AMPK Activation of Apoptotic Markers in Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines with Different p53 Backgrounds: MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and T47D Cells

Transcriptomics analysis reveals distinct mechanism of breast cancer stem cells regulation in mammospheres from MCF-7 and T47D cells

Luminal A breast cancer, constituting 70 % of breast cancer cases, presents a challenge due to the development of resistance and recurrence caused by breast cancer stem cells (BCSC). Luminal breast tumors are characterized by TP53 expression, a tumor suppressor gene involved in maintaining stem cell attributes in cancer. Although a previous study successfully developed mammospheres (MS) from MCF-7 (with wild-type TP53) and T47D (with mutant TP53) luminal breast cancer cells for BCSC enrichment, their transcriptomic profiles remain unclear. We aimed to elucidate the transcriptomic disparities between MS of MCF-7 and T47D cells using bioinformatics analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including the KEGG pathway, Gene Ontology (GO), drug-gene association, disease-gene association, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), DNA methylation analysis, correlation analysis of DEGs with immune cell infiltration, and association analysis of genes and small-molecule compounds via the Connectivity Map (CMap). Upregulated DEGs were enriched in metabolism-related KEGG pathways, whereas downregulated DEGs were enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. Drug-gene association analysis revealed that both upregulated and downregulated DEGs were associated with fostamatinib. The KEGG pathway GSEA results indicated that the DEGs were enriched for oxidative phosphorylation, whereas the downregulated DEGs were negatively enriched for the p53 signaling pathway. Examination of DNA methylation revealed a noticeable disparity in the expression patterns of the PKM2, ERO1L, SLC6A6, EPAS1, APLP2, RPL10L, and NEDD4 genes when comparing cohorts with low- and high-risk breast cancer. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was identified between SLC6A6 expression and macrophage presence, as well as MSN, and AKR1B1 expression and neutrophil and dentritic cell infiltration. CMap analysis unveiled SA-83851 as a potential candidate to counteract the effects of DEGs, specifically in cells harbouring mutant TP53. Further research, including in vitro and in vivo validations, is warranted to develop drugs targeting BCSCs.

Effectiveness and safety of Pingxiao capsule as adjuvant therapy in treatment of breast cancer: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the effectiveness and safety of Pingxiao capsule adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer.

METHODS

A total of 8 databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Engineering Index, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database were searched for the Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) of Pingxiao capsule combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer published before June 2022. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias. R language was used for estimating risks of bias of included studies, data analysis, and plotting.

RESULTS

A total of 15 RCTs involving 1272 patients were included in this study. Meta-analysis results indicated that compared with chemotherapy alone, Pingxiao capsule combined with chemotherapy could significantly improve breast cancer patients' objective response rate of breast cancer patients [rate ratio () = 1.35, 95% confidence interval () (1.12, 1.63), = 0.0017], the disease control rate [=1.16, 95% (1.08, 1.25), < 0.0001], the quality of life [ =1.42, 95% (1.16, 1.74), = 0.007], and the level of the immune cells [CD3+: standardized mean difference () =1.42, 95% (0.76, 2.09), < 0.001; CD4+: =1.18, 95% (0.70, 1.66), < 0.001]. In addition, Pingxiao capsule combined with chemotherapy can also significantly reduce CD8+ level ( < 0.0001) and reduce the symptoms of decreased white blood cell count [ = 0.62, 95% (0.39, 0.85), < 0.0001], and the occurrence of adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal adverse reactions and limb pain ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pingxiao capsule can significantly improve the efficacy of chemotherapy, the quality of life and immune function of patients, and reduce the clinical side effects caused by chemotherapy. However, high-quality randomized clinical trials with large samples are required for further verification of these results.

Narrow Leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) β-Conglutin Seed Proteins as a New Natural Cytotoxic Agents against Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer (BC) is the most widespread tumor in women and the second type of most common cancer worldwide. Despite all the technical and medical advances in existing therapies, between 30 and 50% of patients with BC will develop metastasis, which contributes to the failure of existing treatments. This situation urges the need to find more effective prevention and treatment strategies like the use of plant-based nutraceutical compounds. In this context, we purified three Narrow Leafed Lupin (NLL) β-conglutins isoforms using affinity-chromatography and evaluated their effectiveness in terms of viability, proliferation, apoptosis, stemness properties, and mechanism of action on both BC cell lines and a healthy one. NLL β-conglutins proteins have very promising effects at the molecular level on BC cells at very low concentrations, emerging as a potential natural cytotoxic agent and preserving the viability of healthy cells. These proteins could act through a dual mechanism involving tumorigenic and stemness-related genes such as SIRT1 and FoxO1, depending on the state of p53. More studies must be carried out to completely understand the underlying mechanisms of action of these nutraceutical compounds in BC in vitro and in vivo, and their potential use for the inhibition of other cancer cell types.

Novel Anti-Cancer Products Targeting AMPK: Natural Herbal Medicine against Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a common cancer in women worldwide. The existing clinical treatment strategies have been able to limit the progression of breast cancer and cancer metastasis, but abnormal metabolism, immunosuppression, and multidrug resistance involving multiple regulators remain the major challenges for the treatment of breast cancer. Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) can regulate metabolic reprogramming and reverse the "Warburg effect" via multiple metabolic signaling pathways in breast cancer. Previous studies suggest that the activation of AMPK suppresses the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells, as well as stimulating the responses of immune cells. However, some other reports claim that the development and poor prognosis of breast cancer are related to the overexpression and aberrant activation of AMPK. Thus, the role of AMPK in the progression of breast cancer is still controversial. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of AMPK, particularly the comprehensive bidirectional functions of AMPK in cancer progression; discuss the pharmacological activators of AMPK and some specific molecules, including the natural products (including berberine, curcumin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, ginsenosides, and paclitaxel) that influence the efficacy of these activators in cancer therapy; and elaborate the role of AMPK as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer.

Lead Borate Nanoparticles Induce Apoptotic Gene Activity in P53 Mutant Cancer Cells

Cancer is a complex and multistage disease that causes suffering worldwide. Several mutations in tumor suppressor proteins are mostly responsible for tumorigenic development. Thus, determination of the mutations and developing a mutation targeted therapy are crucial in order to cure cancer. Moreover, since healthy cells do not have mutations in their tumor suppressor genes, mutation-specific treatment is responsible for selective treatment without harming a healthy tissue in the body. In this current study, lead borate nanoparticles (LB-Np) have been synthesized, and their effects on P53 mutant cancer cells were investigated. The synthesis method includes steps of mixing a borate buffer solution with the lead nitrate solution, washing the resulting precipitate with distilled water and eventually preparing stable LB-Np solutions. Cell viability analysis was conducted to identify the toxicity of LB-Np in HaCaT, A549, MCF7, and T47D cell lines. The changes in morphologies of breast cancer cell lines were demonstrated by using microscopical analysis. Additionally, alterations in gene expressions were determined in breast cancer cell lines after LB-Np treatment. This multidisciplinary study also identified the selective effect of LB-Np in cancer cell lines, in vitro. MTS and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays demonstrated the effect of LB-Np were specific for p53 mutation cell line, T47D. Breast cancer cell line T47D has 580 C/T mutation which affects the activation of p53 tumor suppressor protein. However, LB-Np treatment effectively killed T47D cell lines and did not affect any other cell lines that have no p53 mutations such as MCF7, A549, and healthy HaCaT. Overall, synthesized LB-Np were found to be effective in p53-mutated cell lines and showed a remarkable selective anti-cancer activity.

Troglitazone-Induced PRODH/POX-Dependent Apoptosis Occurs in the Absence of Estradiol or ERβ in ER-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Simple Summary

PRODH/POX (proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase) is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes proline degradation generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Estrogens limit proline availability for PRODH/POX by stimulating collagen biosynthesis. It has been considered that estrogens determine efficiency of troglitazone (TGZ)-induced PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis in breast cancer cells. The studies were performed in wild-type and PRODH/POX-silenced estrogen-dependent MCF-7 cells and estrogen-independent MDA-MB-231 cells. DNA and collagen biosynthesis were determined by radiometric method, ROS production was measured by fluorescence assay, protein expression was determined by Western blot and proline concentration by LC/MS analysis. We found that: i/TGZ-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 occurs only in the absence of estradiol or ERβ, ii/the process is mediated by PRODH/POX, iii/and is facilitated by proline availability for PRODH/POX by TGZ-dependent inhibition of collagen biosynthesis (proline utilizing process). The data suggest that combined TGZ and anti-estrogen treatment could be considered in experimental therapy of ER negative breast cancers.

Abstract

The impact of estradiol on troglitazone (TGZ)-induced proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase (PRODH/POX)-dependent apoptosis was studied in wild-type and PRODH/POX-silenced estrogen receptor (ER) dependent MCF-7 cells and ER-independent MDA-MB-231 cells. DNA and collagen biosynthesis were determined by radiometric method, prolidase activity evaluated by colorimetric method, ROS production was measured by fluorescence assay. Protein expression was determined by Western blot and proline concentration by LC/MS analysis. PRODH/POX degrades proline yielding reactive oxygen species (ROS). Estrogens stimulate collagen biosynthesis utilizing free proline and limiting its availability for PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis. TGZ cytotoxicity was highly pronounced in wild-type MDA-MB-231 cells cultured in medium without estradiol or in the cells cultured in medium with estradiol but deprived of ERβ (by ICI-dependent degradation), while in PRODH/POX-silenced cells the process was not affected. The TGZ cytotoxicity was accompanied by increase in PRODH/POX expression, ROS production, expression of cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9 and PARP, inhibition of collagen biosynthesis, prolidase activity and decrease in intracellular proline concentration. The phenomena were not observed in PRODH/POX-silenced cells. The data suggest that TGZ-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells cultured in medium without estradiol or deprived of ERβ is mediated by PRODH/POX and the process is facilitated by proline availability for PRODH/POX by TGZ-dependent inhibition of collagen biosynthesis. It suggests that combined TGZ and antiestrogen treatment could be considered in experimental therapy of estrogen receptor negative breast cancers.

RNA sequencing identified novel target genes for Adansonia digitata in breast and colon cancer cells

Adansonia digitata exhibits numerous beneficial effects. In the current study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of four different extracts of A. digitata (polar and non-polar extracts of fruit powder and fibers) on the proliferation of human colon cancer (HCT116), human breast cancer (MCF-7), and human ovarian cancer (OVCAR-3 and OVCAR-4) cell lines. RNA sequencing revealed the influence of the effective A. digitata fraction on the gene expression profiles of responsive cells. The results indicated that only the polar extract of the A. digitata fibers exhibited anti-proliferative activities against HCT116 and MCF-7 cells, but not ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the polar extract of the fibers resulted in the modulation of the expression of multiple genes in HCT116 and MCF-7 cells. We propose that casein kinase 2 alpha 3 (CSNK2A3) is a novel casein kinase 2 (CSNK2) isoform in HCT116 cells and report, for the first time, the potential involvement of FYVE, RhoGEF, and PH domain-containing 3 (FGD3) in colon cancer. Together, these findings provide evidence supporting the anti-cancer potential of the polar extract of A. digitata fibers in this experimental model of breast and colon cancers.

3,3'-Diindolylmethane induces gastric cancer cells death via STIM1 mediated store-operated calcium entry

3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a natural phytochemicals isolated from cruciferous vegetables, has been reported to inhibit human gastric cancer cells proliferation and induce cells apoptosis as well as autophagy, but its mechanisms are still unclear. Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is a main Ca2+ influx pathway in various of cancers, which is activated by the depletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ store. Stromal interaction molecular 1 (STIM1) is the necessary component of SOCE. In this study, we focus on to examine the regulatory mechanism of SOCE on DIM-induced death in gastric cancer. After treating the human BGC-823 and SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells with DIM, cellular proliferation was determined by MTT, apoptosis and autophagy were detected by flow cytometry or Hoechst 33342 staining. The expression levels of related proteins were evaluated by Western blotting. Free cytosolilc Ca2+ level was assessed by fluorescence monitoring under a laser scanning confocal microscope. The data have shown that DIM could significantly inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis as well as autophagy in two gastric cancer cell lines. After DIM treatment, the STIM1-mediated SOCE was activated by upregulating STIM1 and decreasing ER Ca2+ level. Knockdown STIM1 with siRNA or pharmacological inhibition of SOCE attenuated DIM induced apoptosis and autophagy by inhibiting p-AMPK mediated ER stress pathway. Our data highlighted that the potential of SOCE as a promising target for treating cancers. Developing effective and selective activators targeting STIM1-mediated SOCE pathway will facilitate better therapeutic sensitivity of phytochemicals acting on SOCE in gastric cancer. Moreover, more research should be performed to validate the efficacy of combination chemotherapy of anti-cancer drugs targeting SOCE for clinical application.