1
|
Wei Y, Xiong Y, Liao Q, Yang Y, Tian T, Guo X, Dong S, Zhu J, Zhang Y, Li B, Xu Z, Zhu W, Ge G. Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship of 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives as highly potent hCYP1B1 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 107:129776. [PMID: 38692523 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129776] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Human cytochrome P450 1B1 enzyme (hCYP1B1), a member of hCYP1 subfamily, plays a crucial role in multiple diseases by participating in many metabolic pathways. Although a suite of potent hCYP1B1 inhibitors have been previously reported, most of them also act as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists that can up-regulate the expression of hCYP1B1 and then counteract their inhibitory potential in living systems. This study aimed to develop novel efficacious hCYP1B1 inhibitors that worked well in living cells but without AhR agonist effects. For these purposes, a series of 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives were designed and synthesized, and their structure-activity relationships (SAR) as hCYP1B1 inhibitors were analyzed. Following three rounds SAR studies, several potent hCYP1B1 inhibitors were discovered, among which compound 3n was selected for further investigations owing to its extremely potent anti-hCYP1B1 activity (IC50 = 0.040 nM) and its blocking AhR transcription activity in living cells. Inhibition kinetic analyses showed that 3n potently inhibited hCYP1B1 via a mix inhibition manner, showing a Ki value of 21.71 pM. Docking simulations suggested that introducing a pyrimidine moiety to the hit compound (1d) facilitated 3n to form two strong interactions with hCYP1B1/heme, viz., the C-Br⋯π halogen bond and the N-Fe coordination bond. Further investigations demonstrated that 3n (5 μM) could significantly reverse the paclitaxel (PTX) resistance in H460/PTX cells, evidenced by the dramatically reduced IC50 values, from 632.6 nM (PTX alone) to 100.8 nM (PTX plus 3n). Collectively, this study devised a highly potent hCYP1B1 inhibitor (3n) without AhR agonist effect, which offered a promising drug candidate for overcoming hCYP1B1-associated drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yueyue Wei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuan Xiong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qingyi Liao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ya Yang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiqian Guo
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai 201209, China
| | - Sanfeng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianming Zhu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai 201209, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhijian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Weiliang Zhu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Guangbo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mecca M, Sichetti M, Giuseffi M, Giglio E, Sabato C, Sanseverino F, Marino G. Synergic Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Breast Cancer Chemoprevention and Combination Therapies. Nutrients 2024; 16:1883. [PMID: 38931238 PMCID: PMC11206589 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121883] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common tumor in women. Chemotherapy is the gold standard for cancer treatment; however, severe side effects and tumor resistance are the major obstacles to chemotherapy success. Numerous dietary components and phytochemicals have been found to inhibit the molecular and signaling pathways associated with different stages of breast cancer development. In particular, this review is focused on the antitumor effects of PUFAs, dietary enzymes, and glucosinolates against breast cancer. The major databases were consulted to search in vitro and preclinical studies; only those with solid scientific evidence and reporting protective effects on breast cancer treatment were included. A consistent number of studies highlighted that dietary components and phytochemicals can have remarkable therapeutic effects as single agents or in combination with other anticancer agents, administered at different concentrations and via different routes of administration. These provide a natural strategy for chemoprevention, reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, impair cell proliferation and viability, and induce apoptosis. Some of these bioactive compounds of dietary origin, however, show poor solubility and low bioavailability; hence, encapsulation in nanoformulations are promising tools able to increase clinical efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marisabel Mecca
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy; (M.G.); (E.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Marzia Sichetti
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy; (M.G.); (E.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Martina Giuseffi
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy; (M.G.); (E.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Eugenia Giglio
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy; (M.G.); (E.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Claudia Sabato
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy; (M.G.); (E.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Francesca Sanseverino
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy;
| | - Graziella Marino
- Unit of Breast Cancer, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zigová M, Michalková R, Mojžiš J. Anticancer Potential of Indole Phytoalexins and Their Analogues. Molecules 2024; 29:2388. [PMID: 38792249 PMCID: PMC11124384 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102388] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Indole phytoalexins, found in economically significant Cruciferae family plants, are synthesized in response to pathogen attacks or stress, serving as crucial components of plant defense mechanisms against bacterial and fungal infections. Furthermore, recent research indicates that these compounds hold promise for improving human health, particularly in terms of potential anticancer effects that have been observed in various studies. Since our last comprehensive overview in 2016 focusing on the antiproliferative effects of these substances, brassinin and camalexin have been the most extensively studied. This review analyses the multifaceted pharmacological effects of brassinin and camalexin, highlighting their anticancer potential. In this article, we also provide an overview of the antiproliferative activity of new synthetic analogs of indole phytoalexins, which were synthesized and tested at our university with the aim of enhancing efficacy compared to the parent compound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Radka Michalková
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Ján Mojžiš
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Girithar HN, Staats Pires A, Ahn SB, Guillemin GJ, Gluch L, Heng B. Involvement of the kynurenine pathway in breast cancer: updates on clinical research and trials. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:185-203. [PMID: 37041200 PMCID: PMC10338682 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02245-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BrCa) is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality in women worldwide. While BrCa treatment has been shown to be highly successful if detected at an early stage, there are few effective strategies to treat metastatic tumours. Hence, metastasis remains the main cause in most of BrCa deaths, highlighting the need for new approaches in this group of patients. Immunotherapy has been gaining attention as a new treatment for BrCa metastasis and the kynurenine pathway (KP) has been suggested as one of the potential targets. The KP is the major biochemical pathway in tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, catabolising TRP to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). The KP has been reported to be elevated under inflammatory conditions such as cancers and that its activity suppresses immune surveillance. Dysregulation of the KP has previously been reported implicated in BrCa. This review aims to discuss and provide an update on the current mechanisms involved in KP-mediated immune suppression and cancer growth. Furthermore, we also provide a summary on 58 studies about the involvement of the KP and BrCa and five clinical trials targeting KP enzymes and their outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hemaasri-Neya Girithar
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ananda Staats Pires
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Seong Beom Ahn
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Laurence Gluch
- The Strathfield Breast Centre, Strathfield, NSW, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hanieh H, Bani Ismail M, Alfwuaires MA, Ibrahim HIM, Farhan M. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as an Anticancer Target: An Overview of Ten Years Odyssey. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28103978. [PMID: 37241719 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28103978] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)/per-Arnt-sim (PAS) superfamily, is traditionally known to mediate xenobiotic metabolism. It is activated by structurally diverse agonistic ligands and regulates complicated transcriptional processes through its canonical and non-canonical pathways in normal and malignant cells. Different classes of AhR ligands have been evaluated as anticancer agents in different cancer cells and exhibit efficiency, which has thrust AhR into the limelight as a promising molecular target. There is strong evidence demonstrating the anticancer potential of exogenous AhR agonists including synthetic, pharmaceutical, and natural compounds. In contrast, several reports have indicated inhibition of AhR activity by antagonistic ligands as a potential therapeutic strategy. Interestingly, similar AhR ligands exert variable anticancer or cancer-promoting potential in a cell- and tissue-specific mode of action. Recently, ligand-mediated modulation of AhR signaling pathways and the associated tumor microenvironment is emerging as a potential approach for developing cancer immunotherapeutic drugs. This article reviews advances of AhR in cancer research covering publication from 2012 to early 2023. It summarizes the therapeutic potential of various AhR ligands with an emphasis on exogenous ligands. It also sheds light on recent immunotherapeutic strategies involving AhR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Hanieh
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aqaba Medical Sciences University, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Bani Ismail
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aqaba Medical Sciences University, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Manal A Alfwuaires
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hairul-Islam M Ibrahim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahdi Farhan
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan
- Department of Drug Development, UniTechPharma, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vorontsova JE, Akishina AA, Cherezov RO, Simonova OB. A new insight into the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/cytochrome 450 signaling pathway in MG63, HOS, SAOS2, and U2OS cell lines. Biochimie 2023; 207:102-112. [PMID: 36332717 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.10.018] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor of bone, with rapid progressive growth, early distant metastases, and frequent recurrence after surgical treatment. Osteosarcoma is characterized by changes in the ratio and expression of different cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms that can affect the effectiveness of anticancer therapies. The inducible expression of CYP1 genes depends on the ligand-dependent functionality of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). In this study, we examined the AHR/CYP1 signaling pathway in four osteosarcoma cell lines (MG63, HOS, SAOS2, and U2OS) induced by the known AHR ligands: indirubin, indole-3-carbinol, and beta-naphthoflavone. Using qPCR and Western blot analysis, we explored the effects of these ligands on the expression of the CYP1 genes and studied the correlation between these responses and the changes in the mRNA and protein levels of AHR and the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) in these osteosarcoma cell lines. The results show that the AHR/CYP1 signaling pathway retains its function only in MG63 and HOS cells, and is impaired in SAOS2 and U2OS cells. Our data should be taken into account when recommending new strategies for the treatment of osteosarcoma and when evaluating new drugs against osteosarcoma in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Vorontsova
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Angelina A Akishina
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Roman O Cherezov
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga B Simonova
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yamashita N, Kawai K, Yoshikawa M, Watabe M, Kanno Y, Sanada N, Kizu R. FDI-6, a FOXM1 inhibitor, activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and suppresses tumorsphere formation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 639:29-35. [PMID: 36463758 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.11.069] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is activated by environmental contaminants such as dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Following ligand binding, AhR binds to xenobiotic responsive elements and modulates the transcription of AhR target genes. Multiple studies have shown that AhR plays important roles in a range of cancer cells and is attracting attention as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. We have previously reported that AhR agonists inhibit tumorsphere formation in an AhR-dependent manner in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. In the present study, we found that FDI-6, an inhibitor of the transcription factor Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) induced the mRNA expression of AhR target genes, nuclear translocation of AhR, and transcriptional activity of AhR. In addition, FDI-6 dose-dependently reduced the mRNA expression of FOXM1-regulated genes in AhR-expressing MCF-7 cells, although not in AhR-deficient MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, FDI-6 was found to suppress tumorsphere formation via the AhR in MCF-7 cells and HepG2 human liver cancer cell line. On the basis of the findings of this study, we show that FDI-6, a FOXM1 inhibitor, functions as an AhR agonist, and suppresses tumorsphere formation via the AhR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Yamashita
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan.
| | - Kaho Kawai
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Minami Yoshikawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Mina Watabe
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Kanno
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan
| | - Noriko Sanada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Kizu
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sweeney C, Lazennec G, Vogel CFA. Environmental exposure and the role of AhR in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1095289. [PMID: 36588678 PMCID: PMC9797527 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1095289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) through environmental exposure to chemicals including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) can lead to severe adverse health effects and increase the risk of breast cancer. This review considers several mechanisms which link the tumor promoting effects of environmental pollutants with the AhR signaling pathway, contributing to the development and progression of breast cancer. We explore AhR's function in shaping the tumor microenvironment, modifying immune tolerance, and regulating cancer stemness, driving breast cancer chemoresistance and metastasis. The complexity of AhR, with evidence for both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles is discussed. We propose that AhR functions as a "molecular bridge", linking disproportionate toxin exposure and policies which underlie environmental injustice with tumor cell behaviors which drive poor patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Sweeney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Gwendal Lazennec
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, SYS2DIAG-ALCEN, Cap Delta, Montpellier, France
| | - Christoph F. A. Vogel
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yamashita N, Yoshida K, Sanada N, Kanno Y, Kizu R. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Directly Regulates VTCN1 Gene Expression in MCF-7 Cells. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:793-797. [PMID: 35650105 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-01068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the toxicity of dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Recent studies have suggested that AhR is involved in cancer immunity. In the present study, we examined whether AhR regulates the expression of immune checkpoint genes in breast cancer cells. We discovered that the mRNA expression of V-set domain containing T cell activation inhibitor 1 (VTCN1) that negatively regulates T cell immunity was upregulated by AhR agonists in breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and T47D. Furthermore, AhR knockout or knockdown experiments clearly demonstrated that upregulation of VTCN1 gene expression by 3-methylcholanthrene was AhR dependent. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that this upregulation of VTCN1 gene expression was induced by the recruitment of AhR to the AhR responsive element in the VTCN1 gene promoter in MCF-7 cells. Taken together, AhR directly regulates VTCN1 gene expression in MCF-7 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Yamashita
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
| | - Kyoko Yoshida
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
| | - Noriko Sanada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
| | - Yuichiro Kanno
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
| | - Ryoichi Kizu
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
OVOL1 inhibits breast cancer cell invasion by enhancing the degradation of TGF-β type I receptor. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:126. [PMID: 35484112 PMCID: PMC9050647 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00944-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovo-like transcriptional repressor 1 (OVOL1) is a key mediator of epithelial lineage determination and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). The cytokines transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) control the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) of cancer cells, but whether this occurs through interplay with OVOL1 is not known. Here, we show that OVOL1 is inversely correlated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature, and is an indicator of a favorable prognosis for breast cancer patients. OVOL1 suppresses EMT, migration, extravasation, and early metastatic events of breast cancer cells. Importantly, BMP strongly promotes the expression of OVOL1, which enhances BMP signaling in turn. This positive feedback loop is established through the inhibition of TGF-β receptor signaling by OVOL1. Mechanistically, OVOL1 interacts with and prevents the ubiquitination and degradation of SMAD family member 7 (SMAD7), which is a negative regulator of TGF-β type I receptor stability. Moreover, a small-molecule compound 6-formylindolo(3,2-b)carbazole (FICZ) was identified to activate OVOL1 expression and thereby antagonizing (at least in part) TGF-β-mediated EMT and migration in breast cancer cells. Our results uncover a novel mechanism by which OVOL1 attenuates TGF-β/SMAD signaling and maintains the epithelial identity of breast cancer cells.
Collapse
|
11
|
Hanieh H, Ibrahim HIM, Mohammed M, Alwassil OI, Abukhalil MH, Farhan M. Activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling by gallic acid suppresses progression of human breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 96:153817. [PMID: 34782204 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains the most common malignancy and the second cause of death in women. Increasingly, preclinical evidence has suggested aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), a ligand activated transcription factor, a promising therapeutic target in breast cancer. PURPOSE This study aims at screening a number of phenolic compounds to identify an Ahr ligand with suppressive effects on human breast cancer. METHODS Potential interactions between Ahr and phenolic compounds were predicted in silico, and physical interaction was examined by ligand competitive binding in vitro. The MDA-MB-231 and T47D breast cancer cell lines were used to examine the expression of Ahr downstream genes and progression of breast cancer cells in vitro. Binding of Ahr/Ahr nuclear transporter (Arnt) complex to the xenobiotic-responsive element (XRE)-box was examined by DNA-protein interaction (DPI)-ELISA, promoter activity was assessed using luciferase reporter system, and RNA interreference was carried out using electroporation. The real-time PCR and/or immunoblotting were used to quantify gene expressions. Tumor growth in vivo was assessed using a murine orthotopic model. RESULTS A combined computational modeling and in vitro approaches identified gallic acid (GA) as an Ahr ligand with agonistic properties. It induced binding of Ahr/Arnt to the XRE-box, enhanced the promoter activity and expression of Ahr downstream genes including cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), and SRY-related HMG-box4 (SOX4)-targeting miR-212/132 cluster and miR-335 in both MDA-MB-231 and T47D cells. GA increased apoptosis while decreased proliferation, migration and invasion capacities of breast cancer cells in an Ahr-dependent fashion. Furthermore, it reduced the levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and SOX4, while selectively increased that of tumor protein 53 (P53), in an Ahr-dependent and -independent fashions. In an in vivo orthotopic model, GA activated Ahr signaling and reduced the growth of breast cancer cells. CONCLUSION We identified GA as an Ahr phenolic ligand, and provided evidence on the role of Ahr in mediating its anti-breast cancer effects, indicating that GA, and possibly other phenolic compounds, have important therapeutic implications in human breast cancer through activation of Ahr signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Hanieh
- Department of Medical Analysis, Department of Biological Sciences, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma'an 71111, Jordan; International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan.
| | - Hairul-Islam M Ibrahim
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maged Mohammed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44111, Egypt
| | - Osama I Alwassil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad H Abukhalil
- Department of Medical Analysis, Department of Biological Sciences, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma'an 71111, Jordan; International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Mahdi Farhan
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan; Department of Drug Development, UniTechPharma, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Camalexin, an indole phytoalexin, inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and mammosphere formation in breast cancer cells via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. J Nat Med 2021; 76:110-118. [PMID: 34463909 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-021-01560-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Despite a variety of drugs available for the treatment of patients with breast cancer, drug resistance remains a significant clinical problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop drugs with new mechanisms of action. Camalexin is the main indole phytoalexin in Arabidopsis thaliana and other crucifers. Camalexin inhibits the proliferation of various cancer cells. However, the mechanism by which camalexin inhibits cell proliferation remains unclear. In this study, we found that camalexin inhibited cell proliferation and migration of breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, camalexin also suppressed breast cancer stem cell-derived mammosphere formation. We previously reported that the ligand-activated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist suppresses mammosphere formation. Several compounds with indole structures are known to act as AhR agonists. Therefore, we hypothesized that the inhibition of mammosphere formation by camalexin may involve AhR activation. We found that camalexin increased the nuclear translocation of AhR, AhR-mediated transcriptional activation, and expression of AhR target genes. In addition, camalexin suppressed mammosphere formation in AhR-expressing breast cancer cells more than in the breast cancer cells that lacked AhR expression. Taken together, the data demonstrate that camalexin is a novel AhR agonist and that the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and mammosphere formation by camalexin involves the activation of AhR. Our findings suggest that camalexin, an AhR agonist, may be a novel therapeutic agent for breast cancer.
Collapse
|
13
|
Yamashita N, Yoshizuka A, Kase A, Ozawa M, Taga C, Sanada N, Kanno Y, Nemoto K, Kizu R. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor by 3-methylcholanthrene, but not by indirubin, suppresses mammosphere formation via downregulation of CDC20 expression in breast cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 570:131-136. [PMID: 34280616 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates various toxicological and biological functions. We reported previously that 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC), an exogenous AhR agonist, inhibited tumorsphere (mammosphere) formation from breast cancer cell lines, while the endogenous AhR agonist, indirubin, very weakly inhibited this process. However, the difference in inhibition mechanism of mammosphere formation by 3MC or indirubin is still unknown. In this study, we established AhR-re-expressing (KOTR-AhR) cells from AhR knockout MCF-7 cells using the tetracycline (Tet)-inducible gene expression systems. To identify any difference in inhibition of mammosphere formation by 3MC or indirubin, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments were performed using KOTR-AhR cells. RNA-seq experiments revealed that cell division cycle 20 (CDC20), which regulates the cell cycle and mitosis, was decreased by 3MC, but not by indirubin, in the presence of AhR expression. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of CDC20 were decreased by 3MC in MCF-7 cells via the AhR. In addition, mammosphere formation was suppressed by small interfering RNA-mediated CDC20 knockdown compared to the negative control in MCF-7 cells. These results suggest that AhR activation by 3MC suppresses mammosphere formation via downregulation of CDC20 expression in breast cancer cells. This study provides useful information for the development of AhR-targeted anti-cancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Yamashita
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan.
| | - Arika Yoshizuka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Arisa Kase
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Moeno Ozawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Chiharu Taga
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Noriko Sanada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Kanno
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan
| | - Kiyomitsu Nemoto
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Miyama 2-2-1, Funabashi, Chiba, 274-8510, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Kizu
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kodo, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0395, Japan
| |
Collapse
|