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Li J, Cui P, Jing H, Chen S, Ma L, Zhang W, Wang T, Ma J, Cao M, Yang Y, Bai J, Shao H, Du Z. Hydrogen combined with tetrandrine attenuates silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis via suppressing NF-kappaB/NLRP3 signaling pathway-mediated epithelial mesenchymal transition and inflammation. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112563. [PMID: 38943976 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112563] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Silicosis is a progressive disease characterized by interstitial fibrosis resulting from inhalation of silica particles, and currently lacks specific treatment. Hydrogen (H2) has demonstrated antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties, yet its efficacy in treating silicosis remains unexplored. In this study, rats exposed to silica were administered interventions of H2 combined with tetrandrine, and euthanized at 14, 28, and 56 days post-intervention. Lung tissues and serum samples were collected for analysis. Histological examination, MDA assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, hydroxyproline assay, and Western blotting were employed to assess the impact of H2 combined with tetrandrine on pulmonary fibrosis. The results revealed that this combination significantly alleviated inflammation in silicosis-afflicted rats, effectively suppressed levels of MDA, TNF-α, and IL-1β expression, and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis. Notably, protein expression level of E-cadherin was increased,however protein expression levels of vimentin and α-SMA were reduced, and TGF-β were reduced, alongside a significant decrease in hydroxyproline content. Furthermore, H2 combined with tetrandrine downregulated protein expression of NF-κB p65, NF-κB p-p65, Caspase-1, ASC, and NLRP3. These findings substantiate the hypothesis that H2 combined with tetrandrine mitigates inflammation associated with silicosis and suppresses the EMT process to ameliorate fibrosis via the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. However, the pressure of airway opening was not assessed in this study and dynamic readings of lung physiological function were not obtained, which is a major limitation of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Cui
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Jing
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangya Chen
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Ma
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanxin Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Wang
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiazi Ma
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mao Cao
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Yang
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Bai
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hua Shao
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhongjun Du
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan 250062, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Zeng Z, Hu Y, Xiang J, Su J, Tan H, Lai T, Chen X, Fang G, Li L, Luo L. Cucurbitacin B targets STAT3 to induce ferroptosis in non-small cell lung cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176805. [PMID: 38950838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176805] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a compound found in plants like Cucurbitaceae that has shown promise in fighting cancer, particularly in lung cancer. However, the specific impact of CuB on ferroptosis and how it works in lung cancer cells has not been fully understood. Our research has discovered that CuB can effectively slow down the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Even in small amounts, it was able to inhibit the growth of various NSCLC cell lines. This inhibitory effect was reversed when ferroptosis inhibitors DFO, Lip-1 and Fer-1 were introduced. CuB was found to increase the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid ROS, MDA, and ferrous ions within H358 lung cancer cells, leading to a decrease in GSH, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and changes in ferroptosis-related proteins in a dose-dependent manner. These findings were also confirmed in A549 lung cancer cells. In A549 cells, different concentrations of CuB induced the accumulation of intracellular lipid ROS, ferrous ions and changes in ferroptosis-related indicators in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, the cytotoxic effect induced by CuB in A549 cells was counteracted by ferroptosis inhibitors DFO and Fer-1. Through network pharmacology, we identified potential targets related to ferroptosis in NSCLC cells treated with CuB, with STAT3 targets showing high scores. Further experiments using molecular docking and cell thermal shift assay (CETSA) revealed that CuB interacts with the STAT3 protein. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that CuB inhibits the phosphorylation of STAT3 (P-STAT3) in H358 cells. Silencing STAT3 enhanced CuB-induced accumulation of lipid ROS and iron ions, as well as the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins. On the other hand, overexpression of STAT3 reversed the effects of CuB-induced ferroptosis. The results indicate that CuB has the capability to suppress STAT3 activation, resulting in ferroptosis, and could be a promising treatment choice for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyao Zeng
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingying Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524002, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Xiang
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine. Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Jiating Su
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, Guangdong, China
| | - Huiting Tan
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianli Lai
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinming Chen
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, Guangdong, China
| | - Guixuan Fang
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine. Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Li Li
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine. Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China.
| | - Lianxiang Luo
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine. Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China.
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3
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Feng Q, Liu Q, Liu Z, Xu J, Yang Y, Zhu Y, Lu G, Xu G, Wu D, Wang F, Liu B, Wang W, Ding X. USP9X inhibits metastasis in pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis and immune infiltration. Transl Oncol 2024; 47:101950. [PMID: 38964032 PMCID: PMC11283126 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101950] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a highly invasive pulmonary malignancy with an extremely poor prognosis. The results of previous studies suggest that ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9X (USP9X) contributes to the progression of numerous types of cancer. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge about the molecular mechanisms and functions of USP9X in the metastasis of PSC. METHODS Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect USP9X expression levels in PSC tissues and cells. Wound healing, transwell, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), tube formation, and aortic ring assays were used to examine the function and mechanism of USP9X in the metastasis of PSC. RESULTS Expression of USP9X was markedly decreased and significantly correlated with metastasis and prognosis of patients with PSC. Then we revealed that USP9X protein levels were negatively associated with the levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and the migration of PSC cells. It was confirmed that USP9X in PSC cells reduced VEGF secretion and inhibited tubule formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. USP9X was detected to downregulate MMP9. Meanwhile, MMP9 was positively related to EMT, angiogenesis and was negatively related to immune infiltration in the public databases. USP9X was significantly negatively associated with the expression of MMP9, EMT markers, CD31, and positively associated with CD4, and CD8 in PSC tissues. CONCLUSION The present study reveals the vital role of USP9X in regulating EMT, angiogenesis and immune infiltration and inhibiting metastasis of PSC via downregulating MMP9, which provides a new effective therapeutic target for PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Feng
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Minicipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zi Liu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Minicipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianyu Xu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Minicipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Minicipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guangxian Lu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Minicipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guangjuan Xu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Minicipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Minicipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Minicipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Biao Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Xinyuan Ding
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Minicipal Hospital, Gusu School of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.
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4
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Lou C, Fang Y, Mei Y, Hu W, Sun L, Jin C, Chen H, Zheng W. Cucurbitacin B attenuates osteoarthritis development by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis through activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Phytother Res 2024; 38:3352-3369. [PMID: 38642047 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8209] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complicated joint disorder characterized by inflammation that causes joint destruction. Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a naturally occurring triterpenoid compound derived from plants in the Cucurbitaceae family. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential role and mechanisms of CuB in a mouse model of OA. This study identified the key targets and potential pathways of CuB through network pharmacology analysis. In vivo and in vitro studies confirmed the potential mechanisms of CuB in OA. Through network pharmacology, 54 potential targets for CuB in treating OA were identified. The therapeutic potential of CuB is associated with the nod-like receptor pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and pyroptosis. Molecular docking results indicate a strong binding affinity of CuB to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and p65. In vitro experiments demonstrate that CuB effectively inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory factors induced by interleukin-1β (IL-1β), including cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, IL-1β, and IL-18. CuB inhibits the degradation of type II collagen and aggrecan in the extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-5. CuB protects cells by activating the Nrf2/hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway and inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. Moreover, in vivo experiments show that CuB can slow down cartilage degradation in an OA mouse model. CuB effectively prevents the progression of OA by inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and ECM degradation. This action is further mediated through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to inhibit NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Thus, CuB is a potential therapeutic agent for OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Lou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuqin Fang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yifan Mei
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Liaojun Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chen Jin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenhao Zheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
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5
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Wu J, Liu N, Chen J, Tao Q, Li Q, Li J, Chen X, Peng C. The Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Metabolites for Cancer: Friend or Enemy. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0351. [PMID: 38867720 PMCID: PMC11168306 DOI: 10.34133/research.0351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is capable of providing sufficient energy for the physiological activities under aerobic conditions. Although tumor metabolic reprogramming places aerobic glycolysis in a dominant position, the TCA cycle remains indispensable for tumor cells as a hub for the metabolic linkage and interconversion of glucose, lipids, and certain amino acids. TCA intermediates such as citrate, α-ketoglutarate, succinate, and fumarate are altered in tumors, and they regulate the tumor metabolism, signal transduction, and immune environment to affect tumorigenesis and tumor progression. This article provides a comprehensive review of the modifications occurring in tumor cells in relation to the intermediates of the TCA cycle, which affects tumor pathogenesis and current therapeutic strategy for therapy through targeting TCA cycle in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wu
- The Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Furong Labratory, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nian Liu
- The Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Furong Labratory, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Chen
- The Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Furong Labratory, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Tao
- The Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Furong Labratory, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiuqiu Li
- The Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Furong Labratory, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Li
- The Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Furong Labratory, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- The Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Furong Labratory, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Cong Peng
- The Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Furong Labratory, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Niu B, Liu L, Gao Q, Zhu M, Chen L, Peng X, Qin B, Zhou X, Li F. Genetic mutation of Tas2r104/Tas2r105/Tas2r114 cluster leads to a loss of taste perception to denatonium benzoate and cucurbitacin B. Animal Model Exp Med 2024; 7:324-336. [PMID: 38155461 PMCID: PMC11228091 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12357] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bitter taste receptors (Tas2rs) are generally considered to sense various bitter compounds to escape the intake of toxic substances. Bitter taste receptors have been found to widely express in extraoral tissues and have important physiological functions outside the gustatory system in vivo. METHODS To investigate the physiological functions of the bitter taste receptor cluster Tas2r106/Tas2r104/Tas2r105/Tas2r114 in lingual and extraoral tissues, multiple Tas2rs mutant mice and Gnat3 were produced using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique. A mixture containing Cas9 and sgRNA mRNAs for Tas2rs and Gnat3 gene was microinjected into the cytoplasm of the zygotes. Then, T7EN1 assays and sequencing were used to screen genetic mutation at the target sites in founder mice. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunostaining were used to study the expression level of taste signaling cascade and bitter taste receptor in taste buds. Perception to taste substance was also studied using two-bottle preference tests. RESULTS We successfully produced several Tas2rs and Gnat3 mutant mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Immunostaining results showed that the expression of GNAT3 and PLCB2 was not altered in Tas2rs mutant mice. But qRT-PCR results revealed the changed expression profile of mTas2rs gene in taste buds of these mutant mice. With two-bottle preference tests, these mutant mice eliminate responses to cycloheximide due to genetic mutation of Tas2r105. In addition, these mutant mice showed a loss of taste perception to quinine dihydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, and cucurbitacin B (CuB). Gnat3-mediated taste receptor and its signal pathway contribute to CuB perception. CONCLUSIONS These findings implied that these mutant mice would be a valuable means to understand the biological functions of TAS2Rs in extraoral tissues and investigate bitter compound-induced responses mediated by these TAS2Rs in many extraoral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Niu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Public Health Clinical CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lingling Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Public Health Clinical CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qian Gao
- Department of Biology, College of Life SciencesShanghai Normal UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Meng‐Min Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Public Health Clinical CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lixiang Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Public Health Clinical CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiu‐Hua Peng
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Public Health Clinical CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Boying Qin
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Public Health Clinical CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Public Health Clinical CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Public Health Clinical CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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7
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Li XS, Wang QL, Xu ZP, Liu MS, Liang XY, Zheng JC, Deng HY, Liu L, Huang YM, Yang MX, Yang XM. Structurally diverse cucurbitane-type triterpenoids from the tubers of Hemsleya chinensis with cytotoxic activity. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2024; 220:114033. [PMID: 38373572 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114033] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Ten previously undescribed cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, namely hemslyencins A-F (1-6) and hemslyencosides A-D (7-10), together with twenty previously reported compounds (11-30), were isolated from the tubers of Hemsleya chinensis. Their structures were elucidated by unambiguous spectroscopic data (UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR data). Hemslyencins A and B (1 and 2) possessing unique 9, 11-seco-ring system with a six-membered lactone moiety, were the first examples among of the cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, and hemslyencins C and D (3 and 4) and hemslyencoside D (10) are the infrequent pentacyclic cucurbitane triterpenes featuring a 6/6/6/5/6 fused system. The cytotoxic activities of all isolated compounds were evaluated against MCF-7, HCT-116, HeLa, and HepG2 cancer cells, and their structure-activity relationships (SARs) was discussed as well. Compounds 17, 25, and 26 showed significant cytotoxic effects with IC50 values ranging from 1.31 to 9.89 μM, among which compound 25 induced both apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in a dose dependent manner against MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-San Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China; Marine Biomedical Research Institute, The Key Lab of Zhanjiang for R&D Marine Microbial Resources in the Beibu Gulf Rim, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, PR China.
| | - Qi-Lin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China
| | - Zhi-Peng Xu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Ming-Shang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yan Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China; Marine Biomedical Research Institute, The Key Lab of Zhanjiang for R&D Marine Microbial Resources in the Beibu Gulf Rim, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, PR China
| | - Jia-Chon Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China
| | - Hong-Yao Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China
| | - Li Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China; Dongguan Key Laboratory of Screening and Research of Anti-inflammatory Ingredients in Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, 523808, PR China
| | - Yong-Mei Huang
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute, The Key Lab of Zhanjiang for R&D Marine Microbial Resources in the Beibu Gulf Rim, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, PR China
| | - Mao-Xun Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China.
| | - Xue-Mei Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, PR China.
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8
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Collignon E. Unveiling the role of cellular dormancy in cancer progression and recurrence. Curr Opin Oncol 2024; 36:74-81. [PMID: 38193374 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000001013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cellular dormancy is a major contributor to cancer progression and recurrence. This review explores recent findings on the molecular mechanisms implicated in cancer dormancy and investigates potential strategies to improve therapeutic interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Research on cancer dormancy reveals a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Providing a latent reservoir of tumor cells with reduced proliferation and enhanced drug-tolerance, dormant cancer cells emerge from a clonally diverse population after therapy or at metastatic sites. These cells exhibit distinct transcriptional and epigenetic profiles, involving the downregulation of Myc and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, and the induction of autophagy. Senescence traits, under the control of factors such as p53, also contribute significantly. The tumor microenvironment can either promote or prevent dormancy establishment, notably through the involvement of T and NK cells within the dormant tumor niche. Strategies to combat dormancy-related relapse include direct elimination of dormant tumor cells, sustaining dormancy to prolong survival, or awakening dormant cells to re-sensitize them to antiproliferative drugs. SUMMARY Improving our understanding of cancer dormancy at primary and secondary sites provides valuable insights into patient care and relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Collignon
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine, ULB-Cancer Research Centre (U-CRC) and Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Lu S, Chen X, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Luo J, Jiang H, Fang L, Zhou H. Downregulation of PDZK1 by TGF-β1 promotes renal fibrosis via inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:116015. [PMID: 38158021 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.116015] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular cells promotes renal fibrosis and the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). PDZ domain-containing 1 (PDZK1) is highly expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells; however, its role in TGF-β1-induced EMT remains poorly understood. The present study showed that PDZK1 expression was extremely downregulated in fibrotic mouse kidneys and its negative correlation with TGF-β1 expression and the degree of renal fibrosis. In addition, TGF-β1 downregulated the mRNA expression of PDZK1 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in vitro. The downregulation of PDZK1 exacerbated TGF-β1-induced EMT upon oxidative stress, while the overexpression of PDZK1 had the converse effect. Subsequent investigations demonstrated that TGF-β1 downregulated PDZK1 expression via p38 MAPK or PI3K/AKT signaling in vitro, but independently of ERK/JNK MAPK signaling. Meanwhile, inhibition of the p38/JNK MAPK or PI3K/AKT signaling using chemical inhibitors restored the PDZK1 expression, mitigated renal fibrosis, and elevated renal levels of endogenous antioxidants carnitine and ergothioneine in adenine-induced CKD mice. These findings provide the first evidence suggesting a negative correlation between PDZK1 and renal fibrosis, and identifying PDZK1 as a novel suppressor of renal fibrosis in CKD through ameliorating oxidant stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghui Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiu Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yujia Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yingqiong Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jun Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huidi Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua 321036, China
| | - Luo Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China.
| | - Hui Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua 321036, China.
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10
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Song C, Liu Q, Qin J, Liu L, Zhou Z, Yang H. UCP2 promotes NSCLC proliferation and glycolysis via the mTOR/HIF-1α signaling. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6938. [PMID: 38217303 PMCID: PMC10905227 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6938] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic disturbance is a hallmark of cancers. Targeting key metabolic pathways and metabolism-related molecular could be a potential therapeutic approach. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) plays a pivotal part in the malignancy of cancer and its capacity to develop resistance to pharmaceutical interventions. However, it is unclear about the mechanism of how UCP2 acts in the tumor growth and metabolic reprogramming process in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS Here, we conducted qRT-PCR to investigate the expression of UCP2 in both NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Subsequent functional studies including colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, and glycolysis assay were conducted to investigate the functions of UCP2 in NSCLC. The regulatory mechanism of UCP2 toward the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) signaling in NSCLC was confirmed through western blotting. RESULTS We observed a significant upregulation of UCP2 in both NSCLC tissues and cell lines. The increased expression of UCP2 has a strong association with a worse outlook. Silencing UCP2 remarkably dampened NSCLC cell proliferation and glycolysis capacities. Mechanically, UCP2 promoted NSCLC tumorigenesis partially via regulating the mTOR/HIF-1α axis. CONCLUSION Taken together, we explored the functions as well as the mechanisms of the UCP2/mTOR/HIF-1α axis in NSCLC progression, uncovering potential biological signatures and targets for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cailu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Jing Qin
- Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of MedicineCentral South University (The First People's Hospital Of Changde City)ChangdeChina
| | - Lingrui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhigang Zhou
- Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of MedicineCentral South University (The First People's Hospital Of Changde City)ChangdeChina
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
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Zhou J, Luo J, Gan R, Zhi L, Zhou H, Lv M, Huang Y, Liang G. SSPH I, A Novel Anti-cancer Saponin, Inhibits EMT and Invasion and Migration of NSCLC by Suppressing MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT/ mTOR Signaling Pathways. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2024; 19:543-555. [PMID: 38305308 DOI: 10.2174/0115748928283132240103073039] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saponin of Schizocapsa plantaginea Hance I (SSPH I).a bioactive saponin found in Schizocapsa plantaginea, exhibits significant anti-proliferation and antimetastasis in lung cancer. OBJECTIVE To explore the anti-metastatic effects of SSPH I on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with emphasis on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The effects of SSPH I at the concentrations of 0, 0.875,1.75, and 3.5 μM on A549 and PC9 lung cancer cells were evaluated using colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, transwell assay and wound-healing assay. The actin cytoskeleton reorganization of PC9 and A549 cells was detected using the FITC-phalloidin fluorescence staining assay. The proteins related to EMT (N-cadherin, E-cadherin and vimentin), p- PI3K, p- AKT, p- mTOR and p- ERK1/2 were detected by Western blotting. A mouse model of lung cancer metastasis was established by utilizing 95-D cells, and the mice were treated with SSPH I by gavage. RESULTS The results suggested that SSPH I significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells under a non-cytotoxic concentration. Furthermore, SSPH I at a non-toxic concentration of 0.875 μM inhibited F-actin cytoskeleton organization. Importantly, attenuation of EMT was observed in A549 cells with upregulation in the expression of epithelial cell marker E-cadherin and downregulation of the mesenchymal cell markers vimentin as well as Ncadherin. Mechanistic studies revealed that SSPH I inhibited MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. CONCLUSION SSPH I inhibited EMT, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells by suppressing MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, suggesting that the natural compound SSPH I could be used for inhibiting metastasis of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jian Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Rizhi Gan
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Limin Zhi
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Huan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Meixian Lv
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yinmei Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Gang Liang
- 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, Guangxi 530021, China
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12
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Sahib AS, Fawzi A, Zabibah RS, Koka NA, Khudair SA, Muhammad FA, Hamad DA. miRNA/epithelial-mesenchymal axis (EMT) axis as a key player in cancer progression and metastasis: A focus on gastric and bladder cancers. Cell Signal 2023; 112:110881. [PMID: 37666286 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The metastasis a major hallmark of tumors that its significant is not only related to the basic research, but clinical investigations have revealed that majority of cancer deaths are due to the metastasis. The metastasis of tumor cells is significantly increased due to EMT mechanism and therefore, inhibition of EMT can reduce biological behaviors of tumor cells and improve the survival rate of patients. One of the gaps related to cancer metastasis is lack of specific focus on the EMT regulation in certain types of tumor cells. The gastric and bladder cancers are considered as two main reasons of death among patients in clinical level. Herein, the role of EMT in regulation of their progression is evaluated with a focus on the function of miRNAs. The inhibition/induction of EMT in these cancers and their ability in modulation of EMT-related factors including ZEB1/2 proteins, TGF-β, Snail and cadherin proteins are discussed. Moreover, lncRNAs and circRNAs in crosstalk of miRNA/EMT regulation in these tumors are discussed and final impact on cancer metastasis and response of tumor cells to the chemotherapy is evaluated. Moreover, the impact of miRNAs transferred by exosomes in regulation of EMT in these cancers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameer S Sahib
- Department of Pharmacy, Al- Mustaqbal University College, 51001 Hilla, Iraq
| | - Amjid Fawzi
- Medical Technical College, Al-Farahidi University, Iraq
| | - Rahman S Zabibah
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Nisar Ahmad Koka
- Department of English, Faculty of Languages and Translation, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | - Doaa A Hamad
- Nursing Department, Hilla University College, Babylon, Iraq
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13
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Park HJ, Park SH. Root Extract of Trichosanthes kirilowii Suppresses Metastatic Activity of EGFR TKI-Resistant Human Lung Cancer Cells by Inhibiting Src-Mediated EMT. Nutr Cancer 2023; 75:1945-1957. [PMID: 37870977 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2023.2272345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The roots of Trichosanthes kirilowii (TK) have been used in traditional oriental medicine for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In this study, we investigated whether an ethanolic root extract of TK (ETK) can regulate the metastatic potency of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-resistant human lung cancer cells. The relative migration and invasion abilities of erlotinib-resistant PC9 (PC9/ER) and gefitinib-resistant PC9 (PC9/GR) cells were higher than those of parental PC9 cells. Mesenchymal markers were overexpressed, whereas epithelial markers were downregulated in resistant cells, suggesting that resistant cells acquired the EMT phenotype. ETK reduced migration and invasion of resistant cells. The expression levels of N-cadherin and Twist were downregulated, whereas Claudin-1 was upregulated by ETK, demonstrating that ETK suppresses EMT. As a molecular mechanism, Src was dephosphorylated by ETK. The anti-metastatic effect of ETK was reduced by transfecting PC9/ER cells with a constitutively active form of c-Src. Dasatinib downregulated N-cadherin, Twist, and vimentin, suggesting that Src regulates EMT in resistant cells. Notably, CuB played a key role in mediating the anti-metastatic activity of ETK. Collectively, our results demonstrate that ETK can attenuate the metastatic ability of EGFR-TKI-resistant lung cancer cells by inhibiting Src-mediated EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ji Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Shin-Hyung Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, South Korea
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14
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Zieniuk B, Pawełkowicz M. Recent Advances in the Application of Cucurbitacins as Anticancer Agents. Metabolites 2023; 13:1081. [PMID: 37887406 PMCID: PMC10608718 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13101081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacins are tetracyclic triterpenoid secondary metabolites, widely distributed in the Cucurbitaceae family. These bitter-tasting compounds act primarily as defense mechanisms against external injuries, and thus against herbivores, and furthermore, they have also found use in folk medicine in the treatment of various diseases. Many studies have acknowledged significant biological activities of cucurbitacins, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, antimicrobial properties, or antitumor potential. Overall, cucurbitacins have the ability to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to evaluate the anticancer activity of varied cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins offer a promising avenue for future cancer treatment strategies, and their diverse mechanisms of action make them attractive candidates for further investigation. The aim of the present study is to shed light on the chemical diversity of this group of compounds by providing the sources of origin of selected compounds and their chemical structure, as well as insight into their anticancer potential. In addition, within this paper molecular targets for cucurbitacins and signalling pathways important for cancer cell proliferation and/or survival that are affected by the described class of compounds have been presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartłomiej Zieniuk
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Pawełkowicz
- Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
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Kumar A, Sharma B, Sharma U, Parashar G, Parashar NC, Rani I, Ramniwas S, Kaur S, Haque S, Tuli HS. Apoptotic and antimetastatic effect of cucurbitacins in cancer: recent trends and advancement. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:1867-1878. [PMID: 37010571 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02471-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
The Cucurbitaceae family produces a class of secondary metabolites known as cucurbitacins. The eight cucurbitacin subunits are cucurbitacin B, D, E, I, IIa, L glucoside, Q, and R with the most significant anticancer activity. They are reported to inhibit cell proliferation, invasion, and migration; induce apoptosis; and encourage cell cycle arrest, as some of their modes of action. The JAK-STAT3, Wnt, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways, which are essential for the survival and apoptosis of cancer cells, have also been shown to be suppressed by cucurbitacins. The goal of the current study is to summarize potential molecular targets that cucurbitacins could inhibit in order to suppress various malignant processes. The review is noteworthy since it presents all putative molecular targets for cucurbitacins in cancer on a single podium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI), Phase VIII, Mohali, 160071, India
| | - Bunty Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India
| | - Ujjawal Sharma
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Gaurav Parashar
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Science, Navrachana University Vadodara, Gujrat, 391410, India
| | - Nidarshana Chaturvedi Parashar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India
| | - Isha Rani
- Department of Biochemistry, maharishi markendashwar college of medical sciences and Research (MMCMSR), Sadopur, Ambala, 134007, India
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Satwinderjeet Kaur
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, India.
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Yu Z, Liang S, Ji L, Cheng Y, Yan W, Gao R, Zhang F. Network pharmacological analysis and experimental study of cucurbitacin B in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10713-8. [PMID: 37615817 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10713-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant tumor with a high incidence and poor prognosis. Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a tetracyclic triterpenoid small-molecule compound extracted from plants, such as Cucurbitaceae and Brassicaceae, which has powerful anticancer effects. However, the effect and mechanism of CuB on OSCC remain unclear. Within the framework of the current study, network pharmacology was used to analyze the relationship between CuB and OSCC. The network pharmacology analysis showed that CuB and OSCC share 134 common targets; among them, PIK3R1, SRC, STAT3, AKT1, and MAPK1 are the key targets. The molecular docking analysis showed that CuB binds five target proteins. The results of the enrichment analysis showed that CuB exerted effects on OSCC through various pathways; of these pathways, PI3K-AKT was the most important pathway. The results of the in vitro cell experiments showed that CuB could inhibit the proliferation and migration of SCC25 and CAL27 cells, block the cell cycle in the G2 phase, induce cell apoptosis, and regulate the protein expression of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. The results of the in vivo animal experiments showed that CuB could inhibit 4NQO-induced oral cancer in mice. Therefore, network pharmacology, molecular docking, cell experiments, and animal experiments showed that CuB could play a role in OSCC by regulating multiple targets and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyuan Yu
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Lanting Ji
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - YaHsin Cheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Wenpeng Yan
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Ruifang Gao
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
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17
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Zhang Y, Yan Z, Wu H, Yang X, Yang K, Song W. Low-Temperature Plasma-Activated Medium Inhibits the Migration of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells via the Wnt/ β-Catenin Pathway. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1073. [PMID: 37509109 PMCID: PMC10377075 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071073] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explored the molecular mechanism of the plasma activation medium (PAM) inhibiting the migration ability of NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) cells. The effect of PAM incubation on the cell viability of NSCLC was detected through a cell viability experiment. Transwell cells and microfluidic chips were used to investigate the effects of PAM on the migration capacity of NSCLC cells, and the latter was used for the first time to observe the changes in the migration capacity of cancer cells treated with PAM. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms of PAM affecting the migration ability of NSCLC cells were investigated through intracellular and extracellular ROS detection, mitochondrial membrane potential, and Western blot experiments. The results showed that after long-term treatment with PAM, the high level of ROS produced by PAM reduced the level of the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells and blocked the cell division cycle in the G2/M phase. At the same time, the EMT process was reversed by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These results suggested that the high ROS levels generated by the PAM treatment reversed the EMT process by inhibiting the WNT/β-catenin pathway in NSCLC cells and thus inhibited the migration of NSCLC cells. Therefore, these results provide good theoretical support for the clinical treatment of NSCLC with PAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Zhuna Yan
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Wencheng Song
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions and School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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18
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Fan Q, Liang X, Xu Z, Li S, Han S, Xiao Y, Xu Q, Yuan R, Yang S, Gao H. Pedunculoside inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and overcomes Gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer through regulating MAPK and Nrf2 pathways. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 116:154884. [PMID: 37209605 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide owing to its strong metastatic ability. EGFR-TKI (Gefitinib) has demonstrated efficacy in metastatic lung cancer therapy, but most patients ultimately develop resistance to Gefitinib, leading to a poor prognosis. Pedunculoside (PE), a triterpene saponin extracted from Ilex rotunda Thunb., has shown anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering and anti-tumor effects. Nevertheless, the therapeutic effect and potential mechanisms of PE on NSCLC treatment are unclear. PURPOSE To investigate the inhibitory effect and prospective mechanisms of PE on NSCLC metastases and Gefitinib-resistant NSCLC. METHODS In vitro, A549/GR cells were established by Gefitinib persistent induction of A549 cells with a low dose and shock with a high dose. The cell migratory ability was measured using wound healing and Transwell assays. Additionally, EMT-related Markers or ROS production were assessed by RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and flow cytometry assays in A549/GR and TGF-β1-induced A549 cells. In vivo, B16-F10 cells were intravenously injected into mice, and the effect of PE on tumor metastases were determined using hematoxylin-eosin staining, Caliper IVIS Lumina, DCFH2-DA staining, and western blotting assays. RESULTS PE reversed TGF-β1-induced EMT by downregulating EMT-related protein expression through MAPK and Nrf2 pathways, decreasing ROS production, and inhibiting cell migration and invasion ability. Moreover, PE treatment enabled A549/GR cells to retrieve the sensitivity to Gefitinib and mitigate the biological characteristics of EMT. PE also significantly inhibited lung metastasis in mice by reversing EMT proteins expression, decreasing ROS production, and inhibiting MAPK and Nrf2 pathways. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this research presents a novel finding that PE can reverse NSCLC metastasis and improve Gefitinib sensitivity in Gefitinib-resistant NSCLC through the MAPK and Nrf2 pathways, subsequently suppressing lung metastasis in B16-F10 lung metastatic mice model. Our findings indicate that PE is a potential agent for inhibiting metastasis and improving Gefitinib resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiumei Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Xiaowei Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Zhipeng Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Siyuan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Shan Han
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Yuntian Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Qiongming Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Renyikun Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China.
| | - Shilin Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Hongwei Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China.
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19
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Song X, Cao L, Ni B, Wang J, Qin X, Sun X, Xu B, Wang X, Li J. Challenges of EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC and the potential role of herbs and active compounds: From mechanism to clinical practice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1090500. [PMID: 37089959 PMCID: PMC10120859 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1090500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are the most common oncogenic driver in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are widely used in the treatment of lung cancer, especially in the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC, and EGFR-TKIs monotherapy has achieved better efficacy and tolerability compared with standard chemotherapy. However, acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs and associated adverse events pose a significant obstacle to targeted lung cancer therapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to seek effective interventions to overcome these limitations. Natural medicines have shown potential therapeutic advantages in reversing acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs and reducing adverse events, bringing new options and directions for EGFR-TKIs combination therapy. In this paper, we systematically demonstrated the resistance mechanism of EGFR-TKIs, the clinical strategy of each generation of EGFR-TKIs in the synergistic treatment of NSCLC, the treatment-related adverse events of EGFR-TKIs, and the potential role of traditional Chinese medicine in overcoming the resistance and adverse reactions of EGFR-TKIs. Herbs and active compounds have the potential to act synergistically through multiple pathways and multiple mechanisms of overall regulation, combined with targeted therapy, and are expected to be an innovative model for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Song
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Luchang Cao
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baoyi Ni
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Respiratory, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Qin
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Sun
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bowen Xu
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinmiao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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20
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HMGB1 coordinates with Brahma-related gene 1 to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in BEAS-2B cells. Exp Cell Res 2023; 424:113522. [PMID: 36796747 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113522] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
High mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), a highly conserved non-histone nuclear protein, is highly expressed in fibrotic diseases; however, the role of HMGB1 in pulmonary fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. In this study, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) model was constructed using transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to stimulate BEAS-2B cells in vitro, and HMGB1 was knocked down or overexpressed to observe its effects on cell proliferation, migration and EMT. Meanwhile, string system, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analyses were applied to identify and examine the relationship between HMGB1 and its potential interacting protein Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1), and to explore the mechanism of interaction between HMGB1 and BRG1 in EMT. The results indicate that exogenous increase in HMGB1 promotes cell proliferation and migration and facilitates EMT by enhancing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, whereas silencing HMGB1 has the opposite effect. Mechanistically, HMGB1 exerts these functions by interacting with BRG1, which may enhance BRG1 function and activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby promoting EMT. These results suggest that HMGB1 is important for EMT and is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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21
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Sulewska A, Pilz L, Manegold C, Ramlau R, Charkiewicz R, Niklinski J. A Systematic Review of Progress toward Unlocking the Power of Epigenetics in NSCLC: Latest Updates and Perspectives. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060905. [PMID: 36980246 PMCID: PMC10047383 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic research has the potential to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of cancer, specifically non-small-cell lung cancer, and support our efforts to personalize the management of the disease. Epigenetic alterations are expected to have relevance for early detection, diagnosis, outcome prediction, and tumor response to therapy. Additionally, epi-drugs as therapeutic modalities may lead to the recovery of genes delaying tumor growth, thus increasing survival rates, and may be effective against tumors without druggable mutations. Epigenetic changes involve DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the activity of non-coding RNAs, causing gene expression changes and their mutual interactions. This systematic review, based on 110 studies, gives a comprehensive overview of new perspectives on diagnostic (28 studies) and prognostic (25 studies) epigenetic biomarkers, as well as epigenetic treatment options (57 studies) for non-small-cell lung cancer. This paper outlines the crosstalk between epigenetic and genetic factors as well as elucidates clinical contexts including epigenetic treatments, such as dietary supplements and food additives, which serve as anti-carcinogenic compounds and regulators of cellular epigenetics and which are used to reduce toxicity. Furthermore, a future-oriented exploration of epigenetic studies in NSCLC is presented. The findings suggest that additional studies are necessary to comprehend the mechanisms of epigenetic changes and investigate biomarkers, response rates, and tailored combinations of treatments. In the future, epigenetics could have the potential to become an integral part of diagnostics, prognostics, and personalized treatment in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anetta Sulewska
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (J.N.)
| | - Lothar Pilz
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian Manegold
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rodryg Ramlau
- Department of Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-569 Poznan, Poland
| | - Radoslaw Charkiewicz
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Jacek Niklinski
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (J.N.)
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22
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Ali S, Rehman MU, Yatoo AM, Arafah A, Khan A, Rashid S, Majid S, Ali A, Ali MN. TGF-β signaling pathway: Therapeutic targeting and potential for anti-cancer immunity. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 947:175678. [PMID: 36990262 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic secretory cytokine exhibiting both cancer-inhibitory and promoting properties. It transmits its signals via Suppressor of Mother against Decapentaplegic (SMAD) and non-SMAD pathways and regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. In non-cancer and early-stage cancer cells, TGFβ signaling suppresses cancer progression via inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, or anti-proliferation, and promoting cell differentiation. On the other hand, TGFβ may also act as an oncogene in advanced stages of tumors, wherein it develops immune-suppressive tumor microenvironments and induces the proliferation of cancer cells, invasion, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. Higher TGFβ expression leads to the instigation and development of cancer. Therefore, suppressing TGFβ signals may present a potential treatment option for inhibiting tumorigenesis and metastasis. Different inhibitory molecules, including ligand traps, anti-sense oligo-nucleotides, small molecule receptor-kinase inhibitors, small molecule inhibitors, and vaccines, have been developed and clinically trialed for blocking the TGFβ signaling pathway. These molecules are not pro-oncogenic response-specific but block all signaling effects induced by TGFβ. Nonetheless, targeting the activation of TGFβ signaling with maximized specificity and minimized toxicity can enhance the efficacy of therapeutic approaches against this signaling pathway. The molecules that are used to target TGFβ are non-cytotoxic to cancer cells but designed to curtail the over-activation of invasion and metastasis driving TGFβ signaling in stromal and cancer cells. Here, we discussed the critical role of TGFβ in tumorigenesis, and metastasis, as well as the outcome and the promising achievement of TGFβ inhibitory molecules in the treatment of cancer.
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23
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Yang C, Jin X, Liu X, Wu G, Yang W, Pang B, Jiang J, Liao D, Zhang Y. TRIM15 forms a regulatory loop with the AKT/FOXO1 axis and LASP1 to modulate the sensitivity of HCC cells to TKIs. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:47. [PMID: 36670097 PMCID: PMC9859813 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05577-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
For patients with advanced or metastatic Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are not suitable for surgical resection, systemic therapy has been considered to be the standard treatment. In recent years, a small subset of patients with unresectable HCC have been benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and the overall survival time of these patients is significantly increased. However, all responders ultimately develop resistance to TKI treatment. The tripartite motif (TRIM) family member TRIM15 acts as an E3 ligase to mediate the polyubiquitination of substrates in cells. However, the biological role of TRIM15 in HCC is still an enigma. In our study, our results demonstrated that TRIM15 was abnormally upregulated in liver cancer cells after treated with TKIs and that this upregulation of TRIM15 contributed to TKI resistance in liver cancer cells. Then, we demonstrated that the upregulation of TRIM15 after TKI treatment was mediated by the AKT/FOXO1 axis. Moreover, we demonstrated that TRIM15 induced the nuclear translocation of LASP1 by mediating its K63-linked polyubiquitination, which modulated sensitivity to TKIs by increasing the phosphorylation of AKT and the expression of Snail in liver cancer cells. Collectively, we identified a novel AKT/FOXO1/TRIM15/LASP1 loop in cells, which provided potential candidates for overcoming TKI resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Yang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Uro-Oncology Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xingchao Liu
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Department, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenhao Yang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Department, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Beichuan Pang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Department, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Jipeng Jiang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Department, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Dongxu Liao
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Department, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Department, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China.
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China.
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24
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Yu X, Chen W, Zhang J, Gao X, Cui Q, Song Z, Du J, Lv W. Antitumor activity and mechanism of cucurbitacin B in A549/DDP cells. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:1095-1103. [PMID: 36642716 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02386-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a class of tetracyclic triterpenoids isolated from Cucurbitaceae with a wide range of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities, mainly used in hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma, while there is relatively little research and application of this drug for lung cancer. In this study, CuB was administered on A549/DDP cells to observe how it affected the cells and their mechanism of action. CuB demonstrated good anti-tumor activity against A549/DDP cells in a dose-dependent manner and caused changes in the hedgehog (Hh) pathway. The results showed that CuB greatly inhibits the proliferation and the invasion of A549/DDP cells, and promoted apoptosis of A549/DDP cells. Meanwhile, it changed the expression of p53-related genes at the RNA and protein level. In conclusion, this experiment provides a theoretical basis for new applications of CuB and new thoughts on the mechanism of its anti-tumor activity, and provides a direction for deep research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Yu
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Jinjie Zhang
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Xinfu Gao
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Qidi Cui
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng Song
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Du
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
| | - Wenwen Lv
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
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25
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Tuli HS, Rath P, Chauhan A, Ranjan A, Ramniwas S, Sak K, Aggarwal D, Kumar M, Dhama K, Lee EHC, Yap KCY, Capinpin SM, Kumar AP. Cucurbitacins as Potent Chemo-Preventive Agents: Mechanistic Insight and Recent Trends. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010057. [PMID: 36671442 PMCID: PMC9855938 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacins constitute a group of cucumber-derived dietary lipids, highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids, with potential medical uses. These compounds are known to interact with a variety of recognized cellular targets to impede the growth of cancer cells. Accumulating evidence has suggested that inhibition of tumor cell growth via induction of apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis are major promising chemo-preventive actions of cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins may be a potential choice for investigations of synergism with other drugs to reverse cancer cells' treatment resistance. The detailed molecular mechanisms underlying these effects include interactions between cucurbitacins and numerous cellular targets (Bcl-2/Bax, caspases, STAT3, cyclins, NF-κB, COX-2, MMP-9, VEGF/R, etc.) as well as control of a variety of intracellular signal transduction pathways. The current study is focused on the efforts undertaken to find possible molecular targets for cucurbitacins in suppressing diverse malignant processes. The review is distinctive since it presents all potential molecular targets of cucurbitacins in cancer on one common podium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, India
- Correspondence: (H.S.T.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Prangya Rath
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida 201303, India
| | - Abhishek Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida 201303, India
| | - Anuj Ranjan
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, India
| | | | - Diwakar Aggarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar University Sadopur, Ambala 134007, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly 243122, India
| | - E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Kenneth Chun-Yong Yap
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Sharah Mae Capinpin
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
- Correspondence: (H.S.T.); (A.P.K.)
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Dai X, Thompson EW, Ostrikov K(K. Receptor-Mediated Redox Imbalance: An Emerging Clinical Avenue against Aggressive Cancers. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121880. [PMID: 36551308 PMCID: PMC9775490 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are more vulnerable to abnormal redox fluctuations due to their imbalanced antioxidant system, where cell surface receptors sense stress and trigger intracellular signal relay. As canonical targets of many targeted therapies, cell receptors sensitize the cells to specific drugs. On the other hand, cell target mutations are commonly associated with drug resistance. Thus, exploring effective therapeutics targeting diverse cell receptors may open new clinical avenues against aggressive cancers. This paper uses focused case studies to reveal the intrinsic relationship between the cell receptors of different categories and the primary cancer hallmarks that are associated with the responses to external or internal redox perturbations. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is examined as a promising redox modulation medium and highly selective anti-cancer therapeutic modality featuring dynamically varying receptor targets and minimized drug resistance against aggressive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Dai
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Erik W. Thompson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Center for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
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27
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Delgado-Tiburcio EE, Cadena-Iñiguez J, Santiago-Osorio E, Ruiz-Posadas LDM, Castillo-Juárez I, Aguiñiga-Sánchez I, Soto-Hernández M. Pharmacokinetics and Biological Activity of Cucurbitacins. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1325. [PMID: 36355498 PMCID: PMC9696414 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacins are a class of secondary metabolites initially isolated from the Cucurbitaceae family. They are important for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer biological actions. This review addresses pharmacokinetic parameters recently reported, including absorption, metabolism, distribution, and elimination phases of cucurbitacins. It includes recent studies of the molecular mechanisms of the biological activity of the most studied cucurbitacins and some derivatives, especially their anticancer capacity, to propose the integration of the pharmacokinetic profiles of cucurbitacins and the possibilities of their use. The main botanical genera and species of American origin that have been studied, and others whose chemo taxonomy makes them essential sources for the extraction of these metabolites, are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Cadena-Iñiguez
- Innovation in Natural Resource Management, Postgraduate College, Campus San Luis Potosí, Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí 78622, Mexico
| | - Edelmiro Santiago-Osorio
- Hematopoiesis and Leukemia Laboratory, Research Unit on Cell Differentiation and Cancer, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico
| | - Lucero del Mar Ruiz-Posadas
- Botany Department, Postgraduate College, Campus Montecillo, km 36.5 Carretera México-Texcoco, Texcoco 56230, Mexico
| | - Israel Castillo-Juárez
- Botany Department, Postgraduate College, Campus Montecillo, km 36.5 Carretera México-Texcoco, Texcoco 56230, Mexico
| | - Itzen Aguiñiga-Sánchez
- Hematopoiesis and Leukemia Laboratory, Research Unit on Cell Differentiation and Cancer, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, FES Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico
| | - Marcos Soto-Hernández
- Botany Department, Postgraduate College, Campus Montecillo, km 36.5 Carretera México-Texcoco, Texcoco 56230, Mexico
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Chan MKK, Chung JYF, Tang PCT, Chan ASW, Ho JYY, Lin TPT, Chen J, Leung KT, To KF, Lan HY, Tang PMK. TGF-β signaling networks in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Lett 2022; 550:215925. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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