Honokiol Inhibits Melanoma Growth by Targeting Keratin 18 in vitro and in vivo

Ubiquitination and deubiquitination in cancer: from mechanisms to novel therapeutic approaches

Ubiquitination, a pivotal posttranslational modification of proteins, plays a fundamental role in regulating protein stability. The dysregulation of ubiquitinating and deubiquitinating enzymes is a common feature in various cancers, underscoring the imperative to investigate ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs) for insights into oncogenic processes and the development of therapeutic interventions. In this review, we discuss the contributions of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in all hallmarks of cancer and progress in drug discovery. We delve into the multiple functions of the UPS in oncology, including its regulation of multiple cancer-associated pathways, its role in metabolic reprogramming, its engagement with tumor immune responses, its function in phenotypic plasticity and polymorphic microbiomes, and other essential cellular functions. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of novel anticancer strategies that leverage the UPS, including the development and application of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glues.

The application prospects of honokiol in dermatology

Honokiol is one of the natural extracts of Magnolia officinalis. It is a small molecule, lipophilic compound with extensive biological effects. It has been used in the treatment of multisystem diseases, including digestive diseases, endocrine diseases, nervous system diseases, and various tumors. This paper reviews the biological effects of honokiol on the treatment of skin diseases in recent years, including anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-fibrosis, anti-allergy, photo-protection, and immunomodulation. Most current researches are focused on the effects of anti-melanoma and photo-protection. Therefore, we summarized the specific mechanisms about these two effects. On the other side of treating skin diseases, the advantages of topical drugs cannot be replaced. As a small molecule fat-soluble compound, honokiol is suitable for external use. We reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of the topical mixed cream and various improved methods. These improvements include physical and chemical penetration enhancers, drug carriers, and chemical derivatives. In conclusion, honokiol has a wide range of effects, and its topical preparation provides a safe and effective way for treating skin diseases.

The Complex Interplay between Autophagy and NLRP3 Inflammasome in Renal Diseases

Autophagy is a highly conserved process of the eukaryotic cell cycle. It plays an important role in the survival and maintenance of cells by degrading organelles, proteins, and macromolecules in the cytoplasm and the circulation of degraded products. The dysfunction of autophagy can lead to the pathology of many human diseases. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome belongs to the family of nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRs) and can induce caspase-1 activation, thus leading to the maturation and secretion of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and IL-18. It has been reported that the interplay between autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in many diseases, including renal diseases. In this review, the interplay between autophagy and the NLRP3 inflammasome and the mechanisms in renal diseases are explored to provide ideas for relevant basic research in the future.

[6]-Paradol suppresses proliferation and metastases of pancreatic cancer by decreasing EGFR and inactivating PI3K/AKT signaling

Background

The underlying mechanism behind the tumorigenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer is not clear, and treatment failure is generally caused by early metastasis, recurrence, drug resistance and vascular invasion. Exploring novel therapeutic regimens is necessary to overcome drug resistance and improve patients outcomes.

Methods

Functional assays were performed to investigate the role of [6]-Paradol (6-P) in proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo. The interaction between EGFR and 6-P was tested by KEGG enrichment analysis and molecular docking analysis. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of EGFR in 6-P treated groups. Involvement of the PI3K/AKT pathway was measured by western blotting.

Results

6-P significantly suppressed pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. KEGG enrichment analysis and molecular docking analysis suggested that there existed certain interaction between EGFR and 6-P. In addition, 6-P obviously decreased EGFR protein expression level but did not change the mRNA expression level of EGFR. 6-P could induce degradation of EGFR through decreasing the protein stability of EGFR and enhancing the ubiquitin-mediated proteasome-dependent degradation, 6-P-mediated EGFR degradation led to inactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. However, ectopic expression of EGFR protein resulted in resistance to 6-P-mediated inactivity of PI3K/AKT signaling and inhibition of malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer. Inversely, erlotinib could enhance the 6-P-mediated anticancer activity.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that 6-P/EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling axis might become one of the potential therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02118-0.