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Yang M, Chen X, Cheng C, Yan W, Guo R, Wang Y, Zhang H, Chai J, Cheng Y, Zhang F. Cucurbitacin B induces ferroptosis in oral leukoplakia via the SLC7A11/mitochondrial oxidative stress pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155548. [PMID: 38583347 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral leukoplakia (OLK), characterized by abnormal epithelial hyperplasia, is the most common precancerous oral mucosa lesion and is closely related to oxidative stress. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a tetracyclic triterpenoid molecule derived from plants, has shown promising anti-proliferative and antioxidant effects in preclinical studies. However, whether CuB can play an antiproliferative role in OLK by regulating oxidative stress remains elusive. PURPOSE To investigate the role of CuB in inhibiting the malignant progression of oral leukoplakia and to further explore its underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS In vitro, the effect of CuB on the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle of OLK cells DOK was detected. The core genes and key pathways of OLK and CuB were analyzed in the transcriptome database, by using immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blot to evaluate the expression levels of the ferroptosis markers ROS, GSH, MDA, Fe2+, and marker genes SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1. Immunohistochemistry of human tissue was performed to investigate the expression of the SLC7A11. In vivo, the model of OLK was established in C57BL/6 mice and the biosafety of CuB treatment for OLK was further evaluated. RESULTS CuB substantially suppressed the proliferation of DOK cells. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the core targets of OLK crossing with CuB include SLC7A11 and that the essential pathways involve ROS and ferroptosis. In vitro experiments indicated that CuB might promote ferroptosis by down-regulating the expression of SLC7A11. We observed a gradual increase in SLC7A11 expression levels during the progression from normal oral mucosa to oral leukoplakia with varying degrees of epithelial dysplasia. In vivo experiments demonstrated that CuB inhibited the malignant progression of OLK by promoting ferroptosis in OLK mice and exhibited a certain level of biosafety. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated for the first time that CuB could effectively inhibit the malignant progression of OLK by inducing ferroptosis via activating the SLC7A11/ mitochondrial oxidative stress pathway. These findings indicate that CuB could serve as the lead compound for the future development of anti-oral leukoplakia drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Yang
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, No.63 Xinjian South Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, No.63 Xinjian South Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Chen Cheng
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, No.63 Xinjian South Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Wenpeng Yan
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, No.63 Xinjian South Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Rongrong Guo
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, No.63 Xinjian South Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, No.63 Xinjian South Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, No.63 Xinjian South Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Jiawei Chai
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, No.63 Xinjian South Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - YaHsin Cheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fang Zhang
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, No.63 Xinjian South Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China.
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Zieniuk B, Pawełkowicz M. Recent Advances in the Application of Cucurbitacins as Anticancer Agents. Metabolites 2023; 13:1081. [PMID: 37887406 PMCID: PMC10608718 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13101081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacins are tetracyclic triterpenoid secondary metabolites, widely distributed in the Cucurbitaceae family. These bitter-tasting compounds act primarily as defense mechanisms against external injuries, and thus against herbivores, and furthermore, they have also found use in folk medicine in the treatment of various diseases. Many studies have acknowledged significant biological activities of cucurbitacins, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, antimicrobial properties, or antitumor potential. Overall, cucurbitacins have the ability to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to evaluate the anticancer activity of varied cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins offer a promising avenue for future cancer treatment strategies, and their diverse mechanisms of action make them attractive candidates for further investigation. The aim of the present study is to shed light on the chemical diversity of this group of compounds by providing the sources of origin of selected compounds and their chemical structure, as well as insight into their anticancer potential. In addition, within this paper molecular targets for cucurbitacins and signalling pathways important for cancer cell proliferation and/or survival that are affected by the described class of compounds have been presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartłomiej Zieniuk
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Pawełkowicz
- Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
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Kumar A, Sharma B, Sharma U, Parashar G, Parashar NC, Rani I, Ramniwas S, Kaur S, Haque S, Tuli HS. Apoptotic and antimetastatic effect of cucurbitacins in cancer: recent trends and advancement. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:1867-1878. [PMID: 37010571 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02471-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
The Cucurbitaceae family produces a class of secondary metabolites known as cucurbitacins. The eight cucurbitacin subunits are cucurbitacin B, D, E, I, IIa, L glucoside, Q, and R with the most significant anticancer activity. They are reported to inhibit cell proliferation, invasion, and migration; induce apoptosis; and encourage cell cycle arrest, as some of their modes of action. The JAK-STAT3, Wnt, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways, which are essential for the survival and apoptosis of cancer cells, have also been shown to be suppressed by cucurbitacins. The goal of the current study is to summarize potential molecular targets that cucurbitacins could inhibit in order to suppress various malignant processes. The review is noteworthy since it presents all putative molecular targets for cucurbitacins in cancer on a single podium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI), Phase VIII, Mohali, 160071, India
| | - Bunty Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India
| | - Ujjawal Sharma
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Gaurav Parashar
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Science, Navrachana University Vadodara, Gujrat, 391410, India
| | - Nidarshana Chaturvedi Parashar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India
| | - Isha Rani
- Department of Biochemistry, maharishi markendashwar college of medical sciences and Research (MMCMSR), Sadopur, Ambala, 134007, India
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Satwinderjeet Kaur
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India.
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4
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Hu G, Liu W, Li L. Identification and quantification of cucurbitacin in watermelon frost using molecular networking integrated with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Sep Sci 2023; 46:e2300019. [PMID: 37269211 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202300019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Watermelon frost, a traditional Chinese medicine produced using watermelon and Glauber's salt, has been widely used for the therapy of oral and throat disorders. Watermelon contains various phytochemical compounds including cucurbitacins and their glycoside derivatives, which have attracted considerable attention because of their medicinal values. However, whether the composition of cucurbitacins existed in watermelon frost was rarely reported. In this study, three cucurbitacins including cucurbitacin B, isocucurbitacin B, and cucurbitacin E were found from watermelon frost extract assisted by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and molecular networking guided strategy, and the compounds were verified using standard solutions. Furthermore, a quantification method for simultaneously targeted analysis of cucurbitacins was established using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry operating in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Among them, cucurbitacin B and cucurbitacin E in watermelon frost samples were determined, and the concentrations were 3.78 ± 0.18 and 0.86 ± 0.19 ng/ml, respectively. While isocucurbitacin B was not detected due to the lower content possibly. In conclusion, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry combined with molecular networking is a very useful technique for the rapid identification of unknown cucurbitacin components in watermelon frost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guizhou Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wenya Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, School of Environmental and Bioengineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Liyan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
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5
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Kozak J, Jonak K. Association between the antioxidant properties of SESN proteins and anti-cancer therapies. Amino Acids 2023:10.1007/s00726-023-03281-6. [PMID: 37284849 PMCID: PMC10372130 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03281-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Since the beginning of SESN protein development, they have attracted highly progressive attention due to their regulatory role in multiple signalling pathways. Through their antioxidant activity and autophagy regulation implication, they can function as powerful antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress in cells. SESN proteins received special attention in the field of regulation of reactive oxygen species level in the cell and its interplay with signalling pathways determining energy and nutrient homeostasis. Since perturbations in these pathways are implicated in cancer onset and development, SESNs might constitute potential novel therapeutic targets of broad interest. In this review, we discuss the impact of SESN proteins on anti-cancer therapy based on naturally occurring compounds and conventionally used drugs that influence oxidative stress and autophagy-induced cellular signalling pathways. The significant changes in reactive oxygen species level and nutrient status in cancer cells generate subsequent biological effect through the regulation of SESN-dependent pathways. Thus, SESN may serve as the key molecule for regulating anti-cancer drugs' induced cellular response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kozak
- Chair of Fundamental Sciences, Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Kazimierza Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Jonak
- Department of Foreign Languages, Interfaculty Centre for Didactics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081, Lublin, Poland
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Kumar N, Rachagani S, Natarajan G, Crook A, Gopal T, Rajamanickam V, Kaushal JB, Nagabhishek SN, Powers R, Batra SK, Saraswathi V. Histidine Enhances the Anticancer Effect of Gemcitabine against Pancreatic Cancer via Disruption of Amino Acid Homeostasis and Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092593. [PMID: 37174059 PMCID: PMC10177467 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the severe toxicity posed by chemotherapeutic drugs, adjuvant nutritional intervention has gained increased attention in the treatment of pancreatic cancer (PC). Amino acid (AA) metabolism is aberrantly regulated in PC and circulating histidine (His) levels are low in PC patients. We hypothesized that His uptake and/or metabolism is dysregulated in PC and that combining His with gemcitabine (Gem), a drug used in the treatment of PC, will enhance the anti-cancer effects of Gem. We performed in vitro and in vivo studies to determine the anticancer effect of the combination of His and Gem against lethal PC. We demonstrate that circulating His levels are low in both human subjects and genetically engineered mice exhibiting pancreatic tumors. Interestingly, the expression of histidine ammonia lyase, an enzyme involved in His catabolism, is higher in PC compared to normal subjects. His + Gem exerts a more potent cytotoxic effect in PC cells compared to individual treatments. His treatment results in a profound increase in His accumulation, accompanied by a depletion of a number of AAs, promoting cancer cell survival and/or glutathione (GSH) synthesis. His but not Gem increases hydrogen peroxide and depletes cellular GSH. Supplementation with GSH protects cells against His + Gem-induced cytotoxicity. Further, our in vivo studies demonstrate that His + Gem potently reduced tumor mass and improved mouse survival. Taken together, our data suggest that PC cells exhibit an aberrant His uptake/accumulation which, in turn, leads to oxidative stress and depletion of AA pool, thereby enhancing the anticancer effect of Gem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Kumar
- The Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- The VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Gopalakrishnan Natarajan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Alexandra Crook
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Thiyagarajan Gopal
- The Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- The VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Vinothkumar Rajamanickam
- The Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- The VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Jyoti B Kaushal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Sirpu N Nagabhishek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Robert Powers
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Viswanathan Saraswathi
- The Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- The VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
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7
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Reiszadeh-Jahromi S, Haddadi M, Mousavi P, Sanadgol N. Prophylactic effects of cucurbitacin B in the EAE Model of multiple sclerosis by adjustment of STAT3/IL-23/IL-17 axis and improvement of neuropsychological symptoms. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:2937-2953. [PMID: 36287356 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01083-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Although remarkable progress has been made in treating MS, current therapies are less effective in protecting against the progression of the disease. Since cucurbitacins have shown an extreme range of pharmacological properties, in this study, we aimed to investigate the prophylactic effect of cucurbitacin B (CuB) in the experimental MS model. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by subcutaneous immunization of MOG35-55 in C57BL/6 mice. CuB interventions (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) were performed every other day from the first day of EAE induction. Assessment of clinical scores and motor function, inflammatory responses, and microglial activation were assessed by qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses. CuB (1 mg/kg) significantly decreased the population of CD45+ (P < 0.01), CD11b+ (P < 0.01) and CD45+/CD11b+ (P < 0.05) cells in cortical lesions of EAE mice. In addition, activation of STAT3 (P < 0.001), expression of IL-17 A and IL-23 A (both mRNA and protein), and transcription of Iba-1 significantly decreased. On the contrary, CuB (1 mg/kg) significantly increased the transcription of MBP and Olig-2. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the severity of EAE (P < 0.05), and an improvement in motor function (P < 0.05) and coordination (P < 0.05) were observed after treatment with a high dose of CuB. Our results suggest that CuB may have a wide-ranging effect on autoimmune responses in MS via a reduction in STAT3 activation, microgliosis, and adaptation of the IL-23/IL-17 axis. Further studies are needed to investigate the exact effect of CuB in glial cells and its efficiency and bioavailability in other neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Haddadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
| | - Pegah Mousavi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Nima Sanadgol
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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A comprehensive review on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Anagallis arvensis (L).: A wild edible medicinal food plant. FOOD BIOSCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2022.102328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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9
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Patel A, Rasheed A, Reilly I, Pareek Z, Hansen M, Haque Z, Simon-Fajardo D, Davies C, Tummala A, Reinhardt K, Bustabad A, Shaw M, Robins J, Vera Gomez K, Suphakorn T, Camacho Gemelgo M, Law A, Lin K, Hospedales E, Haley H, Perez Martinez JP, Khan S, DeCanio J, Padgett M, Abramov A, Nanjundan M. Modulation of Cytoskeleton, Protein Trafficking, and Signaling Pathways by Metabolites from Cucurbitaceae, Ericaceae, and Rosaceae Plant Families. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1380. [PMID: 36355554 PMCID: PMC9698530 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
One promising frontier within the field of Medical Botany is the study of the bioactivity of plant metabolites on human health. Although plant metabolites are metabolic byproducts that commonly regulate ecological interactions and biochemical processes in plant species, such metabolites also elicit profound effects on the cellular processes of human and other mammalian cells. In this regard, due to their potential as therapeutic agents for a variety of human diseases and induction of toxic cellular responses, further research advances are direly needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms induced by these agents. Herein, we focus our investigation on metabolites from the Cucurbitaceae, Ericaceae, and Rosaceae plant families, for which several plant species are found within the state of Florida in Hillsborough County. Specifically, we compare the molecular mechanisms by which metabolites and/or plant extracts from these plant families modulate the cytoskeleton, protein trafficking, and cell signaling to mediate functional outcomes, as well as a discussion of current gaps in knowledge. Our efforts to lay the molecular groundwork in this broad manner hold promise in supporting future research efforts in pharmacology and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Meera Nanjundan
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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Nisar S, Masoodi T, Prabhu KS, Kuttikrishnan S, Zarif L, Khatoon S, Ali S, Uddin S, Akil AAS, Singh M, Macha MA, Bhat AA. Natural products as chemo-radiation therapy sensitizers in cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113610. [PMID: 36030591 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease and is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Surgery, chemotherapy (CT), and/or radiation therapy (RT) are the treatment of choice for most advanced tumors. Unfortunately, treatment failure due to intrinsic and acquired resistance to the current CT and RT is a significant challenge associated with poor patient prognosis. There is an urgent need to develop and identify agents that can sensitize tumor cells to chemo-radiation therapy (CRT) with minimal cytotoxicity to the healthy tissues. While many recent studies have identified the underlying molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for CRT failure, using small molecule inhibitors to chemo/radio sensitize tumors is associated with high toxicity and increased morbidity. Natural products have long been used as chemopreventive agents in many cancers. Combining many of these compounds with the standard chemotherapeutic agents or with RT has shown synergistic effects on cancer cell death and overall improvement in patient survival. Based on the available data, there is strong evidence that natural products have a robust therapeutic potential along with CRT and their well-known chemopreventive effects in many solid tumors. This review article reports updated literature on different natural products used as CT or RT sensitizers in many solid tumors. This is the first review discussing CT and RT sensitizers together in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Nisar
- Depertment of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Cancer immunology and genetics, Sidra Medicine, Qatar
| | - Kirti S Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Lubna Zarif
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Summaiya Khatoon
- Depertment of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahid Ali
- International Potato Center (CIP), Shillong, Meghalaya, India
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ammira Al-Shabeeb Akil
- Depertment of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mayank Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu & Kashmir, India.
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Depertment of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
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Zhang H, Zhao B, Wei H, Zeng H, Sheng D, Zhang Y. Cucurbitacin B controls M2 macrophage polarization to suppresses metastasis via targeting JAK-2/STAT3 signalling pathway in colorectal cancer. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 287:114915. [PMID: 34954267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cucurbitacin B (CuB), extracted from muskmelon pedicel, is a widely available triterpenoid molecule that exerts influence on various biological activities. Modern pharmacological studies have found that cucurbitacin B has many kinds of pharmacological anti-tumor and anti-metastasis functions. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the mechanism of anti-tumor and anti-metastasis effect of cucurbitacin B. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effect of cucurbitacin B on the growth of HCT116 and CT-26 was detected by CCK8; apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and colony formation; the expression of apoptosis-related protein Bax, Bcl-2 and Cleaved-caspase-3 were examined by western Blot. To explore the underlying mechanism of cucurbitacin B against tumor, the Western blot, Immunofluorescence staining, Microscale Thermophoresis assays were used. Multiple molecular biology experiments were applied to validate the effect of polarization of cucurbitacin B-induced macrophages. The supernatant of Cucurbitacin B-induced macrophages and colon cells were co-cultured in vitro, and then transwell and wound healing assay were employed to the related phenotypes. C57BL/6 and BALB/c murine colon cancer model were also used to study the drug effects in vivo. RESULTS Cucurbitacin B distinctly induced the apoptosis of CRC cells. It was observed that cucurbitacin B not only inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3, but also the translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus. Meanwhile, we observed that cucurbitacin B is bound to STAT3. Further experimentation demonstrated that cucurbitacin B reduced the polarization of M2 macrophage by down-regulating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Cucurbitacin B-induced M2-like macrophages were found to diminish the migration of CRC cells. In vitro study suggested that cucurbitacin inhibited the CRC cells proliferation via JAK2/STAT3 and suppressed the cell migration by suppressing M2-like macrophages polarization. Consistent with in vitro results, the cucurbitacin B therapy significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in mice. Moreover, in vivo the treatment with cucurbitacin B enhanced anti-tumor immunity by regulating M2-like macrophages and promoted the expression of CD4 and CD8 in tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSION Our results proved that cucurbitacin B might be a potential candidate agent for adjuvant therapy in the process of CRC growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyue Zhang
- Institute of Colorectal Disease Center of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Bei Zhao
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - HuiZhen Wei
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hairong Zeng
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dongya Sheng
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Institute of Colorectal Disease Center of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China.
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Zhao G, Wang M, Luo C, Li J, Gong H, Zheng X, Liu X, Luo J, Wu H. Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses of Cucurbitacin Biosynthesis in Luffa ( Luffa acutangula). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:886870. [PMID: 35747880 PMCID: PMC9209774 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.886870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbitacins are extremely bitter compounds mainly present in Cucurbitaceae, where Luffa belongs. However, there is no comprehensive analysis of cucurbitacin biosynthesis in Luffa fruit. Therefore, this study analyzed bitter (WM709) and non-bitter (S1174) genotypes of Luffa to reveal the underlying mechanism of cucurbitacin biosynthesis by integrating metabolome and transcriptome analyses. A total of 422 metabolites were detected, including vitamins, essential amino acids, antioxidants, and antitumor substances. Of these, 131 metabolites showed significant differences between bitter (WM709) and non-bitter (S1174) Luffa fruits. The levels of isocucurbitacin B, cucurbitacin D, 23,24-dihydro cucurbitacin E, cucurbitacin F were significantly higher in bitter than in non-bitter Luffa. Transcriptome analysis showed that Bi, cytochromes P450s (CYP450s), and acyltransferase (ACT) of the cucurbitacin biosynthesis pathway, were significantly up-regulated. Moreover, drought stress and abscisic acid (ABA) activated genes of the cucurbitacin biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter and yeast one-hybrid assays demonstrated that ABA-response element binding factor 1 (AREB1) binds to the Bi promoter to activate Bi expression. Comparative analysis of the Luffa and cucumber genomes showed that Bi, CYP450s, and ACT are located in the conserved syntenic loci, and formed a cucurbitacin biosynthesis cluster. This study provides important insights into major genes and metabolites of the cucurbitacin biosynthetic pathway, deepening the understanding of regulatory mechanisms of cucurbitacin biosynthesis in Luffa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangjun Zhao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caixia Luo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxing Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Gong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoming Zheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxi Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianning Luo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Jianning Luo,
| | - Haibin Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetables, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Haibin Wu,
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Gupta S, Kumar A, Tejavath KK. A pharmacognostic approach for mitigating pancreatic cancer: emphasis on herbal extracts and phytoconstituents. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-021-00246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Pancreatic cancer is studied as one of the most lethal cancers with currently no control of its lethality, mainly due to its late diagnosis and lack of foolproof treatment processes. Despite continuous efforts being made in looking for therapies to deal with cancer, it keeps on being a labyrinth for the researchers. Efforts like discovering new treatment options, repurposing existing drugs, are continuously made to deal with this cancer.
Main body
With the urge to get answers and the fact that nature has all roots of therapeutics, efforts are made in the direction of finding those answers for providing ministrations for pancreatic cancer from plant products. Plant products are used as treatment options either directly in the form of extracts or an alternative to them is individual phytochemicals that are either isolated from the plants or are commercially synthesized for various purposes. In this review, we put forward such pharmacognostic initiatives made in combating pancreatic cancer, focusing mainly on plant extracts and various phytochemicals; along with the mechanisms which they triggered to fulfill the need for cytotoxicity to pancreatic cancer cells (in vitro and in vivo).
Conclusion
This study will thus provide insights into new combination therapy that can be used and also give a clue on which plant product and phytoconstituent can be used in dealing with pancreatic cancer.
Graphical abstract
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Yuan R, Zhao W, Wang QQ, He J, Han S, Gao H, Feng Y, Yang S. Cucurbitacin B inhibits non-small cell lung cancer in vivo and in vitro by triggering TLR4/NLRP3/GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105748. [PMID: 34217831 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death (PCD), is characterized by cell swelling with bubbles, and the release of inflammatory cell cytokines. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), extracted from muskmelon pedicel, is a natural bioactive product that could effectively exert anti-tumor activities in lung cancer. However, the exact molecular mechanisms and the direct targets of CuB in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain to be discovered. Here, we firstly found that CuB exerted an anti-tumor effect via pyroptosis in NSCLC cells and NSCLC mice models. Next, based on the molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), we identified that CuB directly bound to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, which further caused the separation of N- and C-terminals of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) to execute pyroptosis. Moreover, CuB enhanced the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane protein Tom20 accumulation, and cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) release, leading to pyroptosis in NSCLC cells. Silencing of TLR4 inhibited CuB-induced pyroptosis and decreased the level of ROS and Ca2+ in A549 cells. In vivo study showed that CuB treatment suppressed lung tumor growth in mice via pyroptosis without dose-dependent manner, and CuB at 0.75 mg/kg had a better anti-tumor effect compared to the Gefitinib group. Taken together, our findings revealed the mechanisms and targets of CuB triggering pyroptosis in NSCLC, thus supporting the notion of developing CuB as a promising therapeutic agent for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renyikun Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China; College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, China
| | - Wentong Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China; College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, China
| | - Qin-Qin Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, China; Guangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Advantage Chinese Patent Drug and Ethnic Drug Development, Nanning 530020, China
| | - Jia He
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, China; Guangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Advantage Chinese Patent Drug and Ethnic Drug Development, Nanning 530020, China
| | - Shan Han
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, China; Guangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Advantage Chinese Patent Drug and Ethnic Drug Development, Nanning 530020, China
| | - Hongwei Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, China; Guangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Advantage Chinese Patent Drug and Ethnic Drug Development, Nanning 530020, China.
| | - Yulin Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China; State Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug and Efficient Energy-Saving Pharmaceutical Equipment, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China.
| | - Shilin Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530000, China; Guangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Advantage Chinese Patent Drug and Ethnic Drug Development, Nanning 530020, China
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Huang S, Cao B, Zhang J, Feng Y, Wang L, Chen X, Su H, Liao S, Liu J, Yan J, Liang B. Induction of ferroptosis in human nasopharyngeal cancer cells by cucurbitacin B: molecular mechanism and therapeutic potential. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:237. [PMID: 33664249 PMCID: PMC7933245 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03516-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a widely available triterpenoid molecule that exhibits various biological activities. Previous studies on the anti-tumour mechanism of CuB have mostly focused on cell apoptosis, and research on the ferroptosis-inducing effect has rarely been reported. Herein, we first discovered the excellent cytotoxicity of CuB towards human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and elucidated its potential ferroptosis-inducing mechanisms. Morphology alterations of mitochondrial ultrastructure, as observed via transmission electron microscopy, showed that CuB-treated cells undergo ferroptosis. CuB caused intracellular accumulation of iron ions and depletion of glutathione. Detailed molecular mechanism investigation confirmed that CuB both induced widespread lipid peroxidation and downregulated the expression of GPX4, ultimately initiating a multipronged mechanism of ferroptosis. Furthermore, CuB exhibited anti-tumour effects in vitro by inhibiting cellular microtubule polymerization, arresting cell cycle and suppressing migration and invasion. Finally, CuB significantly inhibited tumour progression without causing obvious side effects in vivo. Altogether, our study highlighted the therapeutic potential of CuB as a ferroptosis-inducing agent for nasopharyngeal cancer, and it provided valuable insights for developing effective anti-tumour agents with novel molecular mechanisms derived from natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Bihui Cao
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Yunfei Feng
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Xiaopei Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Hang Su
- Translational Medicine Centre, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Shengrong Liao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guang dong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, Research Center for Marine Microbes, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China
| | - Jinggong Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Baoxia Liang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
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Targeting Cancer Metabolism and Current Anti-Cancer Drugs. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1286:15-48. [PMID: 33725343 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-55035-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have exploited the metabolic hallmarks that distinguish between normal and cancer cells, aiming at identifying specific targets of anti-cancer drugs. It has become apparent that metabolic flexibility allows cancer cells to survive during high anabolic demand or the depletion of nutrients and oxygen. Cancers can reprogram their metabolism to the microenvironments by increasing aerobic glycolysis to maximize ATP production, increasing glutaminolysis and anabolic pathways to support bioenergetic and biosynthetic demand during rapid proliferation. The increased key regulatory enzymes that support the relevant pathways allow us to design small molecules which can specifically block activities of these enzymes, preventing growth and metastasis of tumors. In this review, we discuss metabolic adaptation in cancers and highlight the crucial metabolic enzymes involved, specifically those involved in aerobic glycolysis, glutaminolysis, de novo fatty acid synthesis, and bioenergetic pathways. Furthermore, we also review the success and the pitfalls of the current anti-cancer drugs which have been applied in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
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Lin X, Farooqi AA. Cucurbitacin mediated regulation of deregulated oncogenic signaling cascades and non-coding RNAs in different cancers: Spotlight on JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, mTOR, TRAIL-mediated pathways. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 73:302-309. [PMID: 33152487 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Research over decades has enabled us in developing a better understanding of the multifaceted and heterogeneous nature of cancer. High-throughput technologies have helped the researchers in unraveling of the underlying mechanisms which centrally regulate cancer onset, metastasis and drug resistance. Our rapidly expanding knowledge about signal transduction cascade has added another layer of complexity to already complicated nature of cancer. Deregulation of cell signaling pathways played a linchpin role in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Cucurbitacins have gained tremendous attention because of their remarkable pharmacological properties and considerable ability to mechanistically modulate myriad of cell signaling pathways in different cancers. In this review, we have attempted to provide a mechanistic and comprehensive analysis of regulation of oncogenic pathways by cucurbitacins in different cancers. We have partitioned this review into separate sections for exclusive analysis of each signaling pathway and critical assessment of the knowledge gaps. In this review, we will summarize most recent and landmark developments related to regulation of Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, mTOR, VEGFR, EGFR and Hippo pathway by cucurbitacins. Moreover, we will also address how cucurbitacins regulate DNA damage repair pathway and TRAIL-driven signaling in various cancers. However, there are still outstanding questions related to regulation of SHH/GLI, TGF/SMAD and Notch-driven pathway by cucurbitacins in different cancers. Future studies must converge on the analysis of full-fledge potential of cucurbitacins by in-depth analysis of these pathways and how these pathways can be therapeutically targeted by cucurbitacins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiukun Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan.
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STAT3 transcription factor as target for anti-cancer therapy. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1101-1124. [PMID: 32880101 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
STATs constitute a large family of transcription activators and transducers of signals that have an important role in many cell functions as regulation of proliferation and differentiation of the cell also regulation of apoptosis and angiogenesis. STAT3 as a member of that family, recently was discovered to have a vital role in progression of different types of cancers. The activation of STAT3 was observed to regulate multiple gene functions during cancer-like cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metastasis, inflammation, immunity, cell survival, and angiogenesis. The inhibition of STAT3 activation has been an important target for cancer therapy. Inhibitors of STAT3 have been used for a long time for treatment of many types of cancers like leukemia, melanoma, colon, and renal cancer. In this review article, we summarize and discuss different drugs inhibiting the action of STAT3 and used in treatment of different types of cancer.
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Jing S, Zou H, Wu Z, Ren L, Zhang T, Zhang J, Wei Z. Cucurbitacins: Bioactivities and synergistic effect with small-molecule drugs. J Funct Foods 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2020.104042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Sharifi-Rad J, Ozleyen A, Boyunegmez Tumer T, Oluwaseun Adetunji C, El Omari N, Balahbib A, Taheri Y, Bouyahya A, Martorell M, Martins N, Cho WC. Natural Products and Synthetic Analogs as a Source of Antitumor Drugs. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E679. [PMID: 31683894 PMCID: PMC6920853 DOI: 10.3390/biom9110679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease and one of the major issues of health concern, especially for the public health system globally. Nature is a source of anticancer drugs with abundant pool of diverse chemicals and pharmacologically active compounds. In recent decade, some natural products and synthetic analogs have been investigated for the cancer treatment. This article presents the utilization of natural products as a source of antitumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Zabol Medicinal Plants Research Center, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol 61615-585, Iran.
| | - Adem Ozleyen
- Graduate Program of Biomolecular Sciences, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale 17020, Turkey.
| | - Tugba Boyunegmez Tumer
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Science, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale 17020, Turkey.
| | - Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji
- Applied Microbiology, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Edo University, Iyamho, Edo State 300271, Nigeria.
| | - Nasreddine El Omari
- Laboratory of Histology, Embryology and Cytogenetic, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
| | - Abdelaali Balahbib
- Laboratory of Zoology and General Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10106, Morocco.
| | - Yasaman Taheri
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1991953381, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran.
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10106, Morocco.
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepcion, Concepcion 4070386, Chile.
- Universidad de Concepción, Unidad de Desarrollo Tecnológico, UDT, Concepcion 4070386, Chile.
| | - Natália Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
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Sánchez-Álvarez M, Strippoli R, Donadelli M, Bazhin AV, Cordani M. Sestrins as a Therapeutic Bridge between ROS and Autophagy in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101415. [PMID: 31546746 PMCID: PMC6827145 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels and the contribution therein from networks regulating cell metabolism, such as autophagy and the mTOR-dependent nutrient-sensing pathway, constitute major targets for selective therapeutic intervention against several types of tumors, due to their extensive rewiring in cancer cells as compared to healthy cells. Here, we discuss the sestrin family of proteins—homeostatic transducers of oxidative stress, and drivers of antioxidant and metabolic adaptation—as emerging targets for pharmacological intervention. These adaptive regulators lie at the intersection of those two priority nodes of interest in antitumor intervention—ROS control and the regulation of cell metabolism and autophagy—therefore, they hold the potential not only for the development of completely novel compounds, but also for leveraging on synergistic strategies with current options for tumor therapy and classification/stadiation to achieve personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Sánchez-Álvarez
- Mechanoadaptation & Caveolae Biology Lab, Cell and Developmental Biology Area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC). Madrid 28029, Spain.
| | - Raffaele Strippoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy.
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome 00161, Italy.
| | - Massimo Donadelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy.
| | - Alexandr V Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich 81377, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich 80366, Germany.
| | - Marco Cordani
- IMDEA Nanociencia, C/Faraday 9, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain..
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Hunsakunachai N, Nuengchamnong N, Jiratchariyakul W, Kummalue T, Khemawoot P. Pharmacokinetics of cucurbitacin B from Trichosanthes cucumerina L. in rats. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 19:157. [PMID: 31272429 PMCID: PMC6609384 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2568-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cucurbitacin B is the major bioactive constituent in Trichosanthes cucumerina L. fruits, which the pharmacological properties have been studied for decades particularly an anti-tumor activity. The pharmacokinetic profile of this compound is still limited and investigation is needed for further phytopharmaceutical product development. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of cucurbitacin B after administering the compound at different doses and routes to rats. METHODS Male Wistar rats (n = 6) were treated by cucurbitacin B extracted from Trichosanthes cucumerina L. The cucurbitacin B was administered at 0.1 mg/kg intravenously or by oral gavage at 2-4 mg/kg. Blood samples and internal organs were collected serially within 24 h after administration. Urine and feces were collected from time 0 to 48 h. The level of cucurbitacin B in biological samples was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS The absolute oral bioavailability of cucurbitacin B was approximately 10%. The maximum concentration in plasma after normalization by dose ranged from 4.85-7.81 μg/L and the time to reach maximum value was approximately within 30 min after oral dosing. The level of cucurbitacin B in plasma increased proportionally to the given dose. After intravenous administration, cucurbitacin B had a large volume of distribution of about 51.65 L/kg and exhibited a high tissue to plasma concentration ratio, approximately 60 to 280-fold in several organs. Negligible amount of unchanged cucurbitacin B could be detected in urine and feces and accounted less than 1% of administered dose. CONCLUSION Cucurbitacin B had low oral bioavailability, but could be distributed extensively into internal organs with a high volume of distribution and tissue to plasma ratio. Only negligible amounts of unchanged cucurbitacin B were excreted via urine and feces suggesting that the compound might be biotransformed before undergoing an excretion. Further studies of the metabolic pathway and tissue uptake mechanism are required to strategize the future development of cucurbitacin B into clinical studies.
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Yuan RQ, Qian L, Yun WJ, Cui XH, Lv GX, Tang WQ, Cao RC, Xu H. Cucurbitacins extracted from Cucumis melo L. (CuEC) exert a hypotensive effect via regulating vascular tone. Hypertens Res 2019; 42:1152-1161. [PMID: 30962520 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-019-0258-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As an effective medicine for jaundice in traditional Chinese medicine, Cucumis melo L. has been widely used in China. However, its effect on vascular function is still unclear. In this study, we extracted the compounds of Cucumis melo L., and the major ingredients were identified as cucurbitacins (CuEC, cucurbitacins extracted from Cucumis melo L.), especially cucurbitacin B. We replicated the toxicity in mice by intraperitoneal injection of a high dose of CuEC (2 mg/kg) and demonstrated that the cause of death was CuEC-induced impairment of the endothelial barrier and, thus, increased vascular permeability via decreasing VE-cadherin conjunction. The administration of low doses of CuEC (1 mg/kg) led to a decline in systolic blood pressure (SBP) without causing toxicity in mice. More importantly, CuEC dramatically suppressed angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced SBP increase. Further studies demonstrated that CuEC facilitated acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation in mesenteric arteries of mice. In vitro studies showed that CuEC induced vasodilation in a dose-dependent manner in mesenteric arteries of both mice and rats. Pretreatment with CuEC inhibited phenylephrine-mediated vasoconstriction. In summary, a moderate dose of CuEC reduced SBP by improving blood vessel tension. Therefore, our study provides new experimental evidence for developing new antihypertensive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Qiang Yuan
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Lei Qian
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Wei-Jing Yun
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Cui
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Guang-Xin Lv
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Wei-Qi Tang
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Ri-Chang Cao
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Hu Xu
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
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24
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Shi W, Zhang C, Ning Z, Hua Y, Li Y, Chen L, Liu L, Chen Z, Meng Z. Long non-coding RNA LINC00346 promotes pancreatic cancer growth and gemcitabine resistance by sponging miR-188-3p to derepress BRD4 expression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:60. [PMID: 30728036 PMCID: PMC6366022 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1055-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNA LINC00346 has been recently suggested as a prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer. However, its biological function in pancreatic cancer has not yet been determined. In this study, we attempted to ascertain the role of LINC00346 in regulating the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer. METHODS The effects of overexpression and knockdown of LINC00346 on the proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and gemcitabine resistance were investigated. Bioinformatic analysis, luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were performed to search for potential microRNAs (miRs) that can interact with LINC00346. RESULTS Overexpression of LINC00346 significantly enhanced the proliferation, colony formation, and tumorigenesis of pancreatic cancer cells. Conversely, knockdown of LINC00346 suppressed pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and caused a cell-cycle arrest at the G2/M-phase. Depletion of LINC00346 also enhanced gemcitabine sensitivity in pancreatic cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigation revealed that LINC00346 acted as a sponge for miR-188-3p and blocked the repression of BRD4 by miR-188-3p in pancreatic cancer cells. Clinical evidence indicated a negative correlation between LINC00346 and miR-188-3p in pancreatic cancer specimens. Rescue experiments showed that LINC00346 attenuated the growth-suppressing and chemosensitizing effects of miR-188-3p on pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, silencing of BRD4 significantly inhibited LINC00346-induced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and colony formation. CONCLUSIONS LINC00346 shows the ability to promote pancreatic cancer growth and gemcitabine resistance, which is in part mediated by antagonization of miR-188-3p and induction of BRD4. Targeting LINC00346 may improve gemcitabine-based therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Shi
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyue Zhang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhouyu Ning
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqiang Hua
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianyu Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Luming Liu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
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25
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Zhou J, Liu M, Chen Y, Xu S, Guo Y, Zhao L. Cucurbitacin B suppresses proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by ceRNA: Effect of miR-146b-5p and lncRNA-AFAP1-AS1. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:4655-4667. [PMID: 30206930 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a natural tetracyclic triterpene product that displays antitumor activity against a wide variety of cancers. In this study, we explored the antipancreatic cancer activity of CuB via the inhibition of expression of the cancer-related long noncoding RNA, actin filament-associated protein 1-antisense RNA 1 (AFAP1-AS1). CuB arrested pancreatic cancer (PC) cells in the G2/M cell cycle phase by suppressing the expression of AFAP1-AS1. Insights into the mechanisms of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) gained from bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity assays showed that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and AFAP1-AS1 directly compete for miR-146b-5p binding. CuB-induced high miR-146b-5p expression and inhibited the expression of AFAP1-AS1. In summary, reducing the expression of endogenous AFAP1-AS1 effectively increased the available concentration of miR-146b-5p in PC, whereas miR-146b-5p overexpression prevented the expression of endogenous AFAP1-AS1. In particular, we hypothesized that AFAP1-AS1 might act as a ceRNA, effectively becoming a sponge for miR-146b-5p, thereby activating the expression of the EGFR. Thus, CuB suppresses the proliferation, in vitro and in vivo, of PC cells through the ceRNA effect of AFAP1-AS1 on miR-146b-5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingkai Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Ion Channel Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shansen Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingjie Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin
| | - Limei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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26
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de Oliveira Júnior RG, Christiane Adrielly AF, da Silva Almeida JRG, Grougnet R, Thiéry V, Picot L. Sensitization of tumor cells to chemotherapy by natural products: A systematic review of preclinical data and molecular mechanisms. Fitoterapia 2018; 129:383-400. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2018.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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27
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Yang T, Liu J, Yang M, Huang N, Zhong Y, Zeng T, Wei R, Wu Z, Xiao C, Cao X, Li M, Li L, Han B, Yu X, Li H, Zou Q. Cucurbitacin B exerts anti-cancer activities in human multiple myeloma cells in vitro and in vivo by modulating multiple cellular pathways. Oncotarget 2018; 8:5800-5813. [PMID: 27418139 PMCID: PMC5351590 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a triterpenoid compound isolated from the stems of Cucumis melo, has long been used to treat hepatitis and hepatoma in China. Although its remarkable anti-cancer activities have been reported, the mechanism by which it achieves this therapeutic activity remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which CuB inhibits cancer cell proliferation. Our results indicate that CuB is a novel inhibitor of Aurora A in multiple myeloma (MM) cells, arresting cells in the G2/M phase. CuB also inhibited IL-10-induced STAT3 phosphorylation, synergistically increasing the anti-tumor activity of Adriamycin in vitro. CuB induced dephosphorylation of cofilin, resulting in the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-8. CuB inhibited MM tumor growth in a murine MM model, without host toxicity. In conclusion, these results indicate that CuB interferes with multiple cellular pathways in MM cells. CuB thus represents a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China.,Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Mali Yang
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Ning Huang
- Laboratory for Aging Research, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yueling Zhong
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Zeng
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Wei
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongjun Wu
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Cui Xiao
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohua Cao
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Minhui Li
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Limei Li
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Han
- Department of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Department of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Li
- Cancer Center, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Zou
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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28
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Garg S, Kaul SC, Wadhwa R. Cucurbitacin B and cancer intervention: Chemistry, biology and mechanisms (Review). Int J Oncol 2017; 52:19-37. [PMID: 29138804 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most important healthcare matters, with the worst prognosis but the best possibilities for scientific development. It is likely to increase in the future and cause global havoc designating it as an epidemic. Cancer development requires urgent intervention. Past few decades have witnessed extensive research to challenge carcinogenesis. Treatment involving synthetic discipline is often associated with severe adverse effects, or even worsened prognosis. Accordingly, newer economic and patient friendly molecules are warranted. Many natural substances have proved their potential so far. Cucurbitacin B against cancer and other diseases has achieved towering popularity among the researchers around the world, as detailed in the below sections with summarized tables. In line with the fascinating role of cucurbitacin B against various types of cancers, through various molecular signaling pathways, it is justifiable to propose cucurbitacin B as a mainline chemotherapy before the onset and after the diagnosis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukant Garg
- Drug Discovery and Assets Innovation Lab, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Sunil C Kaul
- Drug Discovery and Assets Innovation Lab, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- Drug Discovery and Assets Innovation Lab, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
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29
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Zhou J, Zhao T, Ma L, Liang M, Guo YJ, Zhao LM. Cucurbitacin B and SCH772984 exhibit synergistic anti-pancreatic cancer activities by suppressing EGFR, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, STAT3 and ERK signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 8:103167-103181. [PMID: 29262554 PMCID: PMC5732720 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a natural tetracyclic triterpene product and displays antitumor activity across a wide array of cancers. In this study, we explored the anti-pancreatic cancer activity of CuB alone and in combination with SCH772984, an ERK inhibitor, in vitro and in vivo. CuB inhibited proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by arresting them in the G2/M cell cycle phase. This was associated with inhibition of EGFR expression and activity and downstream signaling, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR and STAT3. Interestingly, ERK activity was markedly enhanced by activating AMPK signaling after 12 h of CuB treatment. SCH772984 potentiates the cytotoxic effect of CuB on pancreatic cancer cells through complementary inhibition of EGFR, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, STAT3 and ERK signaling, followed by an increase in the pro-apoptotic protein Bim and a decrease in the anti-apoptotic proteins Mcl-1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl and survivin. Furthermore, combined therapy with CuB and SCH772984 resulted in highly significant growth inhibition of pancreatic cancer xenografts. These results may provide a basis for further development of combining CuB and ERK inhibitors to treat pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingkai Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tiangang Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Linfeng Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Min Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying-Jie Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li-Mei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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30
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Khan N, Jajeh F, Khan MI, Mukhtar E, Shabana SM, Mukhtar H. Sestrin-3 modulation is essential for therapeutic efficacy of cucurbitacin B in lung cancer cells. Carcinogenesis 2017; 38:184-195. [PMID: 27881463 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgw124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many purified compounds from dietary sources have been investigated for their anticancer activities. The main issue with most agents is their effectiveness at high doses which generally could not be delivered to humans through dietary consumption. Here, we observed that cucurbitacin B, a tetracyclic triterpenoid present in pumpkins, gourds and squashes, exhibits antiproliferative effects on human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells at nanomolar concentrations. Treatment with cucurbitacin B (0.2-0.6 μM; 24 h) was found to result in decrease in the viability of EGFR-wild type (A549 and H1792) and EGFR-mutant lung cancer cells (H1650 and H1975) and reduction in cell-colonies but had only minimal effect on normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Treatment with cucurbitacin B also caused inhibition of PI3K/mTOR and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 signaling along with simultaneous activation of AMPKα levels in both EGFR-wild type and EGFR-mutant lung cancer cells. Cucurbitacin B caused specific increase in the protein and mRNA expression of sestrin-3 in EGFR-mutant lung cancer cells, but not in EGFR-wild type cells. Treatment with cucurbitacin B to sestrin-3 siRNA treated EGFR-mutant cells further amplified the decrease in cell-viability and caused more sustained G2-phase cell cycle arrest, suggesting that these effects are mediated partly through sestrin-3. We also found that sestrin-3 has a role in the induction of apoptosis by cucurbitacin B in both EGFR-wild type and EGFR-mutant lung cancer cells. These findings suggest novel mechanism by the modulation of sestrin-3 for the action of cucurbitacin B and suggest that it could be developed as an agent for therapy of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naghma Khan
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA and
| | - Farah Jajeh
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA and
| | - Mohammad Imran Khan
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA and
| | - Eiman Mukhtar
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA and
| | - Sameh M Shabana
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA and.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Hasan Mukhtar
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA and
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31
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Marostica LL, de Barros ALB, Oliveira J, Salgado BS, Cassali GD, Leite EA, Cardoso VN, Lang KL, Caro MSB, Durán FJ, Schenkel EP, de Oliveira MC, Simões CMO. Antitumor effectiveness of a combined therapy with a new cucurbitacin B derivative and paclitaxel on a human lung cancer xenograft model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 329:272-281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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32
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Xiao Y, Yang Z, Wu QQ, Jiang XH, Yuan Y, Chang W, Bian ZY, Zhu JX, Tang QZ. Cucurbitacin B Protects Against Pressure Overload Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:3899-3910. [PMID: 28390176 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lack of effective anti-cardiac hypertrophy drugs creates a major cause for the increasing prevalence of heart failure. In the present study, we determined the anti-hypertrophy and anti-fibrosis potential of a natural plant triterpenoid, Cucurbitacin B both in vitro and in vivo. Aortic banding (AB) was performed to induce cardiac hypertrophy. After 1 week of surgery, mice were receive cucurbitacin B treatment (Gavage, 0.2 mg/kg body weight/2 day). After 4 weeks of AB, cucurbitacin B demonstrated a strong anti-hypertrophy and -fibrosis ability as evidenced by decreased of heart weight, myocardial cell cross-sectional area and interstitial fibrosis, ameliorated of systolic and diastolic abnormalities, normalized in gene expression of hypertrophic and fibrotic markers, reserved microvascular density in pressure overload induced hypertrophic mice. Cucurbitacin B also showed significant hypertrophy inhibitory effect in phenylephrine stimulated cardiomyocytes. The Cucurbitacin B-mediated mitigated cardiac hypertrophy was attributable to the increasing level of autophagy, which was associated with the blockade of Akt/mTOR/FoxO3a signal pathway, validated by SC79, MK2206, and 3-MA, the Akt agonist, inhibitor and autophagy inhibitor in vitro. The overexpression of constitutively active Akt completely abolished the Cucurbitacin B-mediated protection of cardiac hypertrophy in human cardiomyocytes AC16. Collectively, our findings suggest that cucurbitacin B protects against cardiac hypertrophy through increasing the autophagy level in cardiomyocytes, which is associated with the inhibition of Akt/mTOR/FoxO3a signal axis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3899-3910, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Zheng Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Qing-Qing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Xiao-Han Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Wei Chang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Zhou Yan Bian
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Jin Xiu Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Qi-Zhu Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
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33
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Qu Y, Cong P, Lin C, Deng Y, Li-Ling J, Zhang M. Inhibition of paclitaxel resistance and apoptosis induction by cucurbitacin B in ovarian carcinoma cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:145-152. [PMID: 28693146 PMCID: PMC5494940 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of mortality among all gynecological malignancies. Drug resistance is a cause of ovarian cancer recurrence and low rate of overall survival. There is a requirement for more effective treatment approaches. Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is an antineoplastic agent derived from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Its activity against paclitaxel-resistant human ovarian cancer cells has, however, not yet been established. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of CuB on human paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer A2780/Taxol cells. Cell viability was evaluated by a cell counting assay, while cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were assessed by microscopy and flow cytometry, and proteins associated with apoptotic pathways and drug resistance were evaluated by western blotting. The present results demonstrated that CuB exerts dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity against the ovarian cancer A2780 cell line, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values 0.48, 0.25 and 0.21 µM following 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation, respectively. Compared with its sensitive counterpart, A2780, paclitaxel-resistant A2780/Taxol cells had almost identical IC50 values. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that treatment with CuB may induce cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle in the two cell lines. As revealed by Annexin V/propidium iodide-labeled flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 staining, CuB-induced apoptosis was accompanied by activation of caspase-3 and downregulation of B-cell lymphoma-2. Western blotting demonstrated that CuB may enhance the expression of p53 and p21 in the two cell lines. CuB may also downregulate the expression of P-glycoprotein. These results indicate that CuB may exert a therapeutic effect on paclitaxel-resistant human ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchun Qu
- Institute of Metabolic Disease Research and Drug Development, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, P.R. China
| | - Peifang Cong
- Institute of Metabolic Disease Research and Drug Development, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, P.R. China
| | - Chengjiang Lin
- Institute of Metabolic Disease Research and Drug Development, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, P.R. China
| | - Yihui Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110015, P.R. China
| | - Jesse Li-Ling
- Nanchuan Institute of Biological Research, Joint Key Laboratory for Bioresource Research and Utilization of Sichuan and Chongqing, Chongqing 408400, P.R. China.,Institute of Genetic Medicine, Joint Key Laboratory for Bioresource Research and Utilization of Sichuan and Chongqing, School of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Institute of Metabolic Disease Research and Drug Development, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, P.R. China
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Zhou Y, Ma Y, Zeng J, Duan L, Xue X, Wang H, Lin T, Liu Z, Zeng K, Zhong Y, Zhang S, Hu Q, Liu M, Zhang H, Reed J, Moses T, Liu X, Huang P, Qing Z, Liu X, Tu P, Kuang H, Zhang Z, Osbourn A, Ro DK, Shang Y, Huang S. Convergence and divergence of bitterness biosynthesis and regulation in Cucurbitaceae. NATURE PLANTS 2016; 2:16183. [PMID: 27892922 PMCID: PMC5449191 DOI: 10.1038/nplants.2016.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Differentiation of secondary metabolite profiles in closely related plant species provides clues for unravelling biosynthetic pathways and regulatory circuits, an area that is still underinvestigated. Cucurbitacins, a group of bitter and highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenes, are mainly produced by the plant family Cucurbitaceae. These compounds have similar structures, but differ in their antitumour activities and ecophysiological roles. By comparative analyses of the genomes of cucumber, melon and watermelon, we uncovered conserved syntenic loci encoding metabolic genes for distinct cucurbitacins. Characterization of the cytochrome P450s (CYPs) identified from these loci enabled us to unveil a novel multi-oxidation CYP for the tailoring of the cucurbitacin core skeleton as well as two other CYPs responsible for the key structural variations among cucurbitacins C, B and E. We also discovered a syntenic gene cluster of transcription factors that regulates the tissue-specific biosynthesis of cucurbitacins and may confer the loss of bitterness phenotypes associated with convergent domestication of wild cucurbits. This study illustrates the potential to exploit comparative genomics to identify enzymes and transcription factors that control the biosynthesis of structurally related yet unique natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhou
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Beijing 100081, China
- Agricultural Genome Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Horticulture and Landscape College, Hunan Agricultural University, National Chinese Medicinal Herbs (Hunan) Technology Center, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Yongshuo Ma
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jianguo Zeng
- Horticulture and Landscape College, Hunan Agricultural University, National Chinese Medicinal Herbs (Hunan) Technology Center, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Lixin Duan
- Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Xiaofeng Xue
- Institute of Apiculture Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Huaisong Wang
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Tao Lin
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Beijing 100081, China
- Agricultural Genome Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Kewu Zeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yang Zhong
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qun Hu
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Min Liu
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Beijing 100081, China
| | - James Reed
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Tessa Moses
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Xinyan Liu
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Horticulture and Landscape College, Hunan Agricultural University, National Chinese Medicinal Herbs (Hunan) Technology Center, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Zhixing Qing
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Xiubin Liu
- Horticulture and Landscape College, Hunan Agricultural University, National Chinese Medicinal Herbs (Hunan) Technology Center, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Pengfei Tu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hanhui Kuang
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhonghua Zhang
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Anne Osbourn
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Dae-Kyun Ro
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Yi Shang
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Beijing 100081, China
- Agricultural Genome Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Sanwen Huang
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sino-Dutch Joint Laboratory of Horticultural Genomics, Beijing 100081, China
- Agricultural Genome Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shenzhen 518124, China
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Oi T, Asanuma K, Matsumine A, Matsubara T, Nakamura T, Iino T, Asanuma Y, Goto M, Okuno K, Kakimoto T, Yada Y, Sudo A. STAT3 inhibitor, cucurbitacin I, is a novel therapeutic agent for osteosarcoma. Int J Oncol 2016; 49:2275-2284. [PMID: 27840900 PMCID: PMC5117998 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of clinical agents remains a costly and time-consuming process. Although identification of new uses of existing drugs has been recognized as a more efficient approach for drug discovery than development of novel drugs, little screening of drugs that might be used for a rare malignant tumor such as osteosarcoma (OS) has been performed. In this study, we attempted to identify new molecular targeted agents for OS by employing Screening Committee of Anticancer Drugs (SCADS) kits. To screen compounds for OS treatment, their effect on cell viability of the OS cell lines 143B, MG63, HOS, SAOS-2, and HUO9 were evaluated. Candidate drugs were narrowed down based on a global anti-proliferative effect against these five OS cell lines. After excluding cytotoxic compounds and compounds unsuitable for in vivo administration, cucurbitacin I was extracted. Cucurbitacin I has been found to have cytotoxic and anti-proliferative properties against several tumors through inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation. Cucurbitacin I dose- and time-dependently inhibited the proliferation of all five OS cell lines. Following cucurbitacin I treatment, STAT3 was inactivated and analysis of Mcl-1, cleaved PARP and caspase-3 indicated apoptosis induction. Expression of cell cycle regulator proteins, such as phospho-cyclin D1, c-Myc and survivin, were suppressed. Finally, cucurbitacin I potently inhibited the tumor growth of human OS 143B cells in nude mice. Our in vitro and in vivo results suggest that STAT3 inhibition by cucurbitacin I will be an effective and new approach for the treatment of OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Oi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Asanuma
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Akihiko Matsumine
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Takao Matsubara
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Tomoki Nakamura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Takahiro Iino
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yumiko Asanuma
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Mikinobu Goto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuma Okuno
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Takuya Kakimoto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yuki Yada
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Akihiro Sudo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
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Bharadwaj U, Kasembeli MM, Tweardy DJ. STAT3 Inhibitors in Cancer: A Comprehensive Update. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-42949-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Xie YL, Tao WH, Yang TX, Qiao JG. Anticancer effect of cucurbitacin B on MKN-45 cells via inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Exp Ther Med 2016; 12:2709-2715. [PMID: 27698776 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cucurbitacin B on MKN-45 gastric carcinoma cells. Cell proliferation was determined using a cell counting kit-8 assay, and commercial cell cycle and apoptosis analysis kits were used to determine the cell cycle by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of genes which mediate cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was used to determine apoptosis rate. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression levels of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway-associated proteins. The presented data show that cucurbitacin B significantly inhibited the proliferation of MKN-45 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In accordance with these findings, cucurbitacin B blocked the progression of the cell cycle from G0/G1 to S phase, which was confirmed by the mRNA expression analysis. Cucurbitacin B treatment significantly suppressed the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and CDK2, while increasing the expression of p27. Cucurbitacin B also promoted cell apoptosis, as was determined by TUNEL assay and evaluation of mRNA expression. Further experiments suggested that the beneficial effect of cucurbitacin B on blocking the proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of MKN-45 cells may have been associated with suppression of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Thus, the present results indicate that cucurbitacin B suppresses proliferation and promoted apoptosis of MKN-45 cells, which may be mediated by inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Cucurbitacin B therefore may warrant further investigation as a feasible therapy for gastric carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Li Xie
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Hui Tao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Ti-Xiong Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Guo Qiao
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
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Ranjan A, Fofaria NM, Kim SH, Srivastava SK. Modulation of signal transduction pathways by natural compounds in cancer. Chin J Nat Med 2016; 13:730-42. [PMID: 26481373 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(15)30073-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is generally regarded as the result of abnormal growth of cells. According to World Health Organization, cancer is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Mother nature provides a large source of bioactive compounds with excellent therapeutic efficacy. Numerous phytochemicals from nature have been investigated for anticancer properties. In this review article, we discuss several natural compounds, which have shown anti-cancer activity. Natural compounds induce cell cycle arrest, activate intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways, generate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and down-regulate activated signaling pathways, resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation, progression and metastasis of cancer. Several preclinical studies have suggested that natural compounds can also increase the sensitivity of resistant cancers to available chemotherapy agents. Furthermore, combining FDA approved anti-cancer drugs with natural compounds results in improved efficacy. On the basis of these exciting outcomes of natural compounds against several cancer types, several agents have already advanced to clinical trials. In conclusion, preclinical results and clinical outcomes against cancer suggest promising anticancer efficacy of agents from natural sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Ranjan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Cancer Biology Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Neel M Fofaria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Cancer Biology Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- Cancer Preventive Material Development Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Department of Pathology, Kyunghee University, Seoul 131-701, South Korea.
| | - Sanjay K Srivastava
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Cancer Biology Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA; Cancer Preventive Material Development Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Department of Pathology, Kyunghee University, Seoul 131-701, South Korea.
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39
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Qingyihuaji Formula Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer and Prolongs Survival by Downregulating Hes-1 and Hey-1. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:145016. [PMID: 26783407 PMCID: PMC4691523 DOI: 10.1155/2015/145016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The dire prognosis of pancreatic cancer has not markedly improved during past decades. The present study was carried out to explore the effect of Qingyihuaji formula (QYHJ) on inhibiting pancreatic cancer and prolonging survival in related Notch signaling pathway. Proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells (SW1990 and PANC-1) was detected by MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72 h with exposure to various concentrations (0.08-50 mg/mL) of QYHJ water extract. Pancreatic tumor models of nude mice were divided into three groups randomly (control, QYHJ, and gemcitabine). mRNA and protein expression of Notch target genes (Hes-1, Hey-1, Hey-2, and Hey-L) in dissected tumor tissue were detected. Results showed that proliferation of SW1990 cells and PANC-1 cells was inhibited by QYHJ water extract in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. QYHJ effectively inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival time in nude mice. Expression of both Hes-1 and Hey-1 was decreased significantly in QYHJ group, suggesting that Hes-1 and Hey-1 in Notch signaling pathway might be potential targets for QYHJ treatment. This research could help explain the clinical effectiveness of QYHJ and may provide advanced pancreatic cancer patients with a new therapeutic option.
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Cai Y, Fang X, He C, Li P, Xiao F, Wang Y, Chen M. Cucurbitacins: A Systematic Review of the Phytochemistry and Anticancer Activity. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2015; 43:1331-50. [PMID: 26503558 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x15500755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbitacins are highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids that are widely present in traditional Chinese medicines (Cucurbitaceae family), possess strong anticancer activity, and are divided into 12 classes from A to T with over 200 derivatives. The eight most active cucurbitacin components against cancer are cucurbitacin B, D, E, I, IIa, L glucoside, Q, and R. Their mechanisms of action include antiproliferation, inhibition of migration and invasion, proapoptosis, and cell cycle arrest promotion. Cucurbitacins are also found to be the inhibitors of JAK-STAT3, Wnt, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways, which play important roles in the apoptosis and survival of cancer cells. Recently, new studies have discovered synergistic anticancer effects by using cucurbitacins together with clinically approved chemotherapeutic drugs, such as docetaxel and methotrexate. This paper provides a summary of recent research progress on the anticancer property of cucurbitacins and the various intracellular signaling pathways involved in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation, death, invasion, and migration. Therefore, cucurbitacins are a class of promising anticancer drugs to be used alone or be intergraded in current chemotherapies and radiotherapies to treat many types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuee Cai
- * State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, P.R. China
| | - Xiefan Fang
- † Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Chengwei He
- * State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, P.R. China
| | - Peng Li
- * State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, P.R. China
| | - Fei Xiao
- * State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, P.R. China.,‡ Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China
| | - Yitao Wang
- * State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, P.R. China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- * State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, P.R. China
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Marostica LL, Silva IT, Kratz JM, Persich L, Geller FC, Lang KL, Caro MSB, Durán FJ, Schenkel EP, Simões CMO. Synergistic Antiproliferative Effects of a New Cucurbitacin B Derivative and Chemotherapy Drugs on Lung Cancer Cell Line A549. Chem Res Toxicol 2015; 28:1949-60. [PMID: 26372186 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5b00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents an important cause of mortality worldwide due to its aggressiveness and growing resistance to currently available therapy. Cucurbitacins have emerged as novel potential anticancer agents showing strong antiproliferative effects and can be promising candidates for combined treatments with clinically used anticancer agents. This study investigates the synergistic antiproliferative effects of a new semisynthetic derivative of cucurbitacin B (DACE) with three chemotherapy drugs: cisplatin (CIS), irinotecan (IRI), and paclitaxel (PAC) on A549 cells. The most effective combinations were selected for studies of the mechanism of action. Using an in silico tool, DACE seems to act by a different mechanism of action when compared with that of different classes of drugs already used in clinical settings. DACE also showed potent synergic effects with drugs, and the most potent combinations induced G2/M cell cycle arrest by modulating survivin and p53 expression, disruption of F-actin cytoskeleton, and cell death by apoptosis. These treatments completely inhibited the clonogenic potential and did not reduce the proliferation of nontumoral lung cells (MRC-5). DACE also showed relevant antimigratory and anti-invasive effects, and combined treatments modulated cell migration signaling pathways evolved with metastasis progression. The effects of DACE associated with drugs was potentiated by the oxidant agent l-buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO), and attenuated by N-acetilcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant agent. The antiproliferative effects induced by combined treatments were attenuated by a pan-caspase inhibitor, indicating that the effects of these treatments are dependent on caspase activity. Our data highlight the therapeutic potential of DACE used in combination with known chemotherapy drugs and offer important insights for the development of more effective and selective therapies against lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Lourenço Marostica
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Campus Trindade, CEP 88040-900, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Izabella Thaís Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Campus Trindade, CEP 88040-900, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Jadel Müller Kratz
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Campus Trindade, CEP 88040-900, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Lara Persich
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Campus Trindade, CEP 88040-900, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Cristina Geller
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Campus Trindade, CEP 88040-900, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Karen Luise Lang
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Campus Trindade, CEP 88040-900, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Miguel Soriano Balparda Caro
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Campus Trindade, CEP 88040-900, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Fernando Javier Durán
- UMYMFOR-CONICET, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eloir Paulo Schenkel
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Campus Trindade, CEP 88040-900, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Maria Oliveira Simões
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Campus Trindade, CEP 88040-900, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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El-Senduny FF, Badria FA, EL-Waseef AM, Chauhan SC, Halaweish F. Approach for chemosensitization of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer by cucurbitacin B. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:685-98. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3773-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Yar Saglam AS, Alp E, Elmazoglu Z, Menevse S. Treatment with cucurbitacin B alone and in combination with gefitinib induces cell cycle inhibition and apoptosis via EGFR and JAK/STAT pathway in human colorectal cancer cell lines. Hum Exp Toxicol 2015; 35:526-43. [PMID: 26183715 DOI: 10.1177/0960327115595686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) associated with signaling pathways, such as Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), plays an important role in colorectal cancers (CRCs). Gefitinib (Gef) is an orally active inhibitor targeting the adenosine tri phosphate-binding domain of EGFR, and cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a selective inhibitor of JAK/STAT signaling with potent antitumor activity via suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation, but the underlying mechanism is not clear. We aimed to investigate the apoptotic and antiproliferative effects of CuB as a single agent and in combination with Gef on both HT-29 and HCT-116 cell lines. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were evaluated using viability assay, fluorescent microscopy, cytotoxicity assay, proliferation, DNA fragmentation, and cleaved caspase 3 levels. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were performed to determine the expression of relevant genes and proteins including antiapoptotic, proapoptotic, and cell cycle regulation. EGFR, phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR), STAT3, and pSTAT3 proteins were evalutaed with Western blot analysis. Our results showed that, compared to CuB alone, CuB plus Gef treatment caused a significant growth and cell cycle inhibition and induced apoptosis in both cell lines. Also CuB plus Gef treatment decreased DNA synthesis rate more effectively than CuB alone. Treatment with CuB alone and in combination with Gef decreased the expression levels of B-Cell CLL/Lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), BCL2-like 1 (BCL2L1), cyclin D1, pSTAT3, and pEGFR and increased the expression levels of Bcl-2-like protein 4, Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer, Bcl-2-associated death promoter, Bcl-2-like protein 11, and p27kip1 levels. Our results suggest that treatment with CuB alone and more likely in combination with Gef may be a considerable alternative therapeutic approach for CRC, at least in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Yar Saglam
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey
| | - E Alp
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Z Elmazoglu
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey
| | - S Menevse
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey
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Ren G, Sha T, Guo J, Li W, Lu J, Chen X. Cucurbitacin B induces DNA damage and autophagy mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. J Nat Med 2015; 69:522-30. [PMID: 26018422 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-015-0918-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (Cuc B), a natural compound extracted from cucurbitaceous plants, demonstrated potent anticancer activities, while the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the anticancer effect of Cuc B on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Cuc B drastically decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Cuc B treatment caused DNA damage, as shown by long tails in the comet assay and increased γH2AX protein expression. Immunofluorescence staining showed that Cuc B treatment induced nuclear γH2AX foci. Cuc B activated DNA damage pathways by phosphorylation of ATM/ATR [two large phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-like kinase family (PIKKs) members]. Furthermore, it also induced autophagy, as evidenced by monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining and autophagic protein expression. In addition, Cuc B treatment led to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which was inhibited by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) pretreatment. NAC pretreatment inhibited Cuc-B-induced DNA damage and autophagy. Taken together, these results suggest that ROS-mediated Cuc-B-induced DNA damage and autophagy in MCF-7 cells, which provides new insights into the anticancer molecular mechanism of Cuc B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowen Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
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Nguyen BCQ, Be Tu PT, Tawata S, Maruta H. Combination of immunoprecipitation (IP)-ATP_Glo kinase assay and melanogenesis for the assessment of potent and safe PAK1-blockers in cell culture. Drug Discov Ther 2015; 9:289-95. [DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2015.01041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Binh Cao Quan Nguyen
- PAK Research Center
- Department of Biochemistry and Applied Bioscience, The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University
| | - Pham Thi Be Tu
- PAK Research Center
- Department of Biochemistry and Applied Bioscience, The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University
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Gao Y, Islam MS, Tian J, Lui VWY, Xiao D. Inactivation of ATP citrate lyase by Cucurbitacin B: A bioactive compound from cucumber, inhibits prostate cancer growth. Cancer Lett 2014; 349:15-25. [PMID: 24690568 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males, is well recognized as having late disease on-set (mostly at age 60-70) and showing slow/latent disease development, and strategies to prevent cancer formation in late manhood may have significant health impacts. Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a naturally occurring compound that is found abundantly in cucumbers and other vegetables, and it is known to exert anti-cancer activities (primarily via apoptosis-induction) in several human cancers. However, its chemopreventive potential for prostate cancer has not yet been investigated. Here, we reported that CuB significantly and specifically inhibited prostate cancer cell growth with low IC50 (~0.3 μM; PC-3 and LNCaP), accompanied by marked apoptosis (Caspase 3/7 activation, PARP cleavage, increase of Annexin V-Alexa Fluor 488 (Alexa488)+ cells and accumulation of Sub-G0/G1 population), whereas normal human prostate epithelial cells (PrEC) were CuB-insensitive. Using a chemopreventive model, pre-treatment of mice with CuB (2 weeks before PC-3 prostate cancer cell implantation) significantly reduced the rate of in vivo tumor-formation. A 79% reduction in tumor size (accompanied by marked in situ apoptosis) was observed in the CuB-treated group (with no noticeable toxicity) vs. controls at day 31. Strikingly, mechanistic investigations demonstrated that CuB drove dose-dependent inhibition of ATP citrate lyase phosphorylation (ACLY; an important enzyme for cancer metabolism) both in vitro and in the CuB-chemopreventive mouse model. Importantly, ACLY over-expression abrogated CuB's apoptotic effects in prostate cancer cells, confirming ACLY as a direct target of CuB. Thus, CuB harbors potent chemopreventive activity for prostate cancer, and we revealed a novel anti-tumor mechanism of CuB via inhibition of ACYL signaling in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Gao
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical College, University of Pittsburgh, Shadyside Medical Center, Suit G37, 5200 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Mohammad Shyful Islam
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical College, University of Pittsburgh, Shadyside Medical Center, Suit G37, 5200 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Jiang Tian
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical College, University of Pittsburgh, Shadyside Medical Center, Suit G37, 5200 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Vivian Wai Yan Lui
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Dong Xiao
- Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical College, University of Pittsburgh, Shadyside Medical Center, Suit G37, 5200 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
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Tundis R, Menichini F, Loizzo MR. Recent Insights into the Emerging Role of Triterpenoids in Cancer Therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63294-4.00001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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Johnson MD, O’Connell MJ, Walter K. Cucurbitacin I blocks cerebrospinal fluid and platelet derived growth factor-BB stimulation of leptomeningeal and meningioma DNA synthesis. Altern Ther Health Med 2013; 13:303. [PMID: 24188277 PMCID: PMC4228312 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Currently, there are no consistently effective chemotherapies for recurrent and inoperable meningiomas. Recently, cucurbitacin I (JSI-124), a naturally occurring tetracyclic triterpenoid compound used as folk medicines has been found to have cytoxic and anti-proliferative properties in several malignancies thru inhibition of activator of transcription (STAT3) activation. Previously, we have found STAT3 to be activated in meningiomas, particularly higher grade tumors. Methods Primary leptomeningeal cultures were established from 17, 20 and 22 week human fetuses and meningioma cell cultures were established from 6 World Health Organization (WHO) grade I or II meningiomas. Cells were treated with cerebrospinal fluid from patients without neurologic disease. The effects of cucurbitacin I on cerebrospinal fluid stimulation of meningioma cell DNA synthesis phosphorylation/activation of JAK1, STAT3, pMEK1/2, p44/42MAPK, Akt, mTOR, Rb and caspase 3 activation were analyzed in human leptomeningeal and meningioma cells. Results Cerebrospinal fluid significantly stimulated DNA synthesis in leptomeningeal cells. Co-administration of cucurbitacin I (250 nM) produces a significant blockade of this effect. Cucurbitacin I alone also produced a significant reduction in basal DNA synthesis. In grade I and II meningiomas, cerebrospinal fluid also significantly stimulated DNA synthesis. Co-administration of cucurbitacin I (250 nM) blocked this effect. In the leptomeningeal cultures, cerebrospinal fluid stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation but not p44/42MAPK, Akt or mTOR. Cucurbitacin I had no effect on basal STAT3 phosphorylation but co-administration with cerebrospinal fluid blocked cerebrospinal fluid stimulation of STAT3 phosphorylation in each. In the grade I meningiomas, cerebrospinal fluid stimulated phosphorylation of STAT3 and decreased MEK1/2 and cucurbitacin I had no effect on basal STAT3, p44/42MAPK, Akt, JAK1, mTOR, or Rb phosphorylation. In the grade II meningiomas, cerebrospinal fluid stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation in all and reduced phosphorylation of MEK1/2 in all and p44/42MAPK in one. Cucurbitacin I had no effect on basal phosphorylation of STAT3 but reduced phorphorylated p44/42 MAPK in 2 grade II meningioma cells lines. Conclusions These studies raise the possibility that cucurbitacin I might have value as an adjunct chemotherapy. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate the effects of cucurbitacin I on meningiomas in vivo.
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Role of STAT3 in cancer metastasis and translational advances. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:421821. [PMID: 24199193 PMCID: PMC3807846 DOI: 10.1155/2013/421821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 08/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a latent cytoplasmic transcription factor, originally discovered as a transducer of signal from cell surface receptors to the nucleus. It is activated by tyrosine phosphorylation at position 705 leading to its dimerization, nuclear translocation, DNA binding, and activation of gene transcription. Under normal physiological conditions, STAT3 activation is tightly regulated. However, compelling evidence suggests that STAT3 is constitutively activated in many cancers and plays a pivotal role in tumor growth and metastasis. It regulates cellular proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis that are critical for cancer metastasis. In this paper, we first describe the mechanism of STAT3 regulation followed by how STAT3 is involved in cancer metastasis, then we summarize the various small molecule inhibitors that inhibit STAT3 signaling.
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Lopez-Haber C, Kazanietz MG. Cucurbitacin I inhibits Rac1 activation in breast cancer cells by a reactive oxygen species-mediated mechanism and independently of Janus tyrosine kinase 2 and P-Rex1. Mol Pharmacol 2013; 83:1141-54. [PMID: 23478800 DOI: 10.1124/mol.112.084293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The small GTPase Rac1 has been widely implicated in mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis. Previous studies established that stimulation of ErbB receptors in breast cancer cells activates Rac1 and enhances motility via the Rac-guanine nucleotide exchange factor P-Rex1. As the Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (Jak2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) pathway has been shown to be functionally associated with ErbB receptors, we asked if this pathway could mediate P-Rex1/Rac1 activation in response to ErbB ligands. Here we found that the anticancer agent cucurbitacin I, a Jak2 inhibitor, reduced the activation of Rac1 and motility in response to the ErbB3 ligand heregulin in breast cancer cells. However, Rac1 activation was not affected by Jak2 or Stat3 RNA interference, suggesting that the effect of cucurbitacin I occurs through a Jak2-independent mechanism. Cucurbitacin I also failed to affect the activation of P-Rex1 by heregulin. Subsequent analysis revealed that cucurbitacin I strongly activates RhoA and the Rho effector Rho kinase (ROCK) in breast cancer cells and induces the formation of stress fibers. Interestingly, disruption of the RhoA-ROCK pathway prevented the inhibitory effect of cucurbitacin I on Rac1 activation by heregulin. Lastly, we found that RhoA activation by cucurbitacin I is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS scavenger N-acetyl L-cysteine and the mitochondrial antioxidant Mito-TEMPO rescued the inhibitory effect of cucurbitacin I on Rac1 activation. In conclusion, these results indicate that ErbB-driven Rac1 activation in breast cancer cells proceeds independently of the Jak2 pathway. Moreover, they established that the inhibitory effect of cucurbitacin I on Rac1 activity involves the alteration of the balance between Rho and Rac.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Lopez-Haber
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6160, USA
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