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Banerjee S, Banerjee S, Bishayee A, Da Silva MN, Sukocheva OA, Tse E, Casarcia N, Bishayee A. Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the potential of betulinic acid in cancer prevention and treatment. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 132:155858. [PMID: 39053249 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155858] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Betulinic acid (BA), which is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in the bark of plane, birch, and eucalyptus trees, has emerged as a compound of significant interest in scientific research due to its potential therapeutic applications. BA has a range of well-documented pharmacological and biological effects, including antibacterial, immunomodulatory, diuretic, antiviral, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. Although numerous research studies have explored the potential anticancer effects of BA, there is a noticeable gap in the literature, highlighting the need for a more up-to-date and comprehensive evaluation of BA's anticancer potential. PURPOSE The aim of this work is to critically assess the reported cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the cancer preventive and therapeutic effects of BA. METHODS Relevant research on the inhibitory effects of BA against cancerous cells was searched using Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS The anticancer properties of BA are mediated by the activation of cell death and cell cycle arrest, production of reactive oxygen species, increased mitochondrial permeability, modulation of nuclear factor-κB and Bcl-2 family signaling. Emerging evidence also underscores the combined anticancer effects of BA with other natural bioactive compounds or approved drugs. Notably, several novel BA nanoformulations have been found to exhibit encouraging antineoplastic activities. CONCLUSION BA, whether used alone or in combination, or as a form of nanoformulation, shows significant potential for cancer prevention and treatment. Nevertheless, further detailed studies are necessary to confirm the therapeutic effectiveness of this natural compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhasis Banerjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Gupta College of Technological Sciences, Asansol 713 301, West Bengal, India
| | - Sabyasachi Banerjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Gupta College of Technological Sciences, Asansol 713 301, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Milton Nascimento Da Silva
- Laboratory of Liquid Chromatography, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; Chemistry Post-Graduation Program, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil; Pharmaceutical Science Post-Graduation Program, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Olga A Sukocheva
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Edmund Tse
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Nicolette Casarcia
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA.
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Zhao JQ, Zhou QQ, Sun Y, Yu T, Jiang Y, Li HJ. The anti-non-small cell lung cancer effect of Diosbulbin B: Targeting YY1 induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155734. [PMID: 38761775 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155734] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxic components frequently exhibit unique characteristics and activities, offering ample opportunities for the advancement of anti-cancer medications. As the main hepatotoxic component of Dioscorea bulbifera L. (DB), Diosbulbin B (DIOB) has been widely studied for its anti-tumor activity at nontoxic doses. However, the effectiveness and mechanism of DIOB against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. PURPOSE To evaluate the anti-NSCLC activity of DIOB and to elucidate the specific mechanism of action. METHOD The effect of DIOB on NSCLCL in vitro was evaluated through CCK8, colony formation, and flow cytometry. The in vivo efficacy and safety of DIOB in treating NSCLC were assessed using various techniques, including HE staining, tunel staining, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical index detection. To understand the underlying mechanism, cell transfection, western blotting, molecular docking, cellular thermal shift assay (CESTA), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) were employed for investigation. RESULTS DIOB effectively hindered the progression of NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo settings at a no-observed-adverse-effect concentration (NOAEC) and a safe dosage. Specifically, DIOB induced significant G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in A549, PC-9, and H1299 cells, while also notably inhibiting the growth of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. Mechanistically, DIOB could directly interact with oncogene Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and inhibit its expression. The reduction in YY1 resulted in the triggering of the tumor suppressor P53, which induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in NSCLC cells by inhibiting the expression of Cyclin A2, B2, CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, BCL-2, and inducing the expression of BAX. In NSCLC cells, the induction of G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis by DIOB was effectively reversed when YY1 was overexpressed or P53 was knocked down. Importantly, we observed that DIOB exerted the same effect by directly influencing the expression of YY1-regulated c-Myc and BIM, particularly in the absence of P53. CONCLUSION For the inaugural investigation, this research unveiled the anti-NSCLC impact of DIOB, alongside its fundamental mechanism. DIOB has demonstrated potential as a treatment agent for NSCLC due to its impressive efficacy in countering NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Quan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qi-Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ting Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Hui-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, China.
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Wang H, Du X, Liu W, Zhang C, Li Y, Hou J, Yu Y, Li G, Wang Q. Combination of betulinic acid and EGFR-TKIs exerts synergistic anti-tumor effects against wild-type EGFR NSCLC by inducing autophagy-related cell death via EGFR signaling pathway. Respir Res 2024; 25:215. [PMID: 38764025 PMCID: PMC11103851 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02844-9] [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: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized the treatment of lung cancer patients with mutated EGFR. However, the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in wild-type EGFR tumors has been shown to be marginal. Methods that can sensitize EGFR-TKIs to EGFR wild-type NSCLC remain rare. Hence, we determined whether combination treatment can maximize the therapeutic efficacy of EGFR-TKIs. METHODS We established a focused drug screening system to investigate candidates for overcoming the intrinsic resistance of wild-type EGFR NSCLC to EGFR-TKIs. Molecular docking assays and western blotting were used to identify the binding mode and blocking effect of the candidate compounds. Proliferation assays, analyses of drug interactions, colony formation assays, flow cytometry and nude mice xenograft models were used to determine the effects and investigate the molecular mechanism of the combination treatment. RESULTS Betulinic acid (BA) is effective at targeting EGFR and synergizes with EGFR-TKIs (gefitinib and osimertinib) preferentially against wild-type EGFR. BA showed inhibitory activity due to its interaction with the ATP-binding pocket of EGFR and dramatically enhanced the suppressive effects of EGFR-TKIs by blocking EGFR and modulating the EGFR-ATK-mTOR axis. Mechanistic studies revealed that the combination strategy activated EGFR-induced autophagic cell death and that the EGFR-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway was essential for completing autophagy and cell cycle arrest. Activation of the mTOR pathway or blockade of autophagy by specific chemical agents markedly attenuated the effect of cell cycle arrest. In vivo administration of the combination treatment caused marked tumor regression in the A549 xenografts. CONCLUSIONS BA is a potential wild-type EGFR inhibitor that plays a critical role in sensitizing EGFR-TKI activity. BA combined with an EGFR-TKI effectively suppressed the proliferation and survival of intrinsically resistant lung cancer cells via the inhibition of EGFR as well as the induction of autophagy-related cell death, indicating that BA combined with an EGFR-TKI may be a potential therapeutic strategy for overcoming the primary resistance of wild-type EGFR-positive lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
- Guangzhou women and children's medical center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Xiaohui Du
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Congcong Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Ying Li
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jingwen Hou
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yi Yu
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Guiru Li
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China.
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Vijayaraghavan CS, Raman LS, Surenderan S, Kaur H, Chinambedu MD, Thyagarajan SP, Gnanambal Krishnan ME. A Novel Non-Psychoactive Fatty Acid from a Marine Snail, Conus inscriptus, Signals Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) to Accumulate Apoptotic C16:0 and C18:0 Ceramides in Teratocarcinoma Cell Line PA1. Molecules 2024; 29:1737. [PMID: 38675558 PMCID: PMC11052367 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081737] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid-type I (CB1) receptor functions as a double-edged sword to decide cell fate: apoptosis/survival. Elevated CB1 receptor expression is shown to cause acute ceramide accumulation to meet the energy requirements of fast-growing cancers. However, the flip side of continual CB1 activation is the initiation of a second ceramide peak that leads to cell death. In this study, we used ovarian cancer cells, PA1, which expressed CB1, which increased threefold when treated with a natural compound, bis(palmitoleic acid) ester of a glycerol (C2). This novel compound is isolated from a marine snail, Conus inscriptus, using hexane and the structural details are available in the public domain PubChem database (ID: 14275348). The compound induced two acute ceramide pools to cause G0/G1 arrest and killed cells by apoptosis. The compound increased intracellular ceramides (C:16 to 7 times and C:18 to 10 times), both of which are apoptotic inducers in response to CB1 signaling and thus the compound is a potent CB1 agonist. The compound is not genotoxic because it did not induce micronuclei formation in non-cancerous Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells. Since the compound induced the cannabinoid pathway, we tested if there was a psychotropic effect in zebrafish models, however, it was evident that there were no observable neurobehavioral changes in the treatment groups. With the available data, we propose that this marine compound is safe to be used in non-cancerous cells as well as zebrafish. Thus, this anticancer compound is non-toxic and triggers the CB1 pathway without causing psychotropic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sathyanathan Vijayaraghavan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, SRI Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Deemed to be University (DU), Porur, Chennai 600116, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Lakshmi Sundaram Raman
- Faculty of Pharmacy, SRI RAMACHANDRA Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Deemed to be University (DU), Porur, Chennai 600116, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | | | - Harpreet Kaur
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, SRI Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Deemed to be University (DU), Porur, Chennai 600116, Tamil Nadu, India; (H.K.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Mohanapriya Dandapani Chinambedu
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, SRI Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Deemed to be University (DU), Porur, Chennai 600116, Tamil Nadu, India; (H.K.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Sadras Panchatcharam Thyagarajan
- Distinguished Professor and Advisor to Chancellor, Vellore Institute of technology (VIT), Vellore Campus, Tiruvalam Rd, Katpadi, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Mary Elizabeth Gnanambal Krishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, SRI Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Deemed to be University (DU), Porur, Chennai 600116, Tamil Nadu, India;
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Meo C, de Nigris F. Clinical Potential of YY1-Hypoxia Axis for Vascular Normalization and to Improve Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:491. [PMID: 38339244 PMCID: PMC10854702 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal vasculature in solid tumors causes poor blood perfusion, hypoxia, low pH, and immune evasion. It also shapes the tumor microenvironment and affects response to immunotherapy. The combination of antiangiogenic therapy and immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to normalize vasculature and unlock the full potential of immunotherapy. However, the unpredictable and redundant mechanisms of vascularization and immune suppression triggered by tumor-specific hypoxic microenvironments indicate that such combination therapies need to be further evaluated to improve patient outcomes. Here, we provide an overview of the interplay between tumor angiogenesis and immune modulation and review the function and mechanism of the YY1-HIF axis that regulates the vascular and immune tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of targeting YY1 and other strategies, such as nanocarrier delivery systems and engineered immune cells (CAR-T), to normalize tumor vascularization and re-establish an immune-permissive microenvironment to enhance the efficacy of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Filomena de Nigris
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
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Gabbianelli R, Shahar E, de Simone G, Rucci C, Bordoni L, Feliziani G, Zhao F, Ferrati M, Maggi F, Spinozzi E, Mahajna J. Plant-Derived Epi-Nutraceuticals as Potential Broad-Spectrum Anti-Viral Agents. Nutrients 2023; 15:4719. [PMID: 38004113 PMCID: PMC10675658 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be diminishing, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants represents a threat to humans due to their inherent transmissibility, immunological evasion, virulence, and invulnerability to existing therapies. The COVID-19 pandemic affected more than 500 million people and caused over 6 million deaths. Vaccines are essential, but in circumstances in which vaccination is not accessible or in individuals with compromised immune systems, drugs can provide additional protection. Targeting host signaling pathways is recommended due to their genomic stability and resistance barriers. Moreover, targeting host factors allows us to develop compounds that are effective against different viral variants as well as against newly emerging virus strains. In recent years, the globe has experienced climate change, which may contribute to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases through a variety of factors. Warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can increase the geographic range of disease-carrying vectors, increasing the risk of diseases spreading to new areas. Climate change may also affect vector behavior, leading to a longer breeding season and more breeding sites for disease vectors. Climate change may also disrupt ecosystems, bringing humans closer to wildlife that transmits zoonotic diseases. All the above factors may accelerate the emergence of new viral epidemics. Plant-derived products, which have been used in traditional medicine for treating pathological conditions, offer structurally novel therapeutic compounds, including those with anti-viral activity. In addition, plant-derived bioactive substances might serve as the ideal basis for developing sustainable/efficient/cost-effective anti-viral alternatives. Interest in herbal antiviral products has increased. More than 50% of approved drugs originate from herbal sources. Plant-derived compounds offer diverse structures and bioactive molecules that are candidates for new drug development. Combining these therapies with conventional drugs could improve patient outcomes. Epigenetics modifications in the genome can affect gene expression without altering DNA sequences. Host cells can use epigenetic gene regulation as a mechanism to silence incoming viral DNA molecules, while viruses recruit cellular epitranscriptomic (covalent modifications of RNAs) modifiers to increase the translational efficiency and transcript stability of viral transcripts to enhance viral gene expression and replication. Moreover, viruses manipulate host cells' epigenetic machinery to ensure productive viral infections. Environmental factors, such as natural products, may influence epigenetic modifications. In this review, we explore the potential of plant-derived substances as epigenetic modifiers for broad-spectrum anti-viral activity, reviewing their modulation processes and anti-viral effects on DNA and RNA viruses, as well as addressing future research objectives in this rapidly emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Gabbianelli
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (R.G.); (G.d.S.); (L.B.); (G.F.); (F.Z.)
| | - Ehud Shahar
- Department of Nutrition and Natural Products, Migal—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel;
- Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Kiryat Shmona 1220800, Israel
| | - Gaia de Simone
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (R.G.); (G.d.S.); (L.B.); (G.F.); (F.Z.)
| | - Chiara Rucci
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (R.G.); (G.d.S.); (L.B.); (G.F.); (F.Z.)
| | - Laura Bordoni
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (R.G.); (G.d.S.); (L.B.); (G.F.); (F.Z.)
| | - Giulia Feliziani
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (R.G.); (G.d.S.); (L.B.); (G.F.); (F.Z.)
| | - Fanrui Zhao
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (R.G.); (G.d.S.); (L.B.); (G.F.); (F.Z.)
| | - Marta Ferrati
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP) Research Centre, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.F.); (F.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Filippo Maggi
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP) Research Centre, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.F.); (F.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Eleonora Spinozzi
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP) Research Centre, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.F.); (F.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Jamal Mahajna
- Department of Nutrition and Natural Products, Migal—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel;
- Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Kiryat Shmona 1220800, Israel
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Chandnani N, Gupta I, Thakkar V, Sarkar K. Epigenetic regulation of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) -Yin Yang 1 (YY1) axis in cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154885. [PMID: 37862922 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
In accordance with the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death in patients. In recent years, the number of cancer patients has been growing, and the occurrence of cancer in people is becoming more common, primarily due to lifestyle factors. Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a transcription factor that is widespread throughout. It is a zinc finger protein, falling under the GLI-Kruppel class. YY1 is known to regulate transcriptional activation and repression of various genes associated with different cellular processes such as DNA repair, autophagy, cell survival and apoptosis, and cell division. Meanwhile, EZH2 is a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase enzyme encoded by gene 7 in humans. Its main function involves catalyzing the addition of methyl groups to histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3), and it is involved in regulating CD8 + T cell fate and function. It is a subunit of a Polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2). The EZH2 gene encodes for an enzyme that is involved in histone methylation and transcriptional repression. It adds methyl groups to lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3) with the help of the cofactor S-adenosyl-L-methionine. In addition to its role in epigenetic regulation, EZH2 also acts as a regulator of CD8+ T cell fate and function. EZH2 has been implicated in T Cell Receptor (TCR) signaling via the regulation of actin polymerization. In fact, EZH2 is involved in numerous signaling pathways that lead to tumorigenesis. EZH2 is mutated in cancer and shows overexpression. Due to its mutation and overexpression, the cells that help combat cancer are suppressed and carcinogenicity is promoted. The association of EZH2 and YY1 poses an intriguing mechanism in relation to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Chandnani
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Ishika Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Vidhi Thakkar
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Koustav Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
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Mu H, Sun Y, Yuan B, Wang Y. Betulinic acid in the treatment of breast cancer: Application and mechanism progress. Fitoterapia 2023; 169:105617. [PMID: 37479118 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Betulinic acid (BA) is a pentacyclic triterpene compound, which can be obtained by separation, chemical synthesis and biotransformation. BA has excellent biological activities, especially its role in the treatment of breast cancer deserves attention. Its mechanisms mainly include inducing mitochondrial oxidative stress, regulating specific protein (Sp) transcription factors, inhibiting breast cancer metastasis, inhibiting glucose metabolism and NF-κB pathway. In addition, BA can also increase the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to other chemotherapy drugs such as paclitaxel and reduce its toxic side effects. This article reviews the application and possible mechanism of BA in the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Mu
- Department of Drug Clinical Trials, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Yuli Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China.
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Hosea R, Hillary S, Wu S, Kasim V. Targeting Transcription Factor YY1 for Cancer Treatment: Current Strategies and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3506. [PMID: 37444616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer represents a significant and persistent global health burden, with its impact underscored by its prevalence and devastating consequences. Whereas numerous oncogenes could contribute to cancer development, a group of transcription factors (TFs) are overactive in the majority of tumors. Targeting these TFs may also combat the downstream oncogenes activated by the TFs, making them attractive potential targets for effective antitumor therapeutic strategy. One such TF is yin yang 1 (YY1), which plays crucial roles in the development and progression of various tumors. In preclinical studies, YY1 inhibition has shown efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth, promoting apoptosis, and sensitizing tumor cells to chemotherapy. Recent studies have also revealed the potential of combining YY1 inhibition with immunotherapy for enhanced antitumor effects. However, clinical translation of YY1-targeted therapy still faces challenges in drug specificity and delivery. This review provides an overview of YY1 biology, its role in tumor development and progression, as well as the strategies explored for YY1-targeted therapy, with a focus on their clinical implications, including those using small molecule inhibitors, RNA interference, and gene editing techniques. Finally, we discuss the challenges and current limitations of targeting YY1 and the need for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rendy Hosea
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Sharon Hillary
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Shourong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Vivi Kasim
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
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Safe S. Specificity Proteins (Sp) and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5164. [PMID: 36982239 PMCID: PMC10048989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors (TFs) Sp1, Sp2, Sp3 and Sp4 exhibit structural and functional similarities in cancer cells and extensive studies of Sp1 show that it is a negative prognostic factor for patients with multiple tumor types. In this review, the role of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 in the development of cancer and their regulation of pro-oncogenic factors and pathways is reviewed. In addition, interactions with non-coding RNAs and the development of agents that target Sp transcription factors are also discussed. Studies on normal cell transformation into cancer cell lines show that this transformation process is accompanied by increased levels of Sp1 in most cell models, and in the transformation of muscle cells into rhabdomyosarcoma, both Sp1 and Sp3, but not Sp4, are increased. The pro-oncogenic functions of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 in cancer cell lines were studied in knockdown studies where silencing of each individual Sp TF decreased cancer growth, invasion and induced apoptosis. Silencing of an individual Sp TF was not compensated for by the other two and it was concluded that Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 are examples of non-oncogene addicted genes. This conclusion was strengthened by the results of Sp TF interactions with non-coding microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs where Sp1 contributed to pro-oncogenic functions of Sp/non-coding RNAs. There are now many examples of anticancer agents and pharmaceuticals that induce downregulation/degradation of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4, yet clinical applications of drugs specifically targeting Sp TFs are not being used. The application of agents targeting Sp TFs in combination therapies should be considered for their potential to enhance treatment efficacy and decrease toxic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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11
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Farooqi AA, Turgambayeva A, Tashenova G, Tulebayeva A, Bazarbayeva A, Kapanova G, Abzaliyeva S. Multifunctional Roles of Betulinic Acid in Cancer Chemoprevention: Spotlight on JAK/STAT, VEGF, EGF/EGFR, TRAIL/TRAIL-R, AKT/mTOR and Non-Coding RNAs in the Inhibition of Carcinogenesis and Metastasis. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010067. [PMID: 36615262 PMCID: PMC9822120 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The pursual of novel anticancer molecules from natural sources has gained worthwhile appreciation, and a significant fraction of conceptual knowledge has revolutionized our understanding about heterogeneous nature of cancer. Betulinic acid has fascinated interdisciplinary researchers due to its tremendous pharmacological properties. Ground-breaking discoveries have unraveled previously unprecedented empirical proof-of-concept about momentous chemopreventive role of betulinic acid against carcinogenesis and metastasis. Deregulation of cell signaling pathways has been reported to play a linchpin role in cancer progression and colonization of metastatically competent cancer cells to the distant organs for the development of secondary tumors. Importantly, betulinic acid has demonstrated unique properties to mechanistically modulate oncogenic transduction cascades. In this mini-review, we have attempted to provide a sophisticated compendium of regulatory role of betulinic acid in cancer chemoprevention. We have partitioned this multi-component review into different sections in which we summarized landmark research-works which highlighted betulinic acid mediated regulation of JAK/STAT, VEGF, EGF/EGFR, TRAIL/TRAIL-R, AKT/mTOR and ubiquitination pathways in the inhibition of cancer. In parallel, betulinic acid mediated regulation of signaling cascades and non-coding RNAs will be critically analyzed in cell culture and animal model studies. Better comprehension of the pharmaceutical features of betulinic acid and mapping of the existing knowledge gaps will be valuable in the translatability of preclinical studies into rationally designed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad 54000, Pakistan
- Correspondence:
| | - Assiya Turgambayeva
- Department of Public Health and Management, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulnara Tashenova
- Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
- Scientific Center of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan
| | - Aigul Tulebayeva
- Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
- Scientific Center of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan
| | - Aigul Bazarbayeva
- Scientific Center of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulnara Kapanova
- Scientific Center of Anti-Infectious Drugs, 75 al-Faraby Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Symbat Abzaliyeva
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
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12
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Rufino-Palomares EE, Pérez-Jiménez A, García-Salguero L, Mokhtari K, Reyes-Zurita FJ, Peragón-Sánchez J, Lupiáñez JA. Nutraceutical Role of Polyphenols and Triterpenes Present in the Extracts of Fruits and Leaves of Olea europaea as Antioxidants, Anti-Infectives and Anticancer Agents on Healthy Growth. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072341. [PMID: 35408740 PMCID: PMC9000726 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is currently a worldwide consensus and recognition of the undoubted health benefits of the so-called Mediterranean diet, with its intake being associated with a lower risk of mortality. The most important characteristics of this type of diet are based on the consumption of significant amounts of fruit, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, which provide, in addition to some active ingredients, fiber and a proportion of vegetable protein, together with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as the main sources of vegetable fat. Fish and meat from poultry and other small farm animals are the main sources of protein. One of the main components, as already mentioned, is EVOO, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and to a lesser extent in polyunsaturated fatty acids. The intake of this type of nutrient also provides an important set of phytochemicals whose health potential is widely spread and agreed upon. These phytochemicals include significant amounts of anthocyanins, stilbenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes of varying complexities. Therefore, the inclusion in the diet of this type of molecules, with a proven healthy effect, provides an unquestionable preventive and/or curative activity on an important group of pathologies related to cardiovascular, infectious, and cancerous diseases, as well as those related to the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this review is therefore to shed light on the nutraceutical role of two of the main phytochemicals present in Olea europaea fruit and leaf extracts, polyphenols, and triterpenes, on healthy animal growth. Their immunomodulatory, anti-infective, antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-carcinogenic capabilities show them to be potential nutraceuticals, providing healthy growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva E. Rufino-Palomares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Avenida Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain; (E.E.R.-P.); (L.G.-S.); (F.J.R.-Z.)
| | - Amalia Pérez-Jiménez
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Avenida Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain;
| | - Leticia García-Salguero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Avenida Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain; (E.E.R.-P.); (L.G.-S.); (F.J.R.-Z.)
| | - Khalida Mokhtari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed I University, Oujda BP 717 60000, Morocco;
| | - Fernando J. Reyes-Zurita
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Avenida Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain; (E.E.R.-P.); (L.G.-S.); (F.J.R.-Z.)
| | - Juan Peragón-Sánchez
- Department of Experimental Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Experimental Biology, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain;
| | - José A. Lupiáñez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Avenida Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain; (E.E.R.-P.); (L.G.-S.); (F.J.R.-Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-243-089; Fax: +34-958-249-945
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13
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Salamat J, Abbott KL, Flannery PC, Ledbetter EL, Pondugula SR. Interplay between the Cannabinoid System and microRNAs in Cancer. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:9995-10000. [PMID: 35382335 PMCID: PMC8973111 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer patients often use cannabinoids for alleviating symptoms induced by cancer pathogenesis and cancer treatment. This use of cannabinoids can have unexpected effects in cancer patients depending on the cancer type, resulting in either beneficial (e.g., anticancer) or adverse (e.g., oncogenic) effects. While cannabinoids can enhance the growth and progression of some cancers, they can also suppress the growth and progression of other cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms of such differential effects are poorly understood. miRNAs have been shown to be involved in driving the hallmarks of cancer, affecting cancer growth and progression as well as cancer therapy response. Although the understanding of the effects of cannabinoids and miRNAs as they relate to cancer continues to improve, the interplay between cannabinoid system and miRNAs in cancer pathogenesis and cancer treatment response is poorly understood. Investigation of such interactions between the cannabinoid system and miRNAs could provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of the differential effects of cannabinoids in cancer and can help predict and improve the prognosis of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia
M. Salamat
- Department
of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Kodye L. Abbott
- Salk
Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Patrick C. Flannery
- Rocky
Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, Colorado 80134, United States
| | - Elizabeth L. Ledbetter
- Department
of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Satyanarayana R. Pondugula
- Department
of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
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14
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Li Y, Wang Y, Gao L, Tan Y, Cai J, Ye Z, Chen AT, Xu Y, Zhao L, Tong S, Sun Q, Liu B, Zhang S, Tian D, Deng G, Zhou J, Chen Q. Betulinic acid self-assembled nanoparticles for effective treatment of glioblastoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:39. [PMID: 35062946 PMCID: PMC8781388 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01238-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and fatal primary tumor in the central nervous system (CNS). Due to the existence of blood-brain barrier (BBB), most therapeutics cannot efficiently reach tumors in the brain, and as a result, they are unable to be used for effective GBM treatment. Accumulating evidence shows that delivery of therapeutics in form of nanoparticles (NPs) may allow crossing the BBB for effective GBM treatment. METHODS Betulinic acid NPs (BA NPs) were synthesized by the standard emulsion approach and characterized by electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis. The resulting NPs were characterized for their anti-tumor effects by cell viability assay, EdU-DNA synthesis assay, cell cycle assay, mitochondrial membrane potential, and PI-FITC apoptosis assay. Further mechanistic studies were carried out through Western Blot and immunostaining analyses. Finally, we evaluated BA NPs in vivo for their pharmacokinetics and antitumor effects in intracranial xenograft GBM mouse models. RESULTS BA NPs were successfully prepared and formed into rod shape. BA NPs could significantly suppress glioma cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and arrest the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase in vitro. Furthermore, BA NPs downregulated the Akt/NFκB-p65 signaling pathway in a concentration dependent manner. We found that the observed anti-tumor effect of BA NPs was dependent on the function of CB1/CB2 receptors. Moreover, in the intracranial GBM xenograft mouse models, BA NPs could effectively cross the BBB and greatly prolong the survival time of the mice. CONCLUSIONS We successfully synthesized BA NPs, which could cross the BBB and demonstrated a strong anti-tumor effect. Therefore, BA NPs may potentially be used for effective treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Lun Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinqiu Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayang Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ann T Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Linyao Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiao Tong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Baohui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenqi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Daofeng Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Jiangbing Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Qianxue Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Hosami F, Ghadimkhah MH, Salimi V, Ghorbanhosseini SS, Tavakoli-Yaraki M. The strengths and limits of cannabinoids and their receptors in cancer: Insights into the role of tumorigenesis-underlying mechanisms and therapeutic aspects. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112279. [PMID: 34624678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer, as a mysterious and complex disease, has a multi-stage molecular process that uses the cellular molecular machine and multiple signaling pathways to its advantage. Cannabinoids, as terpenophenolic compounds and their derivatives, showed influences on immune system responses, inflammation, and cell growth that have sparked a growing interest in exploring their effects on cancer cell fate, as well. A large body of evidence in experimental models indicating the involvement of cannabinoids and their related receptors in cancer cell growth, development, and fate. In accordance, the present study provided insights regarding the strengths and limits of cannabinoids and their receptors in critical steps of tumorigenesis and its underlying molecular pathways such as; cancer cell proliferation, type of cell death pathway, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis and, immune system response. Based on the results of the present study and due to the contribution of cannabinoids in various cancer cell growth control processes, these compounds cancer can be considered worthwhile in finding new alternatives for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hosami
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Salimi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Masoumeh Tavakoli-Yaraki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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16
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Betulinic acid in the treatment of tumour diseases: Application and research progress. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:111990. [PMID: 34388528 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Betulinic acid (BA) is a pentacyclic triterpene compound that can be obtained by separation, chemical synthesis and biotransformation from birch. BA has antitumour activity, and its mechanisms of action mainly include the induction of mitochondrial oxidative stress; the regulation of specificity protein transcription factors, and the inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and nuclear factor-κB signalling pathways. In addition, BA can increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to other chemotherapy drugs. Recent studies have shown that BA plays an anticancer role in several kinds of tumour diseases. In this article, the anticancer mechanism of BA and its application in the treatment of tumour diseases are reviewed.
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17
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Sabo AA, Dudau M, Constantin GL, Pop TC, Geilfus CM, Naccarati A, Dragomir MP. Two Worlds Colliding: The Interplay Between Natural Compounds and Non-Coding Transcripts in Cancer Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:652074. [PMID: 34295245 PMCID: PMC8290364 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.652074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease and has recently become the leading cause of death in western countries, representing an immense public health burden. When it comes to cancer treatment, chemotherapy is one of the main pillars, especially for advanced stage tumors. Over the years, natural compounds have emerged as one of the most valuable resources for new chemotherapies. It is estimated that more than half of the currently used chemotherapeutic agents are derived from natural compounds. Usually, natural compounds are discovered empirically and an important limitation of introducing new anti-cancer natural products is lack of knowledge with regard to their mechanism of action. Recent data has proven that several natural compounds may function via modulating the expression and function of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). NcRNAs are a heterogenous class of RNA molecules which are usually not translated into proteins but have an important role in gene expression regulation and are involved in multiple tumorigenic processes, including response/resistance to pharmacotherapy. In this review, we will discuss how natural compounds function via ncRNAs while summarizing the available data regarding their effects on over 15 types of cancer. Moreover, we will critically analyze the current advances and limitations in understanding the way natural compounds exert these health-promoting effects by acting on ncRNAs. Finally, we will propose several hypotheses that may open new avenues and perspectives regarding the interaction between natural compounds and ncRNAs, which could lead to improved natural compound-based therapeutic strategies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru A. Sabo
- Pediatrics 2 (General and Special Pediatrics), Klinikum Stuttgart, Olgahospital, Zentrum für Kinder, Jugend- und Frauenmedizin, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Maria Dudau
- Biochemistry-Proteomics Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - George L. Constantin
- Division of Soil Science and Site Science, Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tudor C. Pop
- Department of Pediatrics, Marie Curie Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Christoph-M. Geilfus
- Division of Controlled Environment Horticulture, Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessio Naccarati
- IIGM Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Mihnea P. Dragomir
- Department of Surgery, Fundeni Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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18
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Yang N, Sun H, Xue Y, Zhang W, Wang H, Tao H, Liang X, Li M, Xu Y, Chen L, Zhang L, Huang L, Geng D. Inhibition of MAGL activates the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway to attenuate glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e447. [PMID: 34185425 PMCID: PMC8167863 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used in treating viral infections, acute spinal cord injury, autoimmune diseases, and shock. Several patients develop GC-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying GC-induced ONFH remain poorly understood. GC-directed bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) fate is an important factor that determines GC-induced ONFH. At high concentrations, GCs induce BMSC apoptosis by promoting oxidative stress. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that relieve GC-induced oxidative stress in BMSCs, which would be vital for treating ONFH. The endocannabinoid system regulates oxidative stress in multiple organs. Here, we found that monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), a key molecule in the endocannabinoid system, was significantly upregulated during GC treatment in osteoblasts both in vitro and in vivo. MAGL expression was positively correlated with expression of the NADPH oxidase family and apoptosis-related proteins. Functional analysis showed that MAGL inhibition markedly reduced oxidative stress and partially rescued BMSC apoptosis. Additionally, in vivo studies indicated that MAGL inhibition effectively attenuated GC-induced ONFH. Pathway analysis showed that MAGL inhibition regulated oxidative stress in BMSCs via the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. The expression of Nrf2, a major regulator of intracellular antioxidants, was upregulated by inhibiting MAGL. Nrf2 activation can mimic the effect of MAGL inhibition and significantly reduce GC-induced oxidative damage in BMSCs. The beneficial effects of MAGL inhibition were attenuated after the blockade of the Keap1/Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway. Notably, pharmacological blockade of MAGL conferred femoral head protection in GC-induced ONFH, even after oxidative stress responses were initiated. Therefore, MAGL may represent a novel target for the prevention and treatment of GC-induced ONFH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yang
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Houyi Sun
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yi Xue
- Department of OrthopaedicsChangshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChangshuChina
| | - Weicheng Zhang
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Hongzhi Wang
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Huaqiang Tao
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Xiaolong Liang
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Meng Li
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yaozeng Xu
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Friendship HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Lixin Huang
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Dechun Geng
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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19
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Chen Q, Wang WJ, Jia YX, Yuan H, Wu PF, Ge WL, Meng LD, Huang XM, Shen P, Yang TY, Miao Y, Zhang JJ, Jiang KR. Effect of the transcription factor YY1 on the development of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine tumors: a narrative review. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:86. [PMID: 33985581 PMCID: PMC8120816 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00602-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic tumors are classified into endocrine and exocrine types, and the clinical manifestations in patients are nonspecific. Most patients, especially those with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), have lost the opportunity to receive for the best treatment at the time of diagnosis. Although chemotherapy and radiotherapy have shown good therapeutic results in other tumors, their therapeutic effects on pancreatic tumors are minimal. A multifunctional transcription factor, Yin-Yang 1 (YY1) regulates the transcription of a variety of important genes and plays a significant role in diverse tumors. Studies have shown that targeting YY1 can improve the survival time of patients with tumors. In this review, we focused on the mechanism by which YY1 affects the occurrence and development of pancreatic tumors. We found that a YY1 mutation is specific for insulinomas and has a role in driving the degree of malignancy. In addition, changes in the circadian network are a key causative factor of PDAC. YY1 promotes pancreatic clock progression and induces malignant changes, but YY1 seems to act as a tumor suppressor in PDAC and affects many biological behaviors, such as proliferation, migration, apoptosis and metastasis. Our review summarizes the progress in understanding the role of YY1 in pancreatic endocrine and exocrine tumors and provides a reasonable assessment of the potential for therapeutic targeting of YY1 in pancreatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Chen
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wu-Jun Wang
- Jiangsu Province Hospital on Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Hao Yuan
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng-Fei Wu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wan-Li Ge
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling-Dong Meng
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu-Min Huang
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Shen
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao-Yue Yang
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Miao
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhang
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Kui-Rong Jiang
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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20
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Oladimeji O, Akinyelu J, Daniels A, Singh M. Modified Gold Nanoparticles for Efficient Delivery of Betulinic Acid to Cancer Cell Mitochondria. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105072. [PMID: 34064888 PMCID: PMC8150271 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in nanomedicine have seen the adaptation of nanoparticles (NPs) for subcellular delivery for enhanced therapeutic impact and reduced side effects. The pivotal role of the mitochondria in apoptosis and their potential as a target in cancers enables selective induction of cancer cell death. In this study, we examined the mitochondrial targeted delivery of betulinic acid (BA) by the mitochondriotropic TPP+-functionalized epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-capped gold NPs (AuNPs), comparing the impact of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly-L-lysine-graft-polyethylene glycol (PLL-g-PEG) copolymer on delivery efficacy. This included the assessment of their cellular uptake, mitochondrial localization and efficacy as therapeutic delivery platforms for BA in the human Caco-2, HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. These mitochondrial-targeted nanocomplexes demonstrated significant inhibition of cancer cell growth, with targeted nanocomplexes recording IC50 values in the range of 3.12–13.2 µM compared to that of the free BA (9.74–36.31 µM) in vitro, demonstrating the merit of mitochondrial targeting. Their mechanisms of action implicated high amplitude mitochondrial depolarization, caspases 3/7 activation, with an associated arrest at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. This nano-delivery system is a potentially viable platform for mitochondrial-targeted delivery of BA and highlights mitochondrial targeting as an option in cancer therapy.
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21
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Shrestha R, Mohankumar K, Jin UH, Martin G, Safe S. The Histone Methyltransferase Gene G9A Is Regulated by Nuclear Receptor 4A1 in Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 20:612-622. [PMID: 33277444 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase G9A (EHMT2) gene catalyzes methylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9), and this gene silencing activity contributes to the tumor promoter-like activity of G9A in several tumor types including alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS). Previous studies show the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1, Nur77) is overexpressed in rhabdomyosarcoma and exhibits pro-oncogenic activity. In this study, we show that knockdown of NR4A1 in ARMS cells decreased expression of G9A mRNA and protein. Moreover, treatment of ARMS cells with several bis-indole-derived NR4A1 ligands (antagonists) including 1,1-bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane (CDIM8), 3,5-dimethyl (3,5-(CH3)2), and 3-bromo-5-methoxy (3-Br-5-OCH3) analogs also decreased G9A expression. Furthermore, NR4A1 antagonists also decreased G9A expression in breast, lung, liver, and endometrial cancer cells confirming that G9A is an NR4A1-regulated gene in ARMS and other cancer cell lines. Mechanistic studies showed that the NR4A1/Sp1 complex interacted with the GC-rich 511 region of the G9A promoter to regulate G9A gene expression. Moreover, knockdown of NR4A1 or treatment with NR4A1 receptor antagonists decreased overall H3K9me2, H3K9me2 associated with the PTEN promoter, and PTEN-regulated phospho-Akt. In vivo studies showed that the NR4A1 antagonist (3-Br-5-OCH3) inhibited tumor growth in athymic nude mice bearing Rh30 ARMS cells and confirmed that G9A was an NR4A1-regulated gene that can be targeted by NR4A1 receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Kumaravel Mohankumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Un-Ho Jin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Gregory Martin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. .,Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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22
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Zhou QA, Kato-Weinstein J, Li Y, Deng Y, Granet R, Garner L, Liu C, Polshakov D, Gessner C, Watkins S. Potential Therapeutic Agents and Associated Bioassay Data for COVID-19 and Related Human Coronavirus Infections. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:813-834. [PMID: 33062950 PMCID: PMC7447080 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has led to several million confirmed cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. To support the ongoing research and development of COVID-19 therapeutics, this report provides an overview of protein targets and corresponding potential drug candidates with bioassay and structure-activity relationship data found in the scientific literature and patents for COVID-19 or related virus infections. Highlighted are several sets of small molecules and biologics that act on specific targets, including 3CLpro, PLpro, RdRp, S-protein-ACE2 interaction, helicase/NTPase, TMPRSS2, and furin, which are involved in the viral life cycle or in other aspects of the disease pathophysiology. We hope this report will be valuable to the ongoing drug repurposing efforts and the discovery of new therapeutics with the potential for treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongqiong Angela Zhou
- CAS, a division
of the American Chemical Society, 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-3012, United States
| | | | - Yingzhu Li
- CAS, a division
of the American Chemical Society, 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-3012, United States
| | - Yi Deng
- CAS, a division
of the American Chemical Society, 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-3012, United States
| | - Roger Granet
- CAS, a division
of the American Chemical Society, 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-3012, United States
| | - Linda Garner
- CAS, a division
of the American Chemical Society, 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-3012, United States
| | - Cynthia Liu
- CAS, a division
of the American Chemical Society, 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-3012, United States
| | - Dmitrii Polshakov
- CAS, a division
of the American Chemical Society, 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-3012, United States
| | - Chris Gessner
- CAS, a division
of the American Chemical Society, 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-3012, United States
| | - Steven Watkins
- CAS, a division
of the American Chemical Society, 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-3012, United States
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23
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Cao S, Han Y, Li Q, Chen Y, Zhu D, Su Z, Guo H. Mapping Pharmacological Network of Multi-Targeting Litchi Ingredients in Cancer Therapeutics. Front Pharmacol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00451
expr 967555229 + 995954239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
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24
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Cao S, Han Y, Li Q, Chen Y, Zhu D, Su Z, Guo H. Mapping Pharmacological Network of Multi-Targeting Litchi Ingredients in Cancer Therapeutics. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:451. [PMID: 32390834 PMCID: PMC7193898 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable pharmacological studies have demonstrated that the extracts and ingredients from different parts (seeds, peels, pulps, and flowers) of Litchi exhibited anticancer effects by affecting the proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy sensitivity, stemness, metabolism, angiogenesis, and immunity via multiple targeting. However, there is no systematical analysis on the interaction network of “multiple ingredients-multiple targets-multiple pathways” anticancer effects of Litchi. In this study, we summarized the confirmed anticancer ingredients and molecular targets of Litchi based on published articles and applied network pharmacology approach to explore the complex mechanisms underlying these effects from a perspective of system biology. The top ingredients, top targets, and top pathways of each anticancer function were identified using network pharmacology approach. Further intersecting analyses showed that Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), Gallic acid, Kaempferol, Luteolin, and Betulinic acid were the top ingredients which might be the key ingredients exerting anticancer function of Litchi, while BAX, BCL2, CASP3, and AKT1 were the top targets which might be the main targets underling the anticancer mechanisms of these top ingredients. These results provided references for further understanding and exploration of Litchi as therapeutics in cancer as well as the application of “Component Formula” based on Litchi’s effective ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Cao
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yaoyao Han
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education & Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qiaofeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education & Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yanjiang Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Dan Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhiheng Su
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hongwei Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education & Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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25
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An T, Zha W, Zi J. Biotechnological production of betulinic acid and derivatives and their applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:3339-3348. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10495-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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26
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Vellingiri B, Iyer M, Devi Subramaniam M, Jayaramayya K, Siama Z, Giridharan B, Narayanasamy A, Abdal Dayem A, Cho SG. Understanding the Role of the Transcription Factor Sp1 in Ovarian Cancer: from Theory to Practice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1153. [PMID: 32050495 PMCID: PMC7038193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the deadliest cancers among women contributing to high risk of mortality, mainly owing to delayed detection. There is no specific biomarker for its detection in early stages. However, recent findings show that over-expression of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) is involved in many OC cases. The ubiquitous transcription of Sp1 apparently mediates the maintenance of normal and cancerous biological processes such as cell growth, differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, cellular reprogramming and tumorigenesis. Sp1 exerts its effects on cellular genes containing putative GC-rich Sp1-binding site in their promoters. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying Sp1 transcription factor (TF) regulation and functions in OC tumorigenesis could help identify novel prognostic markers, to target cancer stem cells (CSCs) by following cellular reprogramming and enable the development of novel therapies for future generations. In this review, we address the structure, function, and biology of Sp1 in normal and cancer cells, underpinning the involvement of Sp1 in OC tumorigenesis. In addition, we have highlighted the influence of Sp1 TF in cellular reprogramming of iPSCs and how it plays a role in controlling CSCs. This review highlights the drugs targeting Sp1 and their action on cancer cells. In conclusion, we predict that research in this direction will be highly beneficial for OC treatment, and chemotherapeutic drugs targeting Sp1 will emerge as a promising therapy for OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, India
| | - Mahalaxmi Iyer
- Department of Zoology, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore 641043, India; (M.I.); (K.J.)
| | - Mohana Devi Subramaniam
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai 600006, India;
| | - Kaavya Jayaramayya
- Department of Zoology, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore 641043, India; (M.I.); (K.J.)
| | - Zothan Siama
- Department of Zoology, School of Life-science, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796004, Mizoram, India;
| | - Bupesh Giridharan
- R&D Wing, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH), BIHER, Chromepet, Chennai 600044, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Arul Narayanasamy
- Disease Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Ahmed Abdal Dayem
- Molecular & Cellular Reprogramming Center, Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea;
| | - Ssang-Goo Cho
- Molecular & Cellular Reprogramming Center, Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea;
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27
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Sarvagalla S, Kolapalli SP, Vallabhapurapu S. The Two Sides of YY1 in Cancer: A Friend and a Foe. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1230. [PMID: 31824839 PMCID: PMC6879672 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Yin Yang 1 (YY1), a dual function transcription factor, is known to regulate transcriptional activation and repression of many genes associated with multiple cellular processes including cellular differentiation, DNA repair, autophagy, cell survival vs. apoptosis, and cell division. Owing to its role in processes that upon deregulation are linked to malignant transformation, YY1 has been implicated as a major driver of many cancers. While a large body of evidence supports the role of YY1 as a tumor promoter, recent reports indicated that YY1 also functions as a tumor suppressor. The mechanism by which YY1 brings out opposing outcome in tumor growth vs. suppression is not completely clear and some of the recent reports have provided significant insight into this. Likewise, the mechanism by which YY1 functions both as a transcriptional activator and repressor is not completely clear. It is likely that the proteins with which YY1 interacts might determine its function as an activator or repressor of transcription as well as its role as a tumor suppressor or promoter. Hence, a collection of YY1-protein interactions in the context of different cancers would help us gain an insight into how YY1 promotes or suppresses cancers. This review focuses on the YY1 interacting partners and its target genes in different cancer models. Finally, we discuss the possibility of therapeutically targeting the YY1 in cancers where it functions as a tumor promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sailu Sarvagalla
- Division of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, Tirupati, India
| | | | - Sivakumar Vallabhapurapu
- Division of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, Tirupati, India
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28
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Huang J, Zha W, An T, Dong H, Huang Y, Wang D, Yu R, Duan L, Zhang X, Peters RJ, Dai Z, Zi J. Identification of RoCYP01 (CYP716A155) enables construction of engineered yeast for high-yield production of betulinic acid. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:7029-7039. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10004-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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29
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Amiri S, Dastghaib S, Ahmadi M, Mehrbod P, Khadem F, Behrouj H, Aghanoori MR, Machaj F, Ghamsari M, Rosik J, Hudecki A, Afkhami A, Hashemi M, Los MJ, Mokarram P, Madrakian T, Ghavami S. Betulin and its derivatives as novel compounds with different pharmacological effects. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 38:107409. [PMID: 31220568 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Betulin (B) and Betulinic acid (BA) are natural pentacyclic lupane-structure triterpenoids which possess a wide range of pharmacological activities. Recent evidence indicates that B and BA have several properties useful for the treatment of metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological disorders. In the current review, we discuss B and BA structures and derivatives and then comprehensively explain their pharmacological effects in relation to various diseases. We also explain antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer effects of B and BA. Finally, we discuss the delivery methods, in which these compounds most effectively target different systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Amiri
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady College of Medicine, Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sanaz Dastghaib
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mazaher Ahmadi
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Mehrbod
- Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Department, Pasteur Institute of IRAN, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Khadem
- Department of Immunology, Rady College of Medicine, Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Hamid Behrouj
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohamad-Reza Aghanoori
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Filip Machaj
- Department of Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, ul. Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-344 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Mahdi Ghamsari
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Jakub Rosik
- Department of Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, ul. Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-344 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Hudecki
- Institue of Non-Ferrous Metals, ul. Sowińskiego 5, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Abbas Afkhami
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hashemi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zahedan University of Medical Science, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Marek J Los
- Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, ul Bolesława Krzywoustego 8, Gliwice, Poland; Linkocare Life Sciences AB, Teknikringen 10, Plan 3, 583 30 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Pooneh Mokarram
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tayyebeh Madrakian
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady College of Medicine, Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Biology of Breathing Theme, Children Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
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30
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Silva AR, Grosso C, Delerue-Matos C, Rocha JM. Comprehensive review on the interaction between natural compounds and brain receptors: Benefits and toxicity. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 174:87-115. [PMID: 31029947 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Given their therapeutic activity, natural products have been used in traditional medicines throughout the centuries. The growing interest of the scientific community in phytopharmaceuticals, and more recently in marine products, has resulted in a significant number of research efforts towards understanding their effect in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson (PD) and Huntington (HD). Several studies have shown that many of the primary and secondary metabolites of plants, marine organisms and others, have high affinities for various brain receptors and may play a crucial role in the treatment of diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) in mammalians. Actually, such compounds may act on the brain receptors either by agonism, antagonism, allosteric modulation or other type of activity aimed at enhancing a certain effect. The current manuscript comprehensively reviews the state of the art on the interactions between natural compounds and brain receptors. This information is of foremost importance when it is intended to investigate and develop cutting-edge drugs, more effective and with alternative mechanisms of action to the conventional drugs presently used for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, we reviewed the effect of 173 natural products on neurotransmitter receptors, diabetes related receptors, neurotrophic factor related receptors, immune system related receptors, oxidative stress related receptors, transcription factors regulating gene expression related receptors and blood-brain barrier receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Silva
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology (DB), University of Minho (UM), Campus Gualtar, P-4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Clara Grosso
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, P-4249-015, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, P-4249-015, Porto, Portugal
| | - João M Rocha
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology (DB), University of Minho (UM), Campus Gualtar, P-4710-057, Braga, Portugal; REQUIMTE/LAQV, Grupo de investigação de Química Orgânica Aplicada (QUINOA), Laboratório de polifenóis alimentares, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica (DQB), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP), Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, P-4169-007, Porto, Portugal
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31
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Abstract
There have been recent developments in the treatment of various cancers, in particular non-metastatic cancers. However, many of the responding patients often relapse initially through the development of spread micro and macro-metastases. Unfortunately, there are very few therapeutic modalities for the treatment of metastatic cancers. The development of cancer metastasis has been proposed to involve the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), in which the tumor cells with the EMT phenotype exhibit various phenotypic markers and molecular modifications that are manifested to resist most conventional therapies. YY1 is a target of the hyperactivated nuclear factor-kappa beta pathway in cancer and it was reported that YY1 also regulates cell survival and cell proliferation in addition to its role in EMT and resistance. The overexpression of YY1 in the majority of cancers has been correlated with poor prognosis. It is hypothesized that targeting YY1 may result in several anti-tumor activities, including inhibition of cell survival and cell proliferation, inhibition of EMT, and reversal of resistance. This review discusses the potential therapeutic targeting of an overexpressed transcription factor, Yin Yang 1 (YY1), which has been implicated in the development of EMT and drug resistance. Several examples targeting YY1 in experimental models are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Arah Cho
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Benjamin Bonavida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
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32
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Safe S, Nair V, Karki K. Metformin-induced anticancer activities: recent insights. Biol Chem 2018; 399:321-335. [PMID: 29272251 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2017-0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Metformin is a widely used antidiabetic drug, and there is evidence among diabetic patients that metformin is a chemopreventive agent against multiple cancers. There is also evidence in human studies that metformin is a cancer chemotherapeutic agent, and several clinical trials that use metformin alone or in combination with other drugs are ongoing. In vivo and in vitro cancer cell culture studies demonstrate that metformin induces both AMPK-dependent and AMPK-independent genes/pathways that result in inhibition of cancer cell growth and migration and induction of apoptosis. The effects of metformin in cancer cells resemble the patterns observed after treatment with drugs that downregulate specificity protein 1 (Sp1), Sp3 and Sp4 or by knockdown of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 by RNA interference. Studies in pancreatic cancer cells clearly demonstrate that metformin decreases expression of Sp1, Sp3, Sp4 and pro-oncogenic Sp-regulated genes, demonstrating that one of the underlying mechanisms of action of metformin as an anticancer agent involves targeting of Sp transcription factors. These observations are consistent with metformin-mediated effects on genes/pathways in many other tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA
| | - Vijayalekshmi Nair
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA
| | - Keshav Karki
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA
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Kumar P, Bhadauria AS, Singh AK, Saha S. Betulinic acid as apoptosis activator: Molecular mechanisms, mathematical modeling and chemical modifications. Life Sci 2018; 209:24-33. [PMID: 30076920 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
A natural product betulinic acid (BA) has gained a huge significance in the recent years for its strong cytotoxicity. Surprisingly, in spite of being an interesting cancer protecting agent on a variety of tumor cells, the normal cells and tissues are rarely affected by BA. Betulinic acid and analogues (BAs) generally exert through the mechanisms that provokes an event of direct cell death and bypass the resistance to normal chemotherapeutics. Although the major mechanism associated with its ability to induce direct cell death is mitochondrial apoptosis, there are several other mechanisms explored recently. Importantly, mathematical modeling of apoptosis has been an important tool to explore the precise mechanism involved in mitochondrial apoptosis. Thus, this review is an endeavor to sum up the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of BA and future directions to apply mathematical modeling technique to better understand the precise mechanism of BA-induced apoptosis. The last section of the review encompasses the plausible structural modifications and formulations to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranesh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, India
| | - Archana S Bhadauria
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India
| | - Ashok K Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, India
| | - Sudipta Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, India.
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Safe S, Abbruzzese J, Abdelrahim M, Hedrick E. Specificity Protein Transcription Factors and Cancer: Opportunities for Drug Development. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2018; 11:371-382. [PMID: 29545399 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-17-0407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors (TFs) such as Sp1 are critical for early development but their expression decreases with age and there is evidence that transformation of normal cells to cancer cells is associated with upregulation of Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4, which are highly expressed in cancer cells and tumors. Sp1 is a negative prognostic factor for pancreatic, colon, glioma, gastric, breast, prostate, and lung cancer patients. Functional studies also demonstrate that Sp TFs regulate genes responsible for cancer cell growth, survival, migration/invasion, inflammation and drug resistance, and Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 are also nononcogene addiction (NOA) genes and important drug targets. The mechanisms of drug-induced downregulation of Sp TFs and pro-oncogenic Sp-regulated genes are complex and include ROS-dependent epigenetic pathways that initially decrease expression of the oncogene cMyc. Many compounds such as curcumin, aspirin, and metformin that are active in cancer prevention also exhibit chemotherapeutic activity and these compounds downregulate Sp TFs in cancer cell lines and tumors. The effects of these compounds on downregulation of Sp TFs in normal cells and the contribution of this response to their chemopreventive activity have not yet been determined. Cancer Prev Res; 11(7); 371-82. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
| | - James Abbruzzese
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Maen Abdelrahim
- GI Medical Oncology, Cockrell Center for Advanced Therapeutics, Houston Methodist Cancer Center and Institute of Academic Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Erik Hedrick
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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Luo R, Fang D, Chu P, Wu H, Zhang Z, Tang Z. Multiple molecular targets in breast cancer therapy by betulinic acid. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 84:1321-1330. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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Safe S, Kasiappan R. Natural Products as Mechanism-based Anticancer Agents: Sp Transcription Factors as Targets. Phytother Res 2016; 30:1723-1732. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology; Texas A&M University; College Station TX 77843-4466 USA
| | - Ravi Kasiappan
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology; Texas A&M University; College Station TX 77843-4466 USA
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Zhang X, Hu J, Chen Y. Betulinic acid and the pharmacological effects of tumor suppression (Review). Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:4489-4495. [PMID: 27748864 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Betulinic acid (BA), a lupane-type pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin from tree bark, has the potential to induce the apoptosis of cancer cells without toxicity towards normal cells in vitro and in vivo. The antitumor pharmacological effects of BA consist of triggering apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, regulating the cell cycle and the angiogenic pathway via factors, including specificity protein transcription factors, cyclin D1 and epidermal growth factor receptor, inhibiting the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and nuclear factor‑κB signaling pathways, preventing the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells, and affecting the expression of topoisomerase I, p53 and lamin B1. In previous years, several studies have shown its antitumor effect, initially applied to malignant melanoma, however, it also has broad efficacies against most solid types of tumor from different regions of the body. There have been few investigations in hematological malignancies, however, this direction may offer potential in such a novel field of research. In this review, the primary pharmacological effects of BA in tumors, particularly in hematological malignancies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Jingyu Hu
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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Lupane and 18α-oleanane derivatives substituted in the position 2, their cytotoxicity and influence on cancer cells. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 121:120-131. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Zhang T, Shao Y, Chu TY, Huang HS, Liou YL, Li Q, Zhou H. MiR-135a and MRP1 play pivotal roles in the selective lethality of phenethyl isothiocyanate to malignant glioma cells. Am J Cancer Res 2016; 6:957-972. [PMID: 27293991 PMCID: PMC4889712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amounting evidence has demonstrated that phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a strong inducer of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and functions as a selective killer to various human cancer cells. However, it remains obscure whether PEITC has potential selective lethality to malignant glioma cells. Thus in this study, we performed multiple analysis such as MTT assay, Hoechst 33258 staining, flow cytometry, foci formation, RT-PCR, Western blot, and transfection to explore the selective lethality of PEITC to malignant glioma cells and the underlying mechanisms. We found that PEITC induced a selective apoptosis and suppressed tumorigenicity and migration of malignant glioma cells. Furthermore, we found PEITC significantly induced GSH depletion, ROS production, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, and miR-135a upregulation in malignant glioma cells but not in normal cells. Moreover, PEITC activated the miR-135a-mitochondria dependent apoptosis pathway as demonstrated by downregulation of STAT6, SMAD5 and Bcl-xl while upregulation of Bax expression and Cytochrome-C release in malignant glioma cell lines but not in the immortalized human normal glial HEB cells. Correspondingly, the above PEITC-induced activation of the ROS-MiR-135a-Mitochondria dependent apoptosis pathways in malignant glioma was attenuated by pre-transfection with miR-135a inhibitor, pre-treatment with multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) inhibitor Sch B, or combination with glutathione (GSH). These results revealed that PEITC selectively induced apoptosis of malignant glioma cells through MRP1-mediated export of GSH to activate ROS-MiR-135a-Mitochondria dependent apoptosis pathway, suggesting a potential application of PEITC for treating glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taolan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University; Hunan Key Laboratory of PharmacogeneticsChangsha 410078, P. R. China
| | - Yingying Shao
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University1 Yixueyuan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, P. R. China
| | - Tang-Yuan Chu
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi UniversityHualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Shun Huang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi UniversityHualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ligh Liou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University; Hunan Key Laboratory of PharmacogeneticsChangsha 410078, P. R. China
- IStat Biomedical Co. Ltd.Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University; Hunan Key Laboratory of PharmacogeneticsChangsha 410078, P. R. China
| | - Honghao Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University; Hunan Key Laboratory of PharmacogeneticsChangsha 410078, P. R. China
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MicroRNA: a connecting road between apoptosis and cholesterol metabolism. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:8529-54. [PMID: 27105614 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-4988-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to apoptosis leads to tumorigenesis and failure of anti-cancer therapy. Recent studies also highlight abrogated lipid/cholesterol metabolism as one of the root causes of cancer that can lead to metastatic transformations. Cancer cells are dependent on tremendous supply of cellular cholesterol for the formation of new membranes and continuation of cell signaling. Cholesterol homeostasis network tightly regulates this metabolic need of cancer cells on cholesterol and other lipids. Genetic landscape is also shared between apoptosis and cholesterol metabolism. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the new fine tuners of signaling pathways and cellular processes and are known for their ability to post-transcriptionally repress gene expression in a targeted manner. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the cross talk between apoptosis and cholesterol metabolism via miRNAs. In addition, we also emphasize herein recent therapeutic modulations of specific miRNAs and their promising potential for the treatment of deadly diseases including cancer and cholesterol related pathologies. Understanding of the impact of miRNA-based regulation of apoptosis and metabolic processes is still at its dawn and needs further research for the development of future miRNA-based therapies. As both these physiological processes affect cellular homeostasis, we believe that this comprehensive summary of miRNAs modulating both apoptosis and cholesterol metabolism will open uncharted territory for scientific exploration and will provide the foundation for discovering novel drug targets for cancer and metabolic diseases.
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41
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Hsu TI, Chen YJ, Hung CY, Wang YC, Lin SJ, Su WC, Lai MD, Kim SY, Wang Q, Qian K, Goto M, Zhao Y, Kashiwada Y, Lee KH, Chang WC, Hung JJ. A novel derivative of betulinic acid, SYK023, suppresses lung cancer growth and malignancy. Oncotarget 2016; 6:13671-87. [PMID: 25909174 PMCID: PMC4537041 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we evaluated the anti-cancer effect and molecular mechanisms of a novel betulinic acid (BA) derivative, SYK023, by using two mouse models of lung cancer driven by KrasG12D or EGFRL858R. We found that SYK023 inhibits lung tumor proliferation, without side effects in vivo or cytotoxicity in primary lung cells in vitro. SYK023 triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Blockage of ER stress in SYK023-treated cells inhibited SYK023-induced apoptosis. In addition, we found that the expression of cell cycle-related genes, including cyclin A2, B1, D3, CDC25a, and CDC25b decreased but, while those of p15INK4b, p16INK4a, and p21CIP1 increased following SYK023 treatment. Finally, low doses of SYK023 significantly decreased lung cancer metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Expression of several genes related to cell migration, including synaptopodin, were downregulated by SYK023, thereby impairing F-actin polymerization and metastasis. Therefore, SYK023 may be a potentially therapeutic treatment for metastatic lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-I Hsu
- Center for Infection Disease and Signal Research, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Biosignal Transduction, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Jung Chen
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Biosignal Transduction, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yang Hung
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chang Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Jin Lin
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Biosignal Transduction, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Chou Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Derg Lai
- Center for Infection Disease and Signal Research, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sang-Yong Kim
- Natural Products Research Laboratories, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Qiang Wang
- Natural Products Research Laboratories, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Keduo Qian
- Natural Products Research Laboratories, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Masuo Goto
- Natural Products Research Laboratories, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yu Zhao
- Natural Products Research Laboratories, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yoshiki Kashiwada
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kuo-Hsiung Lee
- Natural Products Research Laboratories, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, China Medical University and Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chang Chang
- Center for Infection Disease and Signal Research, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Biosignal Transduction, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jan-Jong Hung
- Center for Infection Disease and Signal Research, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Bioinformatics and Biosignal Transduction, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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42
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Sharma C, Sadek B, Goyal SN, Sinha S, Kamal MA, Ojha S. Small Molecules from Nature Targeting G-Protein Coupled Cannabinoid Receptors: Potential Leads for Drug Discovery and Development. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:238482. [PMID: 26664449 PMCID: PMC4664820 DOI: 10.1155/2015/238482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid molecules are derived from Cannabis sativa plant which acts on the cannabinoid receptors types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) which have been explored as potential therapeutic targets for drug discovery and development. Currently, there are numerous cannabinoid based synthetic drugs used in clinical practice like the popular ones such as nabilone, dronabinol, and Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol mediates its action through CB1/CB2 receptors. However, these synthetic based Cannabis derived compounds are known to exert adverse psychiatric effect and have also been exploited for drug abuse. This encourages us to find out an alternative and safe drug with the least psychiatric adverse effects. In recent years, many phytocannabinoids have been isolated from plants other than Cannabis. Several studies have shown that these phytocannabinoids show affinity, potency, selectivity, and efficacy towards cannabinoid receptors and inhibit endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes, thus reducing hyperactivity of endocannabinoid systems. Also, these naturally derived molecules possess the least adverse effects opposed to the synthetically derived cannabinoids. Therefore, the plant based cannabinoid molecules proved to be promising and emerging therapeutic alternative. The present review provides an overview of therapeutic potential of ligands and plants modulating cannabinoid receptors that may be of interest to pharmaceutical industry in search of new and safer drug discovery and development for future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sameer N. Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Shirpur, Mahrastra 425405, India
| | - Satyesh Sinha
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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43
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Yang WS, Chadalapaka G, Cho SG, Lee SO, Jin UH, Jutooru I, Choi K, Leung YK, Ho SM, Safe S, Kim K. The transcriptional repressor ZBTB4 regulates EZH2 through a MicroRNA-ZBTB4-specificity protein signaling axis. Neoplasia 2015; 16:1059-69. [PMID: 25499219 PMCID: PMC4309261 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
ZBTB4 is a transcriptional repressor and examination of publically-available microarray data sets demonstrated an inverse relationship in the prognostic value and expression of ZBTB4 and the histone methyltransferase EZH2 in tumors from breast cancer patients. The possibility of functional interactions between EZH2 and ZBTB4 was investigated in breast cancer cells and the results showed that EZH2 is directly suppressed by ZBTB4 which in turn is regulated (suppressed) by miR-106b and other paralogues from the miR-17-92, miR-106b-25 and miR-106a-363 clusters that are highly expressed in breast and other tumors. ZBTB4 also acts a suppressor of specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4, and RNA interference studies show that Sp proteins are required for EZH2 expression. The prediction analysis results from breast cancer patient array data sets confirm an association of Sp1-dependent EZH2 gene signature with decreased survival of breast cancer patients. Disruption of oncogenic miR-ZBTB4 signaling axis by anticancer agent such as betulinic acid that induce down-regulation of Sp proteins in breast cancer cells resulted in inhibition of tumor growth and colonization of breast cancer cells in a mouse model. Thus, EZH2 is reciprocally regulated by a novel signaling network consisting of Sp proteins, oncogenic miRs and ZBTB4, and modulation of this gene network is a novel therapeutic approach for treatment of breast cancer and possibly other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Seok Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, 3223 Eden Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Gayathri Chadalapaka
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, 4466 Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Sung-Gook Cho
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Syng-Ook Lee
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, 2121 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030
| | - Un-Ho Jin
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, 2121 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030
| | - Indira Jutooru
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, 4466 Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Kwangmin Choi
- Division of Experimental Biology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Yuet-Kin Leung
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, 3223 Eden Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Shuk-Mei Ho
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, 3223 Eden Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, 4466 Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843; Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, 2121 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030
| | - Kyounghyun Kim
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, 3223 Eden Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45267
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Krakowsky RHE, Tollefsbol TO. Impact of Nutrition on Non-Coding RNA Epigenetics in Breast and Gynecological Cancer. Front Nutr 2015; 2:16. [PMID: 26075205 PMCID: PMC4445322 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2015.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in females. According to the American Cancer Society, there are 327,660 new cases in breast and gynecological cancers estimated in 2014, placing emphasis on the need for cancer prevention and new cancer treatment strategies. One important approach to cancer prevention involves phytochemicals, biologically active compounds derived from plants. A variety of studies on the impact of dietary compounds found in cruciferous vegetables, green tea, and spices like curry and black pepper have revealed epigenetic changes in female cancers. Thus, an important emerging topic comprises epigenetic changes due to the modulation of non-coding RNA levels. Since it has been shown that non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs are aberrantly expressed in cancer, and furthermore are linked to distinct cancer phenotypes, understanding the effects of dietary compounds and supplements on the epigenetic modulator non-coding RNA is of great interest. This article reviews the current findings on nutrition-induced changes in breast and gynecological cancers at the non-coding RNA level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna H E Krakowsky
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL , USA ; Department of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL , USA ; Comprehensive Center for Healthy Ageing, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL , USA ; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL , USA ; Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL , USA ; Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL , USA
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45
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MicroRNA-Specificity Protein (Sp) Transcription Factor Interactions and Significance in Carcinogenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 1:73-78. [PMID: 26457240 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-014-0012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors (TFs) such as Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 are overexpressed in tumors and Sp1 is a negative prognostic factor for multiple tumor types. Sp TFs regulate expression of pro-oncogenic factors important for cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, migration/invasion and inflammation and the high expression of Sp TFs in tumors is primarily due to miRNAs. For example, expression of tumor-suppressor-like miRNAs such as miR-200b/c, miR-335, miR-22, miR-149 and others that inactivate Sp1 expression is low in many tumor types. Research in our laboratory has also demonstrated that high expression of Sp TFs is also due to miRNA-dependent inhibition of the transcriptional repressors ZBTB10 and ZBTB4 by miR-27a and miR-20a/miR-17p, respectively. Thus, miRNAs play a critical role in maintaining high levels of Sp1, Sp3, Sp4 and pro-oncogenic Sp-regulated genes in tumors and cancer cells, and there is ample evidence that anticancer agents targeting the miRNASp TF axis can be highly effective for cancer chemotherapy.
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46
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Dai L, Li CX, Liu KF, Su HJ, Chen BQ, Zhang GF, He J, Lei JD. Self-assembled serum albumin–poly(l-lactic acid) nanoparticles: a novel nanoparticle platform for drug delivery in cancer. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra16346j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A new protein–hydrophobic polymeric nanoparticle platform BSA–PLLA NPs has been prepared. A large amount of BA was well encapsulated into the BSA–PLLA NPs. Moreover, the BSA–PLLA/BA NPs shows excellent antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Dai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry
- Beijing Forestry University
- Beijing 100083
- P. R. China
| | - Chun-Xiao Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry
- Beijing Forestry University
- Beijing 100083
- P. R. China
| | - Ke-Feng Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry
- Beijing Forestry University
- Beijing 100083
- P. R. China
| | - Hai-Jia Su
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess
- Beijing University of Chemical Technology
- Beijing 100029
- P. R. China
| | - Bi-Qiang Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess
- Beijing University of Chemical Technology
- Beijing 100029
- P. R. China
| | - Gui-Feng Zhang
- Institute of Process Engineering
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Beijing 100090
- P. R. China
| | - Jing He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry
- Beijing Forestry University
- Beijing 100083
- P. R. China
| | - Jian-Du Lei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry
- Beijing Forestry University
- Beijing 100083
- P. R. China
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Weber D, Zhang M, Zhuang P, Zhang Y, Wheat J, Currie G, Al-Eisawi Z. The efficacy of betulinic acid in triple-negative breast cancer. SAGE Open Med 2014; 2:2050312114551974. [PMID: 26770742 PMCID: PMC4607226 DOI: 10.1177/2050312114551974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The treatment of triple-negative breast cancer remains a daunting challenge with the standard-of-care treatments eventually failing due to acquired drug resistance, toxic side effects and the presence of a deregulated immune response. New treatments for overcoming these drawbacks include the use of plant extracts. Study design: In this study, the efficacy of betulinic acid, a naturally abundant phytochemical exhibiting anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity, has been evaluated for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines. Furthermore, the ability of betulinic acid to inhibit angiogenesis was also determined. Results: Here, we report that betulinic acid was able to inhibit the inflammatory response, inhibit angiogenesis and cause cell cycle arrest ultimately causing apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Our findings support that the identification of naturally occurring anti-tumour compounds may provide a chemotherapeutic approach for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Conclusion: Overall, our results provide a molecular basis for the ability of betulinic acid to mediate apoptosis, suppress inflammation and inhibit angiogenesis in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Weber
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Department of Health Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Mixia Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Pengwei Zhuang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Janelle Wheat
- Department of Health Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Currie
- Department of Health Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Zaynab Al-Eisawi
- Discipline of Biomedical Science, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Kim HI, Quan FS, Kim JE, Lee NR, Kim HJ, Jo SJ, Lee CM, Jang DS, Inn KS. Inhibition of estrogen signaling through depletion of estrogen receptor alpha by ursolic acid and betulinic acid from Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 451:282-7. [PMID: 25088993 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.07.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Extracts of Prunella vulgaris have been shown to exert antiestrogenic effects. To identify the compounds responsible for these actions, we isolated the constituents of P. vulgaris and tested their individual antiestrogenic effects. Rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, ursolic acid (UA), oleanolic acid, hyperoside, rutin and betulinic acid (BA) were isolated from the flower stalks of P. vulgaris var. lilacina Nakai (Labiatae). Among these constituents, UA and BA showed significant antiestrogenic effects, measured as a decrease in the mRNA level of GREB1, an estrogen-responsive protein; the effects of BA were stronger than those of UA. UA and BA were capable of suppressing estrogen response element (ERE)-dependent luciferase activity and expression of estrogen-responsive genes in response to exposure to estradiol, further supporting the suppressive role of these compounds in estrogen-induced signaling. However, neither UA nor BA was capable of suppressing estrogen signaling in cells ectopically overexpressing estrogen receptor α (ERα). Furthermore, both mRNA and protein levels of ERα were reduced by treatment with UA or BA, suggesting that UA and BA inhibit estrogen signaling by suppressing the expression of ERα. Interestingly, both compounds enhanced prostate-specific antigen promoter activity. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that UA and BA are responsible for the antiestrogenic effects of P. vulgaris and suggest their potential use as therapeutic agents against estrogen-dependent tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-In Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyung-Heedaero, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyung-Heedaero, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Rae Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyung-Heedaero, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ji Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyung-Heedaero, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Ji Jo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyung-Heedaero, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae-Min Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyung-Heedaero, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Sik Jang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyung-Heedaero, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea; Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung-Soo Inn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyung-Heedaero, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.
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Safe S, Imanirad P, Sreevalsan S, Nair V, Jutooru I. Transcription factor Sp1, also known as specificity protein 1 as a therapeutic target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:759-69. [PMID: 24793594 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.914173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors (TFs) are members of the Sp/Kruppel-like factor family, and Sp proteins play an important role in embryonic and early postnatal development. Sp1 has been the most extensively investigated member of this family, and expression of this protein decreases with age, whereas Sp1 and other family members (Sp3 and Sp4) are highly expressed in tumors and cancer cell lines. AREA COVERED The prognostic significance of Sp1 in cancer patients and the functional pro-oncogenic activities of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 in cancer cell lines are summarized. Several different approaches have been used to target downregulation of Sp TFs and Sp-regulated genes, and this includes identification of different structural classes of antineoplastic agents including NSAIDs, natural products and their synthetic analogs and several well-characterized drugs including arsenic trioxide, aspirin and metformin. The multiple pathways involved in drug-induced Sp downregulation are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION The recognition by the scientific and clinical community that experimental and clinically used antineoplastic agents downregulate Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4, and pro-oncogenic Sp-regulated genes will facilitate future clinical applications for individual drug and drug combination therapies that take advantage of their unusual effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Texas A&M University, Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology , 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4466 , USA
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50
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Loboda A, Rojczyk-Golebiewska E, Bednarczyk-Cwynar B, Lucjusz Z, Jozkowicz A, Dulak J. Targeting nrf2-mediated gene transcription by triterpenoids and their derivatives. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2014; 20:499-505. [PMID: 24009841 PMCID: PMC3762293 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2012.20.6.499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoprevention represents a strategy designed to protect cells or tissues against various carcinogens and carcinogenic metabolites derived from exogenous or endogenous sources. Recent studies indicate that plant-derived triterpenoids, like oleanolic acid, may exert cytoprotective functions via regulation of the activity of different transcription factors. The chemopreventive effects may be mediated through induction of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor. Activation of Nrf2 by triterpenoids induces the expression of phase 2 detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes such as NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) - proteins which can protect cells or tissues against various toxic metabolites. On the other hand, inhibition of other transcription factors, like NF-κB leads to the decrease in the pro-inflammatory gene expression. Moreover, the modulation of microRNAs activity may constitute a new mechanism responsible for valuable effects of triterpenoids. Recently, based on the structure of naturally occurring triterpenoids and with involvement of bioinformatics and computational chemistry, many synthetic analogs with improved biological properties have been obtained. Data from in vitro and in vivo experiments strongly suggest synthetic derivatives as promising candidates in the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Loboda
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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