1
|
Liu P, Zhang B, Li Y, Yuan Q. Potential mechanisms of cancer prevention and treatment by sulforaphane, a natural small molecule compound of plant-derived. Mol Med 2024; 30:94. [PMID: 38902597 PMCID: PMC11191161 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00842-7] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in tumor diagnosis and treatment technologies, the number of cancer cases and deaths worldwide continues to increase yearly, creating an urgent need to find new methods to prevent or treat cancer. Sulforaphane (SFN), as a member of the isothiocyanates (ITCs) family, which is the hydrolysis product of glucosinolates (GLs), has been shown to have significant preventive and therapeutic cancer effects in different human cancers. Early studies have shown that SFN scavenges oxygen radicals by increasing cellular defenses against oxidative damage, mainly through the induction of phase II detoxification enzymes by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). More and more studies have shown that the anticancer mechanism of SFN also includes induction of apoptotic pathway in tumor cells, inhibition of cell cycle progression, and suppression of tumor stem cells. Therefore, the application of SFN is expected to be a necessary new approach to treating cancer. In this paper, we review the multiple molecular mechanisms of SFN in cancer prevention and treatment in recent years, which can provide a new vision for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengtao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yuanqiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qipeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sailo BL, Liu L, Chauhan S, Girisa S, Hegde M, Liang L, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Sethi G, Kunnumakkara AB. Harnessing Sulforaphane Potential as a Chemosensitizing Agent: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:244. [PMID: 38254735 PMCID: PMC10814109 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020244] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in oncological research have highlighted the potential of naturally derived compounds in cancer prevention and treatment. Notably, sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables including broccoli and cabbage, has exhibited potent chemosensitizing capabilities across diverse cancer types of bone, brain, breast, lung, skin, etc. Chemosensitization refers to the enhancement of cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy agents, counteracting the chemoresistance often developed by tumor cells. Mechanistically, SFN orchestrates this sensitization by modulating an array of cellular signaling pathways (e.g., Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin), and regulating the expression and activity of pivotal genes, proteins, and enzymes (e.g., p53, p21, survivin, Bcl-2, caspases). When combined with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, SFN synergistically inhibits cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis while potentiating drug-induced apoptosis. This positions SFN as a potential adjunct in cancer therapy to augment the efficacy of standard treatments. Ongoing preclinical and clinical investigations aim to further delineate the therapeutic potential of SFN in oncology. This review illuminates the multifaceted role of this phytochemical, emphasizing its potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anti-cancer agents, suggesting its prospective contributions to cancer chemosensitization and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethsebie Lalduhsaki Sailo
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India; (B.L.S.); (S.C.); (S.G.); (M.H.)
| | - Le Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518001, China;
| | - Suravi Chauhan
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India; (B.L.S.); (S.C.); (S.G.); (M.H.)
| | - Sosmitha Girisa
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India; (B.L.S.); (S.C.); (S.G.); (M.H.)
| | - Mangala Hegde
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India; (B.L.S.); (S.C.); (S.G.); (M.H.)
| | - Liping Liang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China;
| | - Mohammed S. Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology and NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India; (B.L.S.); (S.C.); (S.G.); (M.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gasparello J, Papi C, Zurlo M, Volpi S, Gambari R, Corradini R, Casnati A, Sansone F, Finotti A. Cationic Calix[4]arene Vectors to Efficiently Deliver AntimiRNA Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) and miRNA Mimics. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2121. [PMID: 37631335 PMCID: PMC10460053 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082121] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most appealing approaches for regulating gene expression, named the "microRNA therapeutic" method, is based on the regulation of the activity of microRNAs (miRNAs), the intracellular levels of which are dysregulated in many diseases, including cancer. This can be achieved by miRNA inhibition with antimiRNA molecules in the case of overexpressed microRNAs, or by using miRNA-mimics to restore downregulated microRNAs that are associated with the target disease. The development of new efficient, low-toxic, and targeted vectors of such molecules represents a key topic in the field of the pharmacological modulation of microRNAs. We compared the delivery efficiency of a small library of cationic calix[4]arene vectors complexed with fluorescent antimiRNA molecules (Peptide Nucleic Acids, PNAs), pre-miRNA (microRNA precursors), and mature microRNAs, in glioma- and colon-cancer cellular models. The transfection was assayed by cytofluorimetry, cell imaging assays, and RT-qPCR. The calix[4]arene-based vectors were shown to be powerful tools to facilitate the uptake of both neutral (PNAs) and negatively charged (pre-miRNAs and mature microRNAs) molecules showing low toxicity in transfected cells and ability to compete with commercially available vectors in terms of delivery efficiency. These results could be of great interest to validate microRNA therapeutics approaches for future application in personalized treatment and precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.); (R.G.)
| | - Chiara Papi
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.); (R.G.)
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.); (R.G.)
| | - Stefano Volpi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (S.V.); (R.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.); (R.G.)
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (S.V.); (R.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessandro Casnati
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (S.V.); (R.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Francesco Sansone
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (S.V.); (R.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.); (R.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tupini C, Zurlo M, Gasparello J, Lodi I, Finotti A, Scattolin T, Visentin F, Gambari R, Lampronti I. Combined Treatment of Cancer Cells Using Allyl Palladium Complexes Bearing Purine-Based NHC Ligands and Molecules Targeting MicroRNAs miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p: Synergistic Effects on Apoptosis. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051332. [PMID: 37242574 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051332] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined treatments employing lower concentrations of different drugs are used and studied to develop new and more effective anticancer therapeutic approaches. The combination therapy could be of great interest in the controlling of cancer. Regarding this, our research group has recently shown that peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) that target miR-221 are very effective and functional in inducing apoptosis of many tumor cells, including glioblastoma and colon cancer cells. Moreover, in a recent paper, we described a series of new palladium allyl complexes showing a strong antiproliferative activity on different tumor cell lines. The present study was aimed to analyze and validate the biological effects of the most active compounds tested, in combination with antagomiRNA molecules targeting two miRNAs, miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p. The obtained results show that a "combination therapy", produced by combining the antagomiRNAs targeting miR-221-3p, miR-222-3p and the palladium allyl complex 4d, is very effective in inducing apoptosis, supporting the concept that the combination treatment of cancer cells with antagomiRNAs targeting a specific upregulated oncomiRNAs (in this study miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p) and metal-based compounds represents a promising therapeutic strategy to increase the efficacy of the antitumor protocol, reducing side effects at the same time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tupini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Irene Lodi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis (InnThera4CF), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Thomas Scattolin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabiano Visentin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, University Ca' Foscari, 30174 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis (InnThera4CF), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis (InnThera4CF), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
MicroRNAs miR-584-5p and miR-425-3p Are Up-Regulated in Plasma of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Patients: Targeting with Inhibitor Peptide Nucleic Acids Is Associated with Induction of Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010128. [PMID: 36612125 PMCID: PMC9817681 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy has dramatically changed cancer management in the last decade; however, despite the huge number of miRNA signatures available for diagnostic or prognostic purposes, it is still unclear if dysregulated miRNAs in the bloodstream could be used to develop miRNA-based therapeutic approaches. In one author's previous work, nine miRNAs were found to be dysregulated in early-stage colon cancer (CRC) patients by NGS analysis followed by RT-dd-PCR validation. In the present study, the biological effects of the targeting of the most relevant dysregulated miRNAs with anti-miRNA peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) were verified, and their anticancer activity in terms of apoptosis induction was evaluated. Our data demonstrate that targeting bloodstream up-regulated miRNAs using anti-miRNA PNAs leads to the down-regulation of target miRNAs associated with inhibition of the activation of the pro-apoptotic pathway in CRC cellular models. Moreover, very high percentages of apoptotic cells were found when the anti-miRNA PNAs were associated with other pro-apoptotic agents, such as sulforaphane (SFN). The presented data sustain the idea that the targeting of miRNAs up-regulated in the bloodstream with a known role in tumor pathology might be a tool for the design of protocols for anti-tumor therapy based on miRNA-targeting molecules.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zurlo M, Romagnoli R, Oliva P, Gasparello J, Finotti A, Gambari R. Synergistic Effects of A Combined Treatment of Glioblastoma U251 Cells with An Anti-miR-10b-5p Molecule and An AntiCancer Agent Based on 1-(3',4',5'-Trimethoxyphenyl)-2-Aryl-1 H-Imidazole Scaffold. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115991. [PMID: 35682670 PMCID: PMC9181338 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: In the development of new and more effective anticancer approaches, combined treatments appear of great interest. Combination therapy could be of importance in the management of glioblastoma (GBM), a lethal malignancy that accounts for 42% of cancer of the central nervous system, with a median survival of 15 months. This study aimed to verify the activity on a glioblastoma cancer cell line of one of the most active compounds of a novel series of tubulin polymerization inhibitors based on the 1-(3′,4′,5′-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-aryl-1H-imidazole scaffold, used in combination with a miRNA inhibitor molecule targeting the oncomiRNA miR-10b-5p. This microRNA was selected in consideration of the role of miR-10b-5p on the onset and progression of glioblastoma. (2) Methods: Apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin-V and Caspase 3/7 assays, efficacy of the anti-miR-10b-5p was assessed by determining the miR-10b-5p content by RT-qPCR. (3) Results: The results obtained show that a “combination therapy” performed by combining the use of an anti-miR-10b-5p and a 1-(3′,4′,5′-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-aryl-1H-imidazole derivative is an encouraging strategy to boost the efficacy of anticancer therapies and at the same time to reduce side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Romeo Romagnoli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.R.); (P.O.)
| | - Paola Oliva
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.R.); (P.O.)
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (R.G.)
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (R.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ghafouri-Fard S, Khoshbakht T, Hussen BM, Jamal HH, Taheri M, Hajiesmaeili M. A Comprehensive Review on Function of miR-15b-5p in Malignant and Non-Malignant Disorders. Front Oncol 2022; 12:870996. [PMID: 35586497 PMCID: PMC9108330 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.870996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
miR-15b-5p is encoded by MIR15B gene. This gene is located on cytogenetic band 3q25.33. This miRNA participates in the pathogenesis of several cancers as well as non-malignant conditions, such as abdominal aortic aneurysm, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury, coronary artery disease, dexamethasone induced steatosis, diabetic complications and doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. In malignant conditions, both oncogenic and tumor suppressor impacts have been described for miR-15b-5p. Dysregulation of miR-15b-5p in clinical samples has been associated with poor outcome in different kinds of cancers. In this review, we discuss the role of miR-15b-5p in malignant and non-malignant conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayyebeh Khoshbakht
- Men’s Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
- Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Hazha Hadayat Jamal
- Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mohammad Taheri, ; Mohammadreza Hajiesmaeili,
| | - Mohammadreza Hajiesmaeili
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Critical Care Fellowship, Department of Anesthesiology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Mohammad Taheri, ; Mohammadreza Hajiesmaeili,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cesaro E, Falanga AP, Catapano R, Greco F, Romano S, Borbone N, Pastore A, Marzano M, Chiurazzi F, D’Errico S, Piccialli G, Oliviero G, Costanzo P, Grosso M. Exploring a peptide nucleic acid-based antisense approach for CD5 targeting in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266090. [PMID: 35358273 PMCID: PMC8970396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein report an innovative antisense approach based on Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) to down-modulate CD5 expression levels in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Using bioinformatics tools, we selected a 12-mer tract of the CD5 mRNA as the molecular target and synthesized the complementary and control PNA strands bearing a serine phosphate dipeptide tail to enhance their water solubility and bioavailability. The specific recognition of the 12-mer DNA strand, corresponding to the target mRNA sequence by the complementary PNA strand, was confirmed by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, thermal difference spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), and CD melting studies. Cytofluorimetric assays and real-time PCR analysis demonstrated the downregulation of CD5 expression due to incubation with the anti-CD5 PNA at RNA and protein levels in Jurkat cell line and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from B-CLL patients. Interestingly, we also observed that transfection with the anti-CD5 PNA increases apoptotic response induced by fludarabine in B-CLL cells. The herein reported results suggest that PNAs could represent a potential candidate for the development of antisense therapeutic agents in CLL.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/genetics
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Peptide Nucleic Acids/chemistry
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cesaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Rosa Catapano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Simona Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Arianna Pastore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Federico Chiurazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Errico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Paola Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Michela Grosso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gasparello J, Papi C, Zurlo M, Gambari L, Rozzi A, Manicardi A, Corradini R, Gambari R, Finotti A. Treatment of Human Glioblastoma U251 Cells with Sulforaphane and a Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) Targeting miR-15b-5p: Synergistic Effects on Induction of Apoptosis. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27041299. [PMID: 35209084 PMCID: PMC8875359 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a lethal malignant tumor accounting for 42% of the tumors of the central nervous system, the median survival being 15 months. At present, no curative treatment is available for GBM and new drugs and therapeutic protocols are urgently needed. In this context, combined therapy appears to be a very interesting approach. The isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SFN) has been previously shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth and invasion of GBM cells. On the other hand, the microRNA miR-15b is involved in invasiveness and proliferation in GBM and its inhibition is associated with the induction of apoptosis. On the basis of these observations, the objective of the present study was to determine whether a combined treatment using SFN and a peptide nucleic acid interfering with miR-15b-5p (PNA-a15b) might be proposed for increasing the pro-apoptotic effects of the single agents. To verify this hypothesis, we have treated GMB U251 cells with SFN alone, PNA-a15b alone or their combination. The cell viability, apoptosis and combination index were, respectively, analyzed by calcein staining, annexin-V and caspase-3/7 assays, and RT-qPCR for genes involved in apoptosis. The efficacy of the PNA-a15b determined the miR-15b-5p content analyzed by RT-qPCR. The results obtained indicate that SFN and PNA-a15b synergistically act in inducing the apoptosis of U251 cells. Therefore, the PNA-a15b might be proposed in a “combo-therapy” associated with SFN. Overall, this study suggests the feasibility of using combined treatments based on PNAs targeting miRNA involved in GBM and nutraceuticals able to stimulate apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.)
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.)
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.)
| | - Laura Gambari
- Laboratorio RAMSES, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Andrea Rozzi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.R.); (A.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.R.); (A.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.R.); (A.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0532-974443 (R.G.); +39-0532-974510 (A.F.); Fax: +39-0532-974500 (R.G. & A.F.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0532-974443 (R.G.); +39-0532-974510 (A.F.); Fax: +39-0532-974500 (R.G. & A.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang F, Huang X, Sun Y, Li Z, Sun R, Zhao T, Wang M, Yan C, Liu P. Sulforaphane regulates the proliferation of leukemia stem-like cells via Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 919:174824. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
11
|
Glucoraphanin Increases Intracellular Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Levels and Stimulates Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030435. [PMID: 35276794 PMCID: PMC8837953 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are among the most prevalent consequences of ageing, urging the promotion of healthy nutritional habits as a tool in preventing bone fractures. Glucosinolates (GLSs) are organosulfur compounds considered relatively inert precursors of reactive derivatives isothiocyanates (ITCs). Recent evidence suggests that GLSs may exert biological properties based on their capacity to release hydrogen sulfide (H2S). H2S-donors are known to exert anabolic function on bone cells. Here, we investigated whether a GLS, glucoraphanin (GRA) obtained from Tuscan black kale, promotes osteogenesis in human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). H2S release in buffer and intracellular H2S levels were detected by amperometric measurements and fluorimetric/cytofluorimetric analyses, respectively. Alizarin red staining assay and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate mineral apposition and mRNA expression of osteogenic genes. Using an in vitro cell culture model, our data demonstrate a sulforaphane (SFN)-independent osteogenic stimulation of GRA in hMSCs, at least partially attributable to H2S release. In particular, GRA upregulated the expression of osteogenic genes and enhanced mineral apposition while increasing intracellular concentrations of H2S. Overall, this study suggests the feasibility of using cruciferous derivatives as natural alternatives to chemical H2S-donors as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of bone-wasting diseases.
Collapse
|
12
|
Gambari L, Grigolo B, Grassi F. Dietary organosulfur compounds: Emerging players in the regulation of bone homeostasis by plant-derived molecules. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:937956. [PMID: 36187121 PMCID: PMC9521401 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.937956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The progressive decline of bone mass and the deterioration of bone microarchitecture are hallmarks of the bone aging. The resulting increase in bone fragility is the leading cause of bone fractures, a major cause of disability. As the frontline pharmacological treatments for osteoporosis suffer from low patients' adherence and occasional side effects, the importance of diet regimens for the prevention of excessive bone fragility has been increasingly recognized. Indeed, certain diet components have been already associated to a reduced fracture risk. Organosulfur compounds are a broad class of molecules containing sulfur. Among them, several molecules of potential therapeutic interest are found in edible plants belonging to the Allium and Brassica botanical genera. Polysulfides derived from Alliaceae and isothiocyanates derived from Brassicaceae hold remarkable nutraceutical potential as anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, vasorelaxant and hypolipemic. Some of these effects are linked to the ability to release the gasotrasmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Recent preclinical studies have investigated the effect of organosulfur compounds in bone wasting and metabolic bone diseases, revealing a strong potential to preserve skeletal health by exerting cytoprotection and stimulating the bone forming activity by osteoblasts and attenuating bone resorption by osteoclasts. This review is intended for revising evidence from preclinical and epidemiological studies on the skeletal effects of organosulfur molecules of dietary origin, with emphasis on the direct regulation of bone cells by plant-derived polysulfides, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. Moreover, we highlight the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the biological role of these compounds and revise the importance of the so-called 'H2S-system' on the regulation of bone homeostasis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Gasparello J, d'Aversa E, Breveglieri G, Borgatti M, Finotti A, Gambari R. In vitro induction of interleukin-8 by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein is inhibited in bronchial epithelial IB3-1 cells by a miR-93-5p agomiR. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108201. [PMID: 34653729 PMCID: PMC8492649 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
One of the major clinical features of COVID-19 is a hyperinflammatory state, which is characterized by high expression of cytokines (such as IL-6 and TNF-α), chemokines (such as IL-8) and growth factors and is associated with severe forms of COVID-19. For this reason, the control of the “cytokine storm” represents a key issue in the management of COVID-19 patients. In this study we report evidence that the release of key proteins of the COVID-19 “cytokine storm” can be inhibited by mimicking the biological activity of microRNAs. The major focus of this report is on IL-8, whose expression can be modified by the employment of a molecule mimicking miR-93-5p, which is able to target the IL-8 RNA transcript and modulate its activity. The results obtained demonstrate that the production of IL-8 protein is enhanced in bronchial epithelial IB3-1 cells by treatment with the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and that IL-8 synthesis and extracellular release can be strongly reduced using an agomiR molecule mimicking miR-93-5p.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta d'Aversa
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Breveglieri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy; Italian Consortium for Biotechnologies (C.I.B.), Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gao L, Du F, Wang J, Zhao Y, Liu J, Cai D, Zhang X, Wang Y, Zhang S. Examination of the differences between sulforaphane and sulforaphene in colon cancer: A study based on next-generation sequencing. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:690. [PMID: 34457045 PMCID: PMC8358736 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulforaphane and sulforaphene are isothiocyanate compounds derived from cruciferous vegetables that have demonstrated antiproliferative properties against colon cancer. However, the underlying mechanism of action of these two compounds has yet to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of sulforaphane and sulforaphene on colon cancer using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The SW480 colon cancer cell line was cultured with 25 µmol/l sulforaphane or sulforaphene. Total RNA was extracted from the cells following 48 h of incubation with these compounds, and NGS was performed. Pearson's correlation and principal component analyses were performed on the NGS data in order to determine sample homogeneity followed by hierarchical clustering, chromosomal location, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. A total of 873 probes in the sulforaphene group were differentially expressed compared with the control group. Similarly, 959 probes in the sulforaphane group were differentially expressed compared with the control group. The differentially expressed genes were dispersed on the chromosomes, across 22 pairs of autosomes, as well as the X and Y chromosomes. GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated that both drugs affected the ‘p53 signaling pathway’, ‘MAPK signaling pathway’, ‘FOXO signaling pathway’ and ‘estrogen signaling pathway’, while ‘Wnt signaling pathway’ was enriched in the sulforaphane group, and ‘ubiquitin mediated proteolysis’ and ‘estrogen signaling pathway’ in the sulforaphene group. Thus, sulforaphane and sulforaphene exhibited similar biological activities on colon cancer cells. Sulforaphane and sulforaphene may be associated with Wnt and estrogen signaling, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gao
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
| | - Fengying Du
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Jinshen Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Yuhua Zhao
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
| | - Junhua Liu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
| | - Da Cai
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
| | - Yutao Wang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
| | - Shuqiu Zhang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China.,Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kanamori Y, Finotti A, Di Magno L, Canettieri G, Tahara T, Timeus F, Greco A, Tirassa P, Gasparello J, Fino P, Di Liegro CM, Proia P, Schiera G, Di Liegro I, Gambari R, Agostinelli E. Enzymatic Spermine Metabolites Induce Apoptosis Associated with Increase of p53, caspase-3 and miR-34a in Both Neuroblastoma Cells, SJNKP and the N-Myc-Amplified Form IMR5. Cells 2021; 10:1950. [PMID: 34440719 PMCID: PMC8393918 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common malignant solid tumor in children and accounts for 15% of childhood cancer mortality. Amplification of the N-Myc oncogene is a well-established poor prognostic marker in NB patients and strongly correlates with higher tumor aggression and resistance to treatment. New therapies for patients with N-Myc-amplified NB need to be developed. After treating NB cells with BSAO/SPM, the detection of apoptosis was determined after annexin V-FITC labeling and DNA staining with propidium iodide. The mitochondrial membrane potential activity was checked, labeling cells with the probe JC-1 dye. We analyzed, by real-time RT-PCR, the transcript of genes involved in the apoptotic process, to determine possible down- or upregulation of mRNAs after the treatment on SJNKP and the N-Myc-amplified IMR5 cell lines with BSAO/SPM. The experiments were carried out considering the proapoptotic genes Tp53 and caspase-3. After treatment with BSAO/SPM, both cell lines displayed increased mRNA levels for all these proapoptotic genes. Western blotting analysis with PARP and caspase-3 antibody support that BSAO/SPM treatment induces high levels of apoptosis in cells. The major conclusion is that BSAO/SPM treatment leads to antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity of both NB cell lines, associated with activation of apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kanamori
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.F.); (J.G.); (R.G.)
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.D.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.D.M.); (G.C.)
- Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Tomoaki Tahara
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (T.T.)
| | - Fabio Timeus
- Paediatric Onco-haematology, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital and Paediatric Department, Chivasso Hospital, 10034 Turin, Italy;
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (T.T.)
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Research Council of Italy (CNR), 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.F.); (J.G.); (R.G.)
| | - Pasquale Fino
- UOC of Dermatology, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza Medical School of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Patrizia Proia
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement (Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, Pedagogiche, dell’Esercizio fisico e della Formazione), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.F.); (J.G.); (R.G.)
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (T.T.)
- International Polyamines Foundation ‘ETS-ONLUS’ Via del Forte Tiburtino 98, 00159 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zurlo M, Romagnoli R, Oliva P, Gasparello J, Finotti A, Gambari R. Synergistic effects of the combined treatment of U251 and T98G glioma cells with an anti‑tubulin tetrahydrothieno[2,3‑c]pyridine derivative and a peptide nucleic acid targeting miR‑221‑3p. Int J Oncol 2021; 59:61. [PMID: 34278445 PMCID: PMC8295028 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the development of novel and more effective anti-cancer approaches, combined treatments appear to be of great interest, based on the possibility of obtaining relevant biological or therapeutic effects using lower concentrations of single drugs. Combination therapy may prove to be of utmost significance in the management of glioblastoma (GBM), a lethal malignancy that accounts for 42% of cancer cases of the central nervous system, with a median survival rate of 15 months. As regards novel therapeutic approaches, the authors have recently demonstrated that peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) that target microRNA (miRNA/miR)-221 are very active in inducing the apoptosis of glioma cells. Furthermore, in a recent study, the authors described two novel series of tubulin polymerization inhibitors based on the 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridine and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene scaffold, which exerted a potent anti-proliferative effect on a variety of tumor cell lines. The present study aimed to verify the activity on glioblastoma cancer cell lines of one of the most active compounds tested, corresponding to 2-(3′, 4′, 5′-trimethoxyanilino)-3-cyano/alkoxycarbonyl-6-substituted-4 5,6,7-tetrahydrothiene[2,3-c] pyridine (compound 3b), used in combination with an anti-miR-221-3p PNA, already demonstrated to be able to induce high levels of apoptosis. To the best of our knowledge, the results obtained herein demonstrate for the first time a 'combination therapy' performed by the combined use of a PNA targeting miR-221 and the tetrahydrothiene[2,3-c]pyridine derivative 3b, supporting the concept that the combined treatment of GBM cells with a PNA against a specific upregulated oncomiRNA (in the present study a PNA targeting miR-221-3p was used) and anti-tubulin agents (in the present study derivative 3b was used) is an encouraging strategy which may be used to enhance the efficacy of anticancer therapies and at the same time, to reduce side-effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Romeo Romagnoli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Oliva
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, I‑44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sabo AA, Dudau M, Constantin GL, Pop TC, Geilfus CM, Naccarati A, Dragomir MP. Two Worlds Colliding: The Interplay Between Natural Compounds and Non-Coding Transcripts in Cancer Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:652074. [PMID: 34295245 PMCID: PMC8290364 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.652074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease and has recently become the leading cause of death in western countries, representing an immense public health burden. When it comes to cancer treatment, chemotherapy is one of the main pillars, especially for advanced stage tumors. Over the years, natural compounds have emerged as one of the most valuable resources for new chemotherapies. It is estimated that more than half of the currently used chemotherapeutic agents are derived from natural compounds. Usually, natural compounds are discovered empirically and an important limitation of introducing new anti-cancer natural products is lack of knowledge with regard to their mechanism of action. Recent data has proven that several natural compounds may function via modulating the expression and function of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). NcRNAs are a heterogenous class of RNA molecules which are usually not translated into proteins but have an important role in gene expression regulation and are involved in multiple tumorigenic processes, including response/resistance to pharmacotherapy. In this review, we will discuss how natural compounds function via ncRNAs while summarizing the available data regarding their effects on over 15 types of cancer. Moreover, we will critically analyze the current advances and limitations in understanding the way natural compounds exert these health-promoting effects by acting on ncRNAs. Finally, we will propose several hypotheses that may open new avenues and perspectives regarding the interaction between natural compounds and ncRNAs, which could lead to improved natural compound-based therapeutic strategies in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru A Sabo
- Pediatrics 2 (General and Special Pediatrics), Klinikum Stuttgart, Olgahospital, Zentrum für Kinder, Jugend- und Frauenmedizin, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Maria Dudau
- Biochemistry-Proteomics Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - George L Constantin
- Division of Soil Science and Site Science, Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tudor C Pop
- Department of Pediatrics, Marie Curie Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Christoph-M Geilfus
- Division of Controlled Environment Horticulture, Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessio Naccarati
- IIGM Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Turin, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Mihnea P Dragomir
- Department of Surgery, Fundeni Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gasparello J, D'Aversa E, Papi C, Gambari L, Grigolo B, Borgatti M, Finotti A, Gambari R. Sulforaphane inhibits the expression of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 induced in bronchial epithelial IB3-1 cells by exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 87:153583. [PMID: 34033999 PMCID: PMC8095027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A key clinical feature of COVID-19 is a deep inflammatory state known as "cytokine storm" and characterized by high expression of several cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, including IL-6 and IL-8. A direct consequence of this inflammatory state in the lungs is the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), frequently observed in severe COVID-19 patients. The "cytokine storm" is associated with severe forms of COVID-19 and poor prognosis for COVID-19 patients. Sulforaphane (SFN), one of the main components of Brassica oleraceae L. (Brassicaceae or Cruciferae), is known to possess anti-inflammatory effects in tissues from several organs, among which joints, kidneys and lungs. PURPOSE The objective of the present study was to determine whether SFN is able to inhibit IL-6 and IL-8, two key molecules involved in the COVID-19 "cytokine storm". METHODS The effects of SFN were studied in vitro on bronchial epithelial IB3-1 cells exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S-protein). The anti-inflammatory activity of SFN on IL-6 and IL-8 expression has been evaluated by RT-qPCR and Bio-Plex analysis. RESULTS In our study SFN inhibits, in cultured IB3-1 bronchial cells, the gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by the S-protein of SARS-CoV-2. This represents the proof-of-principle that SFN may modulate the release of some key proteins of the COVID-19 "cytokine storm". CONCLUSION The control of the cytokine storm is one of the major issues in the management of COVID-19 patients. Our study suggests that SFN can be employed in protocols useful to control hyperinflammatory state associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta D'Aversa
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laura Gambari
- Laboratorio RAMSES, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Brunella Grigolo
- Laboratorio RAMSES, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Italian Consortium for Biotechnologies (C.I.B.); Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Perera JDR, Carufe KEW, Glazer PM. Peptide nucleic acids and their role in gene regulation and editing. Biopolymers 2021; 112:e23460. [PMID: 34129732 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The unique properties of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) makes it a desirable candidate to be used in therapeutic and biotechnological interventions. It has been broadly utilized for numerous applications, with a major focus in regulation of gene expression, and more recently in gene editing. While the classic PNA design has mainly been employed to date, chemical modifications of the PNA backbone and nucleobases provide an avenue to advance the technology further. This review aims to discuss the recent developments in PNA based gene manipulation techniques and the use of novel chemical modifications to improve the current state of PNA mediated gene targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Dinithi R Perera
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kelly E W Carufe
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Peter M Glazer
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dias F, Almeida C, Teixeira AL, Morais M, Medeiros R. LAT1 and ASCT2 Related microRNAs as Potential New Therapeutic Agents against Colorectal Cancer Progression. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020195. [PMID: 33669301 PMCID: PMC7920065 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been associated with genetic and epigenetic alterations and more recently with changes in cell metabolism. Amino acid transporters are key players in tumor development, and it is described that tumor cells upregulate some AA transporters in order to support the increased amino acid (AA) intake to sustain the tumor additional needs for tumor growth and proliferation through the activation of several signaling pathways. LAT1 and ASCT2 are two AA transporters involved in the regulation of the mTOR pathway that has been reported as upregulated in CRC. Some attempts have been made in order to develop therapeutic approaches to target these AA transporters, however none have reached the clinical setting so far. MiRNA-based therapies have been gaining increasing attention from pharmaceutical companies and now several miRNA-based drugs are currently in clinical trials with promising results. In this review we combine a bioinformatic approach with a literature review in order to identify a miRNA profile with the potential to target both LAT1 and ASCT2 with potential to be used as a therapeutic approach against CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Dias
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Research Center—LAB2, E Bdg 1st Floor, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (F.D.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (R.M.)
| | - Cristina Almeida
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Research Center—LAB2, E Bdg 1st Floor, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (F.D.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (R.M.)
- Research Department of the Portuguese League against Cancer Regional Nucleus of the North (LPCC-NRN), Estrada da Circunvalação 6657, 4200-177 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Teixeira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Research Center—LAB2, E Bdg 1st Floor, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (F.D.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225084000 (ext. 5410)
| | - Mariana Morais
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Research Center—LAB2, E Bdg 1st Floor, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (F.D.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (R.M.)
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Research Center—LAB2, E Bdg 1st Floor, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (F.D.); (C.A.); (M.M.); (R.M.)
- Research Department of the Portuguese League against Cancer Regional Nucleus of the North (LPCC-NRN), Estrada da Circunvalação 6657, 4200-177 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Biomedical Research Center (CEBIMED), Faculty of Health Sciences of Fernando Pessoa University (UFP), Praça 9 de Abril 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gu HF, Mao XY, Du M. Metabolism, absorption, and anti-cancer effects of sulforaphane: an update. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:3437-3452. [PMID: 33393366 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1865871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases, and recently, a variety of natural compounds with preventive effects on cancer developments have been reported. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a potent anti-cancer isothiocyanate originating from Brassica oleracea (broccoli). SFN, mainly metabolized via mercapturic acid pathway, has high bioavailability and absorption. The present reviews mainly discussed the metabolism and absorption of SFN and newly discovered mechanistic understanding recent years for SFN's anti-cancer effects including promoting autophagy, inducing epigenetic modifications, suppressing glycolysis and fat metabolism. Moreover, its inhibitory effects on cancer stem cells and synergetic effects with other anti-cancer agents are also reviewed along with the clinical trials in this realm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Feng Gu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Ying Mao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Du
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sharma M, Arora I, Stoll ML, Li Y, Morrow CD, Barnes S, Berryhill TF, Li S, Tollefsbol TO. Nutritional combinatorial impact on the gut microbiota and plasma short-chain fatty acids levels in the prevention of mammary cancer in Her2/neu estrogen receptor-negative transgenic mice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234893. [PMID: 33382695 PMCID: PMC7774855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Various nutritional compounds possess anti-carcinogenic properties which may be mediated through their effects on the gut microbiota and its production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) for the prevention of breast cancer. We evaluated the impact of broccoli sprouts (BSp), green tea polyphenols (GTPs) and their combination on the gut microbiota and SCFAs metabolism from the microbiota in Her2/neu transgenic mice that spontaneously develop estrogen receptor-negative [ER(-)] mammary tumors. The mice were grouped based on the dietary treatment: control, BSp, GTPs or their combination from beginning in early life (BE) or life-long from conception (LC). We found that the combination group showed the strongest inhibiting effect on tumor growth volume and a significant increase in tumor latency. BSp treatment was integrally more efficacious than the GTPs group when compared to the control group. There was similar clustering of microbiota of BSp-fed mice with combination-fed mice, and GTPs-fed mice with control-fed mice at pre-tumor in the BE group and at pre-tumor and post-tumor in the LC group. The mice on all dietary treatment groups incurred a significant increase of Adlercreutzia, Lactobacillus genus and Lachnospiraceae, S24-7 family in the both BE and LC groups. We found no change in SCFAs levels in the plasma of BSp-fed, GTPs-fed and combination-fed mice of the BE group. Marked changes were observed in the mice of the LC group consisting of significant increases in propionate and isobutyrate in GTPs-fed and combination-fed mice. These studies indicate that nutrients such as BSp and GTPs differentially affect the gut microbial composition in both the BE and LC groups and the key metabolites (SCFAs) levels in the LC group. The findings also suggest that temporal factors related to different time windows of consumption during the life-span can have a promising influence on the gut microbial composition, SCFAs profiles and ER(-) breast cancer prevention.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Actinobacteria/drug effects
- Actinobacteria/isolation & purification
- Actinobacteria/physiology
- Animals
- Brassica/chemistry
- Clostridiales/drug effects
- Clostridiales/isolation & purification
- Clostridiales/physiology
- Diet/methods
- Fatty Acids, Volatile/blood
- Female
- Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
- Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
- Gene Expression
- Lactobacillus/drug effects
- Lactobacillus/isolation & purification
- Lactobacillus/physiology
- Mammary Glands, Animal/drug effects
- Mammary Glands, Animal/metabolism
- Mammary Glands, Animal/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/blood
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/prevention & control
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Polyphenols/chemistry
- Polyphenols/pharmacology
- Receptor, ErbB-2/deficiency
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Receptors, Estrogen/deficiency
- Receptors, Estrogen/genetics
- Seedlings/chemistry
- Tea/chemistry
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manvi Sharma
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Itika Arora
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Matthew L Stoll
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Heath, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Casey D Morrow
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Stephen Barnes
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Taylor F Berryhill
- Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Shizhao Li
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Li S, Wu H, Tollefsbol TO. Combined Broccoli Sprouts and Green Tea Polyphenols Contribute to the Prevention of Estrogen Receptor-Negative Mammary Cancer via Cell Cycle Arrest and Inducing Apoptosis in HER2/neu Mice. J Nutr 2020; 151:73-84. [PMID: 33188406 PMCID: PMC7779229 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrations in the regulation of cell proliferation perturb cellular homeostasis and lead to malignancies in which dysregulation of the cell cycle and suppressed apoptosis are 2 common phenomena. Combinatorial nutritional approaches could be efficacious in ameliorating these aberrations. OBJECTIVES We sought to investigate the effect of dietary broccoli sprouts (BSp) and green tea polyphenol (GTP) administration on cell cycle progression and apoptosis in mammary tumors. METHODS Forty female HER2/neu transgenic mice were randomly divided into 4 groups and treated with control, 26% BSp (wt:wt) in food, 0.5% GTPs (wt:vol) in drinking water, or combined BSp and GTPs from dams' conception until their pups were killed at 29 wk of age. Pups' tumor growth was monitored weekly for 27 wk. Tumor cell cycle- and apoptosis-related protein expression was measured. Data were analyzed with 2-factor or 3-factor (repeated-measures) ANOVA. RESULTS Compared with the control group, BSp and/or GTPs decreased tumor incidence (P < 0.05) and combined BSp and GTPs synergistically [combination index (CIn) < 1] reduced tumor volume over time (P-time < 0.01). BSp and/or GTPs upregulated the expression of phosphatase and tension homolog, P16, and P53 (P < 0.05) and downregulated myelocytomatosis oncogene, Bmi1 polycomb ring finger oncogene, and telomerase reverse transcriptase (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Combined BSp and GTPs synergistically (CIn < 1) downregulated the expression of cyclin B1, D1, and E1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 1, 2, and 4 (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Moreover, combined BSp and GTPs induced apoptosis by regulating Bcl-2-associated X protein and B-cell lymphoma 2 (P < 0.05). BSp and/or GTPs also reduced the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1, 3A, and 3B and histone deacetylase 1 compared with the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Collectively, lifelong BSp and GTP administration can prevent estrogen receptor-negative mammary tumorigenesis through cell cycle arrest and inducing apoptosis in HER2/neu mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shizhao Li
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Huixin Wu
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu X, Dong Y, Song D. Inhibition of microRNA-15b-5p Attenuates the Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Modulating the PTPN4/STAT3 Axis. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:10559-10572. [PMID: 33149666 PMCID: PMC7604544 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s272498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence has demonstrated the important functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) in human malignancies. This study focuses on the function of miR-15b-5p on the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression and the molecules involved. METHODS Tumor and the paracancerous tissues were obtained from OSCC patients. Differentially expressed miRNAs between the tumor and normal tissues were screened out. miR-15b-5p expression in tumors and acquired cells was determined, and its correlation with patient survival was analyzed. Knockdown of miR-15b-5p was introduced in SCC-4 and CAL-27 cells to explore its role in cell growth and metastasis. Binding relationship between miR-15b-5p and PTPN4 was validated, and altered expression of PTPN4 was introduced in cells to explore its function in OSCC development. Xenograft tumors were induced in nude mice for in vivo experiments. RESULTS miR-15b-5p was abundantly expressed in OSCC tumors and cells and linked to poor survival in patients. Silencing of miR-15b-5p suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion and triggered apoptosis in SCC-4 and CAL-27 cells. miR-15b-5p targeted PTPN4. Further silencing of PTPN4 blocked the inhibiting functions of miR-15b-5p inhibitor in OSCC cell growth. The in vitro results were reproduced in vivo, where inhibition of miR-15b-5p led to a decline in tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice. PTPN4 was found as a negative mediator of the STAT3 pathway. CONCLUSION This study evidenced that miR-15b-5p possibly promotes OSCC development through binding to PTPN4 and the following STAT3 signaling activation. miR-15b-5p may be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuerong Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, Shandong277100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Dong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, Shandong277100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Song
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, Shandong277100, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gasparello J, Papi C, Allegretti M, Giordani E, Carboni F, Zazza S, Pescarmona E, Romania P, Giacomini P, Scapoli C, Gambari R, Finotti A. A Distinctive microRNA (miRNA) Signature in the Blood of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Patients at Surgery. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092410. [PMID: 32854257 PMCID: PMC7564483 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Liquid biopsy (LB) provides an examination of the peripheral blood of cancer patients for circulating tumor cells, cell-free nucleic acids and microRNAs (miRNAs) and is an established tool of precision medicine. Unlike most previous LB studies that focused on advanced metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), we assessed miRNA dysregulation in blood samples obtained on the day of surgery from patients with primary CRC lesions but no clinical evidence of extra-colonic diffusion. In this study, plasma preparation included miRNAs associated to exosomes, but excluded large macrovesicles from the preparation. Methods: The miRNA profile in plasma isolated from a cohort of 35 CRC patients at the day of surgery was analyzed by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and further confirmed by droplet digital RT-PCR (dd-RT-PCR). Results: A miR-141-3p/miR-221-3p/miR-222-3p upregulation signature previously described in advanced CRC did not discriminate the analyzed early-CRC cohort from six tumor-free donors (Tf-D). In contrast, NGS-based miRNome analysis of a training cohort of five CRC and three tumor-free donors identified a novel, distinct nine miRNA signature comprising five up-regulated and four down-regulated miRNAs, six of which could be confirmed in the full CRC and tumor-free donor validation dataset by dd-RT-PCR. Additionally, a KRAS (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog) mutant status was correlated with the plasma content of three identified miRNAs. Conclusions: When the data obtained were comparatively evaluated, at least one of the miRNAs belonging to the signature list was found to be dysregulated in 34/35 (97.1%) of our early-CRC plasma samples. The miRNA list provides diagnostic markers as well as possible molecular targets for protocols focusing on “microRNA therapeutics”.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Matteo Allegretti
- Oncogenomics and Epigenetics, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.A.); (E.G.); (P.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Elena Giordani
- Oncogenomics and Epigenetics, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.A.); (E.G.); (P.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Fabio Carboni
- Digestive Surgery, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Settimio Zazza
- Digestive Surgery, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Edoardo Pescarmona
- Pathology, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Paolo Romania
- Oncogenomics and Epigenetics, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.A.); (E.G.); (P.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Patrizio Giacomini
- Oncogenomics and Epigenetics, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.A.); (E.G.); (P.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0532-974443 (R.G.); +39-0532-974510 (A.F.); Fax: +39-0532-974500 (R.G. & A.F.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.G.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0532-974443 (R.G.); +39-0532-974510 (A.F.); Fax: +39-0532-974500 (R.G. & A.F.)
| |
Collapse
|