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Cardador CM, Muehlmann LA, Coelho CM, Silva LP, Garay AV, Carvalho AMDS, Bastos IMD, Longo JPF. Nucleotides Entrapped in Liposome Nanovesicles as Tools for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Use in Biomedical Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:873. [PMID: 36986734 PMCID: PMC10056227 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030873] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of nucleotides for biomedical applications is an old desire in the scientific community. As we will present here, there are references published over the past 40 years with this intended use. The main problem is that, as unstable molecules, nucleotides require some additional protection to extend their shelf life in the biological environment. Among the different nucleotide carriers, the nano-sized liposomes proved to be an effective strategic tool to overcome all these drawbacks related to the nucleotide high instability. Moreover, due to their low immunogenicity and easy preparation, the liposomes were selected as the main strategy for delivery of the mRNA developed for COVID-19 immunization. For sure this is the most important and relevant example of nucleotide application for human biomedical conditions. In addition, the use of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 has increased interest in the application of this type of technology to other health conditions. For this review article, we will present some of these examples, especially focused on the use of liposomes to protect and deliver nucleotides for cancer therapy, immunostimulatory activities, enzymatic diagnostic applications, some examples for veterinarian use, and the treatment of neglected tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Magalhães Cardador
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Cíntia Marques Coelho
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Science, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Luciano Paulino Silva
- Laboratório de Nanobiotecnologia (LNANO), Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | - Aisel Valle Garay
- Molecular Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Science, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Izabela Marques Dourado Bastos
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Figueiró Longo
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
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Santo SGE, da Silva TC, Vinken M, Cogliati B, Barbisan LF, Romualdo GR. The Implications of Connexin 43 Deficiency during the Early Stages of Chemically Induced Mouse Colon Carcinogenesis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11122368. [PMID: 36552579 PMCID: PMC9774636 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), associated with an increased intake of processed red meats, saturated fats, and simple carbohydrates accompanied by low dietary fiber, fruits, and vegetables consumption, presents a high epidemiological burden. Connexin43 (Cx43) protein, which forms gap junctions or hemichannels, has tumor suppressor or oncogenic activities in a cancer type- and stage-dependent manner. Cx43 expression varies during colon carcinogenesis, and its functional role is not fully understood. Thus, we evaluated the implications of Cx43 heterologous deletion (Cx43+/-) during the early stages of a chemically induced model of colon carcinogenesis. Female C57BL/6J mice (wild-type or Cx43+/-) were submitted to a colon carcinogenesis model induced by 1,2 dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Mice were euthanized eight hours (week 7) or 30 weeks (week 37) after the last DMH administration to evaluate subacute colon toxicity outcomes or the burden of (pre)neoplastic lesions, respectively. At week 7, Cx43 deficiency inferred no alterations in the DMH-induced increase in systemic (peripheral blood), in situ (colonocytes) DNA damage, and apoptosis in the colonocytes. At week 30, Cx43+/- mice presented an increase in preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) multiplicity, while no alterations were observed in colorectal adenoma (CRA) occurrence, multiplicity, volume, proliferation, growth, and β-catenin immunoexpression. Similarly, an in silico analysis of human CRA showed decreased mRNA expression of Cx43 with no correlation with proliferation, apoptosis, and β-catenin markers. These findings indicate the discrete role of Cx43 in the early stages of chemically induced mouse colon carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gomes Espírito Santo
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, São Paulo, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-1438800469
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Zhang W, Lin L, Zhang Y, Zhao T, Zhan Y, Wang H, Fang J, Du B. Dioscin potentiates the antitumor effect of suicide gene therapy in melanoma by gap junction intercellular communication-mediated antigen cross-presentation. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:112973. [PMID: 35468581 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dioscin (Dio), steroid saponin, exists in several medicinal herbs with potent anticancer efficacy. This study aimed to explore the effect of Dio on the immune-related modulation and synergistic therapeutic effects of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-Tk/GCV) suicide gene therapy system in murine melanoma, thereby providing a research basis to improve the potential immunomodulatory mechanism underlying combination therapy. Using both in vitro and in vivo experiments, we confirmed the immunocidal effect of Dio-potentiated suicide gene therapy on melanoma. The results showed that Dio upregulated connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and improved gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in B16 cells while increasing the cross-presentation of antigens by dendritic cells (DCs), eventually promoting the activation and antitumor immune killing effects of CD8+ T lymphocytes. In contrast, inhibition or blockade of the GJIC function (overexpression of mutant Cx43 tumor cells/Gap26) partially reversed the potentiating effect. The significant synergistic effect of Dio on HSV-Tk/GCV suicide gene therapy was further investigated in a B16 xenograft mouse model. The increased number and activation ratio of CD8+ T lymphocytes and the levels of Gzms-B, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in mice reconfirmed the potential modulatory effects of Dio on the immune system. Taken together, Dio targets Cx43 to enhance GJIC function, improve the antigens cross-presentation of DCs, and activate the antitumor immune effect of CD8+ T lymphocytes, thereby providing insights into the potential immunomodulatory mechanism underlying combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Research Center of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Lingyun Lin
- The First Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Yujian Zhang
- Panyu Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Tingxiu Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yujuan Zhan
- Research Center of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huiqi Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Junfeng Fang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China.
| | - Biaoyan Du
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Mesenchymal stem cells: A living carrier for active tumor-targeted delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 185:114300. [PMID: 35447165 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The strategy of using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a living carrier for active delivery of therapeutic agents targeting tumor sites has been attempted in a wide range of studies to validate the feasibility and efficacy for tumor treatment. This approach reveals powerful tumor targeting and tumor penetration. In addition, MSCs have been confirmed to actively participate in immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment. Thus, MSCs are not inert delivery vehicles but have a strong impact on the fate of tumor cells. In this review, these active properties of MSCs are addressed to highlight the advantages and challenges of using MSCs for tumor-targeted delivery. In addition, some of the latest examples of using MSCs to carry a variety of anti-tumor agents for tumor-targeted therapy are summarized. Recent technologies to improve the performance and safety of this delivery strategy will be introduced. The advances, applications, and challenges summarized in this review will provide a general understanding of this promising strategy for actively delivering drugs to tumor tissues.
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Liu YX, Xu BW, Niu XD, Chen YJ, Fu XQ, Wang XQ, Yin CL, Chou JY, Li JK, Wu JY, Bai JX, Wu Y, Li SM, Yu ZL. Inhibition of Src/STAT3 signaling-mediated angiogenesis is involved in the anti-melanoma effects of dioscin. Pharmacol Res 2022; 175:105983. [PMID: 34822972 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays an important role in the growth and metastasis of solid tumors including melanoma. Inhibiting tumor-associated angiogenesis is a tactic in treating melanoma. Dioscin restrains angiogenesis in colon tumor and has anti-melanoma effects in cell and animal models. In a previous study, we found that dioscin inhibits Src/STAT3 signaling in melanoma cells. Activation of the Src/STAT3 pathway has been shown to promote tumor angiogenesis. This study aimed to determine whether dioscin's anti-melanoma effects is related to inhibiting Src/STAT3 signaling-mediated angiogenesis. In a B16F10 allograft mouse model, we found that dioscin inhibited melanoma growth and angiogenesis. To exclude the impact of tumor growth on angiogenesis, a chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model was used to verify the anti-angiogenic effect of dioscin. Results showed that dioscin suppressed vessel formation in CAM. To determine if tumor secreted pro-angiogenic cytokines are involved in the anti-angiogenic effect of dioscin, conditioned media from dioscin-treated A375 melanoma cells were used to culture human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and tube formation was monitored. It was observed that the tube formation of HUVECs was inhibited. Mechanistic studies revealed that dioscin inhibited the activation of Src and STAT3, and lowered mRNA and protein levels of STAT3 transcriptionally-regulated genes, in B16F10 melanomas. ELISA assays showed that dioscin decreased the secretion of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF from A375 cells. Over-activation of STAT3 lessened the effects of dioscin in decreasing the secretion of pro-angiogenic cytokines from melanoma cells, and in inhibiting tube formation of HUVECs cultured with conditioned media from melanoma cell cultures. In summary, we for the first time demonstrated that inhibiting Src/STAT3 signaling-mediated angiogenesis is involved in the anti-melanoma effects of dioscin. This study provides further pharmacological groundwork for developing dioscin as an anti-melanoma agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xi Liu
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bo-Wen Xu
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao-Di Niu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying-Jie Chen
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiu-Qiong Fu
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao-Qi Wang
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheng-Le Yin
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ji-Yao Chou
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun-Kui Li
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia-Ying Wu
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jing-Xuan Bai
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sze-Man Li
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Yu
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China.
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Tittarelli A. Connexin channels modulation in pathophysiology and treatment of immune and inflammatory disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166258. [PMID: 34450245 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Connexin-mediated intercellular communication mechanisms include bidirectional cell-to-cell coupling by gap junctions and release/influx of molecules by hemichannels. These intercellular communications have relevant roles in numerous immune system activities. Here, we review the current knowledge about the function of connexin channels, mainly those formed by connexin-43, on immunity and inflammation. Focusing on those evidence that support the design and development of therapeutic tools to modulate connexin expression and/or channel activities with treatment potential for infections, wounds, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Tittarelli
- Programa Institucional de Fomento a la Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, Santiago 8940577, Chile.
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Orellana VP, Tittarelli A, Retamal MA. Connexins in melanoma: Potential role of Cx46 in its aggressiveness. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:853-868. [PMID: 33140904 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer, and in metastatic advanced states, it is completely refractory to chemotherapy. Therefore, it is relevant to understand the molecular bases that rule their aggressiveness. Connexins (Cxs) are proteins that under normal physiological conditions participate in intercellular communication, via the exchange of signaling molecules between the cytoplasm and extracellular milieu and the exchange of ions/second messengers between the cytoplasm of contacting cells. These proteins have shown important roles in cancer progression, chemo- and radiotherapy resistance, and metastasis. Accordingly, Cx26 and Cx43 seem to play important roles in melanoma progression and metastasis. On the other hand, Cx46 is typically expressed in the eye lens, where it seems to be associated with oxidative stress protection in fiber lens cells. However, in the last decade, Cx46 expression has been associated with breast and brain cancers, due to its role in potentiation of both extracellular vesicle release and cancer stem cell-like properties. In this review, we analyzed a potential role of Cx46 as a new biomarker and therapeutic target in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana P Orellana
- Universidad del Desarrollo. Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Clinica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
- Universidad del Desarrollo. Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Clínica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Tittarelli
- Programa Institucional de Fomento a la Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (PIDi), Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana (UTEM), Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Universidad del Desarrollo. Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Clinica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
- Universidad del Desarrollo. Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Clínica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
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Li A, Zhang T, Huang T, Lin R, Mu J, Su Y, Sun H, Jiang X, Wu H, Xu D, Cao H, Sun X, Ling D, Gao J. Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Promote Cx43-Overexpression of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Efficient Suicide Gene Therapy during Glioma Treatment. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:8254-8269. [PMID: 34373740 PMCID: PMC8344020 DOI: 10.7150/thno.60160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been applied as a promising vehicle for tumour-targeted delivery of suicide genes in the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk)/ganciclovir (GCV) suicide gene therapy against malignant gliomas. The efficiency of this strategy is largely dependent on the bystander effect, which relies on high suicide gene expression levels and efficient transportation of activated GCV towards glioma cells. However, up to now, the methods to enhance the bystander effect of this strategy in an efficient and safe way are still lacking and new approaches to improve this therapeutic strategy are required. Methods: In this study, MSCs were gene transfected using magnetosome-like ferrimagnetic iron oxide nanochains (MFIONs) to highly express HSV-tk. Both the suicide and bystander effects of HSV-tk expressed MSCs (MSCs-tk) were quantitatively evaluated. Connexin 43 (Cx43) expression by MSCs and glioma cells was measured under different treatments. Intercellular communication between MSCs and C6 glioma cells was examined using a dye transfer assay. Glioma tropism and the bio-distribution of MSCs-tk were observed. Anti-tumour activity was investigated in the orthotopic glioma of rats after intravenous administration of MSCs-tk followed by intraperitoneal injection of GCV. Results: Gene transfection using MFIONs achieved sufficient expression of HSV-tk and triggered Cx43 overexpression in MSCs. These Cx43 overexpressing MSCs promoted gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) between MSCs and glioma cells, resulting in significantly inhibited growth of glioma through an improved bystander effect. Outstanding tumour targeting and significantly prolonged survival with decreased tumour size were observed after the treatment using MFION-transfected MSCs in glioma model rats. Conclusion: Our results show that iron oxide nanoparticles have the potential to improve the suicide gene expression levels of transfected MSCs, while promoting the GJIC formation between MSCs and tumour cells, which enhances the sensitivity of glioma cells to HSV-tk/GCV suicide gene therapy.
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Xie Y, Chen G. Dioscin induces ferroptosis and synergistic cytotoxicity with chemotherapeutics in melanoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 557:213-220. [PMID: 33878610 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the anti-tumor effects of dioscin, a steroidal saponin, on melanoma cells. Dioscin significantly inhibited cell viability and induced cell death of melanoma cells in a time- and dose- dependent manner. Furthermore, dioscin increased the concentration of intracellular ferrous irons, MDA and ROS. This effect could be inhibited by L-g-glutamyl-p-nitroanilide (GPNA), compound 968 and ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). Furthermore, dioscin induced ferroptosis by affecting the expression of transferrin and ferroportin which are regulators of intracellular levels of iron. Finally, dioscin in combination with various chemotherapeutic agents showed synergistic effects against melanoma cells. Our data suggested that dioscin exerted anti-tumor effects in melanoma cells by inducing ferroptosis. Dioscin alone or with other agents might be applied as a promising strategy to treat melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Xie
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, 315100, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Guangxiong Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, 315100, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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Smart JA, Oleksak JE, Hartsough EJ. Cell Adhesion Molecules in Plasticity and Metastasis. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 19:25-37. [PMID: 33004622 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prior to metastasis, modern therapeutics and surgical intervention can provide a favorable long-term survival for patients diagnosed with many types of cancers. However, prognosis is poor for patients with metastasized disease. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, yet in situ and localized, thin melanomas can be biopsied with little to no postsurgical follow-up. However, patients with metastatic melanoma require significant clinical involvement and have a 5-year survival of only 34% to 52%, largely dependent on the site of colonization. Melanoma metastasis is a multi-step process requiring dynamic changes in cell surface proteins regulating adhesiveness to the extracellular matrix (ECM), stroma, and other cancer cells in varied tumor microenvironments. Here we will highlight recent literature to underscore how cell adhesion molecules (CAM) contribute to melanoma disease progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Smart
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Julia E Oleksak
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Edward J Hartsough
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Parama D, Boruah M, Yachna K, Rana V, Banik K, Harsha C, Thakur KK, Dutta U, Arya A, Mao X, Ahn KS, Kunnumakkara AB. Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, and its analogs: Effective therapies against different chronic diseases. Life Sci 2020; 260:118182. [PMID: 32781063 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic diseases are a major cause of mortality worldwide, and despite the recent development in treatment modalities, synthetic drugs have continued to show toxic side effects and development of chemoresistance, thereby limiting their application. The use of phytochemicals has gained attention as they show minimal side effects. Diosgenin is one such phytochemical which has gained importance for its efficacy against the life-threatening diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, nervous system disorders, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, and many more. AIM To evaluate the literature available on the potential of diosgenin and its analogs in modulating different molecular targets leading to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. METHOD A detailed literature search has been carried out on PubMed for gathering information related to the sources, biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, biological activities, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and toxicity of diosgenin and its analogs. KEY FINDINGS The literature search resulted in many in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials that reported the efficacy of diosgenin and its analogs in modulating important molecular targets and signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK, etc., which play a crucial role in the development of most of the diseases. Reports have also revealed the safety of the compound and the adaptation of nanotechnological approaches for enhancing its bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties. SIGNIFICANCE Thus, the review summarizes the efficacy of diosgenin and its analogs for developing as a potent drug against several chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dey Parama
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Monikongkona Boruah
- Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, Cotton University, Guwahati, Assam 781001, India
| | - Kumari Yachna
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Varsha Rana
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Kishore Banik
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Choudhary Harsha
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Krishan Kumar Thakur
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Uma Dutta
- Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, Cotton University, Guwahati, Assam 781001, India
| | - Aditya Arya
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Xinliang Mao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510405, China; Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 24 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam 781039, India.
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12
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Varela-Vázquez A, Guitián-Caamaño A, Carpintero-Fernandez P, Fonseca E, Sayedyahossein S, Aasen T, Penuela S, Mayán MD. Emerging functions and clinical prospects of connexins and pannexins in melanoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188380. [PMID: 32461135 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cellular communication through gap junctions and hemichannels formed by connexins and through channels made by pannexins allows for metabolic cooperation and control of cellular activity and signalling. These channel proteins have been described to be tumour suppressors that regulate features such as cell death, proliferation and differentiation. However, they display cancer type-dependent and stage-dependent functions and may facilitate tumour progression through junctional and non-junctional pathways. The accumulated knowledge and emerging strategies to target connexins and pannexins are providing novel clinical opportunities for the treatment of cancer. Here, we provide an updated overview of the role of connexins and pannexins in malignant melanoma. We discuss how targeting of these channel proteins may be used to potentiate antitumour effects in therapeutic settings, including through improved immune-mediated tumour elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Varela-Vázquez
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Amanda Guitián-Caamaño
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Paula Carpintero-Fernandez
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fonseca
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain; Dermatology Deparment, University Hospital of A Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Samar Sayedyahossein
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Penuela
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - María D Mayán
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain.
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13
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Liu YX, Xu BW, Chen YJ, Fu XQ, Zhu PL, Bai JX, Chou JY, Yin CL, Li JK, Wang YP, Wu JY, Wu Y, Chan KK, Liang C, Yu ZL. Inhibiting the Src/STAT3 signaling pathway contributes to the anti-melanoma mechanisms of dioscin. Oncol Lett 2020; 19:2508-2514. [PMID: 32194752 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Late stage melanoma is associated with a high mortality rate. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is currently a target for melanoma treatment as it is constitutively activated with high frequency in melanoma. Dioscin is a natural steroid saponin that is present in several medical herbs. A previous study demonstrated that dioscin inhibits STAT3 signaling in a cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury rat model. Furthermore, dioscin has been reported to exert anti-melanoma effects in B16 melanoma cells and a B16 allograft mouse model. The present study investigated whether inhibition of STAT3 signaling is involved in the anti-melanoma effects of dioscin. The results of the present study demonstrated that dioscin significantly decreased viability, induced apoptosis and suppressed migration of human A375 melanoma cells and murine B16F10 melanoma cells. Furthermore, dioscin inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 and Src (an upstream kinase of STAT3), and downregulated mRNA levels of STAT3-targeted genes, including B-cell lymphoma-2, cyclin D1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2. In addition, overexpression of STAT3 decreased the anti-proliferative effects of dioscin. Overall, the results of the present study indicate that inhibiting the Src/STAT3 signaling pathway contributes to the anti-melanoma molecular mechanisms of dioscin. These results provide further pharmacological groundwork for developing dioscin as a novel anti-melanoma agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xi Liu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Bo-Wen Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Jie Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Qiong Fu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Li Zhu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Xuan Bai
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Yao Chou
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Cheng-Le Yin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Kui Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Ya-Ping Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Ying Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Kam-Kwan Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Chun Liang
- Enzynomics Limited, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Ling Yu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.,Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, SAR.,HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
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14
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ApoE-modified liposomes mediate the antitumour effect of survivin promoter-driven HSVtk in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2019; 27:754-767. [DOI: 10.1038/s41417-019-0145-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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15
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Recent Advances in the Pharmacological Activities of Dioscin. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:5763602. [PMID: 31511824 PMCID: PMC6710808 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5763602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dioscin is a typical saponin with multiple pharmacological activities. The past few years have seen an emerging interest in and growing research on this pleiotropic saponin. Here, we review the emerging pharmacological activities reported recently, with foci on its antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and tissue-protective properties. The potential use of dioscin in therapies of diverse clinical disorders is also discussed.
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16
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Xie Y, Wu L, Wang M, Cheng A, Yang Q, Wu Y, Jia R, Zhu D, Zhao X, Chen S, Liu M, Zhang S, Wang Y, Xu Z, Chen Z, Zhu L, Luo Q, Liu Y, Yu Y, Zhang L, Chen X. Alpha-Herpesvirus Thymidine Kinase Genes Mediate Viral Virulence and Are Potential Therapeutic Targets. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:941. [PMID: 31134006 PMCID: PMC6517553 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-herpesvirus thymidine kinase (TK) genes are virulence-related genes and are nonessential for viral replication; they are often preferred target genes for the construction of gene-deleted attenuated vaccines and genetically engineered vectors for inserting and expressing foreign genes. The enzymes encoded by TK genes are key kinases in the nucleoside salvage pathway and have significant substrate diversity, especially the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) TK enzyme, which phosphorylates four nucleosides and various nucleoside analogues. Hence, the HSV-1 TK gene is exploited for the treatment of viral infections, as a suicide gene in antitumor therapy, and even for the regulation of stem cell transplantation and treatment of parasitic infection. This review introduces the effects of α-herpesvirus TK genes on viral virulence and infection in the host and classifies and summarizes the current main application domains and potential uses of these genes. In particular, mechanisms of action, clinical limitations, and antiviral and antitumor therapy development strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xie
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liping Wu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dekang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - XinXin Zhao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shun Chen
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mafeng Liu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaqiu Zhang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiwen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qihui Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunya Liu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanling Yu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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17
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Connexin 43 (Cx43) in cancer: Implications for therapeutic approaches via gap junctions. Cancer Lett 2018; 442:439-444. [PMID: 30472182 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions are membrane channels found in all cells of the human body that are essential to cellular physiology. Gap junctions are formed from connexin proteins and are responsible for transfer of biologically active molecules, metabolites, and salts between neighboring cells or cells and their extracellular environment. Over the last few years, aberrant connexin 43 (Cx43) expression has been associated with cancer recurrence, metastatic spread, and poor survival. Here we provide an overview of the general structure and function of gap junctions and review their roles in different cancer types. We discuss new therapeutic approaches targeting Cx43 and potential new ways of exploiting gap junction transfer for drug delivery and anti-cancer treatment. The permeability of Cx43 channels to small molecules and macromolecules makes them highly attractive targets for delivering drugs directly into the cytoplasm. Cancer cells overexpressing Cx43 may be more permeable and sensitive to chemotherapeutics. Because Cx43 can either act as a tumor suppressor or oncogene, biomarker analysis and a better understanding of how Cx43 contextually mediates cancer phenotypes will be required to develop clinically viable Cx43-based therapies.
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18
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Araújo RVD, Santos SDS, Igne Ferreira E, Giarolla J. New Advances in General Biomedical Applications of PAMAM Dendrimers. Molecules 2018; 23:E2849. [PMID: 30400134 PMCID: PMC6278347 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23112849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendrimers are nanoscopic compounds, which are monodispersed, and they are generally considered as homogeneous. PAMAM (polyamidoamine) was introduced in 1985, by Donald A. Tomalia, as a new class of polymers, named 'starburst polymers'. This important contribution of Professor Tomalia opened a new research field involving nanotechnological approaches. From then on, many groups have been using PAMAM for diverse applications in many areas, including biomedical applications. The possibility of either linking drugs and bioactive compounds, or entrapping them into the dendrimer frame can improve many relevant biological properties, such as bioavailability, solubility, and selectivity. Directing groups to reach selective delivery in a specific organ is one of the advanced applications of PAMAM. In this review, structural and safety aspects of PAMAM and its derivatives are discussed, and some relevant applications are briefly presented. Emphasis has been given to gene delivery and targeting drugs, as advanced delivery systems using PAMAM and an incentive for its use on neglected diseases are briefly mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Vinicius de Araújo
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, 580⁻Building 13, São Paulo SP 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Soraya da Silva Santos
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, 580⁻Building 13, São Paulo SP 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Elizabeth Igne Ferreira
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, 580⁻Building 13, São Paulo SP 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Jeanine Giarolla
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, 580⁻Building 13, São Paulo SP 05508-900, Brazil.
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19
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Dioscin inhibits colon cancer cells' growth by reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and p38 and JNK pathways. Anticancer Drugs 2018; 29:234-242. [PMID: 29389802 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Dioscin is a natural steroid saponin derived from several plants that shows potent anticancer effects against a variety of cancer cells. Here, we investigated the antitumor effect of dioscin against human colon cancer cells and evaluated the molecular mechanism involved in this process. The cell cytotoxicity was studied by the MTT assay and BrdU incorporation. The proapoptotic mechanism of dioscin was characterized by flow cytometry analysis. A western blot and an immunofluorescence staining were used to investigate how dioscin induces apoptosis in vitro. In our study, dioscin could significantly inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Dioscin induces apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, promoting the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, Bax translocation to the mitochondria, cytochrome C release to cytosol, activations of caspase-9/3, PARP cleavage, and subsequent apoptosis. Dioscin-induced apoptosis was accompanied by sustained phosphorylation of JNK, p38-MAPK. N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a scavenger of ROS, significantly reversed dioscin-induced cell death and activation of JNK and p38. Collectively, the data indicate that the induction of apoptosis by dioscin is mediated through ROS proteins, which are critical upstream signals for JNK/p38-MAPK activation.
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20
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Du H, Liu Y, Chen X, Yu X, Hou X, Li H, Zhan M, Lin S, Lu L, Yuan S, Sun L. DT-13 synergistically potentiates the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to topotecan via cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 818:124-131. [PMID: 29037767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural medicine has multi-levels, multi-paths and multi-targets, and an increasing number of reports have confirmed that the combination of natural medicine with chemotherapy drugs exhibit a significant synergistic effect. It is necessary to find drug combination strategies to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity, which can relieve the restrictions on the use of several chemotherapy drugs that have serious toxicity. Our previous reports showed that DT-13 inhibits cancer proliferation, invasion, migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis and induces autophagy. In this study, we evaluated the anti-proliferation effect of DT-13 on a panel of 40 different cancer cell lines for the first time. Moreover, it is also the first time that the combination of DT-13 with 5 different chemotherapy drugs on 3 common cancer cells has been examined. We further confirmed that DT-13 enhanced the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to topotecan (TPT) via cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. Considering that TPT has been subjected to restriction because of its serious toxicity, DT-13 showed the ability to enhance its effect and reduce its toxicity, which could provide a strategy to reduce the toxic and clinical side effects of TPT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xudong Chen
- Department of Intervention Treatment, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaowen Yu
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoying Hou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongyang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Interventional Radiology Center, Zhuhai Precision Medicine Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital of Tongji University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Sensen Lin
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Interventional Radiology Center, Zhuhai Precision Medicine Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital of Tongji University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
| | - Shengtao Yuan
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Li Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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21
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Wang L, Peng Y, Peng J, Shao M, Ma L, Zhu Z, Zhong G, Xia Z, Huang H. Tramadol attenuates the sensitivity of glioblastoma to temozolomide through the suppression of Cx43‑mediated gap junction intercellular communication. Int J Oncol 2017; 52:295-304. [PMID: 29115581 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Analgesics and antineoplastic drugs are often used concurrently for cancer patients. Our previous study reported that gap junctions composed of connexin32 (Cx32) was implicated in the effect of analgesics on cisplatin cytotoxicity. However, the effect of analgesic on the most widely expressed connexin (Cx), connexin43 (Cx43), and whether such effect mediates the influence on chemotherapeutic efficiency remain unknown. By manipulation of Cx43 expression or gap junction function, we found that there were gap junction-dependent and independent effect of Cx43 on temozolomide (TMZ) sensitivity in U87 glioblastoma cells. Studies on survival and apoptosis showed widely used analgesic tramadol significantly reduced TMZ-induced cytotoxicity in control and negative control cells but not shCx43-transfected cells. Proliferation assay demonstrated tramadol suppressed TMZ-induced cytotoxicity only on high density (with gap junction formation) but not on low density (without gap junction formation). Tramadol inhibited dye-coupling through gap junctions between U87 cells. Tramadol treatment for 72 h did not alter Cx43 expression, but decreased Cx43 phosphorylation accompanied with reduced p-ERK and p-JNK. Our results indicated that long-term treatment with tramadol reduced TMZ cytotoxicity in U87 cells by suppressing Cx43-composed gap junctions, suggesting identification and usage of antinociceptive drugs which do not downregulate connexin activity should have beneficial therapeutic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
| | - Yuexia Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Jianxin Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangdong Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Min Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430064, P.R. China
| | - Zhuoli Zhu
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
| | - Guocheng Zhong
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
| | - Zhengyuan Xia
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
| | - Huansen Huang
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
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22
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Lim WC, Kim H, Kim YJ, Choi KC, Lee IH, Lee KH, Kim MK, Ko H. Dioscin suppresses TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and suppresses A549 lung cancer migration and invasion. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:3342-3348. [PMID: 28610976 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an important cellular process, occurs during cancer development and progression, has a crucial role in metastasis by enhancing the motility of tumor cells. Dioscin is a polyphenolic component isolated from Phyllanthus amarus, which exhibits a wide range of pharmacological and physiological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-fungal, and anti-viral activities. However, the possible role of dioscin in the EMT is unclear. We investigated the suppressive effect of dioscin on the EMT. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is known to induce EMT in a number of cancer cell types and promote lung adenocarcinoma migration and invasion. To verify the inhibitory role of dioscin in lung cancer migration and invasion, we investigated the use of dioscin as inhibitors of TGF-β1-induced EMT in A549 lung cancer cells in vitro. Here, we found that dioscin prominently increased expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and expression of the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin and Snail during the TGF-β1-induced EMT. In addition, dioscin inhibited the TGF-β1-induced increase in cell migration and invasion of A549 lung cancer cells. Also, dioscin remarkably inhibited TGF-β1-regulated activation of MMP-2/9, Smad2, and p38. Taken together, our findings provide new evidence that dioscin suppresses lung cancer migration, and invasion in vitro by inhibiting the TGF-β1-induced EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Chul Lim
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyunhee Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Joo Kim
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Chul Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Pharmacology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - In Ho Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ki Heon Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mi Kyung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeonseok Ko
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Seoul, South Korea.
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