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Zhang Q, Li X, He C, Zhou R, Wang J, Liu L. Artesunate promotes cervical cancer cell apoptosis by regulating Bcl2 family molecules and reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:315. [PMID: 38807670 PMCID: PMC11130610 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Artesunate (ART), an antimalarial drug, has a broad spectrum of antitumour effects in cancer types such as esophageal and gastric cancer. However, evidence demonstrating the role of ART in cervical cancer cells is limited. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of ART on the growth of cervical cancer cells through the modulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis was investigated. The growth-inhibitory effect of ART on a cervical cancer cell line (SiHa) was detected using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay after treatment with ART for 24 h, after which the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. Using flow cytometry assays, apoptosis, the cell cycle, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium (Ca2+) ions, as well as the mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated in SiHa cells following treatment with ART for 24 and 48 h. The mRNA expression levels of Bcl2, Bcl-xl, (myeloid cell leukaemia 1) Mcl-1, Bcl2-like protein 11 (BIM), (Bcl2-related ovarian killer protein) Bok, Bax and (Bcl2 homologous antagonist/killer) Bak in SiHa cells were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. ART inhibited the growth of SiHa cells in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 of ART in SiHa cells was 26.32 µg/ml. According to the IC50 value, 15, 30 and 100 µg/ml ART were selected for further experiments, and normal saline (0 µg/ml ART) was used as the control group. The results indicated that treatment with 15, 30 and 100 µg/ml ART for 24 and 48 h induced apoptosis, increased the levels of ROS, the levels of Ca2+ and the mRNA expression levels of BIM, Bok, Bax and Bak, but decreased the cell proliferation indices, the mitochondrial membrane potential and the mRNA expression levels of Bcl2, Bcl-xl and Mcl-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, ART inhibited the growth of SiHa cells and induced apoptosis via a mechanism associated with the regulation of Bcl2 family member expression, which was associated with the increase of the levels of ROS and Ca2+ and the reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Zhang
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Flow Cytometry, Tumour Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Caiyi He
- Department of Flow Cytometry, Tumour Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Rongmiao Zhou
- Department of Molecular Biology, Tumour Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Flow Cytometry, Tumour Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Flow Cytometry, Tumour Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
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Cao M, Tang Y, Luo Y, Gu F, Zhu Y, Liu X, Yan C, Hu W, Wang S, Chao X, Xu H, Chen HB, Wang L. Natural compounds modulating mitophagy: Implications for cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2024; 582:216590. [PMID: 38097131 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is considered as the second leading cause of mortality, and cancer incidence is still growing rapidly worldwide, which poses an increasing global health burden. Although chemotherapy is the most widely used treatment for cancer, its effectiveness is limited by drug resistance and severe side effects. Mitophagy is the principal mechanism that degrades damaged mitochondria via the autophagy/lysosome pathway to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. Emerging evidence indicates that mitophagy plays crucial roles in tumorigenesis, particularly in cancer therapy. Mitophagy can exhibit dual effects in cancer, with both cancer-inhibiting or cancer-promoting function in a context-dependent manner. A variety of natural compounds have been found to affect cancer cell death and display anticancer properties by modulating mitophagy. In this review, we provide a systematic overview of mitophagy signaling pathways, and examine recent advances in the utilization of natural compounds for cancer therapy through the modulation of mitophagy. Furthermore, we address the inquiries and challenges associated with ongoing investigations concerning the application of natural compounds in cancer therapy based on mitophagy. Overcoming these limitations will provide opportunities to develop novel interventional strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Cao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yancheng Tang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan Province, China; School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yufei Luo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fen Gu
- Department of Infection, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, 410007, China
| | - Yuyuan Zhu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xu Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chenghao Yan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Boai Rehabilitation Hospital, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Shaogui Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaojuan Chao
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Haodong Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Hu-Biao Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liming Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan Province, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518000, China.
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Li S, Pi G, Zeng Y, Ruan C, He X, Xiong X, Zhang M, Zou J, Liang X. Notoginsenoside R1 induces oxidative stress and modulates LPS induced immune microenvironment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109323. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Xu Z, Liu X, Zhuang D. Artesunate inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer by regulating the PI3K/AKT/FKHR pathway. Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 100:85-92. [PMID: 34797728 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2021-0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study characterized the effects of artesunate on thyroid cancer and partially identified its related molecular mechanism. We determined the effect of artesunate on the proliferation of thyroid cancer cells using the MTT assay, cell colony formation experiments, and western blotting, and used flow cytometry to detect the apoptosis of cancer cells. Using a wound-healing assay, Transwell chamber experiments, and western blotting, we determined the effect of artesunate on cancer cell migration. By co-cultivating artesunate with the PI3K agonist, 740Y-P, we also partially identified the molecular mechanism. Artesunate significantly inhibited the growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer cells, and promoted the apoptosis of cancer cells. Using co-cultivation with a PI3K agonist, we found that the inhibitory effect of artesunate on cancer cells was mainly due to suppressing the PI3K/AKT/FKHR signaling pathway. By inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/FKHR signaling pathway, artesunate induced apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells and inhibited their proliferation and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Xu
- Tongxiang First People's Hospital, Jiaxing, China;
| | - Xiaojian Liu
- Tongxiang First People's Hospital, Jiaxing, China;
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Wang Y, Sun J, Yao N. Correlation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway with the clinicopathological features and prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Eur J Histochem 2021; 65. [PMID: 34783234 PMCID: PMC8611413 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2021.3304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to examine the correlation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway with the clinicopathological features and prognostic significance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The study tissues were collected from 285 patients with NPC and normal mucosal tissues were obtained from 289 individuals with normal nasopharynxes. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detected the expression of the AKT, mTOR, and p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (P70S6K) proteins. Follow-up was performed for between 8 and 60 months. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation of the expression of the AKT, mTOR, and P70S6K proteins in NPC tissues. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to show the survival of patients with NPC. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to explore the independent risk factors for prognosis. The expression of the AKT, mTOR, and P70S6K proteins in NPC tissues was higher than that in healthy nasopharyngeal mucosal tissues, and was correlated with T-staging, N-staging, clinical stage, distant metastasis, and differentiation. The positive expression of the AKT, mTOR, and P70S6K proteins was higher in patients with stage III/IV NPC, low differentiation, and metastasis. The survival rates of patients with NPC with AKT-positive, mTOR-positive, and P70S6K-positive expression were considerably lower than those without the expression of these proteins. Distant metastasis and the overexpression of the AKT, mTOR, and P70S6K proteins were independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients with NPC. The results obtained from this study indicated an association between the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and the progression of NPC. The upregulation of the AKT/mTOR pathway in patients with NPC is a predictor of poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong.
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong.
| | - Ninghua Yao
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong.
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Immunomodulation: An immune regulatory mechanism in carcinoma therapeutics. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:107984. [PMID: 34303999 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer has been generally related to the possession of numerous mutations which interrupt important signaling pathways. Nevertheless, deregulated immunological signaling is considered as one of the key factors associated with the development and progression of cancer. The signaling pathways operate as modular network with different components interacting in a switch-like fashion with two proteins interplaying between each other leading to direct or indirect inhibition or stimulation of down-stream factors. Genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic alterations maintain the pathological conduit of different signaling pathways via affecting diverse mechanisms including cell destiny. At present, immunotherapy is one of the best therapies opted for cancer treatment. The cancer immunotherapy strategy includes harnessing the specificity and killing mechanisms of the immunological system to target and eradicate malignant cells. Targeted therapies utilizing several little molecules including Galunisertib, Astragaloside-IV, Melatonin, and Jervine capable of regulating key signaling pathways can effectively help in the management of different carcinomas.
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Du J, Wang X, Li Y, Ren X, Zhou Y, Hu W, Zhou C, Jing Q, Yang C, Wang L, Li H, Fang L, Zhou Y, Tong X, Wang Y. DHA exhibits synergistic therapeutic efficacy with cisplatin to induce ferroptosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via modulation of iron metabolism. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:705. [PMID: 34262021 PMCID: PMC8280115 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03996-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely lethal cancer with limited treatment options. Cisplatin (DDP) is used as a mainstay of chemotherapeutic agents in combination with other drugs or radiotherapy for PDAC therapy. However, DDP exhibits severe side-effects that can lead to discontinuation of therapy, and the acquired drug resistance of tumor cells presents serious clinical obstacles. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a more effective and less toxic therapeutic strategy. We and others have previously discovered that dihydroartemisinin (DHA) represents a safe and promising therapeutic agent to preferentially induce cancer cell ferroptosis. In the present study, we find that DHA could intensively strengthen the cytotoxicity of DDP and significantly reduce its effective concentrations both in vitro and in vivo. Combination of DHA and DDP synergistically inhibits the proliferation and induces DNA damage of PDAC cells. Mechanically, the combinative treatment impairs mitochondrial homeostasis, characterized by destroyed mitochondrial morphology, decreased respiratory capacity, reduced ATP production, and accumulated mitochondria-derived ROS. Further studies show that ferroptosis contributes to the cytotoxic effects in PDAC cells under the challenge of DHA and DDP, together with catastrophic accumulation of free iron and unrestricted lipid peroxidation. Moreover, pharmacologic depleting of the free iron reservoir or reconstituted expression of FTH contributes to the tolerance of DHA/DDP-induced ferroptosis, while iron addition accelerates the ferroptotic cell death. In summary, these results provide experimental evidence that DHA acts synergistically with DDP and renders PDAC cells vulnerable to ferroptosis, which may act as a promising therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Du
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Yanchun Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou first people's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Xueying Ren
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Wanye Hu
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233000, China
| | - Chaoting Zhou
- Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Qiangan Jing
- Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Luyang Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Huanjuan Li
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Lijuan Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hangzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Yonglie Zhou
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
| | - Xiangmin Tong
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233000, China.
- Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, 233000, China.
- Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
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Repurposing of Antimicrobial Agents for Cancer Therapy: What Do We Know? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133193. [PMID: 34206772 PMCID: PMC8269327 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The substantial costs of clinical trials, the lengthy timelines of new drug discovery and development, along the high attrition rates underscore the need for alternative strategies for finding quickly suitable therapeutics agents. Given that most approved drugs possess more than one target tightly linked to other diseases, it encourages promptly testing these drugs in patients. Over the past decades, this has led to considerable attention for drug repurposing, which relies on identifying new uses for approved or investigational drugs outside the scope of the original medical indication. The known safety of approved drugs minimizes the possibility of failure for adverse toxicology, making them attractive de-risked compounds for new applications with potentially lower overall development costs and shorter development timelines. This latter case is an exciting opportunity, specifically in oncology, due to increased resistance towards the current therapies. Indeed, a large body of evidence shows that a wealth of non-cancer drugs has beneficial effects against cancer. Interestingly, 335 drugs are currently being evaluated in different clinical trials for their potential activities against various cancers (Redo database). This review aims to provide an extensive discussion about the anti-cancer activities exerted by antimicrobial agents and presents information about their mechanism(s) of action and stage of development/evaluation.
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Li W, Zhao L, Li Y, Zhai Z. Artesunate attenuates proliferation of epithelial cells by downregulating the NF-κB and AKT signaling pathways in benign mammary gland hyperplasia rats. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:848. [PMID: 34164482 PMCID: PMC8184455 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-1447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of artesunate (ART) on breast epithelial cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Methods Immortalized human non-cancer mammary epithelial (MCF-10A) cells were used to determine the effect of ART on estrogen-induced mammary hyperplasia cells. We investigated the effect of ART on the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in MCF-10A by treating MCF-10A 36 h with different concentrations of ART (0, 100, 200, 400 µm, n=12/group). We then investigated the effect of ART on estrogen induced COX-2, PCNA, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and pNF-κB synthesis by treating MCF-10A with both estrogen and ART (0, 50, 100, 200 µm, n=12/group). A mammary hyperplasia model (MGH) was established in rats. All rats (n=12) were divided into 4 groups [group A: negative control (NC) + Art −; group B: NC + Art +; group C: MGH + Art −; group D: MGH + Art +] by the random number table method and the effects of ART on estradiol-induced mammary hyperplasia, fibrosis, and phosphorylation of AKT and NF-κB were studied by histopathological staining, Masson trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blotting. Results The proliferation and inflammation of mammary epithelial cells were blocked by ART (P<0.05). The phosphorylation of NF-κB induced by estradiol in MCF-10A was attenuated by ART (P<0.05). In the rat MGH, ART reduced cell proliferation and fibrosis (P<0.05) and inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and NF-κB (P<0.05). Conclusions The drug ART inhibits estrogen-induced breast hyperplasia by blocking AKT and NFkB phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Breast, Dongfang Hospital Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Zhao
- Department of Breast, Dongfang Hospital Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yiliang Li
- Department of Breast, Dongfang Hospital Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zhai
- Department of Breast, Dongfang Hospital Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Hill KS, McDowell A, McCorkle JR, Schuler E, Ellingson SR, Plattner R, Kolesar JM. KEAP1 Is Required for Artesunate Anticancer Activity in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081885. [PMID: 33920029 PMCID: PMC8070990 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Artesunate is the most common treatment for malaria throughout the world. Artesunate has anticancer activity likely through the induction of reactive oxygen species, the same mechanism of action utilized in Plasmodium falciparum infections. Components of the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway, which regulates cellular response to oxidative stress, are mutated in approximately 30% of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC); therefore, we tested the hypothesis that KEAP1 is required for artesunate sensitivity in NSCLC. Dose response assays identified A549 cells, which have a G333C-inactivating mutation in KEAP1, as resistant to artesunate, with an IC50 of 23.6 µM, while H1299 and H1563 cells were sensitive to artesunate, with a 10-fold lower IC50. Knockdown of KEAP1 through siRNA caused increased resistance to artesunate in H1299 cells. Alternatively, the pharmacological inhibition of NRF2, which is activated downstream of KEAP1 loss, by ML385 partially restored sensitivity of A549 cells to artesunate, and the combination of artesunate and ML385 was synergistic in both A549 and H1299 cells. These findings demonstrate that KEAP1 is required for the anticancer activity of artesunate and support the further development of NRF2 inhibitors to target patients with mutations in the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen S. Hill
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (K.S.H.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Anthony McDowell
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - J. Robert McCorkle
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (K.S.H.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Erin Schuler
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA;
| | - Sally R. Ellingson
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
| | - Rina Plattner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA;
| | - Jill M. Kolesar
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (K.S.H.); (J.R.M.)
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(859)-323-4978
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McDowell A, Hill KS, McCorkle JR, Gorski J, Zhang Y, Salahudeen AA, Ueland F, Kolesar JM. Preclinical Evaluation of Artesunate as an Antineoplastic Agent in Ovarian Cancer Treatment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030395. [PMID: 33652561 PMCID: PMC7996621 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic malignancy despite current first-line treatment with a platinum and taxane doublet. Artesunate has broad antineoplastic properties but has not been investigated in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel for ovarian cancer treatment. Methods: Standard cell culture technique with commercially available ovarian cancer cell lines were utilized in cell viability, DNA damage, and cell cycle progression assays to qualify and quantify artesunate treatment effects. Additionally, the sequence of administering artesunate in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin was determined. The activity of artesunate was also assessed in 3D organoid models of primary ovarian cancer and RNAseq analysis was utilized to identify genes and the associated genetic pathways that were differentially regulated in artesunate resistant organoid models compared to organoids that were sensitive to artesunate. Results: Artesunate treatment reduces cell viability in 2D and 3D ovarian cancer cell models. Clinically relevant concentrations of artesunate induce G1 arrest, but do not induce DNA damage. Pathways related to cell cycle progression, specifically G1/S transition, are upregulated in ovarian organoid models that are innately more resistant to artesunate compared to more sensitive models. Depending on the sequence of administration, the addition of artesunate to carboplatin and paclitaxel improves their effectiveness. Conclusions: Artesunate has preclinical activity in ovarian cancer that merits further investigation to treat ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony McDowell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.M.J.); (J.G.); (F.U.)
| | - Kristen S. Hill
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (K.S.H.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Joseph Robert McCorkle
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (K.S.H.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Justin Gorski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.M.J.); (J.G.); (F.U.)
| | - Yilin Zhang
- Tempus Labs, 600 W Chicago Ave. Ste 510, Chicago, IL 60654, USA; (Y.Z.); (A.A.S.)
| | - Ameen A. Salahudeen
- Tempus Labs, 600 W Chicago Ave. Ste 510, Chicago, IL 60654, USA; (Y.Z.); (A.A.S.)
| | - Fred Ueland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.M.J.); (J.G.); (F.U.)
| | - Jill M. Kolesar
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (K.S.H.); (J.R.M.)
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Correspondence:
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Shen S, Luo J, Ye J. Artesunate alleviates schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis by downregulation of mitochondrial complex Ⅰ subunit NDUFB8 and complex Ⅲ subunit UQCRC2 in hepatic stellate cells. Acta Trop 2021; 214:105781. [PMID: 33264632 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Inhibition of the HSCs activity is an ideal strategy in the treatment of fibrosis, but there is no drug yet for this strategy. Artesunate (ART) has been shown to protect liver from fibrosis through inhibition of HSCs activity. However, the mechanism of ART activity remains to be fully uncovered. In this study, we tested ART in a mouse model of hepatic fibrosis established in the schistosomiasis-infected mice. The mechanism of ART action was investigated in the HSC cell line LX-2. ART significantly inhibited hepatic fibrosis. In LX-2 cells, ART efficiently inhibited the cell activity in proliferation and mRNA expression of fibrosis marker genes including Col1a1 and Col3a1. An impact of ART on mitochondria was observed for suppression of enzymes in the citric acid cycle (TCA), such as citrate synthase (CS), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH2), and alpha ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH) in a dose-dependent manner. ART decreased the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and the protein levels of mitochondrial complex Ⅰ subunit NDUFB8 and complex Ⅲ subunit UQCRC2 in HSCs. All of these alterations were observed with an increase in HSC apoptosis. This study suggests that ART may alleviate liver fibrosis by downregulation of HSC activity through suppression of NDUFB8 and UQCRC2 in mitochondria. This study provides a new insight into the mechanism of the ART activity in the inhibition of schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Shen
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China; Central laboratory, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital East Campus, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Juntao Luo
- Central laboratory, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital East Campus, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Ye
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China; Central laboratory, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital East Campus, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
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13
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Zhao F, Vakhrusheva O, Markowitsch SD, Slade KS, Tsaur I, Cinatl J, Michaelis M, Efferth T, Haferkamp A, Juengel E. Artesunate Impairs Growth in Cisplatin-Resistant Bladder Cancer Cells by Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis and Autophagy Induction. Cells 2020; 9:E2643. [PMID: 33316936 PMCID: PMC7763932 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin, which induces DNA damage, is standard chemotherapy for advanced bladder cancer (BCa). However, efficacy is limited due to resistance development. Since artesunate (ART), a derivative of artemisinin originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been shown to exhibit anti-tumor activity, and to inhibit DNA damage repair, the impact of artesunate on cisplatin-resistant BCa was evaluated. Cisplatin-sensitive (parental) and cisplatin-resistant BCa cells, RT4, RT112, T24, and TCCSup, were treated with ART (1-100 µM). Cell growth, proliferation, and cell cycle phases were investigated, as were apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, autophagy, metabolic activity, and protein expression. Exposure to ART induced a time- and dose-dependent significant inhibition of tumor cell growth and proliferation of parental and cisplatin-resistant BCa cells. This inhibition was accompanied by a G0/G1 phase arrest and modulation of cell cycle regulating proteins. ART induced apoptos is by enhancing DNA damage, especially in the resistant cells. ART did not induce ferroptosis, but led to a disturbance of mitochondrial respiration and ATP generation. This impairment correlated with autophagy accompanied by a decrease in LC3B-I and an increase in LC3B-II. Since ART significantly inhibits proliferative and metabolic aspects of cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant BCa cells, it may hold potential in treating advanced and therapy-resistant BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuguang Zhao
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (F.Z.); (O.V.); (S.D.M.); (K.S.S.); (I.T.); (A.H.)
| | - Olesya Vakhrusheva
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (F.Z.); (O.V.); (S.D.M.); (K.S.S.); (I.T.); (A.H.)
| | - Sascha D. Markowitsch
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (F.Z.); (O.V.); (S.D.M.); (K.S.S.); (I.T.); (A.H.)
| | - Kimberly S. Slade
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (F.Z.); (O.V.); (S.D.M.); (K.S.S.); (I.T.); (A.H.)
| | - Igor Tsaur
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (F.Z.); (O.V.); (S.D.M.); (K.S.S.); (I.T.); (A.H.)
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institute of Medical Virology, Goethe-University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Martin Michaelis
- Industrial Biotechnology Centre, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK;
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Axel Haferkamp
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (F.Z.); (O.V.); (S.D.M.); (K.S.S.); (I.T.); (A.H.)
| | - Eva Juengel
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (F.Z.); (O.V.); (S.D.M.); (K.S.S.); (I.T.); (A.H.)
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14
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Chen J, Wen B, Wang Y, Wu S, Zhang X, Gu Y, Wang Z, Wang J, Zhang W, Yong J. Jervine exhibits anticancer effects on nasopharyngeal carcinoma through promoting autophagic apoptosis via the blockage of Hedgehog signaling. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 132:110898. [PMID: 33113432 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating from the superior mucosal epithelium of the nasopharynx. However, effective therapies for NPC are still required. Reducing Hedgehog signaling pathway has been shown to suppress tumor growth. In this study, we attempted to explore whether Jervine (JV), an inhibitor of Hedgehog signaling, had anti-cancer effects on NPC, and the underlying mechanisms. Our findings showed that JV treatments markedly reduced the proliferation of NPC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase was significantly enhanced by JV, along with evident DNA damage. Moreover, JV treatment effectively induced apoptosis in NPC cells through improving Caspase-3 activation. Furthermore, ROS production and mitochondrial impairments were detected in JV-incubated NPC cells with elevated releases of Cyto-c from mitochondria. JV also dramatically triggered autophagy through blocking AKT/mTOR and increasing AMPK signaling pathways. Intriguingly, we showed that JV-induced apoptosis was mainly via an autophagy-dependent manner. In addition, the expression levels of SHH, PTCH1, SMO and GLI1 were markedly suppressed in NPC cells, demonstrating the hindered Hedgehog signaling. Importantly, we found that JV-induced apoptosis and autophagy were closely associated with the blockage of Hedgehog signaling. Our in vivo studies confirmed the anti-cancer effects of JV on NPC through inducing autophagy, as evidenced by the markedly reduced tumor growth rate and weight without side effects and toxicity. Taken together, JV may be a promising and effective agent for human NPC treatment through repressing Hedgehog signaling pathway and inducing autophagic cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Pathology, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu, 214500, China
| | - Bin Wen
- Department of Oncology, Jingjiang Chinese Medicine Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu, 214500, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu, 214500, China
| | - Sheng Wu
- Department of Pathology, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu, 214500, China
| | - Xuesong Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu, 214500, China
| | - Yonggui Gu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu, 214500, China
| | - Zhiyi Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, East Theater General Hospital of PLA, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210000, China
| | - Jianjiang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu, 214500, China
| | - Wenzhong Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, East Theater General Hospital of PLA, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210000, China
| | - Ji Yong
- Department of Otolaryngology, East Theater General Hospital of PLA, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210000, China.
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15
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Cheong DHJ, Tan DWS, Wong FWS, Tran T. Anti-malarial drug, artemisinin and its derivatives for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Pharmacol Res 2020; 158:104901. [PMID: 32405226 PMCID: PMC7217791 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinins are sesquiterpene lactones with a peroxide moiety that are isolated from the herb Artemisia annua. It has been used for centuries for the treatment of fever and chills, and has been recently approved for the treatment of malaria due to its endoperoxidase properties. Progressively, research has found that artemisinins displayed multiple pharmacological actions against inflammation, viral infections, and cell and tumour proliferation, making it effective against diseases. Moreover, it has displayed a relatively safe toxicity profile. The use of artemisinins against different respiratory diseases has been investigated in lung cancer models and inflammatory-driven respiratory disorders. These studies revealed the ability of artemisinins in attenuating proliferation, inflammation, invasion, and metastasis, and in inducing apoptosis. Artemisinins can regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), promote cell cycle arrest, drive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induce Bak or Bax-dependent or independent apoptosis. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive update of the current knowledge of the effects of artemisinins in relation to respiratory diseases to identify gaps that need to be filled in the course of repurposing artemisinins for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In addition, we postulate whether artemisinins can also be repurposed for the treatment of COVID-19 given its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy H J Cheong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore
| | - Daniel W S Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Fred W S Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Immunology Program, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore; Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, National University of Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Thai Tran
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore.
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16
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Ma L, Fei H. Antimalarial drug artesunate is effective against chemoresistant anaplastic thyroid carcinoma via targeting mitochondrial metabolism. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2020; 52:123-130. [PMID: 32036542 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-020-09824-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive type of thyroid malignancies and resistant to chemotherapy. Novel therapeutic strategy is required for better management of ATC. In this work, we show that artesunate, an antimalarial drug, is active against chemoresistant ATC cells. Artesunate dose-dependently inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in chemo-sensitive (8505C and KAT-4) and -resistant (8505C-r and KAT-4-r) ATC cells, and acts synergistically with doxorubicin. Using multiple xenograft mouse models, artesunate is active against chemo-sensitive and -resistant ATC cells in vivo at doses that do not cause toxicity in mice. Our mechanism analysis reveals that artesunate acts on ATC cells through suppressing mitochondrial functions without affecting glycolysis, leading to oxidative stress and damage, regardless of whether they are sensitive or resistant to chemotherapy. Interestingly, KAT-4-r cells demonstrate decreased glycolysis, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial respiration compared to KAT-4 cells whereas such phenomenon is not observed between 8505C and 8505C-r cells. This suggests that some but not all ATC cells gain enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis after prolonged exposure to chemotherapy drug, which may explain the different sensitivities of 8505C-r and KAT-4-r to artesunate. Our work demonstrates that artesunate is a potential addition to the treatment armamentarium for ATC, particularly those with chemoresistance. Our findings also highlight the therapeutic value of targeting mitochondria in chemoresistant ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital, First Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434000, China
| | - Honghua Fei
- Department of Endocrinology, People's Hospital of Rizhao, No.126, Taian Road, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China.
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17
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Artesunate targets oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma via mitochondrial dysfunction-dependent oxidative damage and Akt/AMPK/mTOR inhibition. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2020; 52:113-121. [PMID: 31965456 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-020-09823-x] [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: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although mitochondrial metabolism has recently gained attention as a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer, little is known on the impact of mitochondrial respiration inhibition on oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). Using in vitro and in vivo OTSCC models, our work demonstrates that inducing mitochondrial dysfunction by anti-malarial drug artesunate is effective in targeting OTSCC stem-cell like and bulk cells. Artesunate inhibits anchorage-independent colony formation, proliferation and survival in all tested OTSCC cell lines although with varying efficacy. Artesunate displays preferential anti-OTSCC activity by sparing normal cells. Mechanism analysis indicates that artesunate inhibits mitochondrial respiration via suppressing mitochondrial complex I and II but not IV or V, resulting in oxidative stress and damage. Interestingly, OTSCC cells that are more sensitive to artesunate have higher level of basal mitochondrial respiration and reversed respiratory capacity compared to those with less sensitivity to artesunate, suggesting the varying dependence on mitochondrial respiration among OTSCC cell lines. In addition, artesunate induces oxidative stress and damage in cells with low sensitivity to a less extent than in those with high sensitivity. We confirm that mitochondrial respiration inhibition is required for the action of artesunate in OTSCC. Mitochondrial dysfunction by artesunate further activates AMPK and suppresses Akt/mTOR. Importantly, the in vitro observations are reproducible in vivo OTSCC xenograft mouse model. Our findings provide pre-clinical evidence on the efficacy of artesunate and emphasize the therapeutic value of targeting mitochondrial respiration in OTSCC.
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18
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Mota TC, Garcia TB, Bonfim LT, Portilho AJS, Pinto CA, Burbano RMR, Bahia M. Markers of oxidative‐nitrosative stress induced by artesunate are followed by clastogenic and aneugenic effects and apoptosis in human lymphocytes. J Appl Toxicol 2019; 39:1405-1412. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane C. Mota
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Tarcyane B. Garcia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Laís T. Bonfim
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Adrhyann J. S. Portilho
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Camila A. Pinto
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Rommel M. R. Burbano
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
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19
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Isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma chemoresistance and Ras activation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 516:784-789. [PMID: 31253403 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.06.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Development of chemo-resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) poses the therapeutic challenge and its mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this work, we demonstrate that targeting isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (Icmt) is a therapeutic strategy to overcome NPC chemo-resistance. We found that Icmt mRNA and protein levels were increased in NPC cells after prolonged exposure to chemotherapy. Using pharmacological inhibitor cysmethynil or genetic siRNA approaches, we showed that Icmt inhibition was more effective against chemoresistant compared to chemosensitive NPC cells, suggesting that chemoresistant NPC cells is more dependent on Icmt function. The combination of Icmt inhibition with 5-FU or cisplatin resulted in greater efficacy than single chemotherapeutic agent alone in NPC. Notably, we demonstrated that the in vitro observations were translatable to in vivo NPC cancer xenograft mouse model. Mechanism analysis indicated that Icmt inhibition decreased Ras and RhoA activities, leading to the suppression of Ras and RhoA-mediated downstream signaling in NPC cells. The reverse of the inhibitory effects of cysmethynil by constitutively active Ras suggests that Ras is the critical effector of Icmt in NPC cells. Our work is the first to show that Icmt plays an important role in the development of NPC chemoresistance. Our findings also suggest that targeting Icmt represents a promising strategy to inhibit Ras function.
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20
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Pan Q, Xu J, Ma L. Simvastatin enhances chemotherapy in cervical cancer via inhibition of multiple prenylation-dependent GTPases-regulated pathways. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2019; 34:32-40. [PMID: 31058344 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of GTPases is common in cervical cancer, and their proper biological functions largely depend on a post-translational modification termed prenylation. Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug via inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, thereby inhibiting protein prenylation. In this study, we show that simvastatin selectively inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in cervical cancer cells while sparing normal cervical epithelial cells. This is achieved by depleting geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, inhibiting prenylation, decreasing GTPases activities and suppressing the activation of downstream Ras and RhoA signaling. The combination of simvastatin and paclitaxel remarkably augments in vitro as well as in vivo efficacy of either drug alone in cellular system and xenograft mouse model. Importantly, we show that cervical cancer cells have higher level of HMG-CoA reductase and elevated activities of GTPases, suggesting that cervical cancer cells may be more dependent on prenylation than normal cervical epithelial cells. This might explain the selective inhibitory effects of simvastatin in cervical cancer. Since simvastatin is already available for clinic use, these results suggest that simvastatin is a promising drug candidate in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of cervical cancer. Our findings also emphasize the therapeutic value of prenylation inhibition and provide preclinical evidence to evaluate prenylation-targeted drugs in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jingzhou Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Yangtze University, Renmin Road 1, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434020, China
| | - Jiazhen Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jingzhou Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Yangtze University, Renmin Road 1, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434020, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jingzhou Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Yangtze University, Renmin Road 1, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434020, China
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21
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Nitulescu GM, Van De Venter M, Nitulescu G, Ungurianu A, Juzenas P, Peng Q, Olaru OT, Grădinaru D, Tsatsakis A, Tsoukalas D, Spandidos DA, Margina D. The Akt pathway in oncology therapy and beyond (Review). Int J Oncol 2018; 53:2319-2331. [PMID: 30334567 PMCID: PMC6203150 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase B (Akt), similar to many other protein kinases, is at the crossroads of cell death and survival, playing a pivotal role in multiple interconnected cell signaling mechanisms implicated in cell metabolism, growth and division, apoptosis suppression and angiogenesis. Akt protein kinase displays important metabolic effects, among which are glucose uptake in muscle and fat cells or the suppression of neuronal cell death. Disruptions in the Akt-regulated pathways are associated with cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. The regulation of the Akt signaling pathway renders Akt a valuable therapeutic target. The discovery process of Akt inhibitors using various strategies has led to the identification of inhibitors with great selectivity, low side-effects and toxicity. The usefulness of Akt emerges beyond cancer therapy and extends to other major diseases, such as diabetes, heart diseases, or neurodegeneration. This review presents key features of Akt structure and functions, and presents the progress of Akt inhibitors in regards to drug development, and their preclinical and clinical activity in regards to therapeutic efficacy and safety for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Mihai Nitulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maryna Van De Venter
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
| | - Georgiana Nitulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Ungurianu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Petras Juzenas
- Department of Pathology, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Qian Peng
- Department of Pathology, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Octavian Tudorel Olaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Grădinaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aristides Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tsoukalas
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Denisa Margina
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
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22
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Zhang J, Sun X, Wang L, Wong YK, Lee YM, Zhou C, Wu G, Zhao T, Yang L, Lu L, Zhong J, Huang D, Wang J. Artesunate-induced mitophagy alters cellular redox status. Redox Biol 2018; 19:263-273. [PMID: 30196190 PMCID: PMC6128040 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2018.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Artesunate (ART) is a prominent anti-malarial with significant anti-cancer properties. Our previous studies showed that ART enhances lysosomal function and ferritin degradation, which was necessary for its anti-cancer properties. ART targeting to mitochondria also significantly improved its efficacy, but the effect of ART on mitophagy, an important cellular pathway that facilitates the removal of damaged mitochondria, remains unknown. Here, we first observed that ART mainly localizes in the mitochondria and its probe labeling revealed that it binds to a large number of mitochondrial proteins and causes mitochondrial fission. Second, we found that ART treatment leads to autophagy induction and the decrease of mitochondrial proteins. When autophagy is inhibited, the decrease of mitochondrial proteins could be reversed, indicating that the degradation of mitochondrial proteins is through mitophagy. Third, our results showed that ART treatment stabilizes the full-length form of PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) on the mitochondria and activates the PINK1-dependent pathway. This in turn leads to the recruitment of Parkin, sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1), ubiquitin and microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3 (LC3) to the mitochondria and culminates in mitophagy. When PINK1 is knocked down, ART-induced mitophagy is markedly suppressed. Finally, we investigated the effect of mitophagy by ART on mitochondrial functions and found that knockdown of PINK1 alters the cellular redox status in ART-treated cells, which is accompanied with a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) and increase in mitochondrial reactive oxidative species (mROS) and cellular lactate levels. Additionally, knockdown of PINK1 leads to a significant increase of mitochondrial depolarization and more cell apoptosis by ART, suggesting that mitophagy protects from ART-induced cell death. Taken together, our findings reveal the molecular mechanism that ART induces cytoprotective mitophagy through the PINK1-dependent pathway, suggesting that mitophagy inhibition could enhance the anti-cancer activity of ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China; Clinical Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individual Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Cardio-cerebrovascular disease prevention & therapy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China.
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore
| | - Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore; Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yew Mun Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Guoqing Wu
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Tongwei Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Clinical Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individual Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Liqin Lu
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianing Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Cardio-cerebrovascular disease prevention & therapy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- Clinical Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individual Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China.
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Key Laboratory of Cardio-cerebrovascular disease prevention & therapy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China.
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