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Naponelli V, Piscazzi A, Mangieri D. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Modulated by Genistein in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:1114. [PMID: 39940882 PMCID: PMC11818640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26031114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2025] [Accepted: 01/23/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone) is a phytoestrogen belonging to a subclass of natural flavonoids that exhibits a wide range of pharmacological functions, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics make genistein a valuable phytochemical compound for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer. Genistein effectively inhibits tumor growth and dissemination by modulating key cellular mechanisms. This includes the suppression of angiogenesis, the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and the regulation of cancer stem cell proliferation. These effects are mediated through pivotal signaling pathways such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin. Moreover, genistein interferes with the function of specific cyclin/CDK complexes and modulates the activation of Bcl-2/Bax and caspases, playing a critical role in halting tumor cell division and promoting apoptosis. The aim of this review is to discuss in detail the key cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pleiotropic anticancer effects of this flavonoid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Naponelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Plesso Biotecnologico Integrato, Via Volturno 39, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Annamaria Piscazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Domenica Mangieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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Leti Maggio E, Zucca C, Grande M, Carrano R, Infante A, Bei R, Lucarini V, De Maio F, Focaccetti C, Palumbo C, Marini S, Ferretti E, Cifaldi L, Masuelli L, Benvenuto M, Bei R. Polyphenols Regulate the Activity of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Having Both Positive and Negative Effects. J Xenobiot 2024; 14:1378-1405. [PMID: 39449418 PMCID: PMC11503411 DOI: 10.3390/jox14040077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemical substances that can interfere with any hormone action. They are categorized according to origin and use, such as industrial chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), plastics like bisphenol A (BPA), plasticizers like phthalates, pesticides like dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), fungicides like vinclozolin, and pharmaceuticals like diethylstilbestrol (DES). Natural EDCs, such as phytoestrogens, are present in the diet of both humans and animals. Polyphenols are a large group of natural compounds derived from plants and are found in beverages and food. They are grouped based on their chemical structure into flavonoids and nonflavonoids and are reported to have many beneficial effects on health, including, but not limited to, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, polyphenols have both pro- and antioxidant characteristics, and due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, they presumably have a protective effect against damage induced by EDCs. However, polyphenols may act as EDCs. In this review, we report that polyphenols regulate the activity of EDCs, having both positive and negative effects. Hence, a better understanding of the associations between EDCs and polyphenols will allow the establishment of improved approaches to protect human health from EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Leti Maggio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.L.M.); (C.Z.); (M.G.); (R.C.); (F.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.P.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Carlotta Zucca
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.L.M.); (C.Z.); (M.G.); (R.C.); (F.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.P.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Martina Grande
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.L.M.); (C.Z.); (M.G.); (R.C.); (F.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.P.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Raffaele Carrano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.L.M.); (C.Z.); (M.G.); (R.C.); (F.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.P.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Antonio Infante
- Medical School, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (R.B.)
| | - Riccardo Bei
- Medical School, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (R.B.)
| | - Valeria Lucarini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Fernando De Maio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.L.M.); (C.Z.); (M.G.); (R.C.); (F.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.P.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.L.M.); (C.Z.); (M.G.); (R.C.); (F.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.P.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.L.M.); (C.Z.); (M.G.); (R.C.); (F.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.P.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Stefano Marini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.L.M.); (C.Z.); (M.G.); (R.C.); (F.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.P.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.L.M.); (C.Z.); (M.G.); (R.C.); (F.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.P.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.L.M.); (C.Z.); (M.G.); (R.C.); (F.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.P.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (E.L.M.); (C.Z.); (M.G.); (R.C.); (F.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.P.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (M.B.)
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Figueira MI, Carvalho TMA, Macário-Monteiro J, Cardoso HJ, Correia S, Vaz CV, Duarte AP, Socorro S. The Pros and Cons of Estrogens in Prostate Cancer: An Update with a Focus on Phytoestrogens. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1636. [PMID: 39200101 PMCID: PMC11351860 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of estrogens in prostate cancer (PCa) is shrouded in mystery, with its actions going from angelic to devilish. The findings by Huggins and Hodges establishing PCa as a hormone-sensitive cancer have provided the basis for using estrogens in therapy. However, despite the clinical efficacy in suppressing tumor growth and the panoply of experimental evidence describing its anticarcinogenic effects, estrogens were abolished from PCa treatment because of the adverse secondary effects. Notwithstanding, research work over the years has continued investigating the effects of estrogens, reporting their pros and cons in prostate carcinogenesis. In contrast with the beneficial therapeutic effects, many reports have implicated estrogens in the disruption of prostate cell fate and tissue homeostasis. On the other hand, epidemiological data demonstrating the lower incidence of PCa in Eastern countries associated with a higher consumption of phytoestrogens support the beneficial role of estrogens in counteracting cancer development. Many studies have investigated the effects of phytoestrogens and the underlying mechanisms of action, which may contribute to developing safe estrogen-based anti-PCa therapies. This review compiles the existing data on the anti- and protumorigenic actions of estrogens and summarizes the anticancer effects of several phytoestrogens, highlighting their promising features in PCa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sílvia Socorro
- CICS-UBI, Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (M.I.F.)
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Kaufman-Szymczyk A, Jalmuzna J, Lubecka-Gajewska K. Soy-derived isoflavones as chemo-preventive agents targeting multiple signalling pathways for cancer prevention and therapy. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38528688 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties of soy and soy-derived compounds, especially isoflavones, have been extensively studied in recent years. However, in contrast to their anticancer effects, such as cell growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, isoflavones have also been found to promote the growth of cancer cells. Therefore, the aim of this comprehensive review article is to present the current state of knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms by which soy-derived isoflavones target multiple cellular signalling pathways in cancer cells. Our findings indicate that soy-derived isoflavones act as, among other things, potent modulators of HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR)/SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily B member 1 (SMARCB1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12)/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), 17-β-oestradiol (E2)/oestrogen receptor-α (ERα)/neuroglobin (NGB) and sonic hedgehog signalling pathways, epigenetic modulatory agents (i.a. miR-155, miR-34a and miR-10a-5p) and cancer stem cells and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition inhibitors. The paper also discusses the latest epidemiological studies and clinical trials and provides an insight into recent extensive research on the chemo-preventive and therapeutic potential of soy-derived isoflavones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kaufman-Szymczyk
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Justyna Jalmuzna
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Lubecka-Gajewska
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
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Yang X, Kui L, Tang M, Li D, Wei K, Chen W, Miao J, Dong Y. High-Throughput Transcriptome Profiling in Drug and Biomarker Discovery. Front Genet 2020; 11:19. [PMID: 32117438 PMCID: PMC7013098 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of new drugs is multidisciplinary and systematic work. High-throughput techniques based on “-omics” have driven the discovery of biomarkers in diseases and therapeutic targets of drugs. A transcriptome is the complete set of all RNAs transcribed by certain tissues or cells at a specific stage of development or physiological condition. Transcriptome research can demonstrate gene functions and structures from the whole level and reveal the molecular mechanism of specific biological processes in diseases. Currently, gene expression microarray and high-throughput RNA-sequencing have been widely used in biological, medical, clinical, and drug research. The former has been applied in drug screening and biomarker detection of drugs due to its high throughput, fast detection speed, simple analysis, and relatively low price. With the further development of detection technology and the improvement of analytical methods, the detection flux of RNA-seq is much higher but the price is lower, hence it has powerful advantages in detecting biomarkers and drug discovery. Compared with the traditional RNA-seq, scRNA-seq has higher accuracy and efficiency, especially the single-cell level of gene expression pattern analysis can provide more information for drug and biomarker discovery. Therefore, (sc)RNA-seq has broader application prospects, especially in the field of drug discovery. In this overview, we will review the application of these technologies in drug, especially in natural drug and biomarker discovery and development. Emerging applications of scRNA-seq and the third generation RNA-sequencing tools are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China
| | - Ling Kui
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Brookline, MA, United States
| | - Min Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dawei Li
- College of Biological Big Data, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Kunhua Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China.,School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wei Chen
- College of Biological Big Data, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jianhua Miao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China.,School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yang Dong
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China.,College of Biological Big Data, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
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