1
|
Gärditz KF, Czesnick H. Paclitaxel - a Product of Fungal Secondary Metabolism or an Artefact? PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:726-735. [PMID: 38754434 PMCID: PMC11254485 DOI: 10.1055/a-2309-6298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Taxol (common name: paclitaxel) is an extremely important component of drugs for the treatment of various cancers. Thirty years after the discovery of its effectiveness, a metabolic precursor of Taxol (10-deacetylbaccatin III) is still primarily extracted from needles of European yew trees. In order to meet the considerable demand, hopes were pinned on the possibilities of biotechnological production from the very beginning. In 1993, as if by chance, Taxol was supposedly discovered in fungi that grow endobiotically in yew trees. This finding aroused hopes of biotechnological use to produce fungal Taxol in large quantities in fermenters. It never came to that. Instead, a confusing flood of publications emerged that claimed to have detected Taxol in more and more eukaryotic and even prokaryotic species. However, researchers never reproduced these rather puzzling results, and they could certainly not be applied on an industrial scale. This paper will show that some of the misguided approaches were apparently based on a seemingly careless handling of sparse evidence and on at least questionable publications. Apparently, the desired gold rush of commercial exploitation was seductive. Scientific skepticism as an indispensable core of good scientific practice was often neglected, and the peer review process has not exerted its corrective effect. Self-critical reflection and more healthy skepticism could help to reduce the risk of such aberrations in drug development. This article uses this case study as a striking example to show what can be learned from the Taxol case in terms of research ethics and the avoidance of questionable research practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Ferdinand Gärditz
- Institute of Public Law, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Ombudsman for suspected cases of scientific misconduct, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lei Y, Zhang R, Cai F. Role of MARK2 in the nervous system and cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:497-506. [PMID: 38302729 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Microtubule-Affinity Regulating Kinase 2 (MARK2), a member of the serine/threonine protein kinase family, phosphorylates microtubule-associated proteins, playing a crucial role in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This kinase regulates multiple signaling pathways, including the WNT, PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM), and NF-κB pathways, potentially linking it to cancer and the nervous system. As a crucial regulator of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, the loss of MARK2 inhibits the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. MARK2 is involved in the excessive phosphorylation of tau, thus influencing neurodegeneration. Therefore, MARK2 emerges as a promising drug target for the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite its significance, the development of inhibitors for MARK2 remains limited. In this review, we aim to present detailed information on the structural features of MARK2 and its role in various signaling pathways associated with cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we further characterize the therapeutic potential of MARK2 in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, and hope to facilitate basic research on MARK2 and the development of inhibitors targeting MARK2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yining Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - Ruyi Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China.
| | - Fei Cai
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang G, Cui Z, Tian J, Li X, Tang W, Jing W, Li A, Zhang Y. Paucatalinone A from Paulownia Catalpifolia Gong Tong Elicits mitochondrial-mediated cancer cell death to combat osteosarcoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1367316. [PMID: 38590635 PMCID: PMC10999585 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1367316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
As the global cancer burden escalates, the search for alternative therapies becomes increasingly vital. Natural products, particularly plant-derived compounds, have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional cancer treatments due to their diverse bioactivities and favorable biosafety profiles. Here, we investigate Paucatalinone A, a newly discovered geranylated flavanone derived from the fruit of Paulownia Catalpifolia Gong Tong, notable for its significant anti-cancer properties. We revealed the capability of Paucatalinone A to induce apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells and deciphered its underlying mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate that Paucatalinone A substantially augments apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, and demonstrates a pronounced anti-tumor effect in a murine model of osteosarcoma. Mechanistically, Paucatalinone A disrupts calcium homeostasis and exacerbates intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, leading to mitochondrial impairment, cytoskeletal collapse, and caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death. This study underscores the potential of Paucatalinone A in initiating apoptosis in cancer cells and highlights the therapeutic efficacy of plant-derived agents in treating osteosarcoma, offering a viable approach for managing other intractable cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ganyu Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhiwei Cui
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jinqiu Tian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xinyuan Li
- Department of Immunology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenzhao Tang
- School of Parmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drugs (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Weiqiang Jing
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Aiwu Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuankai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Garcia MR, Andrade PB, Lefranc F, Gomes NGM. Marine-Derived Leads as Anticancer Candidates by Disrupting Hypoxic Signaling through Hypoxia-Inducible Factors Inhibition. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:143. [PMID: 38667760 PMCID: PMC11051506 DOI: 10.3390/md22040143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The inadequate vascularization seen in fast-growing solid tumors gives rise to hypoxic areas, fostering specific changes in gene expression that bolster tumor cell survival and metastasis, ultimately leading to unfavorable clinical prognoses across different cancer types. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1 and HIF-2) emerge as druggable pivotal players orchestrating tumor metastasis and angiogenesis, thus positioning them as prime targets for cancer treatment. A range of HIF inhibitors, notably natural compounds originating from marine organisms, exhibit encouraging anticancer properties, underscoring their significance as promising therapeutic options. Bioprospection of the marine environment is now a well-settled approach to the discovery and development of anticancer agents that might have their medicinal chemistry developed into clinical candidates. However, despite the massive increase in the number of marine natural products classified as 'anticancer leads,' most of which correspond to general cytotoxic agents, and only a few have been characterized regarding their molecular targets and mechanisms of action. The current review presents a critical analysis of inhibitors of HIF-1 and HIF-2 and hypoxia-selective compounds that have been sourced from marine organisms and that might act as new chemotherapeutic candidates or serve as templates for the development of structurally similar derivatives with improved anticancer efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Garcia
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.R.G.); (P.B.A.)
- 1H-TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula B. Andrade
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.R.G.); (P.B.A.)
| | - Florence Lefranc
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Nelson G. M. Gomes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.R.G.); (P.B.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Luo Z, Yin F, Wang X, Kong L. Progress in approved drugs from natural product resources. Chin J Nat Med 2024; 22:195-211. [PMID: 38553188 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(24)60582-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Natural products (NPs) have consistently played a pivotal role in pharmaceutical research, exerting profound impacts on the treatment of human diseases. A significant proportion of approved molecular entity drugs are either directly derived from NPs or indirectly through modifications of NPs. This review presents an overview of NP drugs recently approved in China, the United States, and other countries, spanning various disease categories, including cancers, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, central nervous system disorders, and infectious diseases. The article provides a succinct introduction to the origin, activity, development process, approval details, and mechanism of action of these NP drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Fucheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Lingyi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fang J, Lou S, Zhou X, Lou D, Zhou L, Bian R. Dihydromyricetin reverses capecitabine-induced peripheral myelin dysfunction through modulation of oxidative stress. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2024; 51:e13833. [PMID: 38302079 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Previous clinical reports have shown that capecitabine, an oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu), can induce peripheral neuropathy, resulting in numbness, paresthesia and hypoesthesia. However, the mechanism through which capecitabine causes peripheral nerve injury remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that systemic administration of capecitabine leads to myelin abnormalities in the peripheral nerves of mice, which are possibly attributed to the death of Schwann cells, the myelinating cells in the peripheral nervous system. Furthermore, our results show that 5-Fu induces significant oxidative stress in Schwann cells by inhibiting the expression of the anti-oxidative protein DJ-1, leading to a decrease in Schwann cell markers. We found that the anti-oxidant dihydromyricetin (DMY) reverses 5-Fu-induced Schwann cell death and oxidative stress and alleviates capecitabine-induced myelin abnormalities. Taken together, our data indicate that capecitabine induces peripheral myelin dysfunction by regulating DJ-1-mediated oxidative stress in Schwann cells and reveal DMY as a potential therapeutic strategy for capecitabine-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fang
- Emergency Department, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhoushan, China
| | - Shuyi Lou
- National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team/Coordination Center of China, Beijing, China
| | | | - Dayong Lou
- Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxin, China
| | - Liqin Zhou
- Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxin, China
| | - Rong Bian
- Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxin, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chunarkar-Patil P, Kaleem M, Mishra R, Ray S, Ahmad A, Verma D, Bhayye S, Dubey R, Singh HN, Kumar S. Anticancer Drug Discovery Based on Natural Products: From Computational Approaches to Clinical Studies. Biomedicines 2024; 12:201. [PMID: 38255306 PMCID: PMC10813144 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, malignancies cause one out of six mortalities, which is a serious health problem. Cancer therapy has always been challenging, apart from major advances in immunotherapies, stem cell transplantation, targeted therapies, hormonal therapies, precision medicine, and palliative care, and traditional therapies such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Natural products are integral to the development of innovative anticancer drugs in cancer research, offering the scientific community the possibility of exploring novel natural compounds against cancers. The role of natural products like Vincristine and Vinblastine has been thoroughly implicated in the management of leukemia and Hodgkin's disease. The computational method is the initial key approach in drug discovery, among various approaches. This review investigates the synergy between natural products and computational techniques, and highlights their significance in the drug discovery process. The transition from computational to experimental validation has been highlighted through in vitro and in vivo studies, with examples such as betulinic acid and withaferin A. The path toward therapeutic applications have been demonstrated through clinical studies of compounds such as silvestrol and artemisinin, from preclinical investigations to clinical trials. This article also addresses the challenges and limitations in the development of natural products as potential anti-cancer drugs. Moreover, the integration of deep learning and artificial intelligence with traditional computational drug discovery methods may be useful for enhancing the anticancer potential of natural products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pritee Chunarkar-Patil
- Department of Bioinformatics, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of IT and Biotechnology, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune 411046, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mohammed Kaleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Dadasaheb Balpande, College of Pharmacy, Nagpur 440037, Maharashtra, India;
| | - Richa Mishra
- Department of Computer Engineering, Parul University, Ta. Waghodia, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India;
| | - Subhasree Ray
- Department of Life Science, Sharda School of Basic Sciences and Research, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aftab Ahmad
- Health Information Technology Department, The Applied College, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacovigilance and Medication Safety Unit, Center of Research Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Devvret Verma
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun 248002, Uttarkhand, India;
| | - Sagar Bhayye
- Department of Bioinformatics, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of IT and Biotechnology, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune 411046, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rajni Dubey
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Himanshu Narayan Singh
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Biological and Bio-Computational Lab, Department of Life Science, Sharda School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wei F, Nian Q, Zhao M, Wen Y, Yang Y, Wang J, He Z, Chen X, Yin X, Wang J, Ma X, Chen Y, Feng P, Zeng J. Natural products and mitochondrial allies in colorectal cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115473. [PMID: 37713992 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a globally prevalent malignancy with a high potential for metastasis. Existing cancer treatments have limitations, including drug resistance and adverse effects. Researchers are striving to develop effective therapies to address these challenges. Impressively, contemporary research has discovered that many natural products derived from foods, plants, insects, and marine invertebrates can suppress the progression, metastasis, and invasion of CRC. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive search of the CNKI, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to April 2023 to evaluate the efficacy of natural products targeting mitochondria to fight against CRC. Mitochondria are intracellular energy factories involved in cell differentiation, signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. The identified natural products have been classified and summarized based on their mechanisms of action. These findings indicate that natural products can induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting the mitochondrial respiratory chain, ROS elevation, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, the release of pro-apoptotic factors, modulation of the Bcl-2 protein family to facilitate cytochrome c release, induction of apoptotic vesicle activity by activating the caspase protein family, and selective targeting of mitochondrial division. Furthermore, diverse apoptotic signaling pathways targeting mitochondria, such as the MAPK, p53, STAT3, JNK and AKT pathway, have been triggered by natural products. Natural products such as diosgenin, allopurinol, and clausenidin have demonstrated low toxicity, high efficacy, and multi-targeted properties. Mitochondria-targeting natural products have great potential for overcoming the challenges of CRC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wei
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China; School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Qing Nian
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Maoyuan Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yueqiang Wen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Jundong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Zhelin He
- Endoscopy center, Guang'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guang'an 638000, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Endoscopy center, Guang'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guang'an 638000, China
| | - Xiang Yin
- Endoscopy center, Guang'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guang'an 638000, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Endoscopy center, Guang'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guang'an 638000, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China.
| | - Peimin Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China.
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China; TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China.
| |
Collapse
|