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Chen G, Guo Z, Shu Y, Zhao Y, Qiu L, Duan S, Lin Y, He S, Li X, Feng X, Xiang G, Nian B, Wang Y, Li Z, Chongkang Yang, Shi Y, Lu Y, Liu G, Yang S, Zhang G, Hao B. Biosynthetic pathway of prescription cucurbitacin IIa and high-level production of key triterpenoid intermediates in engineered yeast and tobacco. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100835. [PMID: 38425040 PMCID: PMC11211238 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2024.100835] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Cucurbitacin IIa is a triterpenoid isolated exclusively from Hemsleya plants and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that functions as the main ingredient of prescription Hemslecin capsules and tablets in China. Synthetic biology provides new strategies for production of such valuable cucurbitacins at a large scale; however, the biosynthetic pathway of cucurbitacin IIa has been unknown, and the heterologous production of cucurbitacins in galactose medium has been expensive and low yielding. In this study, we characterized the functions of genes encoding two squalene epoxidases (HcSE1-2), six oxidosqualene cyclases (HcOSC1-6), two CYP450s (HcCYP87D20 and HcCYP81Q59), and an acyltransferase (HcAT1) in cucurbitacin IIa biosynthesis by heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Nicotiana benthamiana. We achieved high-level production of the key cucurbitacin precursor 11-carbonyl-20β-hydroxy-Cuol from glucose in yeast via modular engineering of the mevalonate pathway and optimization of P450 expression levels. The resulting yields of 46.41 mg/l 11-carbonyl-20β-hydroxy-Cuol and 126.47 mg/l total cucurbitacin triterpenoids in shake flasks are the highest yields yet reported from engineered microbes. Subsequently, production of 11-carbonyl-20β-hydroxy-Cuol by transient gene expression in tobacco resulted in yields of 1.28 mg/g dry weight in leaves. This work reveals the key genes involved in biosynthesis of prescription cucurbitacin IIa and demonstrates that engineered yeast cultivated with glucose can produce high yields of key triterpenoid intermediates. We describe a low-cost and highly efficient platform for rapid screening of candidate genes and high-yield production of pharmacological triterpenoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Zhaokuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Yanyu Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Lei Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Shaofeng Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Simei He
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Xiaobo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Xiaolin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Guisheng Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Bo Nian
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yina Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Chongkang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yingchun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Guanze Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Shengchao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China
| | - Guanghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China.
| | - Bing Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biology of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasms Innovation & Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Kunming, Yunnan 650106, China.
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Li Y, Li Y, Yao Y, Li H, Gao C, Sun C, Zhuang J. Potential of cucurbitacin as an anticancer drug. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115707. [PMID: 37862969 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115707] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In Chinese medicine, the Cucurbitaceae family contains many compounds known as cucurbitacins, which have been categorized into 12 classes ranging from A to T and more than 200 derivatives. Cucurbitacins are a class of highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids with potent anticancer properties. The eight components of cucurbitacins with the strongest anticancer activity are cucurbitacins B, D, E, I, IIa, L-glucoside, Q, and R. Cucurbitacins have also been reported to suppress JAK-STAT 3, mTOR, VEGFR, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK signaling pathways, all of which are crucial for the survival and demise of cancer cells. In this paper, we review the progress in research on cucurbitacin-induced apoptosis, autophagy, cytoskeleton disruption, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of cell proliferation, inhibition of invasion and migration, inhibition of angiogenesis, epigenetic alterations, and synergistic anticancer effects in tumor cells. Recent studies have identified cucurbitacins as promising molecules for therapeutic innovation with broad versatility in immune response. Thus, cucurbitacin is a promising class of anticancer agents that can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of many types of cancer.Therefore, based on the research reports in the past five years at home and abroad, we further summarize and review the structural characteristics, chemical and biological activities, and studies of cucurbitacins based on the previous studies to provide a reference for further development and utilization of cucurbitacins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yingrui Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Yao
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Huayao Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chundi Gao
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China; Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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Toussaint-Douhoré GY, Soro Y, Ouédraogo N, Vaca-Garcia C, Koffi-Attioua B, Carraz M. Liver cancer antiproliferative activity of a new nor-cucurbitacin from Mareya micrantha Müll. Arg. Fitoterapia 2023; 166:105471. [PMID: 36918040 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Mareya micrantha Müll. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant used in the Ivorian traditional medicinal system for various medical properties such as laxative, oxytocic, intestinal infectious diseases, malaria, etc. Six cucurbitacin derivatives (tetracyclic triterpenoids) are isolated from the leaves, stem barks or root barks of M. micrantha. Among these compounds, 29-nor-2β,15α,20β-trihydroxy-16α-acetyl-3,1,22-trioxo-cucurbita-4,23-diene (1) is a new nor-cucurbitacin isolated from the leaves; 29-nor-1,2,3,4,5,10-dehydro-3,15α,20β-trihydroxy-16α-acetyl-11,22-dioxo-cucurbita-23-ene 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) and 29-nor-2β,15α,20β-trihydroxy-16α-acetyl-3,11,22 trioxo-cucurbita-4,23-diene 2-O-β-D glucopyranoside (3) are new nor-cucurbitacins recently discovered by us in leaves and isolated again for this study while dihydro-epi-isocucurbitacin D (4), tetrahydro-cucurbitacin I (5) and cucurbitacin L (6) are known cucurbitacins but newly isolated from the stem barks and the root barks of M. micrantha. Their chemical structures are established according to spectral data (UV, IR, MS and 1H, 13C NMR). Their antiproliferative activity is explored in vitro on the chemo-resistant human hepatocarcinoma cell line Hep3B. Compound 1 showed a strong and selective antiproliferative activity against this cancer cell line (IC50 value of 0.12 ± 0.05 μM) when compared to normal hepatocytes HepaRG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gnaoré Yoh Toussaint-Douhoré
- Laboratoire de Constitution et Réaction de la Matière (LCRM), UFR-SSMT, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Yaya Soro
- Laboratoire des Procédés Industriels de Synthèse, de l'Environnement et des Energies Nouvelles (LAPISEN), INP-HB Yamoussoukro, BP 1093 Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Noufou Ouédraogo
- Département Médecine Pharmacopée Traditionnelles et Pharmacie (MEPHATRA-PH), IRSS, CNRST, 03 BP 7192 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Carlos Vaca-Garcia
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-industrielle (LCA), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, INPT, 4 allée Emile Monso, BP 44362 31030 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
| | - Barthélemy Koffi-Attioua
- Laboratoire de Constitution et Réaction de la Matière (LCRM), UFR-SSMT, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Maëlle Carraz
- UMR152 PharmaDev, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, 31062 Toulouse cedex 9, France.
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Bajalia EM, Azzouz FB, Chism DA, Giansiracusa DM, Wong CG, Plaskett KN, Bishayee A. Phytochemicals for the Prevention and Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence and Molecular Mechanisms. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3278. [PMID: 35805049 PMCID: PMC9265746 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with about 90% of renal malignancies, and its incidence is increasing globally. Plant-derived compounds have gained significant attention in the scientific community for their preventative and therapeutic effects on cancer. To evaluate the anticancer potential of phytocompounds for RCC, we compiled a comprehensive and systematic review of the available literature. Our work was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. The literature search was performed using scholarly databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect and keywords such as renal cell carcinoma, phytochemicals, cancer, tumor, proliferation, apoptosis, prevention, treatment, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Based on in vitro results, various phytochemicals, such as phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and sulfur-containing compounds, suppressed cell viability, proliferation and growth, showed cytotoxic activity, inhibited invasion and migration, and enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs in RCC. In various animal tumor models, phytochemicals suppressed renal tumor growth, reduced tumor size, and hindered angiogenesis and metastasis. The relevant antineoplastic mechanisms involved upregulation of caspases, reduction in cyclin activity, induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via modulation of a plethora of cell signaling pathways. Clinical studies demonstrated a reduced risk for the development of kidney cancer and enhancement of the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. Both preclinical and clinical studies displayed significant promise of utilizing phytochemicals for the prevention and treatment of RCC. Further research, confirming the mechanisms and regulatory pathways, along with randomized controlled trials, are needed to establish the use of phytochemicals in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA; (E.M.B.); (F.B.A.); (D.A.C.); (D.M.G.); (C.G.W.); (K.N.P.)
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Xu D, Shen H, Tian M, Chen W, Zhang X. Cucurbitacin I inhibits the proliferation of pancreatic cancer through the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway in vivo and in vitro. J Cancer 2022; 13:2050-2060. [PMID: 35517401 PMCID: PMC9066209 DOI: 10.7150/jca.65875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive solid malignancies, as it has a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. The growth and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells into normal tissues and organs make resection and treatment difficult. Finding an effective chemotherapy drug for this disease is crucial. In this study, we selected the tetracyclic triterpenoid compound cucurbitacin I, which may be used as a potential therapeutic drug for treating pancreatic cancer. First, we found that cucurbitacin I inhibited pancreatic cancer proliferation in a dose-time dependent manner. Further studies have shown that cucurbitacin I blocks the cell cycle of pancreatic cancer in the G2/M phase and induces cell apoptosis. In addition, under the action of the compound, the invasion ability of cells was greatly reduced and markedly impaired the growth of pancreatic tumour xenografts in nude mice. Furthermore, the decrease in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation caused by cucurbitacin I appeared to involve JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway inhibition, and the use of JAK2/STAT3 activators effectively restored the inhibition. In conclusion, our research may provide a basis for the further development of pancreatic cancer treatment drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongchao Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310000, China.,Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310000, China
| | - Hongzhang Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310000, China.,Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310000, China
| | - Mengyao Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310000, China
| | - Wangyang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou310000, China.,Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou310000, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310000, China
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PLGA/β-TCP composite scaffold incorporating cucurbitacin B promotes bone regeneration by inducing angiogenesis. J Orthop Translat 2021; 31:41-51. [PMID: 34804799 PMCID: PMC8571783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Vascularization is an essential step in successful bone tissue engineering. The induction of angiogenesis in bone tissue engineering can be enhanced through the delivery of therapeutic agents that stimulate vessel and bone formation. In this study, we show that cucurbitacin B (CuB), a tetracyclic terpene derived from Cucurbitaceae family plants, facilitates the induction of angiogenesis in vitro. Methods We incorporated CuB into a biodegradable poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) biomaterial scaffold (PT/CuB) Using 3D low-temperature rapid prototyping (LT-RP) technology. A rat skull defect model was used to verify whether the drug-incorporated scaffold has the effects of angiogenesis and osteogenesis in vivo for the regeneration of bone defect. Cytotoxicity assay was performed to determine the safe dose range of the CuB. Tube formation assay and western blot assay were used to analyze the angiogenesis effect of CuB. Results PT/CuB scaffold possessed well-designed bio-mimic structure and improved mechanical properties. CuB was linear release from the composite scaffold without affecting pH value. The results demonstrated that the PT/CuB scaffold significantly enhanced neovascularization and bone regeneration in a rat critical size calvarial defect model compared to the scaffold implants without CuB. Furthermore, CuB stimulated angiogenic signaling via up-regulating VEGFR2 and VEGFR-related signaling pathways. Conclusion CuB can serve as promising candidate compound for promoting neovascularization and osteogenesis, especially in tissue engineering for repair of bone defects. The translational potential of this article This study highlights the potential use of CuB as a therapeutic agent and strongly support its adoption as a component of composite scaffolds for tissue-engineering of bone repair.
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Improvement of Cucurbitacin B Content in Cucumis melo Pedicel Extracts by Biotransformation Using Recombinant β-Glucosidase. SEPARATIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/separations8090138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For the efficient biotransformation of cucurbitacin B 2-o-β-d-glucoside (CuBg) to cucurbitacin B (CuB) in Cucumis melo pedicel extracts, the β-glucosidase gene bglS—consisting of 1344 bp (447 amino acids) from Streptomyces sp. RW-2—was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The activity of recombinant β-glucosidase with p-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucoside (pNPG) as a substrate was 3.48 U/mL in a culture. Using the recombinant β-glucosidase for the biotransformation of C. melo pedicel extracts, CuBg was converted into CuB with a conversion rate of 87.6% when the concentration of CuBg was 0.973 g/L in a reaction mixtures. The concentration of CuB in C. melo pedicel extracts was improved from 13.6 to 20.2 g/L after biotransformation. The present study provides high-efficiency technology for the production of CuB from its glycoside by biotransformation.
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Mahmoudian-Sani MR, Asadi-Samani M. Modulation of MicroRNAs by Euphorbia Microsciadia Boiss in MDA-MB-231 Cell Line: New Possibilities in Breast Cancer Therapy. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2021; 15:174-184. [PMID: 32603285 DOI: 10.2174/1574892815666200630102944] [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: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large number of Euphorbia species have been evaluated for anticancer effects; however, their anticancer mechanisms have not been established up to now. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Euphorbia microsciadia (E. microsciadia) Boiss on the modulation of micro (mi) RNAs in MDA-MB-231 cell line. METHODS As the first step, the inhibitory concentration of hydroalcoholic extract of E. microsciadia on MDA-MB-231 cells was examined using the MTT assay, bypassing 24 and 48h from seeding. The real-time quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was also utilized to determine Let-7, miR-15, miR-16, miR-29, miR-151, miR-155, miR-21, miR-146b, miR-181b, miR-221, miR-222, miR-21, and miR-146b expressions in MDA-MB-231 cells, by passing 24 and 48h from treating with the extract of E. microsciadia. RESULTS The results reveal the cytotoxic effects of E. microsciadia on MDA-MB-231 cell line in a dose-dependent manner. The half maximal Inhibitory Concentrations (IC50) were also equal to 275 and 240μg/ml for E. microsciadia, by passing 24 and 48h from the treatment, respectively. Furthermore, it was confirmed that, E. microsciadia had augmented the expression levels of Let-7, miR-15, miR-16, miR-29, and miR-34a, which lead to an increase in apoptosis. CONCLUSION E. microsciadia could modulate some miRNAs involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cell line. Accordingly, targeting miRNAs by E. microsciadia can open some newer avenues for breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Reza Mahmoudian-Sani
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Majid Asadi-Samani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Abstract
Cucurbitacins (CUCUs) are triterpenoids known to display potent cytotoxic effects; however, their clinical application is limited due to poor pharmacokinetics and systemic toxicity. This work focuses on the development of c(RGDyK)-CUCU conjugates for the selective delivery of CUCUs to integrin-overexpressing cancer cells. The activity of the conjugates against various cancer cells was studied. They exhibited a mild cytostatic effect to six cancer cell lines and a cytotoxic effect against integrin-overexpressing MCF-7 and A549 cells. Their chemical and metabolic stability was extensively studied using LC-MS analysis. The conjugates maintained high affinity for αvβ3 integrin receptors. c(RGDyK) conjugation via a PEG linker was beneficial for CUCU-D and the resulting conjugate was approximately three-times more active than the free CUCU-D in MCF7 cells.
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Use of cucurbitacins for lung cancer research and therapy. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 88:1-14. [PMID: 33825035 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-021-04265-7] [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: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
As the main substance in some traditional Chinese medicines, cucurbitacins have been used to treat hepatitis for decades in China. Currently, the use of cucurbitacins against cancer and other diseases has achieved towering popularity among researchers worldwide, as detailed in this review with summarized tables. Numerous studies have reported the potential tumor-killing activities of cucurbitacins in multiple aspects of human malignancies. Continuous research on its anticancer activity mechanisms also brings a glimmer of light to the treatment of patients with lung cancer. In line with the promising roles of cucurbitacins against cancer, through various molecular signaling pathways, it is justifiable to propose the use of cucurbitacins as a potential mainline chemotherapy before the onset and after the diagnosis of lung cancers. Here, this article mainly summarized the findings about the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of cucurbitacins on lung cancer pathogenesis and treatment. In addition, we also discussed the safety and efficacy of their application for further research and even clinical practice.
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Cucurbitacin B exhibits antitumor effects on CD133+ HepG2 liver cancer stem cells by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:548-557. [PMID: 33675610 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a crucial cancer cell subpopulation, possess stemness phenotypic characteristics. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a tetracyclic triterpenoid isolated from Cucurbitaceae, exerts widely pharmacological activities in many diseases. The aim of this study was to enrich, identify liver CSCs and investigate antitumor effects of CuB as well as explore the underlying molecular mechanisms in these liver CSCs. HepG2 cell lines were used for the enrichment of liver CSCs by serum-free medium culture and magnetic-activated cell sorting. The CSC characteristics were analyzed by immunofluorescent staining, sphere-forming, western blot and xenograft tumorigenicity assay. CuB' antitumor effects and underlying molecular mechanism were measured by cell counting kit-8, colony formation, sphere-forming, cell cycle, xenograft and western blot assay. Our results showed that we could enrich 97.29% CD133+ HepG2 cells, which possessed CSC characteristics including re-renewal capacity, proliferative ability, sorafenib resistance, overexpressed stemness-related molecules and enhanced tumorigenic potential. Furthermore, we also found that CuB inhibited cell viability, sphere formation, colony formation and arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase as well as sensitized CD133+ HepG2 cells to sorafenib in vitro and in vivo. Western blot assay indicated that CuB inhibited expression levels of cyclin B1, CDK1, CD133, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3. In conclusion, our findings indicated that CuB could exhibit antitumor effects on CD133+ HepG2 CSCs by inhibiting the Janus kinase 2/signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 signaling pathway, expanding basic and preclinical investigations on liver CSCs.
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Liang Y, Zhang T, Ren L, Jing S, Li Z, Zuo P, Li T, Wang Y, Zhang J, Wei Z. Cucurbitacin IIb induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through regulating EGFR/MAPK pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 81:103542. [PMID: 33161110 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is considered as a valid target in the clinical trials of anticancer therapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of EGFR are approved for cancer treatments. In present work, cucurbitacin IIb (CuIIb) was confirmed to exhibit the proliferation inhibitory activity in A549 cells. CuIIb induced apoptosis via STAT3 pathway, which was mitochondria-mediated and caspase-dependent. CuIIb also suppressed the cell cycle and induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. CuIIb was capable of suppressing the signal transmitting of the EGFR/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway which was responsible for the apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) analysis demonstrated that the kinase activity of EGFR was inhibited by CuIIb. Molecular docking suggested that the CuIIb-EGFR binding fundamentally depends on the contribution of both hydrophobic and hydrogen-bonding interactions. Hence CuIIb may serve as a potential EGFR TKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Tiehua Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Li Ren
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Siyuan Jing
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Zhuolin Li
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Peng Zuo
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Tiezhu Li
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Zhengyi Wei
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China.
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Wang X, Li H, Li D, Bai Y, Zhang Y, Yan X, Li J, Zhao R, Liu J, Liu W, Shi M, Xu C, Yang T, Zhang T. Sorafenib and CuB exert synergistic antitumor effects against hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 11:133-145. [PMID: 33176070 PMCID: PMC7780105 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, the first‐line agent for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), improves median overall survival by approximately 3 months. In the present study, we investigated whether sorafenib combined with cucurbitacin B (CuB), a natural tetracyclic triterpenoid isolated from Cucurbitaceae, exerts enhanced antitumor effects against HCC. Cell viability and colony formation ability were detected by cell‐counting kit‐8 and colony formation assays. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Protein expression was detected by western blotting. HepG2 xenografts in nude mice were used to evaluate in vivo antitumor effects. We report that sorafenib and CuB exhibited synergistic effects on cellular proliferation inhibition and cell apoptosis induction, but not on cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, combination treatment enhanced levels of cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 9, but suppressed phosphorylation of STAT3. Epidermal growth factor, a potent stimulator of signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT3), promoted cell viability and colony formation ability, whereas combination treatment exerted inhibitory effects on epidermal growth factor‐induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Finally, HepG2 xenograft mice cotreated with sorafenib and CuB exhibited reduced tumor progression without notable weight loss. In conclusion, sorafenib and CuB exert synergistic antitumor effects through a pathway that may involve STAT3 phosphorylation, and this may represent a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Cancer, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Clinical School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Li
- Cancer Center, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Li
- Cancer Center, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Yudi Bai
- Basic School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Basic School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Ri Zhao
- Scientific Research Center, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Basic School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Clinical School of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Maolin Shi
- Clinical School of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- Department of Cancer, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Clinical School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Tai Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Cancer Center, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
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Lin X, Farooqi AA. Cucurbitacin mediated regulation of deregulated oncogenic signaling cascades and non-coding RNAs in different cancers: Spotlight on JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, mTOR, TRAIL-mediated pathways. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 73:302-309. [PMID: 33152487 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Research over decades has enabled us in developing a better understanding of the multifaceted and heterogeneous nature of cancer. High-throughput technologies have helped the researchers in unraveling of the underlying mechanisms which centrally regulate cancer onset, metastasis and drug resistance. Our rapidly expanding knowledge about signal transduction cascade has added another layer of complexity to already complicated nature of cancer. Deregulation of cell signaling pathways played a linchpin role in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Cucurbitacins have gained tremendous attention because of their remarkable pharmacological properties and considerable ability to mechanistically modulate myriad of cell signaling pathways in different cancers. In this review, we have attempted to provide a mechanistic and comprehensive analysis of regulation of oncogenic pathways by cucurbitacins in different cancers. We have partitioned this review into separate sections for exclusive analysis of each signaling pathway and critical assessment of the knowledge gaps. In this review, we will summarize most recent and landmark developments related to regulation of Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, mTOR, VEGFR, EGFR and Hippo pathway by cucurbitacins. Moreover, we will also address how cucurbitacins regulate DNA damage repair pathway and TRAIL-driven signaling in various cancers. However, there are still outstanding questions related to regulation of SHH/GLI, TGF/SMAD and Notch-driven pathway by cucurbitacins in different cancers. Future studies must converge on the analysis of full-fledge potential of cucurbitacins by in-depth analysis of these pathways and how these pathways can be therapeutically targeted by cucurbitacins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiukun Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan.
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STAT3 Pathway in Gastric Cancer: Signaling, Therapeutic Targeting and Future Prospects. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9060126. [PMID: 32545648 PMCID: PMC7345582 DOI: 10.3390/biology9060126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Molecular signaling pathways play a significant role in the regulation of biological mechanisms, and their abnormal expression can provide the conditions for cancer development. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a key member of the STAT proteins and its oncogene role in cancer has been shown. STAT3 is able to promote the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells and induces chemoresistance. Different downstream targets of STAT3 have been identified in cancer and it has also been shown that microRNA (miR), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and other molecular pathways are able to function as upstream mediators of STAT3 in cancer. In the present review, we focus on the role and regulation of STAT3 in gastric cancer (GC). miRs and lncRNAs are considered as potential upstream mediators of STAT3 and they are able to affect STAT3 expression in exerting their oncogene or onco-suppressor role in GC cells. Anti-tumor compounds suppress the STAT3 signaling pathway to restrict the proliferation and malignant behavior of GC cells. Other molecular pathways, such as sirtuin, stathmin and so on, can act as upstream mediators of STAT3 in GC. Notably, the components of the tumor microenvironment that are capable of targeting STAT3 in GC, such as fibroblasts and macrophages, are discussed in this review. Finally, we demonstrate that STAT3 can target oncogene factors to enhance the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells.
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