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Wu Y, Zhang G, Yin P, Wen J, Su Y, Zhang X. Brusatol improves the efficacy of an anti-mouse-PD-1 antibody via inhibiting programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 expression in a murine head and neck squamous cell carcinoma model. Arch Oral Biol 2024; 166:106043. [PMID: 38968906 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.106043] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Combing PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors with natural products has exhibited better efficacy than monotherapy. Hence, the purpose of this research was to examine the anti-cancer effects of brusatol, a natural quassinoid-terpenoid derived from Brucea javanica, when used in conjunction with an anti-mouse-PD-1 antibody in a murine head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) model and elucidate underlying mechanisms. DESIGN A murine HNSCC model and an SCC-15 cell xenograft nude mouse model were established to investigate the anti-cancer effects of brusatol and anti-PD-1 antibody. Mechanistic studies were performed using immunohistochemistry. Cell proliferation, migration, colony formation, and invasion were evaluated by MTT, migration, colony formation, and transwell invasion assays. PD-L1 levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells were assessed through qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and western blotting assays. The impact of brusatol on Jurkat T cell function was assessed by an OSCC/Jurkat co-culture assay. RESULTS Brusatol improved tumor suppression by anti-PD-1 antibody in HNSCC mouse models. Mechanistic studies revealed brusatol inhibited tumor cell growth and angiogenesis, induced apoptosis, increased T lymphocyte infiltration, and reduced PD-L1 expression in tumors. Furthermore, in vitro assays confirmed brusatol inhibited PD-L1 expression in OSCC cells and suppressed cell migration, colony formation, and invasion. Co-culture assays indicated that brusatol's PD-L1 inhibition enhanced Jurkat T cell-mediated OSCC cell death and reversed the inhibitory effect induced by OSCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Brusatol improves anti-PD-1 antibody efficacy by targeting PD-L1, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant in anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Wu
- Beijing Institute of Dental Research, Beijing Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, No.4 Tiantanxili, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guilian Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Dental Research, Beijing Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, No.4 Tiantanxili, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China; Department of Stomatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Panpan Yin
- Beijing Institute of Dental Research, Beijing Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, No.4 Tiantanxili, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jinlin Wen
- Beijing Institute of Dental Research, Beijing Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, No.4 Tiantanxili, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ying Su
- Beijing Institute of Dental Research, Beijing Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, No.4 Tiantanxili, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xinyan Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Dental Research, Beijing Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, No.4 Tiantanxili, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China.
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Shen Y, Zhang T, Jia X, Xi F, Jing W, Wang Y, Huang M, Na R, Xu L, Ji W, Qiao Y, Zhang X, Sun W, Li S, Wu J. MEF2A, a gene associated with mitochondrial biogenesis, promotes drug resistance in gastric cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1871:167497. [PMID: 39237047 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167497] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic resistance is a major obstacle to the effectiveness of cisplatin-based chemotherapy for gastric cancer (GC), leading to treatment failure and poor survival rates. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Our study demonstrated that the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A) plays a role in chemotherapeutic drug resistance by regulating the transcription of PGC1α and KEAP1, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. It was found that increased MEF2A expression is linked with poor prognosis, cisplatin insensitivity, and mitochondrial function in GC. MEF2A overexpression significantly decreases GC cell sensitivity in vitro and in vivo, while MEF2A knockdown enhances the sensitivity to cisplatin. Mechanistically, MEF2A activates the transcription of PGC1α, leading to increased mitochondrial biogenesis. In addition, MEF2A inhibits KEAP1 transcription, reduces NRF2 ubiquitination degradation, and activates the KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathway, which modulates the reactive oxygen species level. The present study identifies MEF2A as a new critical oncogene involved in GC chemoresistance, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Shen
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Xueyuan Jia
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Fei Xi
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Wanting Jing
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yusi Wang
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Min Huang
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Ruisi Na
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Lidan Xu
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Ji
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yuandong Qiao
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Xuelong Zhang
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Wenjing Sun
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Shuijie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Jie Wu
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China; Future Medical Laboratory, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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3
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Lv B, Xing S, Wang Z, Zhang A, Wang Q, Bian Y, Pei Y, Sun H, Chen Y. NRF2 inhibitors: Recent progress, future design and therapeutic potential. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 279:116822. [PMID: 39241669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116822] [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: 08/05/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a crucial transcription factor involved in oxidative stress response, which controls the expression of various cytoprotective genes. Recent research has indicated that constitutively activated NRF2 can enhance patients' resistance to chemotherapy drugs, resulting in unfavorable prognosis. Therefore, the development of NRF2 inhibitors has emerged as a promising approach for overcoming drug resistance in cancer treatment. However, there are limited reports and reviews focusing on NRF2 inhibitors. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the structure and regulation of the NRF2 signaling pathway, followed by a comprehensive review of reported NRF2 inhibitors. Moreover, the current design strategies and future prospects of NRF2 inhibitors will be discussed, aiming to establish a foundation for the development of more effective NRF2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuaishuai Xing
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Ao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinjie Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaoyao Bian
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Center of TCM External Medication Researching and Industrializing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqiong Pei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang J, Wu YL, Xu HX, Zhang YB, Ren PY, Xian YF, Lin ZX. Brusatol alleviates pancreatic carcinogenesis via targeting NLRP3 in transgenic Kras tm4Tyj Trp53 tm1Brn Tg (Pdx1-cre/Esr1*) #Dam mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116977. [PMID: 38901203 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116977] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PanCa), ranked as the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, exhibits an dismal 5-year survival rate of less than 5 %. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a known major risk factor for PanCa. Brusatol (BRT) possesses a wide range of biological functions, including the inhibition of PanCa proliferation. However, its efficacy in halting the progression from CP to pancreatic carcinogenesis remains unexplored. METHODS We assess the effects of BRT against pancreatic carcinogenesis from CP using an experimentally induced CP model with cerulein, and further evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BRT on PanCa by employing Krastm4TyjTrp53tm1BrnTg (Pdx1-cre/Esr1*) #Dam/J (KPC) mouse model. RESULTS Our finding demonstrated that BRT mitigated the severity of cerulein-induced pancreatitis, reduced pancreatic fibrosis and decreased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), which is a biomarker for pancreatic fibrosis. In addition, BRT exerted effects against cerulein-induced pancreatitis via inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Moreover, BRT significantly inhibited tumor growth and impeded cancer progression. CONCLUSIONS The observed effect of BRT on impeding pancreatic carcinogenesis through targeting NLRP3 inflammasome suggests its good potential as a potential agent for treatment of PanCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518087, PR China.
| | - Yu-Lin Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - Hong-Xi Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Shuguang Hosipital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Yi-Bo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Pei-Yao Ren
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518087, PR China.
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518087, PR China; Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
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Ramisetti SV, Patra T, Munirathnam V, Sainath JV, Veeraiyan D, Namani A. NRF2 Signaling Pathway in Chemo/Radio/Immuno-Therapy Resistance of Lung Cancer: Looking Beyond the Tip of the Iceberg. Arch Bronconeumol 2024:S0300-2896(24)00267-9. [PMID: 39060123 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2024.06.021] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in men and women worldwide. Various combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy are currently used to treat lung cancer. However, the prognosis remains relatively poor due to the higher frequency of tumor mutational burden (TMB). Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2/NRF2) is often considered a primary regulator of the expression of antioxidant enzymes and detoxification proteins and is involved in cytoprotection. On the contrary, NRF2 is even known to induce metastasis and support tumor progression. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) plays an important role in negatively regulating NRF2 activity via CUL3-mediated ubiquitinylation and successive proteasomal degradation. Extensive research has shown that the genetic alterations of KEAP1/NFE2L2/CUL3 genes lead to increased expression of NRF2 and its target genes in lung cancer. Thus, these studies provide ample evidence for the dual role of NRF2 in lung cancer. In this review, we discussed the mechanistic insights into the role of NRF2 signaling in therapy resistance by focusing on cell lines, mouse models, and translational studies in lung cancer. Finally, we highlighted the potential therapeutic strategies targeting NRF2 inhibition, followed by the discussion of biomarkers related to NRF2 activity in lung cancer. Overall, our article exclusively discusses in detail the NRF2 signaling pathway in resistance to therapy, especially immunotherapy, and its therapeutic avenue in the treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Vidya Ramisetti
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam 530045, India
| | - Tapas Patra
- Department of Molecular Research, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Sri Shankara National Centre for Cancer Prevention and Research, Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation, Bangalore 560004, India
| | - Vinayak Munirathnam
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore 560004, India
| | - Jyothi Venkat Sainath
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore 560004, India
| | - Durgadevi Veeraiyan
- Department of Molecular Research, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Sri Shankara National Centre for Cancer Prevention and Research, Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation, Bangalore 560004, India
| | - Akhileshwar Namani
- Department of Molecular Research, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Sri Shankara National Centre for Cancer Prevention and Research, Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation, Bangalore 560004, India.
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6
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Weng J, Wang L, Wang K, Su H, Luo D, Yang H, Wen Y, Wu Q, Li X. Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Inhibited Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in H 2O 2-Induced BMSC Death via Modulating the Nrf-2 Signaling Pathway: the Therapeutic Implications in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:3753-3768. [PMID: 38015303 PMCID: PMC11236931 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03754-5] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a prevalent and significant injury to the central nervous system, resulting in severe consequences. This injury is characterized by motor, sensory, and excretory dysfunctions below the affected spinal segment. Transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has emerged as a potential treatment for SCI. However, the low survival as well as the differentiation rates of BMSCs within the spinal cord microenvironment significantly limit their therapeutic efficiency. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an active ingredient found in bear bile, has demonstrated its neuroprotective, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects on SCI. Thus, the present study was aimed to study the possible benefits of combining TUDCA with BMSC transplantation using an animal model of SCI. The results showed that TUDCA significantly enhanced BMSC viability and reduced apoptosis (assessed by Annexin V-FITC, TUNEL, Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3) as well as oxidative stress (assessed by ROS, GSH, SOD, and MDA) both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, TUDCA accelerated tissue regeneration (assessed by HE, Nissl, MAP2, MBP, TUJ1, and GFAP) and improved functional recovery (assessed by BBB score) following BMSC transplantation in SCI. These effects were mediated via the Nrf-2 signaling pathway, as evidenced by the upregulation of Nrf-2, NQO-1, and HO-1 expression levels. Overall, these results indicate that TUDCA could serve as a valuable adjunct to BMSC transplantation therapy for SCI, potentially enhancing its therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxian Weng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Haitao Su
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery,, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery,, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Haimei Yang
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Yaqian Wen
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Qiduan Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Xing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery,, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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Rai A, Patwardhan RS, Jayakumar S, Pachpatil P, Das D, Panigrahi GC, Gota V, Patwardhan S, Sandur SK. Clobetasol propionate, a Nrf-2 inhibitor, sensitizes human lung cancer cells to radiation-induced killing via mitochondrial ROS-dependent ferroptosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1506-1519. [PMID: 38480835 PMCID: PMC11192725 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01233-8] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Combining radiotherapy with Nrf-2 inhibitor holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for radioresistant lung cancer. Here, the radiosensitizing efficacy of a synthetic glucocorticoid clobetasol propionate (CP) in A549 human lung cancer cells was evaluated. CP exhibited potent radiosensitization in lung cancer cells via inhibition of Nrf-2 pathway, leading to elevation of oxidative stress. Transcriptomic studies revealed significant modulation of pathways related to ferroptosis, fatty acid and glutathione metabolism. Consistent with these findings, CP treatment followed by radiation exposure showed characteristic features of ferroptosis in terms of mitochondrial swelling, rupture and loss of cristae. Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death triggered by iron-dependent ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation. In combination with radiation, CP showed enhanced iron release, mitochondrial ROS, and lipid peroxidation, indicating ferroptosis induction. Further, iron chelation, inhibition of lipid peroxidation or scavenging mitochondrial ROS prevented CP-mediated radiosensitization. Nrf-2 negatively regulates ferroptosis through upregulation of antioxidant defense and iron homeostasis. Interestingly, Nrf-2 overexpressing A549 cells were refractory to CP-mediated ferroptosis induction and radiosensitization. Thus, this study identified anti-psoriatic drug clobetasol propionate can be repurposed as a promising radiosensitizer for Keap-1 mutant lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archita Rai
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Raghavendra S Patwardhan
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Sundarraj Jayakumar
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Pradnya Pachpatil
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Bio Organic Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Dhruv Das
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Applied Genomics Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Girish Ch Panigrahi
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Vikram Gota
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Sejal Patwardhan
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Advanced Centre for Treatment Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Santosh K Sandur
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India.
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Hegde S, Giotti B, Soong BY, Halasz L, Berichel JL, Magen A, Kloeckner B, Mattiuz R, Park MD, Marks A, Belabed M, Hamon P, Chin T, Troncoso L, Lee JJ, Ahimovic D, Bale M, Chung G, D'souza D, Angeliadis K, Dawson T, Kim-Schulze S, Flores RM, Kaufman AJ, Ginhoux F, Josefowicz SZ, Ma S, Tsankov AM, Marron TU, Brown BD, Merad M. Myeloid progenitor dysregulation fuels immunosuppressive macrophages in tumors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.24.600383. [PMID: 38979166 PMCID: PMC11230224 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.24.600383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Monocyte-derived macrophages (mo-macs) drive immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor-enhanced myelopoiesis in the bone marrow (BM) fuels these populations. Here, we performed paired transcriptome and chromatin analysis over the continuum of BM myeloid progenitors, circulating monocytes, and tumor-infiltrating mo-macs in mice and in patients with lung cancer to identify myeloid progenitor programs that fuel pro-tumorigenic mo-macs. Analyzing chromatin accessibility and histone mark changes, we show that lung tumors prime accessibility for Nfe2l2 (NRF2) in BM myeloid progenitors as a cytoprotective response to oxidative stress. NRF2 activity is sustained and increased during monocyte differentiation into mo-macs in the lung TME to regulate oxidative stress, in turn promoting metabolic adaptation, resistance to cell death, and contributing to immunosuppressive phenotype. NRF2 genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition significantly reduced mo-macs' survival and immunosuppression in the TME, enabling NK and T cell therapeutic antitumor immunity and synergizing with checkpoint blockade strategies. Altogether, our study identifies a targetable epigenetic node of myeloid progenitor dysregulation that sustains immunoregulatory mo-macs in the TME.
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Wu ZH, Zhang HF, Li JY, Diao YR, Huang MJ, Gao DY, Liang CH, Luo ZQ. Effectiveness and safety of brucea javanica oil assisted TACE versus TACE in the treatment of liver cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1337179. [PMID: 38974037 PMCID: PMC11224762 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1337179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The effectiveness and safety of using Brucea javanica oil (BJO) in combination with Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for liver cancer treatment are subjects of debate. This study aims to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of BJO-assisted TACE versus TACE alone and quantifies the differences between these two treatment methods. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in multiple databases including PubMed, Cochrane, CNKI, and Wanfang, until 1 July 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted, and the results were presented as mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The search yielded 11 RCTs, with a combined sample size of 1054 patients. Meta-analysis revealed that BJO-assisted TACE exhibited superior outcomes compared to standalone TACE. Specific data revealed that BJO-assisted TACE improves clinical benefit rate by 22% [RR = 1.22, 95% CI (1.15, 1.30)], increases the number of people with improved quality of life by 32%, resulting in an average score improvement of 9.53 points [RR = 1.32, 95% CI (1.22, 1.43); MD = 9.53, 95% CI (6.95, 12.10)]. Furthermore, AFP improvement rate improved significantly by approximately 134% [RR = 2.34, 95% CI (1.58, 3.46)], accompanied by notable improvements in liver function indicators, with an average reduction of 27.19 U/L in AST [MD = -27.19, 95% CI (-40.36, -14.02)], 20.77 U/L in ALT [MD = -20.77, 95% CI (-39.46, -2.08)], 12.17 μmol/L in TBIL [MD = -12.17, 95% CI (-19.38, -4.97)], and a decrease of 43.72 pg/mL in VEGF [MD = -43.72, 95% CI (-63.29, -24.15)]. Most importantly, there was a 29% reduction in the occurrence of adverse reactions [RR = 0.71, 95% CI (0.60, 0.84)]. Conclusion: These findings indicate that BJO-assisted TACE may be considered as a potentially beneficial treatment option for liver cancer patients when compared to standalone TACE. It appears to contribute to improved treatment outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and potentially reduced adverse reactions, suggesting it warrants further investigation as a promising approach for liver cancer treatment. Systematic Review Registration: identifier CRD42023428948.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hai Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Feng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun-Yan Li
- School of Information Technology, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Yi-Rui Diao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Man-Jing Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Yang Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chang-Hao Liang
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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10
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Miao J, Chen S, Cao H, Ding Z, Li Y, Wang W, Nundlall K, Deng Y, Li J. Bruceantinol targeting STAT3 exerts promising antitumor effects in in vitro and in vivo osteosarcoma models. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1133-1145. [PMID: 38426797 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23714] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Bruceantinol (BOL) is a quassinoid compound found in the fruits of Brucea javanica. Previous research has highlighted the manifold physiological and pharmacological activities of BOL. Notably, BOL has demonstrated antitumor cytotoxic and antibacterial effects, lending support to its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for various diseases. Despite being recognized as a potent antitumor inhibitor in multiple cancer types, its efficacy against osteosarcoma (OS) has not been elucidated. In this work, we investigated the antitumor properties of BOL against OS. Our findings showed that BOL significantly decreased the proliferation and migration of OS cells, induced apoptosis, and caused cell death without affecting the cell cycle. We further confirmed that BOL potently suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanismly, we discovered that BOL directly bound to STAT3, and prevent the activation of STAT3 signaling at low nanomolar concentrations. Overall, our study demonstrated that BOL potently inhibited the growth and metastasis of OS, and efficiently suppressed STAT3 signaling pathway. These results suggest that BOL could be a promising therapeutic candidate for OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglei Miao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Shijie Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Hongqing Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyu Ding
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Yuezhan Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Weiguo Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Keshav Nundlall
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Youwen Deng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Jinsong Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
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11
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Jebanesan DZP, Illangeswaran RSS, Rajamani BM, Vidhyadharan RT, Das S, Bijukumar NK, Balakrishnan B, Mathews V, Velayudhan SR, Balasubramanian P. Inhibition of NRF2 signaling overcomes acquired resistance to arsenic trioxide in FLT3-mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1919-1929. [PMID: 38630133 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05742-8] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
De novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplications (FLT3-ITD) have worse treatment outcomes. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has been reported to be effective in degrading the FLT3 protein in AML cell lines and sensitizing non-APL AML patient samples in-vitro. We have previously reported that primary cells from FLT3-ITD mutated AML patients were sensitive to ATO in-vitro compared to other non-M3 AML and molecular/pharmacological inhibition of NF-E2 related factor 2 (NRF2), a master regulator of antioxidant response improved the chemosensitivity to ATO and daunorubicin even in non FLT3-ITD mutated cell lines and primary samples. We examined the effects of molecular/pharmacological suppression of NRF2 on acquired ATO resistance in the FLT3-ITD mutant AML cell line (MV4-11-ATO-R). ATO-R cells showed increased NRF2 expression, nuclear localization, and upregulation of bonafide NRF2 targets. Molecular inhibition of NRF2 in this resistant cell line improved ATO sensitivity in vitro. Digoxin treatment lowered p-AKT expression, abrogating nuclear NRF2 localization and sensitizing cells to ATO. However, digoxin and ATO did not sensitize non-ITD AML cell line THP1 with high NRF2 expression. Digoxin decreased leukemic burden and prolonged survival in MV4-11 ATO-R xenograft mice. We establish that altering NRF2 expression may reverse acquired ATO resistance in FLT3-ITD AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Zechariah Paul Jebanesan
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | | | - Bharathi M Rajamani
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
| | | | - Saswati Das
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
| | - Nayanthara K Bijukumar
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
| | - Balaji Balakrishnan
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Vikram Mathews
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
| | - Shaji R Velayudhan
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India
- Adjunct Scientist, Centre for Stem Cell Research, A Unit of InStem Bengaluru, CMC Campus, Vellore, India
| | - Poonkuzhali Balasubramanian
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College Vellore-Ranipet Campus, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632517, India.
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12
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Li K, Fan C, Chen J, Xu X, Lu C, Shao H, Xi Y. Role of oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis in cancer therapy. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18399. [PMID: 38757920 PMCID: PMC11100387 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18399] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a distinct mode of cell death, distinguishing itself from typical apoptosis by its reliance on the accumulation of iron ions and lipid peroxides. Cells manifest an imbalance between oxidative stress and antioxidant equilibrium during certain pathological contexts, such as tumours, resulting in oxidative stress. Notably, recent investigations propose that heightened intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to oxidative stress can heighten cellular susceptibility to ferroptosis inducers or expedite the onset of ferroptosis. Consequently, comprehending role of ROS in the initiation of ferroptosis has significance in elucidating disorders related to oxidative stress. Moreover, an exhaustive exploration into the mechanism and control of ferroptosis might offer novel targets for addressing specific tumour types. Within this context, our review delves into recent fundamental pathways and the molecular foundation of ferroptosis. Four classical ferroptotic molecular pathways are well characterized, namely, glutathione peroxidase 4-centred molecular pathway, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 molecular pathway, mitochondrial molecular pathway, and mTOR-dependent autophagy pathway. Furthermore, we seek to elucidate the regulatory contributions enacted by ROS. Additionally, we provide an overview of targeted medications targeting four molecular pathways implicated in ferroptosis and their potential clinical applications. Here, we review the role of ROS and oxidative stress in ferroptosis, and we discuss opportunities to use ferroptosis as a new strategy for cancer therapy and point out the current challenges persisting within the domain of ROS-regulated anticancer drug research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keqing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science CenterNingbo UniversityNingboChina
| | - Chengjiang Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science CenterNingbo UniversityNingboChina
| | - Jianing Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science CenterNingbo UniversityNingboChina
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science CenterNingbo UniversityNingboChina
| | - Chuwei Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science CenterNingbo UniversityNingboChina
| | - Hanjie Shao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science CenterNingbo UniversityNingboChina
| | - Yang Xi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science CenterNingbo UniversityNingboChina
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13
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Gu S, Wu S, Lin Z, Han Z, Mo K, Huang H, Li M, Li G, Ouyang H, Wang L. Screening and evaluation of antioxidants for retinal pigment epithelial cell protection: L-ergothioneine as a novel therapeutic candidate through NRF2 activation. Exp Eye Res 2024; 242:109862. [PMID: 38490292 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109862] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The continual exposure of retinal tissues to oxidative stress leads to discernible anatomical and physiological alterations. Specifically, the onslaught of oxidative damage escalates the irreversible death of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells, pinpointed as the fundamental pathological event in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There is a conspicuous lack of effective therapeutic strategies to counteract this degenerative process. This study screened a library of antioxidants for their ability to protect RPE cells against oxidative stress and identified L-ergothioneine (EGT) as a potent cytoprotective agent. L-ergothioneine provided efficient protection against oxidative stress-damaged RPE and maintained cell redox homeostasis and normal physiological functions. It maintained the normal structure of the retina in mice under oxidative stress conditions. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that EGT counteracted major gene expression changes induced by oxidative stress. It upregulated antioxidant gene expression and inhibited NRF2 translocation. The inhibition of NRF2 abolished EGT's protective effects, suggesting that NRF2 activation contributes to its mechanism of action. In conclusion, we identified EGT as a safe and effective small-molecule compound that is expected to be a novel antioxidative agent for treating AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Siqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zesong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhuo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Kunlun Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Huaxing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Mingsen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Gen Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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14
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Li X, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Li N, Zhang S, Lv K, Jia R, Wei T, Li X, Han C, Lin J. KLF4 suppresses anticancer effects of brusatol via transcriptional upregulating NCK2 expression in melanoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116197. [PMID: 38583810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116197] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Brusatol (Bru), a main extract from traditional Chinese medicine Brucea javanica, has been reported to exist antitumor effect in many tumors including melanoma. However, the underlying mechanism in its anti-melanoma effect still need further exploration. Here, we reported that the protein expression of KLF4 in melanoma cells were significantly downregulated in response to brusatol treatment. Overexpression of KLF4 suppressed brusatol-induced melanoma cell apoptosis; while knockdown of KLF4 enhanced antitumor effects of brusatol on melanoma cells not only in vitro but also in vivo. Further studies on the mechanism revealed that KLF4 bound to the promoter of NCK2 directly and facilitated NCK2 transcription, which suppressed the antitumor effect of brusatol on melanoma. Furthermore, our findings showed that miR-150-3p was dramatically upregulated under brusatol treatment which resulted in the downregulation of KLF4. Our results suggested that the miR-150-3p/KLF4/NCK2 axis might play an important role in the antitumour effects of brusatol in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, PR China; Institute of Cancer Stem Cell of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, PR China
| | - Yuankuan Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, PR China
| | - Na Li
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Drug-Research and Development (R&D) of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, PR China
| | - Shumeng Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, PR China
| | - Kejia Lv
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, PR China
| | - Renchuan Jia
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, PR China
| | - Tianfu Wei
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, PR China
| | - Xiaojie Li
- College of Stomatology Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, PR China.
| | - Chuanchun Han
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, PR China.
| | - Jingrong Lin
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, PR China.
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15
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Chen YY, Wang M, Zuo CY, Mao MX, Peng XC, Cai J. Nrf-2 as a novel target in radiation induced lung injury. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29492. [PMID: 38665580 PMCID: PMC11043957 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common and fatal complication of chest radiotherapy. The underlying mechanisms include radiation-induced oxidative stress caused by damage to the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in apoptosis of lung and endothelial cells and recruitment of inflammatory cells and myofibroblasts expressing NADPH oxidase to the site of injury, which in turn contribute to oxidative stress and cytokine production. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) is a vital transcription factor that regulates oxidative stress and inhibits inflammation. Studies have shown that Nrf-2 protects against radiation-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis. This review discusses the protective role of Nrf-2 in RILI and its possible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Chen
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China
| | - Chen-Yang Zuo
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China
| | - Meng-Xia Mao
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China
| | - Xiao-Chun Peng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China
| | - Jun Cai
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434023, PR China
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16
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Peggion S, Najem S, Kolman JP, Reinshagen K, Pagerols Raluy L. Revisiting Neuroblastoma: Nrf2, NF-κB and Phox2B as a Promising Network in Neuroblastoma. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3193-3208. [PMID: 38666930 PMCID: PMC11048850 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040200] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid extracranial tumor during childhood; it displays extraordinary heterogeneous clinical courses, from spontaneous regression to poor outcome in high-risk patients due to aggressive growth, metastasizing, and treatment resistance. Therefore, the identification and detailed analysis of promising tumorigenic molecular mechanisms are inevitable. This review highlights the abnormal regulation of NF-κB, Nrf2, and Phox2B as well as their interactions among each other in neuroblastoma. NF-κB and Nrf2 play a key role in antioxidant responses, anti-inflammatory regulation and tumor chemoresistance. Recent studies revealed a regulation of NF-κB by means of the Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) system. On the other hand, Phox2B contributes to the differentiation of immature sympathetic nervous system stem cells: this transcription factor regulates the expression of RET, thereby facilitating cell survival and proliferation. As observed in other tumors, we presume striking interactions between NF-κB, Nrf2, and Phox2B, which might constitute an important crosstalk triangle, whose decompensation may trigger a more aggressive phenotype. Consequently, these transcription factors could be a promising target for novel therapeutic approaches and hence, further investigation on their regulation in neuroblastoma shall be reinforced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Laia Pagerols Raluy
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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17
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Chen F, Xiao M, Hu S, Wang M. Keap1-Nrf2 pathway: a key mechanism in the occurrence and development of cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1381467. [PMID: 38634043 PMCID: PMC11021590 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1381467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway is a major regulator of the cytoprotective response, participating in endogenous and exogenous stress caused by ROS (reactive oxygen species). Nrf2 is the core of this pathway. We summarized the literature on Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and summarized the following three aspects: structure, function pathway, and cancer and clinical application status. This signaling pathway is similar to a double-edged sword: on the one hand, Nrf2 activity can protect cells from oxidative and electrophilic stress; on the other hand, increasing Nrf2 activity can enhance the survival and proliferation of cancer cells. Notably, oxidative stress is also considered a marker of cancer in humans. Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, as a typical antioxidant stress pathway, is abnormal in a variety of human malignant tumor diseases (such as lung cancer, liver cancer, and thyroid cancer). In recent years, research on the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway has become increasingly in-depth and detailed. Therefore, it is of great significance for cancer prevention and treatment to explore the molecular mechanism of the occurrence and development of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feilong Chen
- Sports Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Expert Centre of Sichuan Province, Institute of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mei Xiao
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shaofan Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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18
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Kowalik MA, Taguchi K, Serra M, Caddeo A, Puliga E, Bacci M, Koshiba S, Inoue J, Hishinuma E, Morandi A, Giordano S, Perra A, Yamamoto M, Columbano A. Metabolic reprogramming in Nrf2-driven proliferation of normal rat hepatocytes. Hepatology 2024; 79:829-843. [PMID: 37603610 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cancer cells reprogram their metabolic pathways to support bioenergetic and biosynthetic needs and to maintain their redox balance. In several human tumors, the Keap1-Nrf2 system controls proliferation and metabolic reprogramming by regulating the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). However, whether this metabolic reprogramming also occurs in normal proliferating cells is unclear. APPROACH AND RESULTS To define the metabolic phenotype in normal proliferating hepatocytes, we induced cell proliferation in the liver by 3 distinct stimuli: liver regeneration by partial hepatectomy and hepatic hyperplasia induced by 2 direct mitogens: lead nitrate (LN) or triiodothyronine. Following LN treatment, well-established features of cancer metabolic reprogramming, including enhanced glycolysis, oxidative PPP, nucleic acid synthesis, NAD + /NADH synthesis, and altered amino acid content, as well as downregulated oxidative phosphorylation, occurred in normal proliferating hepatocytes displaying Nrf2 activation. Genetic deletion of Nrf2 blunted LN-induced PPP activation and suppressed hepatocyte proliferation. Moreover, Nrf2 activation and following metabolic reprogramming did not occur when hepatocyte proliferation was induced by partial hepatectomy or triiodothyronine. CONCLUSIONS Many metabolic changes in cancer cells are shared by proliferating normal hepatocytes in response to a hostile environment. Nrf2 activation is essential for bridging metabolic changes with crucial components of cancer metabolic reprogramming, including the activation of oxidative PPP. Our study demonstrates that matured hepatocytes exposed to LN undergo cancer-like metabolic reprogramming and offers a rapid and useful in vivo model to study the molecular alterations underpinning the differences/similarities of metabolic changes in normal and neoplastic hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta A Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Keiko Taguchi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Marina Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Caddeo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Puliga
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Marina Bacci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Seizo Koshiba
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Jin Inoue
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Eiji Hishinuma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Andrea Morandi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Wang J, Xu J, Yang S, He L, Xu W, Liu Y, Cao B, Yu S. SN-38, an active metabolite of irinotecan, inhibits transcription of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and enhances drug sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:742-756. [PMID: 38270247 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23685] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) significantly contributes to drug resistance of cancer cells, and Nrf2 inhibitors have been vigorously pursued. Repurposing of existing drugs, especially anticancer drugs, is a straightforward and promising strategy to find clinically available Nrf2 inhibitors and effective drug combinations. Topoisomerase inhibitors SN-38 (an active metabolite of irinotecan), topotecan, mitoxantrone, and epirubicin were found to significantly suppress Nrf2 transcriptional activity in cancer cells. SN-38, the most potent one among them, significantly inhibited the transcription of Nrf2, as indicated by decreased mRNA level and binding of RNA polymerase II to NFE2L2 gene, while no impact on Nrf2 protein or mRNA degradation was observed. SN-38 synergized with Nrf2-sensitive anticancer drugs such as mitomycin C in killing colorectal cancer cells, and irinotecan and mitomycin C synergistically inhibited the growth of SW480 xenografts in nude mice. Our study identified SN-38 and three other topoisomerase inhibitors as Nrf2 inhibitors, revealed the Nrf2-inhibitory mechanism of SN-38, and indicate that clinically feasible drug combinations could be designed based on their interactions with Nrf2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingya Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Compatibility Toxicology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jiangli Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shuhui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Compatibility Toxicology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Liu He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wenhuai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Compatibility Toxicology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yan'e Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiation Sickness, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Baoshan Cao
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiation Sickness, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Siwang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Compatibility Toxicology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
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20
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Gong Z, Xue L, Li H, Fan S, van Hasselt CA, Li D, Zeng X, Tong MCF, Chen GG. Targeting Nrf2 to treat thyroid cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116324. [PMID: 38422655 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116324] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) is recognized as a contributing factor in the development and progression of thyroid cancer. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a pivotal transcription factor involved in against OS generated by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). It governs the expression of a wide array of genes implicated in detoxification and antioxidant pathways. However, studies have demonstrated that the sustained activation of Nrf2 can contribute to tumor progression and drug resistance in cancers. The expression of Nrf2 was notably elevated in papillary thyroid cancer tissues compared to normal tissues, indicating that Nrf2 may play an oncogenic role in the development of papillary thyroid cancer. Nrf2 and its downstream targets are involved in the progression of thyroid cancer by impacting the prognosis and ferroptosis. Furthermore, the inhibition of Nrf2 can increase the sensitivity of target therapy in thyroid cancer. Therefore, Nrf2 appears to be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of thyroid cancer. This review summarized current data on Nrf2 expression in thyroid cancer, discussed the function of Nrf2 in thyroid cancer, and analyzed various strategies to inhibit Nrf2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqin Gong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Lingbin Xue
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of ENT, Institute of ENT & Longgang ENT Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huangcan Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Simiao Fan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Charles Andrew van Hasselt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Dongcai Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of ENT, Institute of ENT & Longgang ENT Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xianhai Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of ENT, Institute of ENT & Longgang ENT Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Michael Chi Fai Tong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
| | - George Gong Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
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21
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Materozzi M, Resnati M, Facchi C, Trudu M, Orfanelli U, Perini T, Gennari L, Milan E, Cenci S. A novel proteomic signature of osteoclast differentiation unveils the deubiquitinase UCHL1 as a necessary osteoclastogenic driver. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7290. [PMID: 38538704 PMCID: PMC10973525 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57898-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone destruction, a major source of morbidity, is mediated by heightened differentiation and activity of osteoclasts (OC), highly specialized multinucleated myeloid cells endowed with unique bone-resorptive capacity. The molecular mechanisms regulating OC differentiation in the bone marrow are still partly elusive. Here, we aimed to identify new regulatory circuits and actionable targets by comprehensive proteomic characterization of OCgenesis from mouse bone marrow monocytes, adopting two parallel unbiased comparative proteomic approaches. This work disclosed an unanticipated protein signature of OCgenesis, with most gene products currently unannotated in bone-related functions, revealing broad structural and functional cellular reorganization and divergence from macrophagic immune activity. Moreover, we identified the deubiquitinase UCHL1 as the most upregulated cytosolic protein in differentiating OCs. Functional studies proved it essential, as UCHL1 genetic and pharmacologic inhibition potently suppressed OCgenesis. Furthermore, proteomics and mechanistic dissection showed that UCHL1 supports OC differentiation by restricting the anti-OCgenic activity of NRF2, the transcriptional activator of the canonical antioxidant response, through redox-independent stabilization of the NRF2 inhibitor, KEAP1. Besides offering a valuable experimental framework to dissect OC differentiation, our study discloses the essential role of UCHL1, exerted through KEAP1-dependent containment of NRF2 anti-OCgenic activity, yielding a novel potential actionable pathway against bone loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Materozzi
- Age Related Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
| | - Massimo Resnati
- Age Related Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Facchi
- Age Related Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Trudu
- Age Related Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Orfanelli
- Age Related Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Perini
- Age Related Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Gennari
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Enrico Milan
- Age Related Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
| | - Simone Cenci
- Age Related Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
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22
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Razumovskaya AV, Silkina MO, Nikulin SV, Tonevitsky AG, Alekseev BY. Modulators of the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway Enhance the Cytotoxic Effect of Standard Chemotherapeutic Drugs on Organoids of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Bull Exp Biol Med 2024; 176:703-708. [PMID: 38724815 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-024-06093-0] [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: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The activity of known modulators of the Nrf2 signaling pathway (bardoxolone and brusatol) was studied on cultures of tumor organoids of metastatic colorectal cancer previously obtained from three patients. The effect of modulators was studied both as monotherapy and in combination with standard chemotherapy drugs used to treat colorectal cancer. The Nrf2 inhibitor brusatol and the Nrf2 activator bardoxolone have antitumor activity. Moreover, bardoxolone and brusatol also significantly enhance the effect of the chemotherapy drugs 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan metabolite SN-38. Thus, bardoxolone and brusatol can be considered promising candidates for further preclinical and clinical studies in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Razumovskaya
- Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Center of Radiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Obninsk, Russia
| | - M O Silkina
- Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Center of Radiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Obninsk, Russia
| | - S V Nikulin
- Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.
- National Medical Research Center of Radiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Obninsk, Russia.
- Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
| | | | - B Ya Alekseev
- National Medical Research Center of Radiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Obninsk, Russia
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23
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Yan G, Xiao Q, Zhao J, Chen H, Xu Y, Tan M, Peng L. Brucea javanica derived exosome-like nanovesicles deliver miRNAs for cancer therapy. J Control Release 2024; 367:425-440. [PMID: 38295998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.060] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by complex heterogeneity, high recurrence and metastasis rates, and short overall survival, owing to the lack of endocrine and targeted receptors, which necessitates chemotherapy as the major treatment regimen. Exosome-like nanovesicles derived from medicinal plants have shown great potential as novel biotherapeutics for cancer therapy by delivering their incorporated nucleic acids, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), to mammalian cells. In this study, we isolated exosome-like nanovesicles derived from B. javanica (BF-Exos) and investigated their influence and underlying molecular mechanisms in TNBC. We found that BF-Exos delivered 10 functional miRNAs to 4T1 cells, significantly retarding the growth and metastasis of 4T1 cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and promoting ROS/caspase-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, BF-Exos were shown to inhibit the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor, contributing to anti-angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment. In vivo, BF-Exos inhibited tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis in breast tumor mouse models, while maintaining high biosafety. Overall, BF-Exos are considered promising nanoplatforms for the delivery of medicinal plant-derived nucleic acids, with great potential to be developed into novel biotherapeutics for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Yan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Qiyao Xiao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Jingyu Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Haoran Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Yang Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Minhong Tan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Lihua Peng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, PR China; Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua 321299, Zhejiang, PR China.
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24
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Adekiya TA, Moore M, Thomas M, Lake G, Hudson T, Adesina SK. Preparation, Optimization, and In-Vitro Evaluation of Brusatol- and Docetaxel-Loaded Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:114. [PMID: 38258124 PMCID: PMC10819281 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Challenges to docetaxel use in prostate cancer treatment include several resistance mechanisms as well as toxicity. To overcome these challenges and to improve the therapeutic efficacy in heterogeneous prostate cancer, the use of multiple agents that can destroy different subpopulations of the tumor is required. Brusatol, a multitarget inhibitor, has been shown to exhibit potent anticancer activity and play an important role in drug response and chemoresistance. Thus, the combination of brusatol and docetaxel in a nanoparticle platform for the treatment of prostate cancer is expected to produce synergistic effects. In this study, we reported the development of polymeric nanoparticles for the delivery of brusatol and docetaxel in the treatment of prostate cancer. The one-factor-at-a-time method was used to screen for formulation and process variables that impacted particle size. Subsequently, factors that had modifiable effects on particle size were evaluated using a 24 full factorial statistical experimental design followed by the optimization of drug loading. The optimization of blank nanoparticles gave a formulation with a mean size of 169.1 nm ± 4.8 nm, in agreement with the predicted size of 168.333 nm. Transmission electron microscopy showed smooth spherical nanoparticles. The drug release profile showed that the encapsulated drugs were released over 24 h. Combination index data showed a synergistic interaction between the drugs. Cell cycle analysis and the evaluation of caspase activity showed differences in PC-3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell responses to the agents. Additionally, immunoblots showed differences in survivin expression in LNCaP cells after treatment with the different agents and formulations for 24 h and 72 h. Therefore, the nanoparticles are potentially suitable for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayo Alex Adekiya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Madison Moore
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Michael Thomas
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Gabriel Lake
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Tamaro Hudson
- Cancer Center, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Simeon K. Adesina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
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25
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Wu Z, Zhu Z, Cao J, Wu W, Deng C, Xie Q, Hu S. Prediction of network pharmacology, molecular docking-based strategy, and vitro assays to determine potential pharmacological mechanism of Dioscoreae bulbiferae and Bruceae fructus against laryngocarcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36771. [PMID: 38134081 PMCID: PMC10735085 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and vitro assays, investigate the probable pharmacological mechanism of Dioscoreae bulbiferae and Bruceae fructus in the treatment of laryngocarcinoma. METHODS The active components and targets of Dioscoreae bulbiferae and Bruceae fructus were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database. Targets linked with laryngocarcinoma were gathered from the GeneCards, DisGeNET, and DrugBank databases. The String database was utilized to build a protein-protein interaction network of common medication and illness targets, after which the core targets were filtered out. The Metascape database served for gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis of common targets. AutoDock then performed molecular docking between the essential component and the vital target. To investigate the biological effects of diosbulbin B, we assessed the viability of laryngocarcinoma cells after diosbulbin B therapy using the Mahalanobis Taguchi system technique. Following that, we looked at how diosbulbin B affected colony formation after 14 days of culture of treated cells. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect apoptosis in order to examine the influence of diosbulbin B on laryngocarcinoma cell apoptosis. RESULTS According to a study of the literature, the fundamental components of Dioscoreae bulbiferae and Bruceae fructus in the treatment of laryngocarcinoma include brusatol and diosbulbin B, which may operate on core targets such as cyclin D1, Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 1A, and E2F Transcription Factor 1. The significant pathways discovered using Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis were the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B signaling route, the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and so on. These pathways primarily influence the development and prognosis of laryngeal cancer by controlling cell growth, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. The molecular docking studies revealed that the affinity between the heart and crucial targets was robust. The results of vitro assays indicate that diosbulbin B suppressed Hep-2 cell activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, diosbulbin B has powerful antiproliferative properties in Hep-2 cells. Flow cytometry results showed that diosbulbin B promoted laryngocarcinoma cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION The article delivered a preliminary discussion of the probable mechanism of Dioscoreae bulbiferae and Bruceae fructus in the treatment of laryngocarcinoma, which can serve as a theoretical basis and evidence for subsequent experimental investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongbiao Wu
- Jiangxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhongyan Zhu
- Jiangxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jian Cao
- Jiangxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Weikun Wu
- Jiangxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chengcheng Deng
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiang Xie
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shiping Hu
- Jiangxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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26
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Chen D, Chen S, Zhou F, Bo Chen L, Chen MW. Synergistic Effects of Tranylcypromine and NRF2 Inhibitor: A Repurposing Strategy for Effective Cancer Therapy. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300282. [PMID: 37871186 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300282] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing has emerged as an attractive strategy for accelerating drug discovery for cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated combining Tranylcypromine (TCP) with a number of well-characterized drugs. Among these combinations, NRF2 inhibitor (ML385) exhibited synergistic effects in combination with TCP. Specifically, our results showed that the combination of TCP and ML385 resulted in a significant reduction in tumor proliferation while neither drug affected cancer cell growth meaningfully on its own. While further studies are needed to understand fully the extent of the synergistic efficacy, the underlying respective mechanisms and the potential side effects of this approach, our study has yielded a promising start for the development of an effective combination cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delos Chen
- Curamir Therapeutics, Inc., 3 Gill Street, Unit G, 01801, Woburn, MA, USA
- Mustians House, Eton College, Eton Wick Road, SL4 6EX, Eton, Berkshire, UK
| | - Skye Chen
- Curamir Therapeutics, Inc., 3 Gill Street, Unit G, 01801, Woburn, MA, USA
- Mustians House, Eton College, Eton Wick Road, SL4 6EX, Eton, Berkshire, UK
| | - Fangheng Zhou
- Curamir Therapeutics, Inc., 3 Gill Street, Unit G, 01801, Woburn, MA, USA
| | - Lan Bo Chen
- Curamir Therapeutics, Inc., 3 Gill Street, Unit G, 01801, Woburn, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, 02115, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ming-Wei Chen
- Curamir Therapeutics, Inc., 3 Gill Street, Unit G, 01801, Woburn, MA, USA
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27
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Kou L, Xie X, Chen X, Li B, Li J, Li Y. The progress of research on immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance and reversal strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3953-3969. [PMID: 37917364 PMCID: PMC10992589 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03568-3] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in humans, which is prone to recurrence and metastasis and has a poor prognosis. The occurrence and progression of HCC are closely related to immune elimination, immune homeostasis, and immune escape of the immune system. In recent years, immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has shown powerful anti-tumor capabilities in HCC patients. However, there are still some HCC patients who cannot benefit from ICIs treatment due to their innate or acquired drug resistance. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to explore the possible mechanisms of resistance to ICIs in HCC and to use them as a target to design strategies to reverse resistance, to overcome drug resistance in HCC and to improve the prognosis of patients. This article summarizes the possible primary (tumor microenvironment alteration, and signaling pathways, etc.) and acquired (immune checkpoint upregulation) resistance mechanisms in patients with HCC treated with ICIs, and based on this, discusses the status and effectiveness of combination drug strategy to reverse drug resistance, to provide a reference for subsequent related studies and decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiu Kou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yaling Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
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28
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Park JE, Leem YH, Park JS, Kim SE, Kim HS. Astrocytic Nrf2 Mediates the Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Nootkatone in an MPTP-Induced Parkinson's Disease Mouse Model. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1999. [PMID: 38001852 PMCID: PMC10669233 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12111999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects of nootkatone (NKT), a sesquiterpenoid compound isolated from grapefruit, in an MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model. NKT restored MPTP-induced motor impairment and dopaminergic neuronal loss and increased the expression of neurotrophic factors like BDNF, GDNF, and PGC-1α. In addition, NKT inhibited microglial and astrocyte activation and the expression of pro-inflammatory markers like iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β and oxidative stress markers like 4-HNE and 8-OHdG. NKT increased the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-driven antioxidant enzymes like HO-1 and NQO-1 in astrocytes, but not in neurons or microglia in MPTP-treated mice. To investigate whether Nrf2 mediates the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or neuroprotective effects of NKT, mice were pretreated with Nrf2-specific inhibitor brusatol (BT) prior to NKT treatment. BT attenuated the NKT-mediated inhibition of 4-HNE and 8-OHdG and the number of Nrf2+/HO-1+/NQO1+ cells co-localized with GFAP+ astrocytes in the substantia nigra of MPTP-treated mice. In addition, BT reversed the effects of NKT on dopaminergic neuronal cell death, neurotrophic factors, and pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines in MPTP-treated mice. Collectively, these data suggest that astrocytic Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant molecules play pivotal roles in mediating the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of NKT in an MPTP-induced PD mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Eun Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Republic of Korea; (J.-E.P.); (Y.-H.L.); (J.-S.P.); (S.-E.K.)
| | - Yea-Hyun Leem
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Republic of Korea; (J.-E.P.); (Y.-H.L.); (J.-S.P.); (S.-E.K.)
| | - Jin-Sun Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Republic of Korea; (J.-E.P.); (Y.-H.L.); (J.-S.P.); (S.-E.K.)
| | - Seong-Eun Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Republic of Korea; (J.-E.P.); (Y.-H.L.); (J.-S.P.); (S.-E.K.)
| | - Hee-Sun Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Republic of Korea; (J.-E.P.); (Y.-H.L.); (J.-S.P.); (S.-E.K.)
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
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29
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Zhu X, Huang N, Ji Y, Sheng X, Huo J, Zhu Y, Huang M, He W, Ma J. Brusatol induces ferroptosis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma by repressing GSH synthesis and increasing the labile iron pool via inhibition of the NRF2 pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115567. [PMID: 37742602 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Brusatol (Bru), a bioactive compound found in Brucea sumatrana, exerts antitumour effects on several malignancies. However, the role and molecular mechanism of Bru in squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus (ESCC) remain unclear. Here, we found that Bru decreased the survival of ESCC cells. Subsequently, the ferroptosis inhibitors, deferoxamine and liproxstatin-1, rescued Bru-induced cell death, indicating that ferroptosis plays a major role in Bru-induced cell death. Furthermore, Bru promoted lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH) depletion, and ferrous iron overload in vitro. Consistent with these in vitro results, Bru significantly inhibited tumour growth in KYSE150 xenograft nude mice by triggering ferroptosis. Mechanistically, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) inactivation via increased ubiquitin-proteasome degradation was found to be a vital determinant of ferroptosis induced by Bru. Notably, Bru significantly decreases GSH synthesis, iron storage, and efflux by downregulating the expression of NRF2 target genes (glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1)), resulting in the accumulation of lethal lipid-based reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular enrichment of chelated iron. Taken together, our findings indicate that ferroptosis is a novel mechanism underlying Bru-induced antitumour activity and will hopefully provide a valuable compound for ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, PR China
| | - Nannan Huang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, PR China
| | - Yao Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, PR China
| | - Xinling Sheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, PR China
| | - Juanjuan Huo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, PR China
| | - Yuan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, PR China
| | - Menghuan Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, PR China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, PR China.
| | - Junting Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, PR China.
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30
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Xi C, Pang J, Barrett A, Horuzsko A, Ande S, Mivechi NF, Zhu X. Nrf2 Drives Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression through Acetyl-CoA-Mediated Metabolic and Epigenetic Regulatory Networks. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:1079-1092. [PMID: 37364049 PMCID: PMC10592407 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Correlations between the oxidative stress response and metabolic reprogramming have been observed during malignant tumor formation; however, the detailed mechanism remains elusive. The transcription factor Nrf2, a master regulator of the oxidative stress response, mediates metabolic reprogramming in multiple cancers. In a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), through metabolic profiling, genome-wide gene expression, and chromatin structure analyses, we present new evidence showing that in addition to altering antioxidative stress response signaling, Nrf2 ablation impairs multiple metabolic pathways to reduce the generation of acetyl-CoA and suppress histone acetylation in tumors, but not in tumor-adjacent normal tissue. Nrf2 ablation and dysregulated histone acetylation impair transcription complex assembly on downstream target antioxidant and metabolic regulatory genes for expression regulation. Mechanistic studies indicate that the regulatory function of Nrf2 is low glucose dependent, the effect of which is demolished under energy refeeding. Together, our results implicate an unexpected effect of Nrf2 on acetyl-CoA generation, in addition to its classic antioxidative stress response regulatory activity, integrates metabolic and epigenetic programs to drive HCC progression. IMPLICATIONS This study highlights that Nrf2 integrates metabolic and epigenetic regulatory networks to dictate tumor progression and that Nrf2 targeting is therapeutically exploitable in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Xi
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Molecular Chaperone Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Junfeng Pang
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Molecular Chaperone Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Amanda Barrett
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | | | | | - Nahid F. Mivechi
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Molecular Chaperone Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Xingguo Zhu
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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31
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Li Y, Tuerxun H, Liu X, Zhao Y, Wen S, Li Y, Cao J, Zhao Y. Nrf2--a hidden bridge linking cancer stem cells to ferroptosis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 190:104105. [PMID: 37598896 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104105] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small population of stem cells existing in cancer cells, are considered as the "culprits" of tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Ferroptosis is a promising new lead in anti-cancer therapy. Because of unique metabolic characteristics, CSCs' growth is more dependent on the iron and lipid than ordinary cancer cells. When the metabolism of iron/lipid is disordered, that is, imbalanced redox homeostasis, CSCs are more susceptible to ferroptosis. The expression of Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a molecule playing a major regulatory role in redox homeostasis, determines whether the cells are under oxidative stress and ferroptosis occurs. Nrf2 expression level is higher in CSCs, indicating stronger dependence on Nrf2. Here we expound the unique biological and metabolic characteristics of CSCs, explore the mechanism of inducing ferroptosis by targeting Nrf2, thus providing promising new targets for eliminating aggressive tumors and achieving the goal of curing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Li
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Halahati Tuerxun
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yixin Zhao
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Shuhui Wen
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yaping Li
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Jingjing Cao
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yuguang Zhao
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
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Aboulkassim T, Tian X, Liu Q, Qiu D, Hancock M, Wu JH, Batist G. A NRF2 inhibitor selectively sensitizes KEAP1 mutant tumor cells to cisplatin and gefitinib by restoring NRF2-inhibitory function of KEAP1 mutants. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113104. [PMID: 37703174 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113104] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is a master regulator of protective responses in healthy tissues. However, when it is active in tumor cells, it can result in drug resistance. KEAP1, the endogenous NRF2 inhibitor, binds NRF2 and redirects it to proteasomal degradation, so the KEAP1/NRF2 interaction is critical for maintaining NRF2 at a basal level. A number of clinically relevant KEAP1 mutations were shown to disrupt this critical KEAP1/NRF2 interaction, leading to elevated NRF2 levels and drug resistance. Here, we describe a small-molecule NRF2 inhibitor, R16, that selectively binds KEAP1 mutants and restores their NRF2-inhibitory function by repairing the disrupted KEAP1/NRF2 interactions. R16 substantially sensitizes KEAP1-mutated tumor cells to cisplatin and gefitinib, but does not do so for wild-type KEAP1 cells, and sensitizes KEAP1 G333C-mutated xenograft to cisplatin. We developed a BRET2-based biosensor system to detect the KEAP1/NRF2 interaction and classify KEAP1 mutations. This strategy would identify drug-resistant KEAP1 somatic mutations in clinical molecular profiling of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahar Aboulkassim
- Segal Cancer Center and McGill University Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Xiaohong Tian
- Segal Cancer Center and McGill University Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Qiang Liu
- Segal Cancer Center and McGill University Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Dinghong Qiu
- Segal Cancer Center and McGill University Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Mark Hancock
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jian Hui Wu
- Segal Cancer Center and McGill University Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada.
| | - Gerald Batist
- Segal Cancer Center and McGill University Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada.
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Lim JS, Lee SH, Yun H, Lee DY, Cho N, Yoo G, Choi JU, Lee KY, Bach TT, Park SJ, Cho YC. Inhibitory Effects of Ehretia tinifolia Extract on the Excessive Oxidative and Inflammatory Responses in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Mouse Kupffer Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1792. [PMID: 37891872 PMCID: PMC10604099 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ehretia tinifolia (E. tinifolia) L., an evergreen tree with substantial biological activity, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, has been used in many herbal and traditional medicines. To elucidate its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and the underlying mechanisms, we applied a methanol extract of E. tinifolia (ETME) to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse immortalized Kupffer cells. ETME suppressed the LPS-induced increase in nitric oxide, a mediator for oxidative stress and inflammation, and restored LPS-mediated depletion of total glutathione level by stabilizing antioxidative nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the subsequent increase in heme oxygenase-1 levels. Furthermore, ETME inhibited the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. The inhibitory effects of ETME on pro-inflammatory responses were regulated by ETME-mediated dephosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs: p38, p44/p42, and stress-associated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and inhibition of nuclear localization of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). These results suggest that ETME is a possible candidate for protecting Kupffer cells from LPS-mediated oxidative stress and excessive inflammatory responses by activating antioxidant Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibiting pro-inflammatory NF-κB and MAPKs, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Sung Lim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; (J.S.L.); (S.H.L.); (D.Y.L.); (N.C.); (J.U.C.); (K.Y.L.)
| | - Sung Ho Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; (J.S.L.); (S.H.L.); (D.Y.L.); (N.C.); (J.U.C.); (K.Y.L.)
| | - Hyosuk Yun
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea;
| | - Da Young Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; (J.S.L.); (S.H.L.); (D.Y.L.); (N.C.); (J.U.C.); (K.Y.L.)
| | - Namki Cho
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; (J.S.L.); (S.H.L.); (D.Y.L.); (N.C.); (J.U.C.); (K.Y.L.)
| | - Guijae Yoo
- Korea Food Research Institute, 245, Nongsaengmyeong-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-Gun 55365, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jeong Uk Choi
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; (J.S.L.); (S.H.L.); (D.Y.L.); (N.C.); (J.U.C.); (K.Y.L.)
| | - Kwang Youl Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; (J.S.L.); (S.H.L.); (D.Y.L.); (N.C.); (J.U.C.); (K.Y.L.)
| | - Tran The Bach
- Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi 122000, Vietnam;
| | - Su-Jin Park
- Functional Biomaterial Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 181 Ipsin-gil, Jeongeup-si 56212, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Chang Cho
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea; (J.S.L.); (S.H.L.); (D.Y.L.); (N.C.); (J.U.C.); (K.Y.L.)
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Ma Y, Wang Z, Hu Y. Insight into Nrf2: a bibliometric and visual analysis from 2000 to 2022. Front Genet 2023; 14:1266680. [PMID: 37779908 PMCID: PMC10540848 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1266680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Nrf2 plays a pivotal role in governing the antioxidant defense system, triggering the transcription of diverse genes involved in cellular protection. Its role in mitigating oxidative damage and modulating inflammatory processes has made Nrf2 an attractive target for therapeutic interventions. Despite the growing interest in Nrf2 research, a bibliometric analysis is relatively rare. This study aimed to clarify Nrf2's role in multiple diseases, identify emerging trends and hotspots using bibliometric analysis, and provide valuable insights and potential directions for future therapeutic interventions. Methods: The Science Citation Index of Web of Science Core library from 2000 to 2022 was searched on 22 October 2022. Use Microsoft Excel, CiteSpace, Bibliometrix, and VOS viewers for data collection and visualization of research focus and trends. Results: A vast collection of 22,040 research studies on Nrf2 published between 2000 and 2022 were identified. Nrf2 research has seen significant growth globally from 2000 to 2022. China leaded in publication numbers (9,623, 43.66%), while the United States dominated in citation frequency with 261,776 citations. China Medical University was the most productive institutions (459, 2.08%). Masayuki Yamamoto topped in publications (307), while Itoh K. ranked first in citations with 3669. Free Radical Biology and Medicine was the journal with the most studies and citations on Nrf2 (613, 29,687 citations). The analysis of keyword clustering enhanced the categorization of topics and can be summarized as oxidative stress, cancer, disorders in glycolipid metabolism, inflammation, and neurological conditions. Conclusion: China and the United States are the pioneers in Nrf2 research. Recently, there has been a comprehensive exploration of Nrf2 involving both experimental and clinical aspects, as well as mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Investigating novel molecular mechanisms, including NF-κB, Ho1, and Keap1, and developing enhanced, targeted Nrf2 activators or inhibitors to uncover the interplay among cancer, glycolipid metabolic disorder, inflammation, and neurological disorders will be upcoming trends and hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongqing Wang
- Department of Information Center, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuedong Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Mapuskar KA, Pulliam CF, Zepeda-Orozco D, Griffin BR, Furqan M, Spitz DR, Allen BG. Redox Regulation of Nrf2 in Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Injury. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1728. [PMID: 37760031 PMCID: PMC10525889 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin, a potent chemotherapeutic agent, is marred by severe nephrotoxicity that is governed by mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis pathways. The transcription factor Nrf2, pivotal in cellular defense against oxidative stress and inflammation, is the master regulator of the antioxidant response, upregulating antioxidants and cytoprotective genes under oxidative stress. This review discusses the mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced kidney injury, focusing on the role of Nrf2 in cancer therapy and its redox regulation in cisplatin-induced kidney injury. We also explore Nrf2's signaling pathways, post-translational modifications, and its involvement in autophagy, as well as examine redox-based strategies for modulating Nrf2 in cisplatin-induced kidney injury while considering the limitations and potential off-target effects of Nrf2 modulation. Understanding the redox regulation of Nrf2 in cisplatin-induced kidney injury holds significant promise for developing novel therapeutic interventions. This knowledge could provide valuable insights into potential strategies for mitigating the nephrotoxicity associated with cisplatin, ultimately enhancing the safety and efficacy of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kranti A. Mapuskar
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Casey F. Pulliam
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Diana Zepeda-Orozco
- Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Benjamin R. Griffin
- Division of Nephrology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Muhammad Furqan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Douglas R. Spitz
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Bryan G. Allen
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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36
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Wang S, Lin D, Cao J, Wang L. APPA Increases Lifespan and Stress Resistance via Lipid Metabolism and Insulin/IGF-1 Signal Pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13682. [PMID: 37761985 PMCID: PMC10531162 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813682] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal studies have proven that 1-acetyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl acetate (APPA) is a powerful antioxidant as a novel aldose reductase inhibitor independently synthesized by our laboratory; however, there is no current information on APPA's anti-aging mechanism. Therefore, this study examined the impact and mechanism of APPA's anti-aging and anti-oxidation capacity using the Caenorhabditis elegans model. The results demonstrated that APPA increases C. elegans' longevity without affecting the typical metabolism of Escherichia coli OP50 (OP50). APPA also had a non-toxic effect on C. elegans, increased locomotor ability, decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species, lipofuscin, and fat, and increased anti-stress capacity. QRT-PCR analysis further revealed that APPA upregulated the expression of antioxidant genes, including sod-3, gst-4, and hsp-16.2, and the critical downstream transcription factors, daf-16, skn-1, and hsf-1 of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor, daf-2. In addition, fat-6 and nhr-80 were upregulated. However, the APPA's life-prolonging effects were absent on the daf-2, daf-16, skn-1, and hsf-1 mutants implying that the APPA's life-prolonging mechanism depends on the insulin/IGF-1 signaling system. The transcriptome sequencing also revealed that the mitochondrial route was also strongly associated with the APPA life extension, consistent with mev-1 and isp-1 mutant life assays. These findings aid in the investigation of APPA's longevity extension mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Liping Wang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (S.W.); (D.L.); (J.C.)
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Shakya A, Liu P, Godek J, McKee NW, Dodson M, Anandhan A, Ooi A, Garcia JGN, Costa M, Chapman E, Zhang DD. The NRF2-p97-NRF2 negative feedback loop. Redox Biol 2023; 65:102839. [PMID: 37573837 PMCID: PMC10428046 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102839] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
p97 is a ubiquitin-targeted ATP-dependent segregase that regulates proteostasis, in addition to a variety of other cellular functions. Previously, we demonstrated that p97 negatively regulates NRF2 by extracting ubiquitylated NRF2 from the KEAP1-CUL3-RBX1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, facilitating proteasomal destruction. In the current study, we identified p97 as an NRF2-target gene that contains a functional ARE, indicating the presence of an NRF2-p97-NRF2 negative feedback loop that maintains redox homeostasis. Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we generated endogenous p97 ARE-mutated BEAS-2B cell lines. These p97 ARE-mutated cell lines exhibit altered expression of p97 and NRF2, as well as a compromised response to NRF2 inducers. Importantly, we also found a positive correlation between NRF2 activation and p97 expression in human cancer patients. Finally, using chronic arsenic-transformed cell lines, we demonstrated a synergistic effect of NRF2 and p97 inhibition in killing cancer cells with high NRF2 and p97 expression. Our study suggests dual upregulation of NRF2 and p97 occurs in certain types of cancers, suggesting that inhibition of both NRF2 and p97 could be a promising treatment strategy for stratified cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryatara Shakya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA; National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; International Joint Research Center on Cell Stress and Disease Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jack Godek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Nicholas W McKee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Matthew Dodson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Annadurai Anandhan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Aikseng Ooi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Joe G N Garcia
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, University of Florida, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Max Costa
- Departments of Environmental Medicine, and Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Eli Chapman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Donna D Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
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38
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Zhou X, An B, Lin Y, Ni Y, Zhao X, Liang X. Molecular mechanisms of ROS-modulated cancer chemoresistance and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115036. [PMID: 37354814 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is the main obstacle to achieving a cure in many cancer patients. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are master regulators of cancer development that act through complex mechanisms. Remarkably, ROS levels and antioxidant content are typically higher in drug-resistant cancer cells than in non-resistant and normal cells, and have been shown to play a central role in modulating drug resistance. Therefore, determining the underlying functions of ROS in the modulation of drug resistance will contribute to develop therapies that sensitize cancer resistant cells by leveraging ROS modulation. In this review, we summarize the notable literature on the sources and regulation of ROS production and highlight the complex roles of ROS in cancer chemoresistance, encompassing transcription factor-mediated chemoresistance, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and their impact on the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss the potential of ROS-targeted therapies in overcoming tumor therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Biao An
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yanghong Ni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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Suwattanasophon C, Mistlberger-Reiner A, Alberdi-Cedeño J, Pignitter M, Somoza V, König J, Lamtha T, Wanaragthai P, Kiriwan D, Choowongkomon K. Identification of the Brucea javanica Constituent Brusatol as a EGFR-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in a Cell-Free Assay. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:28543-28552. [PMID: 37576644 PMCID: PMC10413460 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitors of the tyrosine kinase (TK) activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are routinely used in cancer therapy. However, there is a need to discover a new TK inhibitor. This study evaluated extracts from Brucea javanica and its components for their potential as novel EGFR-TK inhibitors. The cytotoxic effect of a g aqueous extract and its fractions was assessed by MTT assays with A549 lung cancer cells. The two fractions with the highest cytotoxicity were analyzed by LC/MS and 1H NMR. Brusatol was identified as the main constituent of these fractions, and its cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic activities were confirmed in A549 cells. To elucidate the inhibitory activity of brusatol against EGFR-TK, a specific ADP-GloTM kinase assay was used. In this assay, the IC50 value for EGFR-TK inhibition was 333.1 nM. Molecular dynamic simulations and docking experiments were performed to identify the binding pocket of brusatol to be located in the intracellular TK-domain of EGFR. This study demonstrates that brusatol inhibits EGFR-TK and therefore harbors a potential as a new therapeutic drug for the therapy of EGFR-depending cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chonticha Suwattanasophon
- Department
of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart
University, 10900 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Agnes Mistlberger-Reiner
- Department
of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jon Alberdi-Cedeño
- Department
of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Food
Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Paseo de la Universidad no 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Marc Pignitter
- Department
of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Somoza
- Department
of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Leibniz-Institute
for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Nutritional
Systems Biology, Technical University of
Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Jürgen König
- Department
of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomanai Lamtha
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart
University, 10900 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Panatda Wanaragthai
- Interdisciplinary
Program of Genetic Engineering and Bioinformatics, Graduate School, Kasetsart University, 10900 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Duangnapa Kiriwan
- Interdisciplinary
Program of Genetic Engineering and Bioinformatics, Graduate School, Kasetsart University, 10900 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kiattawee Choowongkomon
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart
University, 10900 Bangkok, Thailand
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40
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Mukherjee AG, Gopalakrishnan AV. The mechanistic insights of the antioxidant Keap1-Nrf2 pathway in oncogenesis: a deadly scenario. Med Oncol 2023; 40:248. [PMID: 37480500 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02124-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein has garnered significant interest due to its crucial function in safeguarding cells and tissues. The Nrf2 protein is crucial in preserving tissue integrity by safeguarding cells against metabolic, xenobiotic and oxidative stress. Due to its various functions, Nrf2 is a potential pharmacological target for reducing the incidence of diseases such as cancer. However, mutations in Keap1-Nrf2 are not consistently favored in all types of cancer. Instead, they seem to interact with specific driver mutations of tumors and their respective tissue origins. The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-Nrf2 pathway mutations are a powerful cancer adaptation that utilizes inherent cytoprotective pathways, encompassing nutrient metabolism and ROS regulation. The augmentation of Nrf2 activity elicits significant alterations in the characteristics of neoplastic cells, such as resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, safeguarding against apoptosis, heightened invasiveness, hindered senescence, impaired autophagy and increased angiogenesis. The altered activity of Nrf2 can arise from diverse genetic and epigenetic modifications that instantly impact Nrf2 regulation. The present study aims to showcase the correlation between the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and the progression of cancers, emphasizing genetic mutations, metabolic processes, immune regulation, and potential therapeutic strategies. This article delves into the intricacies of Nrf2 pathway anomalies in cancer, the potential ramifications of uncontrolled Nrf2 activity, and therapeutic interventions to modulate the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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41
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Zhang J, Xu HX, Zhu JQ, Dou YX, Xian YF, Lin ZX. Natural Nrf2 Inhibitors: A Review of Their Potential for Cancer Treatment. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3029-3041. [PMID: 37416770 PMCID: PMC10321279 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.82401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that regulates redox homeostasis, plays a pivotal role in several cellular processes such as cell proliferation and survival, and has been found to be aberrantly activated in many cancers. As one of the key oncogenes, Nrf2 represents an important therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Research has unraveled the main mechanisms underlying the Nrf2 pathway regulation and the role of Nrf2 in promoting tumorigenesis. Many efforts have been made to develop potent Nrf2 inhibitors, and several clinical trials are being conducted on some of these inhibitors. Natural products are well-recognized as a valuable source for development of novel therapeutics for cancer. So far, a number of natural compounds have been identified as Nrf2 inhibitors, such as apigenin, luteolin, and quassinoids compounds including brusatol and brucein D. These Nrf2 inhibitors have been found to mediate an oxidant response and display therapeutic effects in different types of human cancers. In this article, we reviewed the structure and function of the Nrf2/Keap1 system and the development of natural Nrf2 inhibitors with an emphasis on their biological function on cancer. The current status regarding the Nrf2 as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment was also summarized. It is hoped that this review will stimulate research on naturally occurring Nrf2 inhibitors as therapeutic candidates for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hong-Xi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jia-Qian Zhu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yao-Xing Dou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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42
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Wei N, Burnett J, Crocker DL, Huang Y, Li S, Wipf P, Chu E, Schmitz JC. Quassinoid analogs exert potent antitumor activity via reversible protein biosynthesis inhibition in human colorectal cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115564. [PMID: 37116665 PMCID: PMC11225567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115564] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Cellular protein synthesis is accelerated in human colorectal cancer (CRC), and high expression of protein synthesis regulators in CRC patients is associated with poor prognosis. Thus, inhibition of protein synthesis may be an effective therapeutic strategy for CRC. We previously demonstrated that the quassinoid bruceantinol (BOL) had antitumor activity against CRC. Herein, potent tumor growth suppression (>80%) and STAT3 inhibition was observed in two different mouse models following BOL administration. Loss of body and spleen weight was observed but was eliminated upon nanoparticle encapsulation while maintaining strong antitumor activity. STAT3 siRNA knockdown exhibited modest suppression of cell proliferation. Surprisingly, STAT3 inhibition using a PROTAC degrader (SD-36) had little effect on cancer cell proliferation suggesting the possibility of additional mechanism(s) of action for quassinoids. BOL-resistant (BR) cell lines, HCT116BR and HCA7BR, were equally sensitive to standard CRC therapeutic agents and known STAT3 inhibitors but resistant to homoharringtonine (HHT), a known protein synthesis inhibitor. The ability of quassinoids to inhibit protein synthesis was dependent on the structure of the C15 sidechain. Of note, BOL did not inhibit protein synthesis in normal human colon epithelial cells whereas HHT and napabucasin remained effective in these normal cells. Novel quassinoids were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in pre-clinical CRC models. Treatment with the most potent analog, 5c, resulted in significant inhibition of cell proliferation and protein synthesis at nanomolar concentrations. These quassinoid analogs may represent a novel class of protein synthesis inhibitors for the treatment of human CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wei
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Cancer Therapeutics Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.
| | - James Burnett
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Desirae L Crocker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yixian Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Song Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Peter Wipf
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Edward Chu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Cancer Therapeutics Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - John C Schmitz
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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43
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Zhang J, Zhang T, Zeng S, Zhang X, Zhou F, Gillies MC, Zhu L. The Role of Nrf2/sMAF Signalling in Retina Ageing and Retinal Diseases. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1512. [PMID: 37371607 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and age-related macular disease, have become increasingly prominent as the population ages. Oxygen is essential for living organisms, but it may also cause disease when it is transformed into reactive oxygen species via biological processes in cells. Most of the production of ROS occurs in mitochondrial complexes I and III. The accumulation of ROS in cells causes oxidative stress, which plays a crucial role in human ageing and many diseases. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key antioxidant transcription factor that plays a central role in many diseases and ageing in general. It regulates many downstream antioxidative enzymes when cells are exposed to oxidative stress. A basic-region leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor, MAF, specifically the small MAF subfamily (sMAFs), forms heterodimers with Nrf2, which bind with Maf-recognition elements (MAREs) in response to oxidative stress. The role of this complex in the human retina remains unclear. This review summarises the current knowledge about Nrf2 and its downstream signalling, especially its cofactor-MAF, in ageing and diseases, with a focus on the retina. Since Nrf2 is the master regulator of redox homeostasis in cells, we hypothesise that targeting Nrf2 is a promising therapeutic approach for many age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Zhang
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Ting Zhang
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Shaoxue Zeng
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Department of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Beijing Tongren Eye Centre, Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100073, China
| | - Fanfan Zhou
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mark C Gillies
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Ling Zhu
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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44
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Raj D, Kraish B, Martikainen J, Podraza-Farhanieh A, Kao G, Naredi P. Cisplatin toxicity is counteracted by the activation of the p38/ATF-7 signaling pathway in post-mitotic C. elegans. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2886. [PMID: 37210583 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38568-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin kills proliferating cells via DNA damage but also has profound effects on post-mitotic cells in tumors, kidneys, and neurons. However, the effects of cisplatin on post-mitotic cells are still poorly understood. Among model systems, C. elegans adults are unique in having completely post-mitotic somatic tissues. The p38 MAPK pathway controls ROS detoxification via SKN-1/NRF and immune responses via ATF-7/ATF2. Here, we show that p38 MAPK pathway mutants are sensitive to cisplatin, but while cisplatin exposure increases ROS levels, skn-1 mutants are resistant. Cisplatin exposure leads to phosphorylation of PMK-1/MAPK and ATF-7 and the IRE-1/TRF-1 signaling module functions upstream of the p38 MAPK pathway to activate signaling. We identify the response proteins whose increased abundance depends on IRE-1/p38 MAPK activity as well as cisplatin exposure. Four of these proteins are necessary for protection from cisplatin toxicity, which is characterized by necrotic death. We conclude that the p38 MAPK pathway-driven proteins are crucial for adult cisplatin resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Raj
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bashar Kraish
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jari Martikainen
- Bioinformatics and Data Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agnieszka Podraza-Farhanieh
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gautam Kao
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Peter Naredi
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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45
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Thiruvengadam R, Venkidasamy B, Samynathan R, Govindasamy R, Thiruvengadam M, Kim JH. Association of nanoparticles and Nrf2 with various oxidative stress-mediated diseases. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 380:110535. [PMID: 37187268 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110535] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that regultes the cellular antioxidant defense system at the posttranscriptional level. During oxidative stress, Nrf2 is released from its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and binds to antioxidant response element (ARE) to transcribe antioxidative metabolizing/detoxifying genes. Various transcription factors like aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and epigenetic modification including DNA methylation and histone methylation might also regulate the expression of Nrf2. Despite its protective role, Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling is considered as a pharmacological target due to its involvement in various pathophysiological conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, hepatotoxicity and kidney disorders. Recently, nanomaterials have received a lot of attention due to their unique physiochemical properties and are also used in various biological applications, for example, biosensors, drug delivery systems, cancer therapy, etc. In this review, we will be discussing the functions of nanoparticles and Nrf2 as a combined therapy or sensitizing agent and their significance in various diseases such as diabetes, cancer and oxidative stress-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Thiruvengadam
- Department of Integrative Bioscience & Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Baskar Venkidasamy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Ramkumar Samynathan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Rajakumar Govindasamy
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hee Kim
- Department of Integrative Bioscience & Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea.
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46
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Modi R, McKee N, Zhang N, Alwali A, Nelson S, Lohar A, Ostafe R, Zhang DD, Parkinson EI. Stapled Peptides as Direct Inhibitors of Nrf2-sMAF Transcription Factors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6184-6192. [PMID: 37097833 PMCID: PMC10184664 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid-related 2-factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor traditionally thought of as a cellular protector. However, in many cancers, Nrf2 is constitutively activated and correlated with therapeutic resistance. Nrf2 heterodimerizes with small musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma Maf (sMAF) transcription factors, allowing binding to the antioxidant responsive element (ARE) and induction of transcription of Nrf2 target genes. While transcription factors are historically challenging to target, stapled peptides have shown great promise for inhibiting these protein-protein interactions. Herein, we describe the first direct cell-permeable inhibitor of Nrf2/sMAF heterodimerization. N1S is a stapled peptide designed based on AlphaFold predictions of the interactions between Nrf2 and sMAF MafG. A cell-based reporter assay combined with in vitro biophysical assays demonstrates that N1S directly inhibits Nrf2/MafG heterodimerization. N1S treatment decreases the transcription of Nrf2-dependent genes and sensitizes Nrf2-dependent cancer cells to cisplatin. Overall, N1S is a promising lead for the sensitization of Nrf2-addicted cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Modi
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Nick McKee
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Amir Alwali
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Samantha Nelson
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Aditi Lohar
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Raluca Ostafe
- Molecular
Evolution Protein Engineering and Production, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Donna D. Zhang
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Elizabeth I. Parkinson
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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47
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Li J, Zhang J, Zhu Y, Afolabi LO, Chen L, Feng X. Natural Compounds, Optimal Combination of Brusatol and Polydatin Promote Anti-Tumor Effect in Breast Cancer by Targeting Nrf2 Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098265. [PMID: 37175972 PMCID: PMC10179160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been clearly recognized as a heterogeneous tumor with the worst prognosis among the subtypes of breast cancer (BC). The advent and application of current small-molecule drugs for treating TNBC, as well as other novel inhibitors, among others, have made treatment options for TNBC more selective. However, there are still problems, such as poor patient tolerance, large administration doses, high dosing frequency, and toxic side effects, necessitating the development of more efficient and less toxic treatment strategies. High expression of Nrf2, a vital antioxidant transcription factor, often promotes tumor progression, and it is also one of the most effective targets in BC therapy. We found that in MDA-MB-231 cells and SUM159 cells, brusatol (BRU) combined with polydatin (PD) could significantly inhibit cell proliferation in vitro, significantly downregulate the expression of Nrf2 protein as well as the expression of downstream related target genes Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1 (NQO1), and promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels to further strengthen the anti-tumor effect. Furthermore, we discovered in our in vivo experiments that by reducing the drug dosage three times, we could significantly reduce tumor cell growth while avoiding toxic side effects, providing a treatment method with greater clinical application value for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Jianchao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lukman O Afolabi
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xuesong Feng
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
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48
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Koeberle SC, Kipp AP, Stuppner H, Koeberle A. Ferroptosis-modulating small molecules for targeting drug-resistant cancer: Challenges and opportunities in manipulating redox signaling. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:614-682. [PMID: 36658724 PMCID: PMC10947485 DOI: 10.1002/med.21933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death program that is characterized by excessive lipid peroxidation. Triggering ferroptosis has been proposed as a promising strategy to fight cancer and overcome drug resistance in antitumor therapy. Understanding the molecular interactions and structural features of ferroptosis-inducing compounds might therefore open the door to efficient pharmacological strategies against aggressive, metastatic, and therapy-resistant cancer. We here summarize the molecular mechanisms and structural requirements of ferroptosis-inducing small molecules that target central players in ferroptosis. Focus is placed on (i) glutathione peroxidase (GPX) 4, the only GPX isoenzyme that detoxifies complex membrane-bound lipid hydroperoxides, (ii) the cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc - that is central for glutathione regeneration, (iii) the redox-protective transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2), and (iv) GPX4 repression in combination with induced heme degradation via heme oxygenase-1. We deduce common features for efficient ferroptotic activity and highlight challenges in drug development. Moreover, we critically discuss the potential of natural products as ferroptosis-inducing lead structures and provide a comprehensive overview of structurally diverse biogenic and bioinspired small molecules that trigger ferroptosis via iron oxidation, inhibition of the thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase system or less defined modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveigh C. Koeberle
- Michael Popp Institute, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI)University of InnsbruckTirolInnsbruckAustria
- Department of Molecular Nutritional Physiology, Institute of Nutritional SciencesFriedrich Schiller University JenaThüringenJenaGermany
| | - Anna P. Kipp
- Department of Molecular Nutritional Physiology, Institute of Nutritional SciencesFriedrich Schiller University JenaThüringenJenaGermany
| | - Hermann Stuppner
- Unit of Pharmacognosy, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI)University of InnsbruckTirolInnsbruckAustria
| | - Andreas Koeberle
- Michael Popp Institute, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI)University of InnsbruckTirolInnsbruckAustria
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49
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Adinolfi S, Patinen T, Jawahar Deen A, Pitkänen S, Härkönen J, Kansanen E, Küblbeck J, Levonen AL. The KEAP1-NRF2 pathway: Targets for therapy and role in cancer. Redox Biol 2023; 63:102726. [PMID: 37146513 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The KEAP1-NRF2 pathway is the key regulator of cellular defense against both extrinsic and intrinsic oxidative and electrophilic stimuli. Since its discovery in the 1990s, its seminal role in various disease pathologies has become well appreciated, motivating research to elucidate the intricacies of NRF2 signaling and its downstream effects to identify novel targets for therapy. In this graphical review, we present an updated overview of the KEAP1-NRF2 signaling, focusing on the progress made within the past ten years. Specifically, we highlight the advances made in understanding the mechanism of activation of NRF2, resulting in novel discoveries in its therapeutic targeting. Furthermore, we will summarize new findings in the rapidly expanding field of NRF2 in cancer, with important implications for its diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Adinolfi
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tommi Patinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ashik Jawahar Deen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sini Pitkänen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jouni Härkönen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Pathology, Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, 40620, Finland
| | - Emilia Kansanen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland; Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jenni Küblbeck
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna-Liisa Levonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland.
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50
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Manjunath SH, Nataraj P, Swamy VH, Sugur K, Dey SK, Ranganathan V, Daniel S, Leihang Z, Sharon V, Chandrashekharappa S, Sajeev N, Venkatareddy VG, Chuturgoon A, Kuppusamy G, Madhunapantula SV, Thimmulappa RK. Development of Moringa oleifera as functional food targeting NRF2 signaling: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in experimental model systems. Food Funct 2023; 14:4734-4751. [PMID: 37114361 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo00572k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacological activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (NRF2) provides protection against several environmental diseases by inhibiting oxidative and inflammatory injury. Besides high in protein and minerals, Moringa oleifera leaves contain several bioactive compounds, predominantly isothiocyanate moringin and polyphenols, which are potent inducers of NRF2. Hence, M. oleifera leaves represent a valuable food source that could be developed as a functional food for targeting NRF2 signaling. In the current study, we have developed a palatable M. oleifera leaf preparation (henceforth referred as ME-D) that showed reproducibly a high potential to activate NRF2. Treatment of BEAS-2B cells with ME-D significantly increased NRF2-regulated antioxidant genes (NQO1, HMOX1) and total GSH levels. In the presence of brusatol (a NRF2 inhibitor), ME-D-induced increase in NQO1 expression was significantly diminished. Pre-treatment of cells with ME-D mitigated reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity induced by pro-oxidants. Furthermore, ME-D pre-treatment markedly inhibited nitric oxide production, secretory IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and transcriptional expression of Nos2, Il-6, and Tnf-α in macrophages exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Biochemical profiling by LC-HRMS revealed glucomoringin, moringin, and several polyphenols in ME-D. Oral administration of ME-D significantly increased NRF2-regulated antioxidant genes in the small intestine, liver, and lungs. Lastly, prophylactic administration of ME-D significantly mitigated lung inflammation in mice exposed to particulate matter for 3-days or 3-months. In conclusion, we have developed a pharmacologically active standardized palatable preparation of M. oleifera leaves as a functional food to activate NRF2 signaling, which can be consumed as a beverage (hot soup) or freeze-dried powder for reducing the risk from environmental respiratory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souparnika H Manjunath
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Excellence in Molecular biology & Regenerative Medicine, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India.
| | - Prabhakaran Nataraj
- Department of Studies in Environmental Sciences, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, 570005, India
| | - Vikas H Swamy
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Science, JSS AHER, Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India
| | - Kavya Sugur
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Excellence in Molecular biology & Regenerative Medicine, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India.
| | - Sumit K Dey
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Excellence in Molecular biology & Regenerative Medicine, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India.
| | - Veena Ranganathan
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Excellence in Molecular biology & Regenerative Medicine, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India.
| | - Shyni Daniel
- Department of Studies in Environmental Sciences, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, 570005, India
| | - Zonunsiami Leihang
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Excellence in Molecular biology & Regenerative Medicine, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India.
| | - Veronica Sharon
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Excellence in Molecular biology & Regenerative Medicine, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India.
| | - Sandeep Chandrashekharappa
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER-R) Raebareli, Transit Campus, Lucknow, UP 226002, India
| | - Nithin Sajeev
- SCIEX, DHR Holding India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore 562149, India
| | | | - Anil Chuturgoon
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Gowthamarajan Kuppusamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS AHER, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643001, India
| | - SubbaRao V Madhunapantula
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Excellence in Molecular biology & Regenerative Medicine, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India.
| | - Rajesh K Thimmulappa
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Excellence in Molecular biology & Regenerative Medicine, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysore, Karnataka, 570015, India.
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