cys424 of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), inhibiting the enzyme and thereby suppressing aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect). Cel also bound to Cys106 in high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, reducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β. Cel bound to the Cys residues in lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA).

CONCLUSION

Cel inhibits inflammation and the Warburg effect in sepsis via targeting PKM2 and HMGB1 protein.

Celastrol induces ferroptosis in activated HSCs to ameliorate hepatic fibrosis via targeting peroxiredoxins and HO-1

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death, characterized by excessive membrane lipid peroxidation in an iron- and ROS-dependent manner. Celastrol, a natural bioactive triterpenoid extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii, shows effective anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory activities in multiple hepatic diseases. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of action and the direct protein targets of celastrol in the treatment of liver fibrosis remain largely elusive. Here, we discover that celastrol exerts anti-fibrotic effects via promoting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inducing ferroptosis in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). By using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) in combination with bio-orthogonal click chemistry reaction and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), we show that celastrol directly binds to peroxiredoxins (PRDXs), including PRDX1, PRDX2, PRDX4 and PRDX6, through the active cysteine sites, and inhibits their anti-oxidant activities. Celastrol also targets to heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and upregulates its expression in activated-HSCs. Knockdown of PRDX1, PRDX2, PRDX4, PRDX6 or HO-1 in HSCs, to varying extent, elevated cellular ROS levels and induced ferroptosis. Taken together, our findings reveal the direct protein targets and molecular mechanisms via which celastrol ameliorates hepatic fibrosis, thus supporting the further development of celastrol as a promising therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis.

Covalent inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP78 disconnects the transduction of ER stress signals to inflammation and lipid accumulation in diet-induced obese mice

Targeting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunctions may halt the pathogenesis of obesity and thereby reduce the prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disesases, and cancers. The present study was designed to elucidate the mechnaisms by which plant-derived celastrol ameliorated inflammation and lipid accumulation in obesity. The mouse model of diet-induced obesity was induced by feeding high-fat diet for 3 months and subsequently intervented with celastrol for 21 days. Hepatic and adipose tissues were analyzed for lipid accumulation, macrophage activation, and biomarker expression. As result, celastrol effectively reduced body weight, suppressed ER stress, inflammation, and lipogenesis while promoted hepatic lipolysis. RNA-sequencing revealed that celastrol-loaded nanomicelles restored the expression of 49 genes that regulate ER stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism. On the other hand, celastrol-PEG4-alkyne was synthesized for identifying celastrol-bound proteins in RAW264.7 macrophages. ER chaperone GRP78 (78 kDa glucose-regulated protein) was identified by proteomics approach for celastrol binding to the residue Cys⁴¹. Upon binding and conjugation, celastrol diminished the chaperone activity of GRP78 by 130-fold and reduced ER stress in palmitate-challenged cells, while celastrol analog lacking quinone methide failed to exhibit antiobesity effects. Thus, covalent GRP78 inhibition may induce the reprograming of ER signaling, inflammation, and metabolism against diet-induced obesity.

Chemoproteomic profiling reveals celastrol as a potential modulator of cholesterol signaling

We report a quantitative chemoproteomic approach that utilizes a clickable photoreactive probe for global profiling of celastrol targets, which may significantly improve the current understanding of celastrol's mode of action.

Synthesis and Coordination Properties of a Water-Soluble Material by Cross-Linking Low Molecular Weight Polyethyleneimine with Armed Cyclotriveratrilene

In this study, a full organic and water-soluble material was synthesized by coupling low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI-800) with cyclotriveratrilene (CTV). The water-soluble cross-linked polymer contains hydrophobic holes with a high coordination capability towards different organic drug molecules. The coordinating capability towards hydrophilic drugs (doxorubicin, gatifloxacin and sinomenine) and hydrophobic drugs (camptothecin and celastrol) was analyzed in an aqueous medium by using NMR, UV-Vis and emission spectroscopies. The coordination of drug molecules with the armed CTV unit through hydrophobic interactions was observed. In particular, celastrol exhibited more ionic interactions with the PEI moiety of the hosting system. In the case of doxorubicin, the host-guest detachment was induced by the addition of ammonium chloride, suggesting that the intracellular environment can facilitate the release of the drug molecules.

Celastrol exerts a neuroprotective effect by directly binding to HMGB1 protein in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

BACKGROUND

Celastrol (cel) was one of the earliest isolated and identified chemical constituents of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. Based on a cel probe (cel-p) that maintained the bioactivity of the parent compound, the targets of cel in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury were comprehensively analyzed by a quantitative chemical proteomics method.

METHODS

We constructed an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model in primary rat cortical neurons and a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in adult rats to detect the direct binding targets of cel in cerebral I/R. By combining various experimental methods, including tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling, mass spectrometry, and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), we revealed the targets to which cel directly bound to exert neuroprotective effects.

RESULTS

We found that cel inhibited the proinflammatory activity of high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) by directly binding to it and then blocking the binding of HMGB1 to its inflammatory receptors in the microenvironment of ischemia and hypoxia. In addition, cel rescued neurons from OGD injury in vitro and decreased cerebral infarction in vivo by targeting HSP70 and NF-κB p65.

CONCLUSION

Cel exhibited neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects by targeting HSP70 and NF-κB p65 and directly binding to HMGB1 in cerebral I/R injury.

Biosynthesis, total synthesis, structural modifications, bioactivity, and mechanism of action of the quinone-methide triterpenoid celastrol

Celastrol, a quinone-methide triterpenoid, was extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. in 1936 for the first time. Almost 70 years later, it is considered one of the molecules most likely to be developed into modern drugs, as it exhibits notable bioactivity, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity, and exerts antiobesity effects. In addition, the molecular mechanisms underlying its bioactivity are being widely studied, which offers new avenues for its development as a pharmaceutical reagent. Owing to its potential therapeutic effects and unique chemical structure, celastrol has attracted considerable interest in the fields of organic, biosynthesis, and medicinal chemistry. As several steps in the biosynthesis of celastrol have been revealed, the mechanisms of key enzymes catalyzing the formation and postmodifications of the celastrol scaffold have been gradually elucidated, which lays a good foundation for the future heterogeneous biosynthesis of celastrol. Chemical synthesis is also an effective approach to obtain celastrol. The total synthesis of celastrol was realized for the first time in 2015, which established a new strategy to obtain celastroid natural products. However, owing to the toxic effects and suboptimal pharmacological properties of celastrol, its clinical applications remain limited. To search for drug-like derivatives, several structurally modified compounds were synthesized and tested. This review focuses primarily on the latest research progress in the biosynthesis, total synthesis, structural modifications, bioactivity, and mechanism of action of celastrol. We anticipate that this paper will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of this promising compound and provide constructive references for future research in this field.

12-Deacetyl-12-epi-Scalaradial, a Scalarane Sesterterpenoid from a Marine Sponge Hippospongia sp., Induces HeLa Cells Apoptosis via MAPK/ERK Pathway and Modulates Nuclear Receptor Nur77

12-Deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial, a scalarane sesterterpenoid from a marine sponge Hippospongia sp, has been reported to possess cytotoxic activity on HepG2, MCF-7, and HCT-116 cells. However, there is no research to indicate that 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial exhibited anticancer effect on cervical cancer HeLa cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer activity of 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial against HeLa cells and to explore the mechanism. The results from a methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assay suggested that 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial suppressed the proliferation of HeLa cells and flow cytometry analysis showed 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial could induce the apoptosis of HeLa cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial triggered apoptosis via mediating the extrinsic pathway and was found to suppress MAPK/ERK pathway which was associate with cancer cell death. Nur77, a critical number of orphan nuclear receptors, plays diverse roles in tumor development as a transcription factor and has been considered as a promising anticancer drug target. The dual-luciferase reporter assays suggested that 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial could selectively enhance the trans-activation activity of Nur77. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis and fluorescence quenching showed that 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial could induce the phosphorylation of Nur77 and interact with the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of Nur77. Our research confirmed 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial as a potential agent for cervical cancer therapy and provided a view that 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial may be a modulator of Nur77.

Mechanism of action of celastrol against rheumatoid arthritis: A network pharmacology analysis

Network pharmacology uses bioinformatics to broaden our understanding of drug actions and thereby to advance drug discovery. Here we apply network pharmacology to generate testable hypotheses about the multi-target mechanism of celastrol against rheumatoid arthritis. We reconstructed drug-target pathways and networks to predict the likely protein targets of celastrol and the main interactions between those targets and the drug. Then we validated our predictions of four candidate targets (IKK-β, JNK, COX-2, MEK1) by performing docking studies with celastrol. The results suggest that celastrol acts against rheumatoid arthritis by regulating the function of several signaling proteins, including MMP-9, COX-2, c-Myc, TGF-β, c-JUN, JAK-1, JAK-3, IKK-β, SYK, MMP-3, JNK and MEK1, which regulate the functions of Th1 and Th2 cells, macrophages, fibroblasts and endothelial cells in rheumatoid arthritis. Celastrol is predicted to affect networks involved mainly in cancer, connective tissue disorders, organismal injury and abnormalities, tissue development, cell death and survival. This network pharmacology strategy may be useful for discovery of multi-target drugs against complex diseases.

Inhibiting protein-protein interactions of Hsp90 as a novel approach for targeting cancer

The ninety kilo Dalton molecular weight heat shock protein (Hsp90) is an attractive target for the discovery of novel anticancer agents. Several strategies have been employed for the development of inhibitors against this polypeptide. The most successful strategy is targeting the N-terminal ATP binding region of the chaperone. However, till date not a single molecule reached Phase-IV of clinical trials from this class of Hsp90 inhibitors. The other approach is to target the Cterminal region of the protein. The success with this approach has been limited due to lack of well-defined ligand binding pocket in this terminal. The other promising strategy is to prevent the interaction of client proteins/co-chaperones with Hsp90 protein, i.e., protein-protein interaction inhibitors of Hsp90. The review focuses on advantage of this approach along with the recent advances in the discovery of inhibitors by following this strategy. Additionally, the biology of the client protein/co-chaperone binding site of Hsp90 is also discussed.