Silibinin Inhibit Cell Migration through Downregulation of RAC1 Gene Expression in Highly Metastatic Breast Cancer Cell Line

Microtubule dynamics in cancer metastasis: Harnessing the underappreciated potential for therapeutic interventions

Microtubules, dynamic cytoskeletal structures crucial for cellular processes, have surfaced as promising targets for cancer therapy owing to their pivotal role in cancer progression and metastasis. This review comprehensively explores the multifaceted landscape of microtubule-targeting drugs and their potential to inihibit cancer metastasis. Although the role of Actin cytoskeleton is well known in controlling metastasis, only recently Microtubules are emerging as a potential controller of metastasis. We delve into the processes at the core of antimetastatic impacts of microtubule-targeting agents, both through direct modulation of microtubules and via alternative pathways. Drawing from in vitro and in vivo studies, we analyze the cytotoxic and antimetastatic doses of various compounds, shedding light on their therapeutic potential. Furthermore, we discuss the emerging class of microtubule targeting drugs, and their role in metastasis inhibition, such as microtubules acetylation inhibitory drugs, particularly histone deacetylase inihibitors and antibody-drug conjugates. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) strengthens the microtubule cytoskeleton through acetylation. Recently, HDAC inhibitors have been discovered to have antimetastatic properties. Here, the role of HDAC inhibitors in stopping metastasis is discussed with respect to microtubule cytoskeleton. Surprisingly, novel antibody conjugates of microtubule-targeting agents, which are in clinical trials, were found to be antimetastatic. This review discusses these antibody conjugates in detail. Additionally, we elucidate the intricate crosstalk between microtubules and other cytoskeletal proteins, unveiling novel therapeutic strategies for metastasis suppression. By providing a wide-ranging overview of the complex interplay between microtubules and cancer metastasis, this review contributes to the comprehension of cancer's biological mechanisms and the development of innovative therapeutic interventions to mitigate metastatic progression.

A review of the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, synthetic biology and comprehensive utilization of Silybum marianum

Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn, a herbaceous plant with a long history in traditional medicine for the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases, particularly in Europe, which has attracted attention for its remarkable therapeutic effect. This review systematically summarizes the research progress in the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, comprehensive utilization and synthetic biology of S. marianum. Up to now, more than 20 types of flavonolignan components have been isolated from S. marianum. In addition, the rearch on fatty acids and triterpenoids is also constantly improving. Among them, silybin is the most active compound in flavonolignans components. Its pharmacological effects in vivo and in vitro include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumour, hypoglycaemic, neuroprotective and immunoregulatory properties. The use of coniferyl alcohol and taxifolin as substrates to produce silybin and isosilybin under the action of enzyme catalysis is the commonly used biosynthetic pathway of silymarin, which provides support for a comprehensive analysis of the synthetic pathway of silymarin. In addition to medicinal use, the extracts of plants also have broad application prospects in the production of food, healthcare products, cosmetics and other aspects. In addition, the chemical composition, pharmacological mechanism and synthetic biology of S. marianum need to be further studied, which is very important for its clinical efficacy and resource development.

Crocin inhibit the metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cell line by suppressing epithelial to mesenchymal transition through WNT/β-catenin signalling pathway

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer has the poorest prognosis and survival rates compared to other breast cancer subtypes due to its invasive behaviours. This type of cancer does not respond to biological therapies and exhibits resistance to available treatment options. Therefore, it is imperative to discover new therapeutics to address this challenge.

Methods

In this study, a TNBC cell line was utilized to investigate the anti-metastatic effect of crocin on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT assay, and the effects of crocin on migration were monitored through transwell and wound healing experiments. The expression of specific epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker genes was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and β-catenin expression was also examined through real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The findings revealed that crocin significantly inhibits cell proliferation and migration of tumour cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, crocin decreased the expression of Vimentin, Snail, Zeb-1, and β-catenin. Additionally, crocin increased the expression of E-cadherin in the MDA-MB-231 cell line.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated an association between crocin and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. In conclusion, this study establishes that crocin holds promise as a potential therapeutic option for triple-negative breast cancer.

Changes in the expression of cancer- and metastasis-related genes and proteins after metformin treatment under different metabolic conditions in endometrial cancer cells

Research question

Hyperinsulinemia and elevated estrogen levels are known risk factors for endometrial cancer (EC) development and are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin resistance, among others. Metformin, an insulin-sensitizing drug, displays anti-tumor effects in cancer patients, including EC, but the mechanism of action is still not completely understood. In the present study, the effects of metformin on gene and protein expression were investigated in pre- and postmenopausal EC in vitro models in order to identify candidates that are potentially involved in the drug's anti-cancer mechanism.

Design

After treating the cells with metformin (0.1 and 1.0 mmol/L), changes in the expression of >160 cancer- and metastasis-related gene transcripts were evaluated with RNA arrays. A total of 19 genes and 7 proteins were selected for a follow-up expression analysis, including further treatment conditions, in order to evaluate the influence of hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia on metformin-induced effects.

Results

Changes in the expression of BCL2L11, CDH1, CDKN1A, COL1A1, PTEN, MMP9 and TIMP2 were analyzed on gene and protein level. The consequences resulting from the detected expression changes as well as the influence of varying environmental influences are discussed in detail. With the presented data, we contribute to a better understanding of the direct anti-cancer activity of metformin as well as its underlying mechanism of action in EC cells.

Conclusions

Although further research will be necessary to confirm the data, the influence of different environmental settings on metformin-induced effects could be highlighted with the presented data. Additionally, gene and protein regulation were not similar in the pre- and postmenopausal in vitro models.

Dietary flavonoid carvacrol triggers the apoptosis of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells via the p53/Bax/Bcl-2 axis

Recently, numerous studies have shown that natural compounds such as carvacrol can be used as therapeutic agents for medicinal purposes. Although carvacrol was found to suppress breast cancer cell lines, however, whether the therapeutic effect of carvacrol on breast cancer is caused by increasing the expression of pro-apoptotic genes in the MCF-7 cell line has not been studied. In this research, we investigate the effect of carvacrol on the expression of P53, pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic BCL-2 genes in MCF-7 cells. After preparation and cultivation of MCF-7 cells, the IC50 value of carvacrol on the cells was evaluated by MTT assay, and then apoptosis induction was observed in the cell line treated with different concentrations of carvacrol by DAPI staining. To assess the expression level of Bax, P53 and Bcl-2 both in genes and protein levels QPCR method and western blot analysis were used. According to the results of the research, it was determined that the IC50 of carvacrol compound in MCF-7 cells is 305 µM. DAPI staining exhibit apoptosis and morphological changes in treated MCF-7 cells. Real-time PCR assay and western blot showed increasing the Bax and P53 expression and decreasing the expression of the Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic gene and protein. These results showed that carvacrol has cell growth inhibition effects on the MCF-7 cancer cell line. Carvacrol-induced p53-dependent apoptosis, which might be related to the Bax/Bcl-2 associated pathway. These results indicated that carvacrol could be considered suitable for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Carvacrol Enhance Apoptotic Effect of 5-FU on MCF-7 Cell Line via inhibiting P-glycoprotein: An In-silco and In-vitro Study

BACKGROUND

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), is an ATP-dependent efflux transporter and overexpressed in cancer cells which is responsible for drug resistance and transportation of anticancer agents out of cells. Hence, P-gp inhibition is a promising way to reverse multi-drug resistance, finding a suitable inhibitor is essential. Carvacrol, an active compound of thyme, has been shown anticancer properties in several types of cancers but the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of carvacrol on P-gp by In-silco and in-vitro studies.

METHOD

carvacrol was docked against P-gp via autodock vina software to identify the potential binding of this agent. Verapamil, a well-known P-gp inhibitor, was selected as the control ligands. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using MTT assay and ELISA cell death assay, respectively.

RESULTS

It was observed that carvacrol exhibited appropriate affinity (-7 kcal/mol) to drug binding pocket of P-gp when compared with verapamil that showed binding affinities of -8 kcal/mol. The result of MTT assay showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect of carvacrol and 5-FU. Data of apoptosis assay showed that combining carvacrol with 5-FU increased apoptotic effect of 5-FU 6.7-Fold rather than the control group. This ability to enhance apoptosis is more than the combination of verapamil and 5-FU (4.26-Fold).

CONCLUSION

These results provide important evidence that carvacrol may be a promising agent able to overcome P-gp-mediated MDR.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Herbal Compounds Quercetin and Curcumin on Cellular and Molecular Functions of Bovine-Milk-Isolated Neutrophils toward Streptococcus agalactiae Infection

Herbal phytochemicals featuring active ingredients including quercetin and curcumin have shown potential in treating human and animal diseases. The current study investigated their potential function in vitro for host immunomodulation associated with Streptococcus agalactiae subclinical bovine mastitis via milk-isolated neutrophils. Our results showed a positive influence on cellular migration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, phagocytosis, and bacterial killing as well as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) release. This study also highlighted several important molecular aspects of quercetin and curcumin in milk-isolated neutrophils. Gene expression analyses by RT-PCR revealed significant changes in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL1B, IL6, and TNF), ROS (CYBA), phagocytosis (LAMP1), and migration (RAC). The expression levels of apoptotic genes or proteins in either pro-apoptosis (CASP3 and FAS) or anti-apoptosis (BCL2, BCL2L1, and CFLAR) were significantly manipulated by the effects of either quercetin or curcumin. A principal component analysis (PCA) identified the superior benefit of quercetin supplementation for increasing both cellular and molecular functions in combating bacterial mastitis. Altogether, this study showed the existing and potential benefits of these test compounds; however, they should be explored further via in vivo studies.