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Zhang W, Huang RS. Computer-aided drug discovery strategies for novel therapeutics for prostate cancer leveraging next-generating sequencing data. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:841-853. [PMID: 38860709 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2365370] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common malignancy and accounts for a significant proportion of cancer deaths among men. Although initial therapy success can often be observed in patients diagnosed with localized PC, many patients eventually develop disease recurrence and metastasis. Without effective treatments, patients with aggressive PC display very poor survival. To curb the current high mortality rate, many investigations have been carried out to identify efficacious therapeutics. Compared to de novo drug designs, computational methods have been widely employed to offer actionable drug predictions in a fast and cost-efficient way. Particularly, powered by an increasing availability of next-generation sequencing molecular profiles from PC patients, computer-aided approaches can be tailored to screen for candidate drugs. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors review the recent advances in computational methods for drug discovery utilizing molecular profiles from PC patients. Given the uniqueness in PC therapeutic needs, they discuss in detail the drug discovery goals of these studies, highlighting their translational values for clinically impactful drug nomination. EXPERT OPINION Evolving molecular profiling techniques may enable new perspectives for computer-aided approaches to offer drug candidates for different tumor microenvironments. With ongoing efforts to incorporate new compounds into large-scale high-throughput screens, the authors envision continued expansion of drug candidate pools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - R Stephanie Huang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Cavalcante BRR, Freitas RD, Siquara da Rocha LO, Santos RSB, Souza BSDF, Ramos PIP, Rocha GV, Gurgel Rocha CA. In silico approaches for drug repurposing in oncology: a scoping review. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1400029. [PMID: 38919258 PMCID: PMC11196849 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1400029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. Due to its complexity, it has been hard to find an ideal medicine to treat all cancer types, although there is an urgent need for it. However, the cost of developing a new drug is high and time-consuming. In this sense, drug repurposing (DR) can hasten drug discovery by giving existing drugs new disease indications. Many computational methods have been applied to achieve DR, but just a few have succeeded. Therefore, this review aims to show in silico DR approaches and the gap between these strategies and their ultimate application in oncology. Methods: The scoping review was conducted according to the Arksey and O'Malley framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations. Relevant studies were identified through electronic searching of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as the grey literature. We included peer-reviewed research articles involving in silico strategies applied to drug repurposing in oncology, published between 1 January 2003, and 31 December 2021. Results: We identified 238 studies for inclusion in the review. Most studies revealed that the United States, India, China, South Korea, and Italy are top publishers. Regarding cancer types, breast cancer, lymphomas and leukemias, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer are the top investigated. Additionally, most studies solely used computational methods, and just a few assessed more complex scientific models. Lastly, molecular modeling, which includes molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, was the most frequently used method, followed by signature-, Machine Learning-, and network-based strategies. Discussion: DR is a trending opportunity but still demands extensive testing to ensure its safety and efficacy for the new indications. Finally, implementing DR can be challenging due to various factors, including lack of quality data, patient populations, cost, intellectual property issues, market considerations, and regulatory requirements. Despite all the hurdles, DR remains an exciting strategy for identifying new treatments for numerous diseases, including cancer types, and giving patients faster access to new medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Raphael Ribeiro Cavalcante
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine of the School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Raíza Dias Freitas
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Social and Pediatric Dentistry of the School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Leonardo de Oliveira Siquara da Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine of the School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Solano de Freitas Souza
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Pablo Ivan Pereira Ramos
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Center of Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Gisele Vieira Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Araújo Gurgel Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine of the School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Propaedeutics, School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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Fischetti I, Botti L, Sulsenti R, Cancila V, Enriquez C, Ferri R, Bregni M, Crivelli F, Tripodo C, Colombo MP, Jachetti E. Combined therapy targeting AR and EZH2 curbs castration-resistant prostate cancer enhancing anti-tumor T-cell response. Epigenomics 2024; 16:653-670. [PMID: 38530086 PMCID: PMC11160446 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) eventually becomes resistant to androgen receptor pathway inhibitors like enzalutamide. Immunotherapy also fails in CRPC. We propose a new approach to simultaneously revert enzalutamide resistance and rewire anti-tumor immunity. Methods: We investigated in vitro and in subcutaneous and spontaneous mouse models the effects of combining enzalutamide and GSK-126, a drug inhibiting the epigenetic modulator EZH2. Results: Enzalutamide and GSK-126 synergized to reduce CRPC growth, also restraining tumor neuroendocrine differentiation. The anti-tumor activity was lost in immunodeficient mice. Indeed, the combination treatment awoke cytotoxic activity and IFN-γ production of tumor-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes. Conclusion: These results promote the combination of enzalutamide and GSK-126 in CRPC, also offering new avenues for immunotherapy in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Fischetti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Botti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Sulsenti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Cancila
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Enriquez
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Renata Ferri
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudio Tripodo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario P. Colombo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Jachetti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Sulsenti R, Jachetti E. Frenemies in the Microenvironment: Harnessing Mast Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1692. [PMID: 37376140 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor development, progression, and resistance to therapies are influenced by the interactions between tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment, comprising fibroblasts, immune cells, and extracellular matrix proteins. In this context, mast cells (MCs) have recently emerged as important players. Yet, their role is still controversial, as MCs can exert pro- or anti-tumor functions in different tumor types depending on their location within or around the tumor mass and their interaction with other components of the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we describe the main aspects of MC biology and the different contribution of MCs in promoting or inhibiting cancer growth. We then discuss possible therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting MCs for cancer immunotherapy, which include: (1) targeting c-Kit signaling; (2) stabilizing MC degranulation; (3) triggering activating/inhibiting receptors; (4) modulating MC recruitment; (5) harnessing MC mediators; (6) adoptive transferring of MCs. Such strategies should aim to either restrain or sustain MC activity according to specific contexts. Further investigation would allow us to better dissect the multifaceted roles of MCs in cancer and tailor novel approaches for an "MC-guided" personalized medicine to be used in combination with conventional anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Sulsenti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Jachetti
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Pharmacological Efficacy of Repurposing Drugs in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044154. [PMID: 36835564 PMCID: PMC9959639 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044154] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, prostate cancer (PC) is the second most frequent cancer among men and the fifth leading cause of death; moreover, standard treatments for PC have several issues, such as side effects and mechanisms of resistance. Thus, it is urgent to find drugs that can fill these gaps, and instead of developing new molecules requiring high financial and time investments, it would be useful to select non-cancer approved drugs that have mechanisms of action that could help in PC treatment, a process known as repurposing drugs. In this review article, drugs that have potential pharmacological efficacy are compiled to be repurposed for PC treatment. Thus, these drugs will be presented in the form of pharmacotherapeutic groups, such as antidyslipidemic drugs, antidiabetic drugs, antiparasitic drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibacterial drugs, antiviral drugs, antidepressant drugs, antihypertensive drugs, antifungal drugs, immunosuppressant drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antiepileptic and anticonvulsant drugs, bisphosphonates and drugs for alcoholism, among others, and we will discuss their mechanisms of action in PC treatment.
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Use of Antiepileptic Drugs and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Nationwide Case-Control Study in Prostate Cancer Data Base Sweden. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:9527920. [PMID: 36844872 PMCID: PMC9946761 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9527920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
An inverse association between use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and prostate cancer (PCa) has been suggested, putatively due to the histone deacetylases inhibitory (HDACi) properties of the AEDs. In a case-control study in Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden (PCBaSe), PCa cases diagnosed between 2014 and 2016 were matched to five controls by year of birth and county of residence. AED prescriptions were identified in the Prescribed Drug Registry. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for risk of PCa were estimated using multivariable conditional logistic regression, adjusted for civil status, education level, Charlson comorbidity index, number of outpatient visits, and cumulative duration of hospital stay. Dose responses in different PCa risk categories and HDACi properties of specific AED substances were further explored. 1738/31591 (5.5%) cases and 9674/156802 (6.2%) controls had been exposed to AED. Overall, users of any AED had a reduced risk of PCa as compared to nonusers (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87-0.97) which was attenuated by adjustment to healthcare utilisation. A reduced risk was also observed in all models for high-risk or metastatic PCa in AED users compared to nonusers (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81-0.97). No significant findings were observed for dose response or HDACi analyses. Our findings suggest a weak inverse association between AED use and PCa risk, which was attenuated by adjustment for healthcare utilisation. Moreover, our study showed no consistent dose-response pattern and no support for a stronger reduction related to HDAC inhibition. Further studies focusing on advanced PCa and PCa treatments are needed to better analyse the association between use of AED and risk of PCa.
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Cao H, Wang D, Gao R, Li C, Feng Y, Chen L. Therapeutic targets and signaling pathways of active components of QiLing decoction against castration-resistant prostate cancer based on network pharmacology. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13481. [PMID: 35782093 PMCID: PMC9245566 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13481] [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: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
QiLing decoction (QLD) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound. This study aims to explore the therapeutic effect of QLD in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and its potential bio-targets. A total of 51 active components and QLD 149 targets were identified using bioinformatics analysis. Additionally, five optimal hub target genes were screened including tumor protein P53 (TP53), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), caspase-3 (CASP-3), and estrogen receptor-1 (ESR-1). The interrelated network between active components of QLD and their potential targets was constructed. The molecular function, biological processes, and signaling pathways of QLD-against CRPC were identified. Moreover, QLD was found to efficiently exert a repressive effect on CRPC tumor growth mainly by suppressing the activation of HIF-α/VEGFA and TNF-α/IL6 signaling pathways, and increasing the P53 expression level. These results successfully indicated the potential anti-CRPC mechanism of the active components of QLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwen Cao
- Urology, LONGHUA Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Urology, LONGHUA Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Renjie Gao
- Urology, LONGHUA Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenggong Li
- Andrology of Urology, Linshu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Linyi, China
| | - Yigeng Feng
- Urology, LONGHUA Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Urology, LONGHUA Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Reprogramming landscape highlighted by dynamic transcriptomes in therapy-induced neuroendocrine differentiation. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:5873-5885. [DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Alavi MS, Negah SS, Ghorbani A, Hosseini A, Sadeghnia HR. Levetiracetam promoted rat embryonic neurogenesis via NMDA receptor-mediated mechanism in vitro. Life Sci 2021; 284:119923. [PMID: 34481865 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Levetiracetam (LEV) is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug with neuroprotective properties and novel mechanisms of action. Some evidence suggests that LEV may impact adult neurogenesis, but the results are controversial. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of LEV on the proliferation and differentiation of rat embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs) and to explore the role of GABAB or NMDA receptors. MAIN METHODS NSCs were isolated from rat fetal ganglionic eminence at embryonic day 14.5. The effects of LEV on viability, proliferation, neurosphere formation, and neuronal or astroglial differentiation of NSCs were assessed using resazurin, BrdU incorporation, immunocytochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blotting. Additionally, we addressed the relationship between treatment with NMDA and GABAB receptor antagonists (MK801 and saclofen, respectively) in combination with LEV on these parameters. KEY FINDINGS The data showed that LEV (50 μM) significantly increased the number (p < 0.01) and diameter of neurospheres (p < 0.05), enhanced proliferation (p < 0.01), and promoted neuronal differentiation, as revealed by significantly increased expressions of DCX and NeuN. The expressions of astroglial markers, GFAP and Olig2, were markedly reduced. The addition of MK801 (10 μM) significantly diminished neurospheres growth (p < 0.001), decreased the number of proliferating cells (p < 0.01), and reduced the number of new neurons (p < 0.001) but increased the astroglial cells (p < 0.001) induced by LEV. Co-treatment with saclofen (25 μM) did not significantly affect LEV-induced NSCs proliferation and differentiation. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that LEV may enhance rat embryonic neurogenesis mainly through an NMDA receptor-mediated mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaddeseh Sadat Alavi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sajad Sahab Negah
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghorbani
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Azar Hosseini
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid R Sadeghnia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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