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Liang Y, Chen P, Wang S, Cai L, Zhu F, Jiang Y, Li L, Zhu L, Heng Y, Zhang W, Pan Y, Wei W, Jia L. SCF FBXW5-mediated degradation of AQP3 suppresses autophagic cell death through the PDPK1-AKT-MTOR axis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Autophagy 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38726865 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2353497] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
AQP3 (aquaporin 3 (Gill blood group)), a member of the AQP family, is an aquaglyceroporin which transports water, glycerol and small solutes across the plasma membrane. Beyond its role in fluid transport, AQP3 plays a significant role in regulating various aspects of tumor cell behavior, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Nevertheless, the underlying regulatory mechanism of AQP3 in tumors remains unclear. Here, for the first time, we report that AQP3 is a direct target for ubiquitination by the SCFFBXW5 complex. In addition, we revealed that downregulation of FBXW5 significantly induced AQP3 expression to prompt macroautophagic/autophagic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Mechanistically, AQP3 accumulation induced by FBXW5 knockdown led to the degradation of PDPK1/PDK1 in a lysosomal-dependent manner, thus inactivating the AKT-MTOR pathway and inducing autophagic death in HCC. Taken together, our findings revealed a previously undiscovered regulatory mechanism through which FBXW5 degraded AQP3 to suppress autophagic cell death via the PDPK1-AKT-MTOR axis in HCC cells.Abbreviation: BafA1: bafilomycin A1; CQ: chloroquine; CRL: CUL-Ring E3 ubiquitin ligases; FBXW5: F-box and WD repeat domain containing 5; HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; HSPA8/HSC70: heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 8; 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; PDPK1/PDK1: 3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase 1; RBX1/ROC1: ring-box 1; SKP1: S-phase kinase associated protein 1; SCF: SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupei Liang
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shiwen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Cai
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyu Jiang
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihui Li
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihua Zhu
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqing Heng
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongfu Pan
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lijun Jia
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Xu M, Bai Z, Xie B, Peng R, Du Z, Liu Y, Zhang G, Yan S, Xiao X, Qin S. Marine-Derived Bisindoles for Potent Selective Cancer Drug Discovery and Development. Molecules 2024; 29:933. [PMID: 38474445 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29050933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Marine-derived bisindoles exhibit structural diversity and exert anti-cancer influence through multiple mechanisms. Comprehensive research has shown that the development success rate of drugs derived from marine natural products is four times higher than that of other natural derivatives. Currently, there are 20 marine-derived drugs used in clinical practice, with 11 of them demonstrating anti-tumor effects. This article provides a thorough review of recent advancements in anti-tumor exploration involving 167 natural marine bisindole products and their derivatives. Not only has enzastaurin entered clinical practice, but there is also a successfully marketed marine-derived bisindole compound called midostaurin that is used for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. In summary, investigations into the biological activity and clinical progress of marine-derived bisindoles have revealed their remarkable selectivity, minimal toxicity, and efficacy against various cancer cells. Consequently, they exhibit immense potential in the field of anti-tumor drug development, especially in the field of anti-tumor drug resistance. In the future, these compounds may serve as promising leads in the discovery and development of novel cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwei Xu
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Baocheng Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan 523059, China
| | - Rui Peng
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Ziwei Du
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan 523059, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Guangshuai Zhang
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Si Yan
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
- China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Shuanglin Qin
- Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
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Hazem RM, Aboslema RF, Mehanna ET, Kishk SM, Elsayed M, El-Sayed NM. Antitumor effect of trimetazidine in a model of solid Ehrlich carcinoma is mediated by inhibition of glycolytic pathway and AKT signaling. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 383:110672. [PMID: 37591408 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110672] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Disturbance in glucose metabolism was proposed to be a pathogenetic mechanism of breast cancer. Trimetazidine (TMZ) inhibits β-oxidation of fatty acids through blocking the activity of 3-ketoacylCoA thiolase enzyme, leading to enhancement of glucose oxidation and metabolic respiration. The present study aimed to examine the cytotoxic effect of TMZ in both in vivo and in vitro models of breast cancer, focusing on its impact on the expression of some glycolytic enzymes and AKT signaling. The cytotoxic effect of TMZ was screened against breast (MCF-7) cancer cell line at different concentrations [0.01-100 μM]. In vivo, graded doses (10, 20, 30 mg/kg) of TMZ were tested against solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) in mice. Tumor tissues were isolated for assessment of the expression of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) and glycolytic enzymes by quantitative PCR. The protein expression of AKT and cellular myelocytomatosis (c-Myc) was determined by western blotting, while p53 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Molecular docking study of TMZ effect on AKT and c-Myc was performed using Auto-Dock Vina docking program. TMZ showed a cytotoxic action against MCF-7 cells, having IC50 value of 2.95 μM. In vivo, TMZ reduced tumor weight, downregulated the expression of glycolytic enzymes, suppressed AKT signaling, but increased p53 expression. Molecular docking and in silico studies proposed that TMZ is an AKT and c-Myc selective inhibitor. In conclusion, TMZ demonstrated a viable approach to suppress tumor proliferation in biological models of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem M Hazem
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Rasha F Aboslema
- The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Eman T Mehanna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Safaa M Kishk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Elsayed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Norhan M El-Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
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Zhang J, Qiao W, Luo Y. Mitochondrial quality control proteases and their modulation for cancer therapy. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:399-436. [PMID: 36208112 DOI: 10.1002/med.21929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria, the main provider of energy in eukaryotic cells, contains more than 1000 different proteins and is closely related to the development of cells. However, damaged proteins impair mitochondrial function, further contributing to several human diseases. Evidence shows mitochondrial proteases are critically important for protein maintenance. Most importantly, quality control enzymes exert a crucial role in the modulation of mitochondrial functions by degrading misfolded, aged, or superfluous proteins. Interestingly, cancer cells thrive under stress conditions that damage proteins, so targeting mitochondrial quality control proteases serves as a novel regulator for cancer cells. Not only that, mitochondrial quality control proteases have been shown to affect mitochondrial dynamics by regulating the morphology of optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), which is closely related to the occurrence and progression of cancer. In this review, we introduce mitochondrial quality control proteases as promising targets and related modulators in cancer therapy with a focus on caseinolytic protease P (ClpP), Lon protease (LonP1), high-temperature requirement protein A2 (HrtA2), and OMA-1. Further, we summarize our current knowledge of the advances in clinical trials for modulators of mitochondrial quality control proteases. Overall, the content proposed above serves to suggest directions for the development of novel antitumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangnan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenliang Qiao
- Lung Cancer Center, Laboratory of Lung Cancer, Western China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Youfu Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Michaelis V, Kasper S, Naperkowski L, Pusse J, Thiel A, Ebert F, Aschner M, Schwerdtle T, Haase H, Bornhorst J. The Impact of Zinc on Manganese Bioavailability and Cytotoxicity in HepG2 Cells. Mol Nutr Food Res 2023; 67:e2200283. [PMID: 36683243 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202200283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE Despite their essentiality, several studies have shown that either manganese (Mn) or zinc (Zn) overexposure may lead to detrimental health effects. Although Mn is transported by some of the SLC family transporters that translocate Zn, the role of Zn in hepatocellular Mn transport and Mn-induced toxicity have yet to be fully characterized. METHODS AND RESULTS The human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, is utilized. Total cellular Mn and Zn amounts are determined after cells are treated with Zn 2 or 24 h prior to Mn incubation for additional 24 h with inductively coupled plasma-based spectrometry and labile Zn is assessed with the fluorescent probe FluoZin-3. Furthermore, mRNA expression of genes involved in metal homeostasis, and mechanistic endpoints associated with Mn-induced cytotoxicity are addressed. These results suggest that Zn protects against Mn-induced cytotoxicity and impacts Mn bioavailability to a great extent when cells are preincubated with higher Zn concentrations for longer duration as characterized by decreased activation of caspase-3 as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. CONCLUSIONS Zn protects against Mn-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells possibly due to decreased Mn bioavailability. Additionally, mRNA expression of metal homeostasis-related genes indicates possible underlying pathways that should to be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Michaelis
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Silja Kasper
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Lisa Naperkowski
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jan Pusse
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Alicia Thiel
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Franziska Ebert
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Tanja Schwerdtle
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany
- TraceAge-DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hajo Haase
- TraceAge-DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Berlin Institute of Technology, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Bornhorst
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119, Wuppertal, Germany
- TraceAge-DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany
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HtrA2 Independently Predicts Poor Prognosis and Correlates with Immune Cell Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:4067418. [PMID: 36704205 PMCID: PMC9873461 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4067418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
High-temperature requirement protein A2 (HtrA2), a mitochondrial protein, is related to apoptosis regulation. However, the role of HtrA2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In the present study, we explored the prognostic value and expression pattern of HtrA2 in HCC and confirmed its independent value for predicting outcomes via Cox analyses. LinkedOmics and GEPIA2 were used to construct the coexpression and functional networks of HtrA2. Additionally, the data obtained from TCGA was analyzed to investigate the relationship between the infiltration of immune cells and HtrA2 mRNA expression. Finally, the expression pattern of HtrA2 in HCC was confirmed by wet-lab experiments. The results showed high HtrA2 expression (P < 0.001) presented in tumor tissues in TCGA-HCC. Moreover, high HtrA2 expression was confirmed to be associated with poor HCC patient survival (P < 0.05). HtrA2 has also been recognized as an essential risk factor for overall survival (P=0.01, HR = 1.654, 95% CI 1.128-2.425), disease-specific survival (P=0.004, HR = 2.204, 95% CI 1.294-3.753), and progression-free interval (P=0.007, HR = 1.637, 95% CI 1.145-2.341) of HCC. HCC patients with low HtrA2 methylation had worse overall survival than patients with high methylation (P=0.0019). Functional network analysis suggests that HtrA2 regulates mitochondrial homeostasis through pathways involving multiple microRNAs and transcription factors in HCC. In addition, HtrA2 expression correlated with infiltrating levels of multiple immune cell populations. At last, increased expression of HtrA2 in HCC was confirmed using wet-lab experiments. Our study provides evidence that the upregulation of HtrA2 in HCC is an independent predictor of prognosis. Our results provide the foundation for further study on the roles of HtrA2 in HCC tumorigenesis.
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Guan F, Ding Y, He Y, Li L, Yang X, Wang C, Hu M. Involvement of adaptor protein, phosphotyrosine interacting with PH domain and leucine zipper 1 in diallyl trisulfide-induced cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 26:457-468. [PMID: 36302621 PMCID: PMC9614402 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2022.26.6.457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that APPL1 (adaptor protein, phosphotyrosine interacting with PH domain and leucine zipper 1) is involved in the regulation of several growth-related signaling pathways and thus closely associated with the development and progression of some cancers. Diallyl trisulfide (DAT), a garlic-derived bioactive compound, exerts selective cytotoxicity to various human cancer cells through interfering with pro-survival signaling pathways. However, whether and how DAT affects survival of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells remain unclear. Herein, we tested the hypothesis of the involvement of APPL1 in DAT-induced cytotoxicity in HCC HepG2 cells. We found that Lys 63 (K63)-linked polyubiquitination of APPL1 was significantly decreased whereas phosphorylation of APPL1 at serine residues remained unchanged in DAT-treated HepG2 cells. Compared with wild-type APPL1, overexpression of APPL1 K63R mutant dramatically increased cell apoptosis and mitigated cell survival, along with a reduction of phosphorylation of STAT3, Akt, and Erk1/2. In addition, DAT administration markedly reduced protein levels of intracellular TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). Genetic inhibition of TRAF6 decreased K63-linked polyubiquitination of APPL1. Moreover, the cytotoxicity impacts of DAT on HepG2 cells were greatly attenuated by overexpression of wild-type APPL1. Taken together, these results suggest that APPL1 polyubiquitination probably mediates the inhibitory effects of DAT on survival of HepG2 cells by modulating STAT3, Akt, and Erk1/2 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Guan
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Youming Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Laparascopic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yikang He
- Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, School of Nursing, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Wuhan University Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Wuhan University Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Changhua Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Wuhan University Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan 430071, China,Correspondence Changhua Wang, E-mail:
| | - Mingbai Hu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China,Mingbai Hu, E-mail:
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Qin R, You FM, Zhao Q, Xie X, Peng C, Zhan G, Han B. Naturally derived indole alkaloids targeting regulated cell death (RCD) for cancer therapy: from molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic targets. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:133. [PMID: 36104717 PMCID: PMC9471064 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01350-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) is a critical and active process that is controlled by specific signal transduction pathways and can be regulated by genetic signals or drug interventions. Meanwhile, RCD is closely related to the occurrence and therapy of multiple human cancers. Generally, RCD subroutines are the key signals of tumorigenesis, which are contributed to our better understanding of cancer pathogenesis and therapeutics. Indole alkaloids derived from natural sources are well defined for their outstanding biological and pharmacological properties, like vincristine, vinblastine, staurosporine, indirubin, and 3,3′-diindolylmethane, which are currently used in the clinic or under clinical assessment. Moreover, such compounds play a significant role in discovering novel anticancer agents. Thus, here we systemically summarized recent advances in indole alkaloids as anticancer agents by targeting different RCD subroutines, including the classical apoptosis and autophagic cell death signaling pathways as well as the crucial signaling pathways of other RCD subroutines, such as ferroptosis, mitotic catastrophe, necroptosis, and anoikis, in cancer. Moreover, we further discussed the cross talk between different RCD subroutines mediated by indole alkaloids and the combined strategies of multiple agents (e.g., 3,10-dibromofascaplysin combined with olaparib) to exhibit therapeutic potential against various cancers by regulating RCD subroutines. In short, the information provided in this review on the regulation of cell death by indole alkaloids against different targets is expected to be beneficial for the design of novel molecules with greater targeting and biological properties, thereby facilitating the development of new strategies for cancer therapy.
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9
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Aboukhatwa SM, Ibrahim AO, Aoyama H, Al-Behery AS, Shaldam MA, El-Ashmawy G, Tawfik HO. Nicotinonitrile-derived apoptotic inducers: Design, synthesis, X-ray crystal structure and Pim kinase inhibition. Bioorg Chem 2022; 129:106126. [PMID: 36108589 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Although a plethora of targeted anticancer small molecule drugs became available, the low response rate and drug resistance imply the continuous need for expanding the anticancer chemical space. In this study, a novel series of nicotinonitrile derivatives was designed, synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic activities in HepG2 and MCF-7 cells. All derivatives showed high to moderate cytotoxic activity against both cell lines, with cell-type and chemotype-dependent cytotoxic potential. The normal HEK-293 T cells were ca. 50-fold less susceptible to the cytotoxic effect of the inhibitors. The in vitro enzyme inhibitory activity of selected active cytotoxic derivatives 8c, 8e, 9a, 9e and 12 showed that they have sub- to one digit micromolar 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) against the three Pim kinase isoforms, with 8e being the most potent (IC50 ≤ 0.28 μM against three Pim kinases), comparable to the pan kinase inhibitor, Staurosporine. In HepG2, 8e induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Apoptotic mechanistic studies with 8c and 8e in HepG2 cells, indicated a significant upregulation in both P53 and caspase-3 relative gene expression, as well as increased Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression level. Further, docking studies combined with molecular dynamic simulation showed a stable complex with high binding affinity of 8e to Pim-1 kinase; exploiting a negative electrostatic potential surface interaction with the added dimethyl amino group in the new compounds. Moreover, in silico ADME profile prediction indicated that all compounds are orally bioavailable and most of them can penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This study presents novel nicotinonitrile derivatives as auspicious hits for further optimization as antiproliferative agents against liver cancer cells and promising pan Pim kinase inhibitors at submicromolar concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa M Aboukhatwa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
| | - Amera O Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Hiroshi Aoyama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ahmed S Al-Behery
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Moataz A Shaldam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Ghada El-Ashmawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Haytham O Tawfik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
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10
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Luo ML, Huang W, Zhu HP, Peng C, Zhao Q, Han B. Advances in indole-containing alkaloids as potential anticancer agents by regulating autophagy. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112827. [PMID: 35316753 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and cancer development is often associated with disturbances in the autophagy process. Autophagy is a catabolic process involved in many physiological processes, crucial for cell growth and survival. It is an intracellular lysosomal/vacuolar degradation system. In this system, inner cytoplasmic cell membrane is degraded by lysosomal hydrolases, and the products are released back into the cytoplasm. Indole alkaloids are natural products extensively found in nature and have been proven to possess various pharmacological activities. In recent years, pharmacological studies have demonstrated another potential of indole alkaloids, autophagy regulation. The regulation may contribute to the efficacy of indole alkaloids in preventing and treating cancer. This review summarizes the current understanding of indole alkaloids' effect on tumor cells and autophagy. Then, we focus on mechanisms by which indole alkaloids can target the autophagy process associated with cancer, including the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, ROS signaling pathway, Beclin-1, and so on. Literature has been surveyed primarily from 2009 to Nov. 2021, and some semisynthetic or fully synthetic indole derivatives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Lan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong-Ping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China; Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
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11
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Wang Y, Khan HM, Zhou C, Liao X, Tang P, Song P, Gui X, Li H, Chen Z, Liu S, Cen Y, Zhang Z, Li Z. Apoptotic cells derived micro/nano-sized extracellular vesicles in tissue regeneration. NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/ntrev-2022-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), products released by cells in multiple biological activities, are currently widely accepted as functional particles and intercellular communicators. From the orthodox perspective, EVs derived from apoptotic cells (apoEVs) are responsible for cell debris clearance, while recent studies have demonstrated that apoEVs participate in tissue regeneration. However, the underlying mechanisms and particular functions in tissue regeneration promotion of apoEVs remain ambiguous. Some molecules, such as caspases, active during apoptosis also function in tissue regeneration triggered by apoptosis,. ApoEVs are generated in the process of apoptosis, carrying cell contents to manifest biological effects, and possessing biomarkers to target phagocytes. The regenerative effect of apoEVs might be due to their abilities to facilitate cell proliferation and regulate inflammation. Such regenerative effect has been observed in various tissues, including skin, bone, cardiovascular system, and kidney. Engineered apoEVs are produced to amplify the biological benefits of apoEVs, rendering them optional for drug delivery. Meanwhile, challenges exist in thorough mechanistic exploration and standardization of production. In this review, we discussed the link between apoptosis and regeneration, current comprehension of the origination and investigation strategies of apoEVs, and mechanisms in tissue regeneration by apoEVs and their applications. Challenges and prospects are also discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixi Wang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , 610041 , Chengdu , China
| | - Haider Mohammed Khan
- Orthopedic Research Institute, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu Sichuan, 610041 , China
| | - Changchun Zhou
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University , Chengdu 610064 , China
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University , Chengdu 610064 , China
| | - Xiaoxia Liao
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , 610041 , Chengdu , China
| | - Pei Tang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , 610041 , Chengdu , China
| | - Ping Song
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University , Chengdu 610064 , China
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University , Chengdu 610064 , China
| | - Xingyu Gui
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University , Chengdu 610064 , China
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University , Chengdu 610064 , China
| | - Hairui Li
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , 610041 , Chengdu , China
| | - Zhixing Chen
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , 610041 , Chengdu , China
| | - Shiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research, Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University , Xi’an , Shaanxi, 710032 , China
| | - Ying Cen
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , 610041 , Chengdu , China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , 610041 , Chengdu , China
| | - Zhengyong Li
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University , 610041 , Chengdu , China
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Apoptotic cell-derived micro/nanosized extracellular vesicles in tissue regeneration. NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/ntrev-2022-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), products released by cells in multiple biological activities, are currently widely accepted as functional particles and intercellular communicators. From the orthodox perspective, EVs derived from apoptotic cells (apoEVs) are responsible for cell debris clearance, while recent studies have demonstrated that apoEVs participate in tissue regeneration. However, the underlying mechanisms and particular functions in tissue regeneration promotion of apoEVs remain ambiguous. Some molecules active during apoptosis also function in tissue regeneration triggered by apoptosis, such as caspases. ApoEVs are generated in the process of apoptosis, carrying cell contents to manifest biological effects and possess biomarkers to target phagocytes. The regenerative effect of apoEVs might be due to their abilities to facilitate cell proliferation and regulate inflammation. Such regenerative effect has been observed in various tissues, including skin, bone, cardiovascular system, and kidneys. Engineered apoEVs are produced to amplify the biological benefits of apoEVs, rendering them optional for drug delivery. Meanwhile, challenges exist in thorough mechanistic exploration and standardization of production. In this review, we discussed the link between apoptosis and regeneration, current comprehension of the origination and investigation strategies of apoEVs, and mechanisms in tissue regeneration of apoEVs and their applications. Challenges and prospects are also addressed here.
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13
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Meng H, Sun LK, Su J, Yan WY, Jin Y, Luo X, Jiang XR, Wang HL. Serine protease HtrA2/Omi regulates adaptive mitochondrial reprogramming in the brain cortex after ischemia/reperfusion injury via UCP2-SIRT3-PGC1 axis. Hum Cell 2021; 35:63-82. [PMID: 34807408 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-021-00610-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study is to investigate the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) regulated by HtrA2/Omi during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). We utilized the mnd2 mouse model, which has a missense mutation in HtrA2/Omi, to investigate the HtrA2/Omi regulation in mitochondria after I/R injury in the cerebral cortex. Compared to homozygous (HtrA2mnd2) mice, heterozygous (HtrA2Hetero) mice showed aging signs at a later age, increased HtrA2/Omi expression in the brain cortex, and lesser neurodegenerative signs. The brain cortex of HtrA2Hetero mice had increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA); higher expressions of mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR)-related proteins, NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] iron-sulfur protein 7 (Ndufs7), and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) proteins; more mitochondrial fission; higher levels of ATP and mtDNA copies; elevated sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) activity; and increased NAD+/NADH ratio. After 1.5 h of I/R, the brain cortex of HtrA2Hetero mice had a larger infarction size, reduced HtrA2/Omi expression, decreased S-X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), and increased C-Caspase3 than that of wild-type animals (WT). Mitochondria from the HtrA2Hetero brain cortex showed decreased ATP production and MQC deficiency after 1.5 h I/R. Genipin pre-treatment reduced the aforementioned I/R injury in the HtrA2Hetero brain cortex. In conclusion, mitochondrial function is compensated in the HtrA2Hetero brain cortex via the upregulation of the UCP2-SIRT3-PGC1 axis. Decreased HtrA2/Omi function damages mitochondrial quality in the HtrA2Hetero mouse brain cortex, leading to more brain I/R injury. Genipin pre-treatment ameliorates brain damages via the mitochondrial UCP2-SIRT3-PGC1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Meng
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Lian-Kun Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jing Su
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Wan-Yu Yan
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yao Jin
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xian-Rui Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Hong-Lei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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14
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The Secrets of Alternative Autophagy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113241. [PMID: 34831462 PMCID: PMC8623506 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
For many years, it was thought that ATG5 and ATG7 played a pivotal role in autophagy, and that the knockdown of one of these genes would result in its inhibition. However, cells with ATG5 or ATG7 depletion still generate autophagic vacuoles with mainly trans-Golgi-originated isolation membranes and do not die. This indicates that autophagy can occur via ATG5/ATG7-independent alternative autophagy. Its molecular mechanism differs from that of the canonical pathway, including inter alia the phosphorylation of ULK1, and lack of LC3 modifications. As the alternative autophagy pathway has only recently been described, little is known of its precise role; however, a considerable body of evidence suggests that alternative autophagy participates in mitochondrion removal. This review summarizes the latest progress made in research on alternative autophagy and describes its possible molecular mechanism, roles and methods of detection, and possible modulators. There is a need for further research focused on types of autophagy, as this can elucidate the functioning of various cell types and the pathogenesis of human and animal diseases.
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15
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Majtnerova P, Capek J, Petira F, Handl J, Rousar T. Quantitative spectrofluorometric assay detecting nuclear condensation and fragmentation in intact cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11921. [PMID: 34099803 PMCID: PMC8184882 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91380-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, nuclear condensation and fragmentation have been estimated also using Hoechst probes in fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. However, none of the methods used the Hoechst probes for quantitative spectrofluorometric assessment. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop a spectrofluorometric assay for detection of nuclear condensation and fragmentation in the intact cells. We used human hepatoma HepG2 and renal HK-2 cells cultured in 96-well plates treated with potent apoptotic inducers (i.e. cisplatin, staurosporine, camptothecin) for 6-48 h. Afterwards, the cells were incubated with Hoechst 33258 (2 µg/mL) and the increase of fluorescence after binding of the dye to DNA was measured. The developed spectrofluorometric assay was capable to detect nuclear changes caused by all tested apoptotic inducers. Then, we compared the outcomes of the spectrofluorometric assay with other methods detecting cell impairment and apoptosis (i.e. WST-1 and glutathione tests, TUNEL, DNA ladder, caspase activity, PARP-1 and JNKs expressions). We found that our developed spectrofluorometric assay provided results of the same sensitivity as the TUNEL assay but with the advantages of being fast processing, low-cost and a high throughput. Because nuclear condensation and fragmentation can be typical markers of cell death, especially in apoptosis, we suppose that the spectrofluorometric assay could become a routinely used method for characterizing cell death processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Majtnerova
- Department of Biological and Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentska 573, 532 10, Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Capek
- Department of Biological and Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentska 573, 532 10, Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Petira
- Department of Biological and Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentska 573, 532 10, Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Handl
- Department of Biological and Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentska 573, 532 10, Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Rousar
- Department of Biological and Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentska 573, 532 10, Pardubice, Czech Republic.
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16
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Protein kinases as targets for developing anticancer agents from marine organisms. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1865:129759. [PMID: 33038451 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinases play a fundamental role in the intracellular transduction because of their ability to phosphorylate plethora of proteins. Over the past three decades, numerous protein kinase inhibitors have been identified and are being used clinically successfully. The biodiversity of marine organisms provides a rich source for the discovery and development of novel anticancer agents in the treatment of human malignancies and a lot of bioactive ingredients from marine organisms display anticancer effects by affecting the protein kinases-mediated pathways. In the present mini-review, anticancer compounds from marine source were reviewed and discussed in context of their targeted pathways associated with protein kinases and the progress of these compounds as anticancer agents in recent five years were emphasized. The molecular entities and their modes of actions were presented. We focused on protein kinases-mediated signaling pathways including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, p38 MAPK, and EGFR. The marine compounds targeting special pathways of protein kinases were highlighted. We have also discussed the existing challenges and prospects related to design and development of novel protein kinase inhibitors from marine sources.
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17
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Schwarz N, Tumpara S, Wrenger S, Ercetin E, Hamacher J, Welte T, Janciauskiene S. Alpha1-antitrypsin protects lung cancer cells from staurosporine-induced apoptosis: the role of bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9563. [PMID: 32533048 PMCID: PMC7293251 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66825-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated levels of plasma alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) correlate with a poor prognosis of various cancers. Herein, we investigated effects of exogenous AAT on non-small lung cancer cell lines with high (H1975) and very low (H661) baseline expression of SERPINA1 gene encoding AAT protein. Comparison of cells grown for 3 weeks in a regular medium versus medium supplemented with 2 mg/ml of AAT revealed that in the presence of AAT cells acquire better proliferative properties, resistance to staurosporine (STS)-induced apoptosis, and show higher expression of CLU, a pro-tumorigenic gene coding clusterin protein. Similarly, the co-administration of STS with AAT or addition of AAT to the cells pre-treated with STS abrogated effects of STS in both cell lines. Following experiments with H1975 cells have shown that AAT blocks critical steps in STS-induced cell death: inhibition of AKT/MAPK pathways, and activation of caspase 3 and autophagy. AAT does not inhibit apoptosis-triggered by chloroquine (inhibitor of autophagy) or streptonigrin (inducer of p53 pathway). The anti-apoptotic effects of AAT were unaffected by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, AAT induced TLR4 levels and enhanced LPS effects on the production of IL-6, a tumor-promoting cytokine. Our data provide further evidence that AAT plays a significant role in the tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Schwarz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Srinu Tumpara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabine Wrenger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Evrim Ercetin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jürg Hamacher
- Pneumology, Clinic for General Internal Medicine, Lindenhofspital Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.,Lungen-und Atmungsstiftung, Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Welte
- Department of Internal Medicine, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabina Janciauskiene
- Department of Internal Medicine, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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18
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Shi X, Wang B, Chen X, Zheng Y, Ding Y, Wang C. Upregulation of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2Z is associated with human hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 523:25-32. [PMID: 31831168 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.11.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
UBE2Z, a member of ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, has been reported to participate in multiple biological processes. However, its roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain undiscovered. This study aimed at investigating the functions of UBE2Z in HCC. Firstly, we evaluated UBE2Z expression in HCC and identified associations among UBE2Z expression, clinicopathological features, copy number alterations, DNA methylation, and survival of patients using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). As a result, UBE2Z was remarkably overexpressed in HCC tissues relative to normal liver tissues (P < 0.05). High UBE2Z expression was significantly correlated with age, advanced TNM stage, histological grade, vascular invasion, elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein expression (AFP), worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of HCC patients (all P < 0.05). Besides, data mining in UCSC Xena Browser showed that UBE2Z DNA amplification which was significantly associated with its expression was common (108 out of 364) in HCC, and that the level of UBE2Z DNA methylation was negatively associated with its expression (Pearson's correlation = -0.4, P < 0.0001). After analyzing the datasets from TCGA, we further confirmed the up-regulation of UBE2Z in 60 HCC tissues and several HCC cell lines. Finally, functional assays were performed and showed that knockdown UBE2Z using small interfering RNA (siRNA) could significantly restrain tumor cell proliferation and suppress cell migration and cell invasion through repressing the expression of MMP2 and MMP9. Meanwhile, UBE2Z knockdown could effectively reduce the expression of p-ERK, p-p38, p-JNK, p-Stat3 and p-JAK2, suggesting that UBE2Z might promote HCC progression by targeting ERK and stat3 signaling pathway. These findings implied that UBE2Z might be considered as a prognostic biomarker in HCC and provided a potential therapeutic tumor-associated antigen for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokang Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yuyang Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Youming Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Changhua Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Wenta T, Jarzab M, Rychlowski M, Borysiak M, Latala A, Zurawa-Janicka D, Filipek A, Lipinska B. Cellular substrates and pro-apoptotic function of the human HtrA4 protease. J Proteomics 2019; 209:103505. [PMID: 31470122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human HtrA4 protein, belonging to the HtrA family of proteases/chaperones, participates in oncogenesis and placentation, and plays a role in preeclampsia. As the knowledge concerning the biochemical features of this protein and its role at the molecular level is limited, in this work we characterized the HtrA4 molecule and searched for its cellular function. We found that recombinant HtrA4 composed of the protease and PDZ domains is a trimeric protein of intermediate thermal stability whose activity is considerably lower compared to other human HtrA proteases. By pull-down combined with mass spectrometry we identified a large array of potential HtrA4 partners. Using other experimental approaches, including immunoprecipitation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescence microscopy we confirmed that HtrA4 formed complexes in vitro and in cellulo with proteins such as XIAP (inhibitor of apoptosis protein), caspases 7 and 9, β-tubulin, actin, TCP1α and S100A6. The recombinant HtrA4 degraded XIAP, the caspases, β-tubulin and actin but not TCP1α or S100A6. Together, these results suggest that HtrA4 may influence various cellular functions, including apoptosis. Furthermore, the panel of potential HtrA4 partners may serve as a basis for future studies of HtrA4 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Wenta
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Miroslaw Jarzab
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Michal Rychlowski
- Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Monika Borysiak
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Latala
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dorota Zurawa-Janicka
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Filipek
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Lipinska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Poland.
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Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Effects of Preussin, a Hydroxypyrrolidine Derivative from the Marine Sponge-Associated Fungus Aspergillus candidus KUFA 0062, in a Panel of Breast Cancer Cell Lines and Using 2D and 3D Cultures. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17080448. [PMID: 31366127 PMCID: PMC6722565 DOI: 10.3390/md17080448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Preussin, a hydroxyl pyrrolidine derivative isolated from the marine sponge-associated fungus Aspergillus candidus KUFA 0062, displayed anticancer effects in some cancer cell lines, including MCF7. Preussin was investigated for its cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects in breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, SKBR3, and MDA-MB-231), representatives of major breast cancers subtypes, and in a non-tumor cell line (MCF12A). Preussin was first tested in 2D (monolayer), and then in 3D (multicellular aggregates), cultures, using a multi-endpoint approach for cytotoxicity (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), resazurin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) and proliferative (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)) assays, as well as the analysis of cell morphology by optical/electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry for caspase-3 and ki67. Preussin affected cell viability and proliferation in 2D and 3D cultures in all cell lines tested. The results in the 3D culture showed the same tendency as in the 2D culture, however, cells in the 3D culture were less responsive. The effects were observed at different concentrations of preussin, depending on the cell line and assay method. Morphological study of preussin-exposed cells revealed cell death, which was confirmed by caspase-3 immunostaining. In view of the data, we recommend a multi-endpoint approach, including histological evaluation, in future assays with the tested 3D models. Our data showed cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities of preussin in breast cancer cell lines in 2D and 3D cultures, warranting further studies for its anticancer potential.
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HtrA3 is a cellular partner of cytoskeleton proteins and TCP1α chaperonin. J Proteomics 2018; 177:88-111. [PMID: 29477555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The human HtrA3 protease is involved in placentation, mitochondrial homeostasis, stimulation of apoptosis and proposed to be a tumor suppressor. Molecular mechanisms of the HtrA3 functions are poorly understood and knowledge concerning its cellular targets is very limited. There are two HtrA3 isoforms, the long (HtrA3L) and short (HtrA3S). Upon stress, their N-terminal domains are removed, resulting in the more active ΔN-HtrA3. By pull down and mass spectrometry techniques, we identified a panel of putative ΔN-HtrA3L/S substrates. We confirmed that ΔN-HtrA3L/S formed complexes with actin, β-tubulin, vimentin and TCP1α in vitro and in a cell and partially co-localized with the actin and vimentin filaments, microtubules and TCP1α in a cell. In vitro, both isoforms cleaved the cytoskeleton proteins, promoted tubulin polymerization and displayed chaperone-like activity, with ΔN-HtrA3S being more efficient in proteolysis and ΔN-HtrA3L - in polymerization. TCP1α, essential for the actin and tubulin folding, was directly bound by the ΔN-HtrA3L/S but not cleaved. These results indicate that actin, β-tubulin, vimentin, and TCP1α are HtrA3 cellular partners and suggest that HtrA3 may influence cytoskeleton dynamics. They also suggest different roles of the HtrA3 isoforms and a possibility that HtrA3 protease may also function as a co-chaperone. SIGNIFICANCE The HtrA3 protease stimulates apoptosis and is proposed to be a tumor suppressor and a therapeutic target, however little is known about its function at the molecular level and very few HtrA3 physiological substrates have been identified so far. Furthermore, HtrA3 is the only member of the HtrA family of proteins which, apart from the long isoform possessing the PD and PDZ domains (HtrA3L), has a short isoform (HtrA3S) lacking the PDZ domain. In this work we identified a large panel (about 150) of the tentative HtrA3L/S cellular partners which provides a good basis for further research concerning the HtrA3 function. We have shown that the cytoskeleton proteins actin, β-tubulin and vimentin, and the TCP1α chaperonin are cellular partners of both HtrA3 isoforms. Our findings indicate that HtrA3 may promote destabilization of the actin and vimentin cytoskeleton and suggest that it may influence the dynamics of the microtubule network, with the HtrA3S being more efficient in cytoskeleton protein cleavage and HtrA3L - in tubulin polymerization. Also, we have shown for the first time that HtrA3 has a chaperone-like, holdase activity in vitro - activity typical for co-chaperone proteins. The proposed HtrA3 influence on the cytoskeleton dynamics may be one of the ways in which HtrA3 promotes cell death and affects cancerogenesis. We believe that the results of this study provide a new insight into the role of HtrA3 in a cell and further confirm the notion that HtrA3 should be considered as a target of new anti-cancer therapies.
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Deubiquitinase inhibitor b-AP15 activates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inhibits Wnt/Notch1 signaling pathway leading to the reduction of cell survival in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 825:10-18. [PMID: 29454609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
b-AP15, a potent and selective inhibitor of the ubiquitin-specific peptidase 14 (USP14), displays in vitro and in vivo antitumor abilities on some types of cancer cells. However, the mechanism underlying its action is not well elucidated. The purposes of the present study are to observe the potential impacts of b-AP15 on cell survival of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and to investigate whether and how this compound inhibits some survival-promoting signaling pathways. We found that b-AP15 significantly decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, along with the perturbation of cell cycle and the decreased expressions of cell cycle-related proteins. We also demonstrated that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) were enhanced by b-AP15 supplementation. The inhibition of ER stress/UPR only partly attenuated the cytotoxicity of b-AP15 on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In addition, b-AP15 treatment inhibited Wnt/β-catenin and Notch1 signaling pathways, and suppressed phosphorylation of STAT3, Akt, and Erk1/2, which were not restored by the inhibition of ER stress/UPR. Furthermore, the expression levels of signaling molecules in Notch1 were reduced by specific inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Notably, either Wnt or Notch1 signaling inhibitor mitigated phosphorylation of STAT3, Akt, and Erk1/2, and mimicked the cytotoxicity of b-AP15 on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. These results clearly indicate that b-AP15 induced cytotoxic response to hepatocellular carcinoma cells by augmenting ER stress/UPR and inhibiting Wnt/Notch1 signaling pathways. This new finding provides a novel mechanism by which b-AP15 produces its antitumor therapeutic effects.
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Self-Assembled Supramolecular Nanoparticles Improve the Cytotoxic Efficacy of CK2 Inhibitor THN7. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11010010. [PMID: 29373552 PMCID: PMC5874706 DOI: 10.3390/ph11010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the approval of imatinib in 2001, kinase inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapies. Inside this family of phosphotransferases, casein kinase 2 (CK2) is of great interest and numerous scaffolds have been investigated to design CK2 inhibitors. Recently, functionalized indeno[1,2-b]indoles have been revealed to have high potency against human cancer cell lines such as MCF-7 breast carcinoma and A-427 lung carcinoma. 4-Methoxy-5-isopropyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroindeno[1,2-b]indole-9,10-dione (THN7), identified as a potent inhibitor of CK2 (IC50 = 71 nM), was selected for an encapsulation study in order to evaluate its antiproliferative activity as THN7-loaded cyclodextrin nanoparticles. Four α-cyclodextrins (α-CDs) were selected to encapsulate THN7 and all experiments indicated that the nanoencapsulation of this CK2 inhibitor in α-CDs was successful. No additional surface-active agent was used during the nanoformulation process. Nanoparticles formed between THN7 and α-C6H13 amphiphilic derivative gave the best results in terms of encapsulation rate (% of associated drug = 35%), with a stability constant (K11) of 298 mol·L−1 and a size of 132 nm. Hemolytic activity of the four α-CDs was determined before the in cellulo evaluation and the α-C6H13 derivative gave the lowest value of hemolytic potency (HC50 = 1.93 mol·L−1). Only the THN7-loaded cyclodextrin nanoparticles showing less toxicity on human erythrocytes (α-C6H13, α-C8H17 and α-C4H9) were tested against A-427 cells. All drug-loaded nanoparticles caused more cytotoxicity against A-427 cells than THN7 alone. Based on these results, the use of amphiphilic CD nanoparticles could be considered as a drug delivery system for indeno[1,2-b]indoles, allowing an optimized bioavailability and offering perspectives for the in vivo development of CK2 inhibitors.
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Inhibition of apoptosis in BHV-1-infected cells depends on Us3 serine/threonine kinase and its enzymatic activity. Virology 2017; 513:136-145. [PMID: 29073463 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Us3 protein is a serine/threonine kinase conserved within the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily of herpesviruses. The Us3 homologs of herpes simplex virus, pseudorabies virus, and bovine herpesvirus type 5 have been shown to block apoptosis triggered by viral infection or exogenous inducers. To determine whether these characteristics are shared by bovine herpesvirus type 1 Us3, we constructed two viral mutants: BHV-1 Us3 deletion mutant (BHV-1ΔUs3) and a kinase-dead mutant (BHV-1KD). Flow cytometry analysis and TUNEL assay clearly demonstrated, that only BHV-1 wild type virus suppressed infection-induced apoptosis and protected cells from apoptosis triggered by exogenous factors: sorbitol or staurosporine. Us3 of BHV-1 was directly capable of blocking apoptosis without the presence of other viral proteins. The presence of Us3 correlated with phosphorylation of BAD, a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member. Our results clearly indicate that BHV-1 Us3 is necessary for efficient blocking of apoptosis triggered by viral infection and exogenous factors.
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Synthesis of piperazine-based thiazolidinones as VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors inducing apoptosis. Future Med Chem 2017; 9:1709-1729. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2017-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase is a main target in suppressing cancer growth and metastasis. Materials & methods: Piperazine-based thiazolidinones were synthesized and screened for their anticancer and VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity. Results: Compounds 11, 13 and 16 displayed potent anticancer activity against HepG-2 with IC50 values 0.03–0.06 μM. They were safe on normal human fibroblasts with selectivity indices 8.09, 11.40 and 4.37, respectively. Also, these compounds showed VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase inhibitory activities more than the reference staurosporine with IC50 values <0.3 μM. Lineweaver–Burk plot revealed that these compounds behaved as uncompetitive VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. They also induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in HepG-2. In addition, these compounds revealed good binding within VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase enzyme in comparison with sorafenib reference. Conclusion: Compounds 11, 13 and 16 comprise a new promising scaffold of selective VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors with caspase-dependent apoptotic activities.
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