Ginsenoside Rh2 Suppresses Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by Epigenetically Regulating the Long Noncoding RNA C3orf67-AS1

Ginsenosides in cancer: Proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance

Ginseng, the dried root of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., is widely used in Chinese herbal medicine. Ginsenosides, the primary active components of ginseng, exhibit diverse anticancer functions through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, and suppressing cell invasion and migration. In this article, the mechanism of action of 20 ginsenoside subtypes in tumor therapy and the research progress of multifunctional nanosystems are reviewed, in order to provide reference for clinical prevention and treatment of cancer.

Unveiling the pharmacological potential of plant triterpenoids in breast cancer management: an updated review

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer, the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women globally. Recent research has provided increasing support for the significance of phytochemicals, both dietary and non-dietary, particularly triterpenoids, in the mitigation and management of breast cancer. Recent studies showed that triterpenoids are promising agents in the treatment and inhibition of breast cancer achieved through the implementation of several molecular modes of action on breast cancer cells. This review discusses recent innovations in plant triterpenoids and their underlying mechanisms of action in combating breast cancer within the timeframe spanning from 2017 to 2023. The present work is an overview of different plant triterpenoids with significant inhibition on proliferation, migration, apoptosis resistance, tumor angiogenesis, or metastasis in various breast cancer cells. The anticancer impact of triterpenoids may be attributed to their antiproliferative activity interfering with angiogenesis and differentiation, regulation of apoptosis, DNA polymerase inhibition, change in signal transductions, and impeding metastasis. The present review focuses on several targets, mechanisms, and pathways associated with pentacyclic triterpenoids, which are responsible for their anticancer effects. We could conclude that natural triterpenoids are considered promising agents to conquer breast cancer.

Ginsenosides: changing the basic hallmarks of cancer cells to achieve the purpose of treating breast cancer

In 2021, breast cancer accounted for a substantial proportion of cancer cases and represented the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Although tumor cells originate from normal cells in the human body, they possess distinct biological characteristics resulting from changes in gene structure and function of cancer cells in contrast with normal cells. These distinguishing features, known as hallmarks of cancer cells, differ from those of normal cells. The hallmarks primarily include high metabolic activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and resistance to cell death. Current evidence suggests that the fundamental hallmarks of tumor cells affect the tissue structure, function, and metabolism of tumor cells and their internal and external environment. Therefore, these fundamental hallmarks of tumor cells enable tumor cells to proliferate, invade and avoid apoptosis. Modifying these hallmarks of tumor cells represents a new and potentially promising approach to tumor treatment. The key to breast cancer treatment lies in identifying the optimal therapeutic agent with minimal toxicity to normal cells, considering the specific types of tumor cells in patients. Some herbal medicines contain active ingredients which can precisely achieve this purpose. In this review, we introduce Ginsenoside's mechanism and research significance in achieving the therapeutic effect of breast cancer by changing the functional hallmarks of tumor cells, providing a new perspective for the potential application of Ginsenoside as a therapeutic drug for breast cancer.

Ginsenoside Rh2 suppresses colon cancer growth by targeting the miR-150-3p/SRCIN1/Wnt axis

Ginsenoside Rh2, which is extracted from ginseng, exerts antitumor activity. Recent studies suggest that Rh2 may suppress the growth of colon cancer (CC) in vitro. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we identified the relative levels of miR-150-3p in CC tissues and cells by a comprehensive strategy of data mining, computational biology, and real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments. The regulatory effects of miR-150-3p/SRCIN1 on the proliferative and invasive abilities of CC cells are evaluated by CCK-8, EdU, wound healing, and transwell assays. Cell cycle- and apoptosis-related protein levels are assessed by western blot analysis. An in vivo tumor formation assay was conducted to explore the effects of miR-150-3p on tumor growth. Furthermore, bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter assays are applied to determine the functional binding of miRNA to mRNA of the target gene. Finally, the relationship between Rh2 and miR-150-3p was further verified in SW620 and HCT-116 cells. miR-150-3p is downregulated in CC tissues and cell lines. Functional assays indicate that the upregulation of miR-150-3p inhibits tumor growth both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, SRCIN1 is upregulated in CC and predicts a poor prognosis, and it is the direct target for miR-150-3p. Moreover, the miR-150-3p mimic decreases Topflash/Fopflash-dependent luciferase activity, resulting in the inhibition of Wnt pathway activity. Rh2 can suppress the growth of CC by increasing miR-150-3p expression. Rh2 alleviates the accelerating effect on Wnt pathway activity, cell proliferation/migration, and colony formation caused by miR-150-3p inhibition. Rh2 inhibits the miR-150-3p/SRCIN1/Wnt axis to suppress colon cancer growth.

Crosstalk between Methylation and ncRNAs in Breast Cancer: Therapeutic and Diagnostic Implications

Breast cancer, as a highly heterogeneous malignant tumor, is one of the primary causes of death among females worldwide. The etiology of breast cancer involves aberrant epigenetic mechanisms and abnormal expression of certain non-coding RNA (ncRNAs). DNA methylation, N6-methyladenosine(m6A), and histone methylation are widely explored epigenetic regulation types in breast cancer. ncRNAs are a group of unique RNA transcripts, mainly including microRNA (miRNAs), long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs), circular RNA (circRNAs), small interfering RNA (siRNAs), piwi-interacting RNA (piRNAs), etc. Different types of methylation and ncRNAs mutually regulate and interact to form intricate networks to mediate precisely breast cancer genesis. In this review, we elaborate on the crosstalk between major methylation modifications and ncRNAs and discuss the role of their interaction in promoting breast cancer oncogenesis. This review can provide novel insights into establishing a new diagnostic marker system on methylation patterns of ncRNAs and therapeutic perspectives of combining ncRNA oligonucleotides and phytochemical drugs for breast cancer therapy.

Potential of ginsenoside Rh2and its derivatives as anti-cancer agents

As a steroid skeleton-based saponin, ginsenoside Rh₂ (G-Rh₂) is one of the major bioactive ginsenosides from the plants of genus Panax L. Many studies have reported the notable pharmacological activities of G-Rh₂ such as anticancer, antiinflammatory, antiviral, antiallergic, antidiabetic, and anti-Alzheimer's activities. Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated the great potential of G-Rh₂ in the treatment of a wide range of carcinomatous diseases in vitro and in vivo. G-Rh₂ is able to inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, retard metastasis, promote differentiation, enhance chemotherapy and reverse multi-drug resistance against multiple tumor cells. The present review mainly summarizes the anticancer effects and related mechanisms of G-Rh₂ in various models as well as the recent advances in G-Rh₂ delivery systems and structural modification to ameliorate its anticancer activity and pharmacokinetics characteristics.

Ginsenoside Rh2 sensitizes the anti-cancer effects of sunitinib by inducing cell cycle arrest in renal cell carcinoma

Sunitinib, a VEGF blockade, is used to treat clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the anti-cancer treatment effects of sunitinib do not last long in ccRCC patients. Ginsenoside, a natural medicine extracted from ginseng, has been studied in cancer treatment and shown to have anti-tumor effects and low toxicity. We assessed cell viability and cell cycle analysis in ccRCC cell lines after treatment with ginsenoside and sunitinib. DNA damage was evaluated by measuring 8-OHdG levels and comet assay. ROS levels, reflecting the cause of oxidative stress, were also measured. Ginsenoside significantly enhanced the inhibition of cell viability by sunitinib, a result that was also confirmed in the xenograft model. In cell cycle analysis, combination treatment of ginsenoside and sunitinib enhanced G2M arrest in comparison with single-treatment groups. In addition, DNA damage was increased by ginsenoside and sunitinib according to the comet assay, and the level of 8-OHdG, which reflects oxidative DNA damage, also increased. We verified that ginsenoside enhances the efficacy of sunitinib to inhibit the proliferation of ccRCC cells via induction of oxidative DNA damage. The combination therapy of sunitinib and ginsenoside suggested the possibility of effectively treating ccRCC patients.

Ginsenoside Rh2 Regulates the CFAP20DC-AS1/MicroRNA-3614-3p/BBX and TNFAIP3 Axis to Induce Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells

While a number of coding genes have explained the anticancer activity of ginsenoside Rh2, little is known about noncoding RNAs. This study was performed to elucidate the regulatory activity of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) CFAP20DC-AS1, which is known to be downregulated by Rh2. MiR-3614-3p, which potentially binds CFAP20DC-AS1, was screened using the LncBase Predicted program, and the binding was verified by assaying the luciferase activity of a luciferase/lncRNA recombinant plasmid construct. The competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) relationship of the two RNAs was further validated by quantitative PCR after deregulation of each RNA using siRNA. The effect of miRNA and target genes on the MCF-7 cancer cell growth was determined by monitoring proliferation and apoptosis in the presence of Rh2 after deregulating the corresponding gene. The miRNA decreased the luciferase activity of the luciferase/CFAP20DC-AS1 fusion vector, confirming the binding. SiRNA-based deregulation of CFAP20DC-AS1 attenuated the expression of miR-3614-3p and vice versa. In contrast to CFAP20DC-AS1, miR-3614-3p was upregulated by Rh2, inhibiting proliferation but stimulating apoptosis of the MCF-7 cells. Target genes of miR-3614-3p, BBX and TNFAIP3, were downregulated by Rh2 and the miRNA but upregulated by the lncRNA. Rh2 inhibits CFAP20DC-AS1, which obscures the association of the lncRNA with miR-3614-3p, resulting in the suppression of oncogenic BBX and TNFAIP3. Taken together, the Rh2/CFAP20DC-AS1/miR-3614-3p/target gene axis contributes to the antiproliferation activity of Rh2 in cancer cells.

Mechanism-Based Pharmacokinetic Model for the Deglycosylation Kinetics of 20(S)-Ginsenosides Rh2

Aim: The 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) is being developed as a new antitumor drug. However, to date, little is known about the kinetics of its deglycosylation metabolite (protopanoxadiol) (PPD) following Rh2 administration. The aim of this work was to 1) simultaneously characterise the pharmacokinetics of Rh2 and PPD following intravenous and oral Rh2 administration, 2) develop and validate a mechanism-based pharmacokinetic model to describe the deglycosylation kinetics and 3) predict the percentage of Rh2 entering the systemic circulation in PPD form.

Methods: Plasma samples were collected from rats after the I.V. or P.O. administration of Rh2. The plasma Rh2 and PPD concentrations were determined using HPLC-MS. The transformation from Rh2 to PPD, its absorption, and elimination were integrated into the mechanism based pharmacokinetic model to describe the pharmacokinetics of Rh2 and PPD simultaneously at 10 mg/kg. The concentration data collected following a 20 mg/kg dose of Rh2 was used for model validation.

Results: Following Rh2 administration, PPD exhibited high exposure and atypical double peaks. The model described the abnormal kinetics well and was further validated using external data. A total of 11% of the administered Rh2 was predicted to be transformed into PPD and enter the systemic circulation after I.V. administration, and a total of 20% of Rh2 was predicted to be absorbed into the systemic circulation in PPD form after P.O. administration of Rh2.

Conclusion: The developed model provides a useful tool to quantitatively study the deglycosylation kinetics of Rh2 and thus, provides a valuable resource for future pharmacokinetic studies of glycosides with similar deglycosylation metabolism.

Targeting Epigenetic Regulatory Enzymes for Cancer Therapeutics: Novel Small-Molecule Epidrug Development

Dysregulation of the epigenetic enzyme-mediated transcription of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes is closely associated with the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of tumors. Based on the reversibility of epigenetic mechanisms, small-molecule compounds that target epigenetic regulation have become promising therapeutics. These compounds target epigenetic regulatory enzymes, including DNA methylases, histone modifiers (methylation and acetylation), enzymes that specifically recognize post-translational modifications, chromatin-remodeling enzymes, and post-transcriptional regulators. Few compounds have been used in clinical trials and exhibit certain therapeutic effects. Herein, we summarize the classification and therapeutic roles of compounds that target epigenetic regulatory enzymes in cancer treatment. Finally, we highlight how the natural compounds berberine and ginsenosides can target epigenetic regulatory enzymes to treat cancer.

Targeting long non coding RNA by natural products: Implications for cancer therapy

In spite of achieving substantial progress in its therapeutic strategies, cancer-associated prevalence and mortality are persistently rising globally. However, most malignant cancers either cannot be adequately diagnosed at the primary phase or resist against multiple treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy as well as targeting therapy. In recent decades, overwhelming evidences have provided more convincing words on the undeniable roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in incidence and development of various cancer types. Recently, phytochemical and nutraceutical compounds have received a great deal of attention due to their inhibitory and stimulatory effects on oncogenic and tumor suppressor lncRNAs respectively that finally may lead to attenuate various processes of cancer cells such as growth, proliferation, metastasis and invasion. Therefore, application of phytochemicals with anticancer characteristics can be considered as an innovative approach for treating cancer and increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to standard prevailing therapies. The purpose of this review was to investigate the effect of various phytochemicals on regulation of lncRNAs in different human cancer and evaluate their capabilities for cancer treatment and prevention.

Ginsenoside Rh2 upregulates long noncoding RNA STXBP5-AS1 to sponge microRNA-4425 in suppressing breast cancer cell proliferation

Background

Ginsenoside Rh2, a major saponin derivative in ginseng extract, is recognized for its anticancer activities. Compared to coding genes, studies on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) that are regulated by Rh2 in cancer cells, especially on competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) are sparse.

Methods

LncRNAs whose promoter DNA methylation level was significantly altered by Rh2 were screened from methylation array data. The effect of STXBP5-AS1, miR-4425, and RNF217 on the proliferation and apoptosis of MCF-7 breast cancer cells was monitored in the presence of Rh2 after deregulating the corresponding gene. The ceRNA relationship between STXBP5-AS1 and miR-4425 was examined by measuring the luciferase activity of a recombinant luciferase/STXBP5-AS1 plasmid construct in the presence of mimic miR-4425.

Results

Inhibition of STXBP5-AS1 decreased apoptosis but stimulated growth of the MCF-7 cells, suggesting tumor-suppressive activity of the lncRNA. MiR-4425 was identified to have a binding site on STXBP5-AS1 and proven to be downregulated by STXBP5-AS1 as well as by Rh2. In contrast to STXBP5-AS1, miR-4425 showed pro-proliferation activity by inducing a decrease in apoptosis but increased growth of the MCF-7 cells. MiR-4425 decreased luciferase activity from the luciferase/STXBP5-AS1 construct by 26%. Screening the target genes of miR-4425 and Rh2 revealed that Rh2, STXBP5-AS1, and miR-4425 consistently regulated tumor suppressor RNF217 at both the RNA and protein level.

Conclusion

LncRNA STXBP5-AS1 is upregulated by Rh2 via promoter hypomethylation and acts as a ceRNA, sponging the oncogenic miR-4425. Therefore, Rh2 controls the STXBP5-AS1/miR-4425/RNF217 axis to suppress breast cancer cell growth.

Ginsenoside Rh2 reduces m6A RNA methylation in cancer via the KIF26B-SRF positive feedback loop

Background

The underlying mechanisms of the potential tumor-suppressive effects of ginsenoside Rh2 are complex. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is usually dysregulated in cancer. This study explored the regulatory effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on m6A RNA methylation in cancer.

Methods: m6A RNA quantification and gene-specific m6A RIP-qPCR assays were applied to assess total and gene-specific m6A RNA levels. Co-immunoprecipitation, fractionation western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect protein interactions and distribution. QRT-PCR, dual-luciferase, and ChIP-qPCR assays were conducted to check the transcriptional regulation.

Results

Ginsenoside Rh2 reduces m6A RNA methylation and KIF26B expression in a dose-dependent manner in some cancers. KIF26B interacts with ZC3H13 and CBLL1 in the cytoplasm of cancer cells and enhances their nuclear distribution. KIF26B inhibition reduces m6A RNA methylation level in cancer cells. SRF bound to the KIF26B promoter and activated its transcription. SRF mRNA m6A abundance significantly decreased upon KIF26B silencing. SRF knockdown suppressed cancer cell proliferation and growth both in vitro and in vivo, the effect of which was partly rescued by KIF26B overexpression.

Conclusion: ginsenoside Rh2 reduces m6A RNA methylation via downregulating KIF26B expression in some cancer cells. KIF26B elevates m6A RNA methylation via enhancing ZC3H13/CBLL1 nuclear localization. KIF26B-SRF forms a positive feedback loop facilitating tumor growth.

Modulation of Long Non-Coding RNAs by Different Classes of Secondary Metabolites from Plants: A Mini-Review on Antitumor Effects

The broad pharmacological spectrum of plants is related to their secondary metabolism, which is responsible for the synthesis of different compounds that have multiple effects on cellular physiology. Among the biological effects presented by phytochemicals, their use for the prevention and treatment of cancer can be highlighted. This occurs due to several mechanisms of antitumor action demonstrated by these compounds, including regulation of the cell signaling pathways and inhibition of tumor growth. In this way, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) appear to be promising targets for the treatment of cancer. Their deregulation has already been related to a variety of clinical-pathological parameters. However, the effects of secondary metabolites on lncRNAs are still restricted. For this reason, the present review aimed to gather data on phytochemicals with action on lncRNAs in order to confirm their possible antitumor potential. According to the literature, terpenoid and flavonoid are the main examples of secondary metabolites involved with lncRNAs activity. In addition, the lncRNAs H19, CASC2, HOTAIR, NKILA, CCAT1, MALAT1, AFAP1-AS1, MEG3, and CDKN2B-AS1 can be highlighted as important targets in the search for new anti-tumor agents since they act as modulating pathways related to cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion. Finally, challenges for the use of natural products as a commercial drug were also discussed. The low yield, selectivity index and undesirable pharmacokinetic parameters were emphasized as a difficulty for obtaining these compounds on a large scale and for improving the potency of its biological effect. However, the synthesis and/or development of formulations were suggested as a possible approach to solve these problems. All of these data together confirm the potential of secondary metabolites as a source of new anti-tumor agents acting on lncRNAs.

Advances in Biocatalytic Synthesis, Pharmacological Activities, Pharmaceutical Preparation and Metabolism of Ginsenoside Rh2

Ginsenoside Rh2 (3β-O-Glc-protopanaxadiol), a trace but characteristic pharmacological component of red ginseng, exhibited versatile pharmacological activities, such as antitumor effects, improved cardiac function and fibrosis, anti-inflammatory effects, antibiosis and excellent medicinal potential. In recent years, increased research has been performed on the biocatalytic synthesis of ginsenoside Rh2. In this paper, advances in the biocatalytic synthesis, pharmacological activities, pharmaceutical preparation and metabolism of ginsenoside Rh2 are reviewed.

Ginseng berry concentrate prevents colon cancer via cell cycle, apoptosis regulation, and inflammation-linked Th17 cell differentiation

The Asian ginseng root (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is a very commonly used herbal medicine worldwide. Ginseng fruit, including the berry (or pulp) and seed, is also valuable for several health conditions including immunostimulation and cancer chemoprevention. In this study, the anticancer and anti-proliferative effects of the extracts of ginseng berry and seed were evaluated. The ginsenosides in the ginseng berry concentrate (GBC) and ginseng seed extract (GSE) were analyzed. We then evaluated their anti-colorectal cancer potentials, including antiproliferation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptotic induction. Further investigation consisted of the berry's adaptive immune responses, such as the actions on the differentiation of T helper cells Treg, Th1, and Th17. The major constituents in GBC were ginsenosides Re and Rd, which can be compared to those in the root. The GBC significantly inhibited colon cancer cell growth, and its anti-proliferative effect involved mechanisms including G2/M cell cycle arrest via upregulation of cyclin A and induction of apoptosis via regulation of apoptotic related gene expressions. GBC also downregulated the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes. For the adaptive immune responses, GBC did not influence Th1 and Treg cell differentiation but significantly inhibited Th17 cell differentiation and thus regulated the balance of Th17/Treg for adaptive immunity. Although no ginsenoside was detected in the GSE, interestingly, it obviously enhanced colon cancer cell proliferation with the underlined details to be determined. Our results suggested that GBC is a promising dietary supplement for cancer chemoprevention and immunomodulation.

Total saponins from Rhizoma Panacis Majoris inhibit proliferation, induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and influence MAPK signalling pathways on the colorectal cancer cell

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in incidence and second in mortality among all types of cancer, and due to its insidious onset and lack of early symptoms, it is usually diagnosed at a later stage. Saponins, a class of compounds abundant in plants, have been reported to possess prominent anti‑tumour properties. The use of ginsenoside Rg3 in the clinical setting was authorized by the National Medicinal Products Administration of China. In the present study, total saponins from Rhizoma Panacis Majoris (RPMTG) were prepared, and the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the anti‑CRC effects of RPMTG were investigated. The effect of RPMTG on the proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis of HCT116 and SW620 cells were detected by MTT, flow cytometry and western blotting assays, and it was demonstrated that RPMTG could inhibit the proliferation of HCT116 and SW620 cells with IC50 values of 315.8 and 355.1 µg/ml, respectively, induce cell cycle arrest in the S and G0/G1 phase, and trigger apoptosis by downregulating the expression of the anti‑apoptotic proteins Bcl‑2, Bcl‑xL and induced myeloid leukaemia cell differentiation protein Mcl‑1, and increasing the expression of the pro‑apoptotic proteins Bax and Bad, cleaved caspased‑3 and poly(ADP)‑ribose polymerase. These findings suggested that RPMTG induced apoptosis through mitochondrial‑related pathways. In addition, RPMTG also decreased the expression of phosphorylated (p)‑extracellular signal‑regulated kinase and increased p‑c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (p‑JNK) and p‑p38. Moreover, the effects of RPMTG on cell proliferation and apoptosis were partially reversed when the JNK and p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were inhibited, indicating that RPMTG triggered apoptosis mainly via regulating JNK and p38 MAPK signalling. Therefore, RPMTG may have potential as an anti‑CRC agent, and further evaluations are needed.

PBK/TOPK: An Effective Drug Target with Diverse Therapeutic Potential

Simple Summary

Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide, and addressing its morbidity, mortality, and prevalence is the first step towards appropriate control measures. Over the past several decades, many pharmacologists have worked to identify anti-cancer targets and drug development strategies. Within this timeframe, many natural compounds have been developed to inhibit cancer growth by targeting kinases, such as AKT, AURKA, and TOPK. Kinase assays and computer modeling are considered to be effective and powerful tools for target screening, as they can predict physical interactions between small molecules and their bio-molecular targets. In the present review, we summarize the inhibitors and compounds that target TOPK and describe its role in cancer progression. The extensive body of research that has investigated the contribution of TOPK to cancer suggests that it may be a promising target for cancer therapy.

Abstract

T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK, also known as PDZ-binding kinase or PBK) plays a crucial role in cell cycle regulation and mitotic progression. Abnormal overexpression or activation of TOPK has been observed in many cancers, including colorectal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and melanoma, and it is associated with increased development, dissemination, and poor clinical outcomes and prognosis in cancer. Moreover, TOPK phosphorylates p38, JNK, ERK, and AKT, which are involved in many cellular functions, and participates in the activation of multiple signaling pathways related to MAPK, PI3K/PTEN/AKT, and NOTCH1; thus, the direct or indirect interactions of TOPK make it a highly attractive yet elusive target for cancer therapy. Small molecule inhibitors targeting TOPK have shown great therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancer both in vitro and in vivo, even in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Therefore, targeting TOPK could be an important approach for cancer prevention and therapy. Thus, the purpose of the present review was to consider and analyze the role of TOPK as a drug target in cancer therapy and describe the recent findings related to its role in tumor development. Moreover, this review provides an overview of the current progress in the discovery and development of TOPK inhibitors, considering future clinical applications.

Ginsenoside Rh7 Suppresses Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of NSCLC Cells Through Targeting ILF3-AS1 Mediated miR-212/SMAD1 Axis

It is reported that ginsenosides have a significant anti-tumor effect on a variety of tumors. However, the role and mechanism of Rh7 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are unclear. In this study, we aimed to study the anti-tumor effect of Rh7 on the proliferation and progression of NSCLC. Bioinformatics analysis showed that ILF3-AS1 was regulated by ginsenoside Rh7 in NSCLC. Down-regulation of ILF3-AS1 could significantly inhibit the proliferation, metastasis and invasion of NSCLC. In addition, ILF3-AS1 negatively controlled miR-212, which in turn targeted SMAD1 expression, thereby regulating NSCLC cell viability and apoptosis. Our results indicate that ILF3-AS1 can be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer. It is discovered for the first time that ginsenoside Rh7 inhibits the expression of ILF3-AS1 and exerts antitumor effects.

Regulation of Long Non-Coding RNAs by Plant Secondary Metabolites: A Novel Anticancer Therapeutic Approach

Simple Summary

Cancer is caused by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of cells that eventually lead to tumor formation. Genetic and epigenetic alterations are among the most critical factors in the onset of carcinoma. Phytochemicals are a group of natural compounds that play an essential role in cancer prevention and treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potential therapeutic targets of bioactive phytochemicals, and these compounds could regulate the expression of lncRNAs directly and indirectly. Here, we critically evaluate in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of phytochemicals in numerous human cancers via regulation of lncRNA expression and their downstream target genes.

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that play an essential role in various cellular activities, such as differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of lncRNAs serves a fundamental role in the progression and initiation of various diseases, including cancer. Precision medicine is a suitable and optimal treatment method for cancer so that based on each patient’s genetic content, a specific treatment or drug is prescribed. The rapid advancement of science and technology in recent years has led to many successes in this particular treatment. Phytochemicals are a group of natural compounds extracted from fruits, vegetables, and plants. Through the downregulation of oncogenic lncRNAs or upregulation of tumor suppressor lncRNAs, these bioactive compounds can inhibit metastasis, proliferation, invasion, migration, and cancer cells. These natural products can be a novel and alternative strategy for cancer treatment and improve tumor cells’ sensitivity to standard adjuvant therapies. This review will discuss the antineoplastic effects of bioactive plant secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) via regulation of expression of lncRNAs in various human cancers and their potential for the treatment and prevention of human cancers.

Therapeutic effects of ginsenosides on breast cancer growth and metastasis

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Thus, the development of new and effective low-toxicity drugs is vital. The specific characteristics of breast cancer have allowed for the development of targeted therapy towards each breast cancer subtype. Nevertheless, increasing drug resistance is displayed by the changing phenotype and microenvironments of the tumor through mutation or dysregulation of various mechanisms. Recently, emerging data on the therapeutic potential of biocompounds isolated from ginseng have been reported. Therefore, in this review, various roles of ginsenosides in the treatment of breast cancer, including apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, epigenetic changes, combination therapy, and drug delivery system, have been discussed.

Study on the Mechanism of Ginseng in the Treatment of Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Network Pharmacology

Background

Ginseng, a traditional Chinese medicine, was used to prevent and treat many diseases such as diabetes, inflammation, and cancer. In recent years, there are some reports about the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma with ginseng monomer compounds, but there is no systematic study on the related core targets and mechanism of ginseng in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma up to now. Therefore, this study systematically and comprehensively studied the molecular mechanism of ginseng in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma based on network pharmacology and further proved the potential targets by A549 cell experiments for the first time.

Methods

The targets of disease and drug were obtained from Gene database. Subsequently, the compound-target network was constructed, and the core potential targets were screened out by plug-in into Cytoscape. Furthermore, the core targets and mechanism of ginseng in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma were verified by MTT test, cell scratch test, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR.

Results

1791 disease targets and 144 drug targets were obtained by searching the Gene database. Meanwhile, 15 core targets were screened out: JUN, MAPK8, PTGS2, CASP3, VEGFA, MMP9, AKT1, TNF, FN1, FOS, MMP782, IL-1β, IL-2, ICAM1, and HMOX1. The results of cell experiments indicate that ginseng could treat lung adenocarcinoma by cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. In addition, according to the results of the 15 core targets by qRT-PCR, JUN, IL-1β, IL-2, ICAM1, HMOX1, MMP9, and MMP2 are upregulated core targets, while PTGS2 and TNF are downregulated core targets.

Conclusion

This study systematically and comprehensively studied 15 core targets by network pharmacology for the first time. Subsequently, it is verified that 9 core targets for ginseng treatment of lung adenocarcinoma, namely, JUN, IL-1β, IL-2, ICAM1, HMOX1, MMP9, MMP2, PTGS2, and TNF, are closely related to the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells. This study has reference value for the clinical application of ginseng in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.

Medicinal Herbs Used in Traditional Management of Breast Cancer: Mechanisms of Action

Background: Breast cancer is one of the principal causes of death among women and there is a pressing need to develop novel and effective anti-cancer agents. Natural plant products have shown promising results as anti-cancer agents. Their effectiveness is reported as decreased toxicity in usage, along with safety and less recurrent resistances compared with hormonal targeting anti-cancer agents. Methods: A literature search was conducted for all English-language literature published prior to June 2020. The search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The search strategy included keywords such as breast cancer, herbs, anti-cancer biologically active components, clinical research, chemotherapy drugs amongst others. Results: The literature provides documented evidence of the chemo-preventative and chemotherapeutic properties of Ginseng, garlic (Allium sativum), Black cohosh (Actaea racemose), Tumeric (Curcuma longa), Camellia sinenis (green tea), Echinacea, Arctium (burdock), Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and Black Cumin (Nigella sativa). Conclusions: The nine herbs displayed anti-cancer properties and their outcomes and mechanisms of action include inhibition of cell proliferation, angiogenesis and apoptosis as well as modulation of key intracellular pathways. However, more clinical trials and cohort human studies should be conducted to provide key evidence of their medical benefits.