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Shi H, Yang J, Lin J, Hong X, Zhou Z, Zhao J, Li Y, Li J, Wu C, Yan J, Wong NK, Gao L. A facile fluorescence-coupling approach to visualizing leonurine uptake and distribution in living cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155737. [PMID: 38772183 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has been recognized for being a useful model organism in small-molecule drug screens and drug efficacy investigation. However, there remain bottlenecks in evaluating such processes as drug uptake and distribution due to a lack of appropriate chemical tools. PURPOSE This study aims to prepare fluorescence-labeled leonurine as an example to monitor drug uptake and distribution of small molecule in C. elegans and living cells. METHODS FITC-conjugated leonurine (leonurine-P) was synthesized and characterized by LC/MS, NMR, UV absorption and fluorescence intensity. Leonurine-P was used to stain C. elegans and various mammalian cell lines. Different concentrations of leonurine were tested in conjunction with a competing parent molecule to determine whether leonurine-P and leonurine shared the same biological targets. Drug distribution was analyzed by imaging. Fluorometry in microplates and flow cytometry were performed for quantitative measurements of drug uptake. RESULTS The UV absorption peak of leonurine-P was 490∼495 nm and emission peak was 520 nm. Leonurine-P specifically bound to endogenous protein targets in C. elegans and mammalian cells, which was competitively blocked by leonurine. The highest enrichment levels of leonurine-P were observed around 72 h following exposure in C. elegans. Leonurine-P can be used in a variety of cells to observe drug distribution dynamics. Flow cytometry of stained cells can be facilely carried out to quantitatively detect probe signals. CONCLUSIONS The strategy of fluorescein-labeled drugs reported herein allows quantification of drug enrichment and visualization of drug distribution, thus illustrates a convenient approach to study phytodrugs in pharmacological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Jinrong Yang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiajie Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Xiaobing Hong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Jiamin Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Yiwen Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Junjie Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Chaofeng Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Jinwu Yan
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Nai-Kei Wong
- Clinical Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China.
| | - Lei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
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Liu S, Sun C, Tang H, Peng C, Peng F. Leonurine: a comprehensive review of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicology. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1428406. [PMID: 39101131 PMCID: PMC11294146 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1428406] [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: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Leonurine is an alkaloid unique to the Leonurus genus, which has many biological activities, such as uterine contraction, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, regulation of cell apoptosis, anti-tumor, angiogenesis, anti-platelet aggregation, and inhibition of vasoconstriction. This paper summarizes the extraction methods, synthetic pathways, biosynthetic mechanisms, pharmacokinetic properties, pharmacological effects in various diseases, toxicology, and clinical trials of leonurine. To facilitate a successful transition into clinical application, intensified efforts are required in several key areas: structural modifications of leonurine to optimize its properties, comprehensive pharmacokinetic assessments to understand its behavior within the body, thorough mechanistic studies to elucidate how it works at the molecular level, rigorous safety evaluations and toxicological investigations to ensure patient wellbeing, and meticulously conducted clinical trials to validate its efficacy and safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Jung YY, Kim C, Shanmugam MK, Deivasigamani A, Chinnathambi A, Alharbi SA, Rangappa KS, Hui KM, Sethi G, Mohan CD, Ahn KS. Leonurine ameliorates the STAT3 pathway through the upregulation of SHP-1 to retard the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cell Signal 2024; 114:111003. [PMID: 38048857 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111003] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that directs the transcription of genes involved in the promotion of cell survival and proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. Overactivation of STAT3 is often witnessed in human cancers, thereby making it a good target in oncology. Herein the efficacy of Leonurine (Leo), a bioactive alkaloid present in Herba leonuri, was investigated for its STAT3-inhibitory potential in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Leo downregulated the persistent as well as IL-6-driven activation of STAT3. Leo abrogated the nuclear localization and DNA interacting ability of STAT3. Leo was also found to impart STAT3 inhibition by mitigating the activation of upstream kinases such as JAK1, JAK2, and Src both in constitutive and IL-6 inducible systems. Leo curbed the STAT3-driven luciferase gene expression and the depletion of STAT3 resulted in the reduced responsiveness of HCC cells to Leo. Pervanadate exposure counteracted Leo-induced STAT3 inhibition suggesting the involvement of a protein tyrosine phosphatase. SHP-1 was significantly elevated upon Leo exposure whereas the depletion of SHP-1 was found to revert the effect of Leo on STAT3. Leo induced apoptosis and also significantly potentiated the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and sorafenib. Leo was found to be non-toxic up to the dose of 10 mg/kg in NCr nude mice. In conclusion, Leo was demonstrated to induce cytotoxicity in HCC cells by mitigating the persistent of activation of STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Yun Jung
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 24 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chulwon Kim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 24 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Amudha Deivasigamani
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
| | - Arunachalam Chinnathambi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box -2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulaiman Ali Alharbi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box -2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kanchugarakoppal S Rangappa
- Institution of Excellence, Vijnana Bhavan, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570006, Karnataka, India
| | - Kam Man Hui
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya Mohan
- Department of Studies in Molecular Biology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570006, Karnataka, India.
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 24 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Zheng X, Yang L, Zhai W, Geng N, Zhang Z, Li X, Wu M. Synergistic anticancer activity of cisplatin combined with tannic acid enhances apoptosis in lung cancer through the PERK-ATF4 pathway. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:462. [PMID: 37885044 PMCID: PMC10604801 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01420-z] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cisplatin (CDDP) is a common anticancer drug whose side effects limit its clinical applications. Tannins (TA) are plant-derived polyphenols that inhibit tumor growth in different types of cancer. Here, we evaluated the anticancer effect of TA combined with CDDP on lung cancer cell lines (GLC-82 and H1299) and investigated the underlying molecular mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced apoptosis. METHODS Cell lines were treated with CDDP, TA, and CDDP + TA, and the effect of the combination was assessed using MTT assay and observed under light and fluorescence microscopes. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and the levels of ERS apoptosis pathway related genes were valuated by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The effects of the drug combination on the tumors of nude mice injected with H1299 cells were investigated, and the expression of key factors in the ER stress apoptotic pathway was investigated. RESULTS The combination of CDDP and TA significantly inhibited lung cancer cell viability indicating a synergistic antitumoral effect. The mRNA and protein expression levels of key ER stress factors in the CDDP + TA group were considerably higher than those in the CDDP and TA groups, the tumor volume in tumor-bearing mice was the smallest, and the number of apoptotic cells and the protein expression levels of the key ER stress in the combination group were considerably higher. CONCLUSIONS The combination of TA and CDDP may produce synergistic antitumoral effects mediated by the PERK-ATF4-CHOP apoptotic axis, suggesting a novel adjuvant treatment for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Zunyi Medical University, Xinpu Campus, No. 6, Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Genetics, Zunyi Medical University, Xinpu Campus, No. 6, Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
- Qihe County Vocational Secondary Professional School, Dezhou, Guizhou, China.
| | - Wei Zhai
- Department of Genetics, Zunyi Medical University, Xinpu Campus, No. 6, Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Nana Geng
- School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Xinpu Campus, No. 6, Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Oral Disease Research and High Education Institute in Guizhou Province, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhimin Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Zunyi Medical University, Xinpu Campus, No. 6, Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xueying Li
- Department of Genetics, Zunyi Medical University, Xinpu Campus, No. 6, Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
| | - Mingsong Wu
- School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Xinpu Campus, No. 6, Xuefu West Road, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
- Special Key Laboratory of Oral Disease Research and High Education Institute in Guizhou Province, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
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Cao Q, Wang Q, Wu X, Zhang Q, Huang J, Chen Y, You Y, Qiang Y, Huang X, Qin R, Cao G. A literature review: mechanisms of antitumor pharmacological action of leonurine alkaloid. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1272546. [PMID: 37818195 PMCID: PMC10560730 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1272546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Leonurine refers to the desiccated aerial portion of a plant in the Labiatae family. The primary bioactive constituent of Leonurine is an alkaloid, Leonurine alkaloid (Leo), renowned for its substantial therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of gynecological disorders, in addition to its broad-spectrum antineoplastic capabilities. Over recent years, the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of Leo have garnered escalating scholarly interest. Leo exhibits its anticancer potential by means of an array of mechanisms, encompassing the inhibition of neoplastic cell proliferation, induction of both apoptosis and autophagy, and the containment of oncogenic cell invasion and migration. The key signal transduction pathways implicated in these processes include the Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL), the Phosphoinositide3-Kinase/Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase (PI3K/AKT), the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), and the Mitogen-Activated Protein/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (MAP/ERK). This paper commences with an exploration of the principal oncogenic cellular behaviors influenced by Leo and the associated signal transduction pathways, thereby scrutinizing the mechanisms of Leo in the antineoplastic sequence of events. The intention is to offer theoretical reinforcement for the elucidation of more profound mechanisms underpinning Leo's anticancer potential and correlating pharmaceutical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Cao
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- School of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xinyan Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Undergraduate Department, Taishan University, Taian, China
| | - Jinghan Huang
- Undergraduate Department, Sichuan Conservatory of Music, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuquan Chen
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanwei You
- Division of Sports Science and Physical Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Qiang
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xufeng Huang
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ronggao Qin
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Guangzhu Cao
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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Chu M, Ji H, Li K, Liu H, Peng M, Wang Z, Zhu X. Investigating the potential mechanism of quercetin against cervical cancer. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:170. [PMID: 37704909 PMCID: PMC10499770 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00788-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is emerging as a potential target of increased susceptibility to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), leading to compromised survival rates. Despite this critical link, efficacious anti-cervical cancer/COVID-19 interventions remain limited. Quercetin, known for its efficacy against both cancer and viral infections, holds promise as a therapeutic agent. This study aims to elucidate quercetin's anti-cervical cancer/COVID-19 mechanisms and potential targets. METHODS We initiated our investigation with differential gene expression analysis using cervical cancer transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), focusing on intersections with COVID-19-related genes. Network pharmacology was employed to identify the shared targets between cervical cancer/COVID-19 DEGs and quercetin's targets. Subsequently, Cox proportional hazards analyses were employed to establish a risk score based on these genes. Molecular docking techniques were applied to predict quercetin's therapeutic targets and mechanisms for mitigating cervical cancer and COVID-19. RESULTS Our findings unveiled 45 potential quercetin targets with anti-cervical cancer/COVID-19 actions. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses highlighted significant enrichment in immune pathways and COVID-19-related pathways. A refined risk score model, comprising PLA2G7, TNF, TYK2, F2, and NRP1, effectively stratified cervical cancer patients into distinct risk groups. Importantly, molecular docking analyses illuminated quercetin's remarkable binding affinity to the primary protease of the coronavirus. CONCLUSIONS In summation, our study suggests that quercetin holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating coronavirus function, specifically through its interaction with the primary protease. This research offers novel insights into exploring COVID-19 susceptibility and enhancing survival in cervical cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Chu
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Huihui Ji
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Kehan Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Hejing Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Mengjia Peng
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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Liang B, Cui S, Zou S. Leonurine suppresses prostate cancer growth in vitro and in vivo by regulating miR-18a-5p/SLC40A1 axis. CHINESE J PHYSIOL 2022; 65:319-327. [PMID: 36588358 DOI: 10.4103/0304-4920.365459] [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: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-associated death in males. Leonurine (Leo) is a pleiotropic anti-tumor agent isolated from traditional Chinese herb that was used in gynecologic treatments. However, its pharmacological effect against prostate cancer progression remains unclear. Here, we showed that Leo dose dependently inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, and induced cell cycle arrest. Moreover, we noticed that miR-18a-5p was downregulated and the solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1) is upregulated by Leo treatment. SLC40A1 knockdown by siRNA abrogated the inhibitory effect of Leo on prostate cancer progression. Notably, Leo also significantly inhibited prostate cancer progression in a subcutaneous xenograft tumor mouse model in vivo. This study further unveiled the mechanism by which Leo inhibited prostate cancer progression, which provides a promising potential for its future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liang
- Department of Urology, Changzhou Cancer (Fourth People's) Hospital, Changzhou, China
| | - Shouxi Cui
- Department of Urology, Changzhou Cancer (Fourth People's) Hospital, Changzhou, China
| | - Songnian Zou
- Department of Urology, Changzhou Cancer (Fourth People's) Hospital, Changzhou, China
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Lin M, Zhang J, Bouamar H, Wang Z, Sun LZ, Zhu X. Fbxo22 promotes cervical cancer progression via targeting p57 Kip2 for ubiquitination and degradation. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:805. [PMID: 36127346 PMCID: PMC9489770 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05248-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
F-box only protein 22 (FBXO22) is a key subunit of the Skp1-Cullin 1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Little is known regarding its biological function and underlying molecular mechanisms in regulating cervical cancer (CC) progression. In this study, we aim to explore the role and mechanism of FBXO22 in CC progression. The correlation between FBXO22 and clinicopathological characteristics of CC was analyzed by tissue microarray. MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, protein half-life, co-immunoprecipitation, ubiquitination, and xenograft experiments were performed to assess the functions of FBXO22 and potential molecular mechanisms of FBXO22-mediated malignant progression in CC. The expression of FBXO22 protein in CC tissues was higher than that in adjacent non-tumor cervical tissues. Notably, high expression of FBXO22 was significantly associated with high histology grades, positive lymph node metastasis, and poor outcomes in CC patients. Functionally, ectopic expression of FBXO22 promoted cell viability in vitro and induced tumor growth in vivo, while knockdown of FBXO22 exhibited opposite effects. In addition, overexpression of FBXO22 promoted G1/S phase progression and inhibited apoptosis in CC cells. Mechanistically, FBXO22 physically interacted with the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p57Kip2 and subsequently mediated its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation leading to tumor progression. FBXO22 protein level was found negatively associated with p57Kip2 protein levels in patient CC samples. FBXO22 promotes CC progression partly through regulating the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of p57Kip2. Our study indicates that FBXO22 might be a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lin
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Jianan Zhang
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Hakim Bouamar
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
| | - Lu-Zhe Sun
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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Ji H, Li K, Xu W, Li R, Xie S, Zhu X. Prediction of the Mechanisms by Which Quercetin Enhances Cisplatin Action in Cervical Cancer: A Network Pharmacology Study and Experimental Validation. Front Oncol 2022; 11:780387. [PMID: 35070983 PMCID: PMC8770278 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.780387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Yimucao has been used as an herbal medicine to treat gynecological diseases. Common genes of Yimucao active compounds were investigated using network pharmacology. The components and targets of Yimucao were retrieved from the TCMSP database. Cervical cancer targets were collected from GeneCards, TTD, DisGeNET, and KEGG. Cisplatin-related genes were downloaded from GeneWeaver. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created using the STRING database. A drug-bioactive compound-disease-target network was constructed using Cytoscape. GO and KEGG analyses were performed to investigate common targets of quercetin and cisplatin in cervical cancer. We found that quercetin was the highly bioactive compound in Yimucao. The drug-bioactive compound-disease-target network contained 93 nodes and 261 edges. Drug-related key targets were identified, including EGFR, IL6, CASP3, VEGFA, MYC, CCND1, ERBB2, FOS, PPARG, and CASP8. Core targets were primarily related to the response to metal ions, cellular response to xenobiotic stimulus, and transcription factor complex. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed that quercetin and cisplatin may affect cervical cancer through platinum drug resistance and the p53 and HIF-1 pathways. Furthermore, quercetin combined with cisplatin downregulated the expression of EGFR, MYC, CCND1, and ERBB2 proteins and upregulated CASP8 expression in HeLa and SiHa cells. Functionally, quercetin enhanced cisplatin-induced anticancer activity in cervical cancer cells. Our results indicate that quercetin can be used to overcome cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Ji
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kehan Li
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Xu
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ruyi Li
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shangdan Xie
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Liu HM, Guo CL, Zhang YF, Chen JF, Liang ZP, Yang LH, Ma YP. Leonurine-Repressed miR-18a-5p/SOCS5/JAK2/STAT3 Axis Activity Disrupts CML malignancy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:657724. [PMID: 33935775 PMCID: PMC8087248 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.657724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leonurine, an active natural alkaloid compound isolated from Herba leonuri, has been reported to exhibit promising anticancer activity in solid tumors. The aim of this study was to explore whether leonurine is able to inhibit chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) malignancy. Here, we found that leonurine dose dependently inhibited the proliferation, migration, colony formation and promoted apoptosis of CML cells. Furthermore, leonurine markedly reduced CML xenograft growth in vivo. Mechanically, leonurine upregulated SOCS5 expression, thus leading JAK2/STAT3 signaling suppression. Silencing of SOCS5 by its siRNA abrogated the effect of leonurine on CML cells, demonstrating that SOCS5 mediates the anti-leukemia effect of leonurine. Notably, we observed that miR-18a-5p was remarkably increased in CML cells. Treating CML cells with leonurine significantly decreased miR-18a-5p expression. Moreover, we found miR-18a-5p repressed SOCS5 by directly targeting its 3′-UTR. miR-18a-5p downregulation induced by leonurine reduced the biological activity of CML cells by relieving miR-18a-5p repression of SOCS5 expression. Taken together, leonurine exerts significant anti-leukemia efficacy in CML by regulating miR-18a-5p/SOCS5/JAK2/STAT3 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chun-Ling Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yao-Fang Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jian-Fang Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Liang
- Basic Laboratory of Internal Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lin-Hua Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan-Ping Ma
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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11
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Employing siRNA tool and its delivery platforms in suppressing cisplatin resistance: Approaching to a new era of cancer chemotherapy. Life Sci 2021; 277:119430. [PMID: 33789144 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although chemotherapy is a first option in treatment of cancer patients, drug resistance has led to its failure, requiring strategies to overcome it. Cancer cells are capable of switching among molecular pathways to ensure their proliferation and metastasis, leading to their resistance to chemotherapy. The molecular pathways and mechanisms that are responsible for cancer progression and growth, can be negatively affected for providing chemosensitivity. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a powerful tool extensively applied in cancer therapy in both pre-clinical (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical studies because of its potential in suppressing tumor-promoting factors. As such oncogene pathways account for cisplatin (CP) resistance, their targeting by siRNA plays an important role in reversing chemoresistance. In the present review, application of siRNA for suppressing CP resistance is discussed. The first priority of using siRNA is sensitizing cancer cells to CP-mediated apoptosis via down-regulating survivin, ATG7, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and XIAP. The cancer stem cell properties and related molecular pathways including ID1, Oct-4 and nanog are inhibited by siRNA in CP sensitivity. Cell cycle arrest and enhanced accumulation of CP in cancer cells can be obtained using siRNA. In overcoming siRNA challenges such as off-targeting feature and degradation, carriers including nanoparticles and biological carriers have been applied. These carriers are important in enhancing cellular accumulation of siRNA, elevating gene silencing efficacy and reversing CP resistance.
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