Inhibition of TRPM7 with carvacrol suppresses glioblastoma functions in vivo

Carvacrol potentiates immunity and sorafenib anti-cancer efficacy by targeting HIF-1α/STAT3/ FGL1 pathway: in silico and in vivo study

Hypoxia and tumor cell immunological escape greatly hinder the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment efficiency. This study is designed to investigate the capability of carvacrol (CVR) to enhance sorafenib (SOR) anti-cancer efficacy and modulate anti-HCC immunity. CVR target and biological activities were predicted using Swiss Target Prediction website and PASS web server. UALCAN and LinkedOmics databases were used to examine hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) expression and the relationship between studied genes and tumor clinical features. Kaplan-Meier plotter (KM plotter) and TISIDB databases were used to illustrate correlation of HIF-1α with HCC prognosis and immune infiltration. The binding affinities of CVR to p300, KAT2B, CREBBP, and Hsp90 were demonstrated by molecular docking. In vivo analysis was performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The STAT3, JAK2, and fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) expressions were assessed by qRT-PCR. FGL1 was determined by ELISA. CD8+ T cell number was counted by flow cytometry. HIF-1α was determined by immunohistochemistry. CVR showed an HIF-1α inhibitory potential, which is highly expressed in HCC tissues. Also, elevated HIF-1α expression has been found to be correlated with clinicopathological characteristics, poor survival in HCC patients, and tumor immune cell infiltration. CVR/SOR enhanced liver functions and decreased AFP level. CVR/SOR hindered HCC progression by downregulating STAT3, JAK2, and FGL1. CVR/SOR induced tumor immunity via increasing CD8+ T cells. CVR/SOR is a powerful combination for tumor repression and enhancing SOR efficiency in HCC by modulating FGL1. Moreover, CVR/SOR might exert the aforementioned effects through HIF-1α/STAT3/FGL1 pathway.

The Role of TRPM7 in Oncogenesis

This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) channels in the pathophysiology of neoplastic diseases. The TRPM family represents the largest and most diverse group in the TRP superfamily. Its subtypes are expressed in virtually all human organs playing a central role in (patho)physiological events. The TRPM7 protein (along with TRPM2 and TRPM6) is unique in that it has kinase activity in addition to the channel function. Numerous studies demonstrate the role of TRPM7 chanzyme in tumorigenesis and in other tumor hallmarks such as proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. Here we provide an up-to-date overview about the possible role of TRMP7 in a broad range of malignancies such as tumors of the nervous system, head and neck cancers, malignant neoplasms of the upper gastrointestinal tract, colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, neoplasms of the urinary system, breast cancer, malignant tumors of the female reproductive organs, prostate cancer and other neoplastic pathologies. Experimental data show that the increased expression and/or function of TRPM7 are observed in most malignant tumor types. Thus, TRPM7 chanzyme may be a promising target in tumor therapy.

Calcium carbonate-actuated ion homeostasis perturbator for oxidative damage-augmented Ca2+/Mg2+ interference therapy

Ion homeostasis distortion through exogenous overload or underload of intracellular ion species has become an arresting therapeutic approach against malignant tumor. Nevertheless, treatment outcomes of such ion interference are always compromised by the intrinsic ion homeostasis maintenance systems in cancer cells. Herein, an ion homeostasis perturbator (CTC) is facilely designed by co-encapsulation of carvacrol (CAR) and meso-tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (TCPP) into pH-sensitive nano-CaCO3, aiming to disrupt the self-defense mechanism during the process of ion imbalance. Upon the endocytosis of CTC into tumor cells, lysosomal acidity can render the decomposition of CaCO3, resulting in the instant Ca2+ overload and CO2 generation in cytoplasm. Simultaneously, CaCO3 disintegration triggers the release of CAR and TCPP, which are devoted to TRPM7 inhibition and sonosensitization, respectively. The malfunction of TRPM7 can impede the influx of Mg2+ and allow unrestricted influx of Ca2+ based on the antagonism relationship between Mg2+ and Ca2+, leading to an aggravated Ca2+/Mg2+ dyshomeostasis through ion channel deactivation. In another aspect, US-triggered cavitation can be significantly enhanced by the presence of inert CO2 microbubbles, further amplifying the generation of reactive oxygen species. Such oxidative damage-augmented Ca2+/Mg2+ interference therapy effectively impairs the mitochondrial function of tumor, which may provide useful insights in cancer therapy.

New frontiers in the design and discovery of therapeutics that target calcium ion signaling: a novel approach in the fight against cancer

INTRODUCTION

The Ca2+ signaling toolkit is currently under investigation as a potential target for addressing the threat of cancer. A growing body of evidence suggests that calcium signaling plays a crucial role in promoting various aspects of cancer, including cell proliferation, progression, drug resistance, and migration-related activities. Consequently, focusing on these altered Ca2+ transporting proteins has emerged as a promising area of research for cancer treatment.

AREAS COVERED

This review highlights the existing research on the role of Ca2+-transporting proteins in cancer progression. It discusses the current studies evaluating Ca2+ channel/transporter/pump blockers, inhibitors, or regulators as potential anticancer drugs. Additionally, the review addresses specific gaps in our understanding of the field that may require further investigation.

EXPERT OPINION

Targeting specific Ca2+ signaling cascades could disrupt normal cellular activities, making cancer therapy complex and elusive. Therefore, there is a need for improvements in current Ca2+ signaling pathway focused medicines. While synthetic molecules and plant compounds show promise, they also come with certain limitations. Hence, exploring the framework of targeted drug delivery, structure-rationale-based designing, and repurposing potential drugs to target Ca2+ transporting proteins could potentially lead to a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment.

Carvacrol enhances anti-tumor activity and mitigates cardiotoxicity of sorafenib in thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma model through inhibiting TRPM7

AIMS

Sorafenib (Sora) represents one of the few effective drugs for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while resistance and cardiotoxicity limit its therapeutic efficacy. This study investigated the effect of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) inhibitor, carvacrol (CARV), on overcoming Sora resistance and cardiotoxicity in thioacetamide (TAA) induced HCC in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TAA (200 mg/kg/twice weekly, intraperitoneal) was administered for 16 weeks to induce HCC. Rats were treated with Sora (10 mg/Kg/day; orally) and CARV (15 mg/kg/day; orally) alone or in combination, for six weeks after HCC induction. Liver and heart functions, antioxidant capacity, and histopathology were performed. Apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance were assessed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry.

KEY FINDINGS

CARV/Sora combination significantly improved survival rate, and liver functions, reduced Alpha-Fetoprotein level, and attenuated HCC progression compared with Sora group. CARV coadministration almost obviated Sora-induced changes in cardiac and hepatic tissues. The CARV/Sora combination suppressed drug resistance and stemness by downregulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2, NOTCH1, Spalt like transcription factor 4, and CD133. CARV boosted Sora antiproliferative and apoptotic activities by decreasing cyclin D1 and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 and increasing BCL2-Associated X and caspase-3.

SIGNIFICANCE

CARV/Sora is a promising combination for tumor suppression and overcoming Sora resistance and cardiotoxicity in HCC by modulating TRPM7. To our best knowledge, this study represents the first study to investigate the efficiency of CARV/ Sora on the HCC rat model. Moreover, no previous studies have reported the effect of inhibiting TRPM7 on HCC.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties of Thyme Oil and Its Main Constituents

Thyme oil (TO) is derived from the flowers of various plants belonging to the genus Thymus. It has been used as a therapeutic agent since ancient times. Thymus comprises numerous molecular species exhibiting diverse therapeutic properties that are dependent on their biologically active concentrations in the extracted oil. It is therefore not surprising that oils extracted from different thyme plants present different therapeutic properties. Furthermore, the phenophase of the same plant species has been shown to yield different anti-inflammatory properties. Given the proven efficacy of TO and the diversity of its constituents, a better understanding of the interactions of the various components is warranted. The aim of this review is to gather the latest research findings regarding TO and its components with respect to their immunomodulatory properties. An optimization of the various components has the potential to yield more effective thyme formulations with increased potency.

On the modulation of TRPM channels: Current perspectives and anticancer therapeutic implications

The transient melastatin receptor potential (TRPM) ion channel subfamily functions as cellular sensors and transducers of critical biological signal pathways by regulating ion homeostasis. Some members of TRPM have been cloned from cancerous tissues, and their abnormal expressions in various solid malignancies have been correlated with cancer cell growth, survival, or death. Recent evidence also highlights the mechanisms underlying the role of TRPMs in tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), autophagy, and cancer metabolic reprogramming. These implications support TRPM channels as potential molecular targets and their modulation as an innovative therapeutic approach against cancer. Here, we discuss the general characteristics of the different TRPMs, focusing on current knowledge about the connection between TRPM channels and critical features of cancer. We also cover TRPM modulators used as pharmaceutical tools in biological trials and an indication of the only clinical trial with a TRPM modulator about cancer. To conclude, the authors describe the prospects for TRPM channels in oncology.

The role of transient receptor potential channels in metastasis

Metastasis is the hallmark of failed tumor treatment and is typically associated with death due to cancer. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels affect changes in intracellular calcium concentrations and participate at every stage of metastasis. Further, they increase the migratory ability of tumor cells, promote angiogenesis, regulate immune function, and promote the growth of tumor cells through changes in gene expression and function. In this review, we explore the potential mechanisms of action of TRP channels, summarize their role in tumor metastasis, compile inhibitors of TRP channels relevant in tumors, and discuss current challenges in research on TRP channels involved in tumor metastasis.

Ion Channels in Gliomas-From Molecular Basis to Treatment

Ion channels provide the basis for the nervous system's intrinsic electrical activity. Neuronal excitability is a characteristic property of neurons and is critical for all functions of the nervous system. Glia cells fulfill essential supportive roles, but unlike neurons, they also retain the ability to divide. This can lead to uncontrolled growth and the formation of gliomas. Ion channels are involved in the unique biology of gliomas pertaining to peritumoral pathology and seizures, diffuse invasion, and treatment resistance. The emerging picture shows ion channels in the brain at the crossroads of neurophysiology and fundamental pathophysiological processes of specific cancer behaviors as reflected by uncontrolled proliferation, infiltration, resistance to apoptosis, metabolism, and angiogenesis. Ion channels are highly druggable, making them an enticing therapeutic target. Targeting ion channels in difficult-to-treat brain tumors such as gliomas requires an understanding of their extremely heterogenous tumor microenvironment and highly diverse molecular profiles, both representing major causes of recurrence and treatment resistance. In this review, we survey the current knowledge on ion channels with oncogenic behavior within the heterogeneous group of gliomas, review ion channel gene expression as genomic biomarkers for glioma prognosis and provide an update on therapeutic perspectives for repurposed and novel ion channel inhibitors and electrotherapy.

A pan-cancer-bioinformatic-based literature review of TRPM7 in cancers

TRPM7, a divalent cation-selective channel with kinase domains, has been widely reported to potentially affect cancers. In this study, we conducted multiple bioinformatic analyses based on open databases and reviewed articles that provided evidence for the effects of TRPM7 on cancers. The purposes of this paper are 1) to provide a pan-cancer overview of TRPM7 in cancers; 2) to summarize evidence of TRPM7 effects on cancers; 3) to identify potential future studies of TRPM7 in cancer. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that no cancer-related TRPM7 mutation was found. TRPM7 is aberrantly expressed in most cancer types but the cancer-noncancer expression pattern varies across cancer types. TRPM7 was not associated with survival, TMB, or cancer stemness in most cancer types. TRPM7 affected drug sensitivity and tumor immunity in some cancer types. The in vitro evidence, preclinical in vivo evidence, and clinical evidence for TRPM7 effects on cancers as well as TRPM7 kinase substrate and TRPM7-targeting drugs associated with cancers were summarized to facilitate comparison. We matched the bioinformatics evidence to literature evidence, thereby unveiling potential avenues for future investigation of TRPM7 in cancers. We believe that this paper will help orient research toward important and relevant aspects of the role of TRPM7 in cancers.

Pump proton inhibitors display anti-tumour potential in glioma

OBJECTIVES

Glioma is one of the most aggressive brain tumours with poor overall survival despite advanced technology in surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiation. Progression and recurrence are the hinge causes of low survival. Our aim is to explain the concrete mechanism in the proliferation and progression of tumours based on tumour microenvironment (TME). The main purpose is to illustrate the mechanism of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in affecting acidity, hypoxia, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and autophagy based on the TME to induce apoptosis and enhance the sensitivity of chemoradiotherapy.

FINDINGS

TME is the main medium for tumour growth and progression. Acidity, hypoxia, inflammatory response, autophagy, angiogenesis and so on are the main causes of tumour progress. PPIs, as a common clinical drug to inhibit gastric acid secretion, have the advantages of fast onset, long action time and small adverse reactions. Nowadays, several kinds of literature highlight the potential of PPIs in inhibiting tumour progression. However, long-term use of PPIs alone also has obvious side effects. Therefore, till now, how to apply PPIs to promote the effect of radio-chemotherapy and find the concrete dose and concentration of combined use are novel challenges.

CONCLUSIONS

PPIs display the potential in enhancing the sensitivity of chemoradiotherapy to defend against glioma based on TME. In the clinic, it is also necessary to explore specific concentrations and dosages in synthetic applications.