Berberine as a potential agent for breast cancer therapy

Emerging phytochemical-based nanocarriers: redefining the perspectives of breast cancer therapy

Breast cancer is recognized as the most prevalent condition impacting women globally, despite several advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Existing therapeutic interventions including surgical procedures, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy often produce harmful effects on healthy tissues, trigger chemo-resistance, and augment the risk of relapse. In response to several unmet challenges, substantial research has been conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of natural compounds for breast cancer therapy. Progress in phytochemistry and pharmacology has facilitated the identification of diverse herbal bioactives with favorable safety profiles and multi-target mechanisms of action against breast cancer cells. Several phytochemicals like flavonoids and tannins have shown significant anticancer potential against breast cancer in diverse preclinical models. However, challenges like limited cellular absorption, low water solubility, and high molecular weight hinder their effective translation into clinical applications. Therefore, the development of novel therapies is imperative for overcoming these hurdles in breast cancer treatment effectively. Nanotechnology has reflected considerable perspective in tackling diverse challenges by encapsulating phytoconstituents within various nanocarriers including polymeric nanoparticles, lipidic nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanogels, gold nanoparticles, and silver nanoparticles. This manuscript emphasizes the recent advancements in phytochemical-loaded nanocarriers efficiently tailored for breast cancer therapy along with patents, current challenges, and future perspectives in this avenue.

Modulation of Wnt/Beta-Catenin Pathway by Major Dietary Phytochemicals Against Breast Cancer Development

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States. Despite a decrease in mortality associated with breast cancer, there has been a steady increase in its incidence. Development of the mammary gland is normally regulated by such pathways including Wnt, Hedgehog, estrogen and Notch signaling. However, the deregulation of these pathways gives rise to tumor development, and upregulated Wnt activity along with high levels of beta-catenin is correlated with poor prognosis of breast cancer. In addition, beta-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling is enriched in triple-negative breast cancers and is associated with reduced overall survival in breast cancer patients. Various studies have investigated the ability of naturally occurring plant-based agents to reduce incidence and morbidity of breast cancer by regulating critical cell survival pathways to reverse or inhibit the occurrence of clinical disease. The present review focuses on summarizing the role of commonly consumed dietary phytochemicals and their role in regulating Wnt/β-catenin pathway against the development of breast cancer.

Comprehensive pharmacokinetic profiling and molecular docking analysis of natural bioactive compounds targeting oncogenic biomarkers in breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide, highlighting the crucial need for novel and effective treatments. In this study, we look at the ability of four natural compounds i.e. Berberine, Curcumin, Withaferin A, and Ellagic Acid to target important breast cancer biomarkers such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL-1), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). These indicators have important roles in tumor development, survival, immune response, and cell cycle control, making them potential targets for future cancer treatments. Our study employs a variety of techniques, including pharmacokinetic profiling (ADME), molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, to determine how successful these drugs could be in therapy. The pharmacokinetic investigation found that Berberine and Ellagic Acid stand out due to their high absorption and solubility, implying that they could be suitable for clinical application. When we ran docking simulations, we discovered substantial connections between these chemicals and the target proteins. Additionally, Berberine has a binding affinity of - 9.3 kcal/mol for BCL-2, indicating that it can impair the protein's cancer cell-protective activities. Ellagic Acid, on the other hand, has an even higher binding affinity for PDL-1 of - 9.8 kcal/mol, showing that it may be able to increase immune responses against tumors. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 ns demonstrated the stability of these protein-ligand complexes. Interestingly, Ellagic Acid was found to be more structurally stable than Berberine throughout these simulations. We found consistent interactions between the chemicals and key residues in the target proteins. For example, Ellagic Acid (CID: 5281855) established persistent linkages with LYS43, ASP163, and VAL27, whereas Berberine (CID: 2353) interacted with VAL27, ALA41, and LEU152 throughout the simulation. In conclusion, the combination of good pharmacokinetics, robust interactions with cancer biomarkers, and stable complexes makes Berberine and Ellagic Acid interesting candidates for further investigation as natural inhibitors in breast cancer treatment. These findings establish the framework for future research into novel and inventive techniques to effectively combating breast cancer.

PRMT7 in cancer: Structure, effects, and therapeutic potentials

Protein arginine methyltransferase 7 (PRMT7), a type III methyltransferase responsible solely for arginine mono-methylation, plays a critical role in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Recent studies have highlighted its aberrant expression or mutation in various cancers, implicating it in tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and drug resistance. Consequently, PRMT7 has emerged as a promising target for cancer diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. In this review, we present an overview of the molecular structure of PRMT7, discuss its roles and mechanisms in different cancer types, and analyze the binding modes and structure-activity relationships of reported PRMT7 inhibitors. Furthermore, we identify the challenges encountered in functional exploration and drug development targeting PRMT7, propose potential solutions to these challenges, and outline future directions for the development of PRMT7 inhibitors to inform future drug discovery efforts.

Exploring the interplay of natural products and long non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and overcoming drug resistance

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as one of the most prevalent malignancies, both in terms of incidence and mortality rates. Current research into CRC has shed light on the molecular mechanisms driving its development. Several factors, including lifestyle, environmental influences, genetics, and diet, play significant roles in its pathogenesis. Natural compounds such as curcumin, tanshinone, lycorine, sinomenine, kaempferol, verbascoside, quercetin, berberine, and fisetin have shown great promise in the prevention and treatment of CRC. Research has also highlighted the significance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CRC. Among these, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to regulate the transcription of genes involved in cancer. LncRNAs contribute to cancer stem cell (CSC) proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemoresistance. Specific lncRNAs, including GAS5, LNC00337, HOTAIR, TPT1-AS1, cCSC1, BCAR4, TUG1, and Solh2, play crucial roles in these processes. They hold potential as novel biomarkers, detectable in bodily fluids and tissues, and could serve as therapeutic targets due to their involvement in drug resistance and sensitivity. These insights could improve CRC treatment strategies, addressing resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current knowledge regarding the effectiveness of natural anti-cancer agents in CRC treatment. Additionally, it offers an in-depth evaluation of lncRNAs in CRC, their role in the disease's progression, and their potential applications in its management.

IgE-FcεRI protein-protein interaction as a therapeutic target against allergic asthma: An updated review

In the last decade, research has clarified the binding interactions between immunoglobulin E (IgE) and its high-affinity receptor, the FcεRI alpha chain (FcεRI). The formation of the IgE-FcεRI complex is crucial in the context of atopic allergies, linking allergen recognition to cellular activation and disease manifestation. Consequently, pharmacological strategies that disrupt these interactions are vital for managing atopic conditions. Historically, the complexity of the IgE-FcεRI binding process and challenges in producing functional recombinant derivatives has complicated data interpretation. However, advancements in structural biology, protein engineering, and immunological studies have enhanced our understanding of these protein-protein interactions (PPI), facilitating the development of more effective therapies. The introduction of anti-IgE therapies underscores the significance of the IgE-FcεRI PPI in allergic asthma. IgE, that is present locally and systemically, serves as a sensory mechanism in the adaptive immune response, particularly in mast cells (MCs) and basophils. When bound to FcεRI, IgE enables rapid memory responses to allergens, but dysregulation can lead to severe allergic asthma. Thus, the reactivity of IgE sensors can be finely modulated using various IgE-associated molecules. This review explores the mechanisms underlying IgE-dependent MC activation and its regulation by these molecules, including the latest therapeutic candidates under investigation.

A Comprehensive Review Highlighting the Prospects of Phytonutrient Berberine as an Anticancer Agent

Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from various medicinal plants, emerges as a potential therapeutic agent against diverse human diseases. It has particularly shown notable anticancer efficacy against breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, and liver cancer. Berberine results in inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and suppressing angiogenesis, positioning it as a versatile, multitargeted therapeutic tool against cancer. Notably, berberine enhances the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, mitigating associated drug resistance. Mechanistically, it has been shown to exert its efficacy by targeting molecules like nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, thereby inhibiting survival pathways and promoting apoptosis of cancer cells. Moreover, berberine influences the expression of tumor suppressor genes, curtails cancer cell migration and invasion, and modulates the tumour microenvironment. Despite promising preclinical evidence, further research is essential to comprehensively elucidate its mechanisms of action and evaluate its safety and efficacy in clinical settings. In the present review, we have highlighted the pharmacokinetics, biosynthesis, and recent research work done pertaining to berberine's strong anticancer activity. We have also emphasised on the research being done on nanoformulations of berberine, which aim to improve its stability and bioavailability.

Berberine in combination with anti-PD-L1 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression and metastasis via Erk signaling pathway

Background

Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Huang Lian and other herbal medicines. It has been reported to play a crucial role in multiple metabolic diseases and cancers. Programmed cell death-1 (PD-L1) is known as the immune checkpoint; immunotherapy targeting PD1/PD-L1 axis can effectively block its pro-tumor activity. However, the effect of the combined use of BBR and anti-PD-L1 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been reported.

Methods

Hep-3B and HCCLM3 cells were chosen as the experimental objects. To determine the potential anti-cancer activity of the combination of BBR and anti-PD-L1, we first treated v cells with BBR. The cell viability of Hep-3B and HCCLM3 with BBR treatment was measured by Cell Count Kit 8 assay. Cytometry by time-of-flight was performed to analyze tumor tissues after treatment with BBR and/or anti-PD-L1. Proliferation-, migration-, and invasion-related markers were measured by western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The results showed that BBR significantly inhibited the proliferation of Hep-3B and HCCLM3.The combination treatment of BBR and anti-PD-L1 had a prominent inhibitory effect on HCC tumorigenesis. Cytometry by time-of-flight analysis indicated that BBR affects the immune subsets in the tumors. Besides, BBR and anti-PD-L1 inhibited the migration and invasion of HCC by inactivating the phosphorylation of Erk.

Conclusion

Our study proposed that the combination treatment of BBR and anti-PD-L1 markedly inhibited the tumorigenesis of HCC by Erk signaling pathway. We hope our research can provide a new strategy for the potential of BBR as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of HCC.

Unraveling the role of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 5 (UBC5) in disease pathogenesis: A comprehensive review

While certain members of ubiquitin-coupled enzymes (E2s) have garnered attention as potential therapeutic targets across diverse diseases, research progress on Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme 5 (UBC5)-a pivotal member of the E2s family involved in crucial cellular processes such as apoptosis, DNA repair, and signal transduction-has been relatively sluggish. Previous findings suggest that UBC5 plays a vital role in the ubiquitination of various target proteins implicated in diseases and homeostasis, particularly in various cancer types. This review comprehensively introduces the structure and biological functions of UBC5, with a specific focus on its contributions to the onset and advancement of diverse diseases. It suggests that targeting UBC5 holds promise as a therapeutic approach for disease therapy. Recent discoveries highlighting the high homology between UBC5, UBC1, and UBC4 have provided insight into the mechanism of UBC5 in protein degradation and the regulation of cellular functions. As our comprehension of the structural distinctions among UBC5 and its homologues, namely UBC1 and UBC4, advances, our understanding of UBC5's functional significance also expands.

Structure-Based identification of a potent KDM7A inhibitor exerts anticancer activity through transcriptionally reducing MKRN1 in taxol- resistant and -sensitive triple-negative breast cancer cells

KDM7A, a histone demethylase implicated in cancer proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance, represents a crucial therapeutic target. Utilizing "mcule.com" for virtual screening of 100,000 compounds from the ZINC database, we identified 12 compounds with high affinity for KDM7A, with compound 4 emerging as the leading candidate for effectively inhibiting KDM7A's demethylase activity. Analysis of the GTRD database, the Breast Cancer Gene Expression Miner website, and recent studies highlighted MKRN1, a gene associated with cell proliferation and drug resistance, as a key intersecting factor. Compared to 2,4-pyridine dicarboxylic acid, compound 4 significantly reduced breast cancer stem cells and induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, compound 4 inhibited KDM7A's binding to H3K27me3, decreased MKRN1 transcription, and increased the levels of cell cycle regulators p16, p21, and p27, while reducing stem cell markers ALDH1A1, CD44, and CD133. These findings suggest that compound 4 could serve as a promising lead for selective KDM7A-targeting drugs. Additionally, this study is the first to demonstrate MKRN1 as a downstream gene of KDM7A, showing significant inhibitory effects in both taxol-resistant and drug-sensitive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. This research offers new insights into the anticancer mechanisms of KDM7A inhibitors and underscores KDM7A's potential as a therapeutic target against TNBC.

Marine Staurosporine Analogues: Activity and Target Identification in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with high mortality and drug resistance and no targeted drug available at present. Compound 4, a staurosporine alkaloid derived from Streptomyces sp. NBU3142 in a marine sponge, exhibits potent anti-TNBC activity. This research investigated its impact on MDA-MB-231 cells and their drug-resistant variants. The findings highlighted that compound 4 inhibits breast cancer cell migration, induces apoptosis, arrests the cell cycle, and promotes cellular senescence in both regular and paclitaxel-resistant MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, this study identified mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 11 (MAP3K11) as a target of compound 4, implicating its role in breast tumorigenesis by affecting cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression.

A Descriptive Review of the Antioxidant Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Berberine and Silymarin

Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and liver disorders. Antioxidant therapies that target oxidative damage show significant promise in preventing and treating these conditions. Berberine, an alkaloid derived from various plants in the Berberidaceae family, enhances cellular defenses against oxidative stress through several mechanisms. It activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and improves energy metabolism. Furthermore, it boosts the activity of key antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thus protecting cells from oxidative damage. These actions make berberine effective in managing diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. Silymarin, a flavonolignan complex derived from Silybum marianum, is particularly effective for liver protection. It activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, enhancing antioxidant enzyme expression and stabilizing mitochondrial membranes. Additionally, silymarin reduces the formation of ROS by chelating metal ions, and it also diminishes inflammation. This makes it beneficial for conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-related liver disorders. This review aims to highlight the distinct mechanisms by which berberine and silymarin exert their antioxidant effects.

Natural Alkaloids in Cancer Therapy: Berberine, Sanguinarine and Chelerythrine against Colorectal and Gastric Cancer

The rising incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC) worldwide, coupled with the limited effectiveness of current chemotherapeutic agents, has prioritized the search for new therapeutic options. Natural substances, which often exhibit cytostatic properties, hold significant promise in this area. This review evaluates the anticancer properties of three natural alkaloids-berberine, sanguinarine, and chelerythrine-against CRC and GC. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that these substances can reduce tumor volume and inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumors. At the molecular level, these alkaloids disrupt key signaling pathways in cancer cells, including mTOR, MAPK, EGFR, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB. Additionally, they exhibit immunomodulatory effects, leading to the induction of programmed cell death through both apoptosis and autophagy. Notably, these substances have shown synergistic effects when combined with classical cytostatic agents such as cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, cetuximab, and erlotinib. Furthermore, berberine has demonstrated the ability to restore sensitivity in individuals originally resistant to cisplatin GC. Given these findings, natural compounds emerge as a promising option in the chemotherapy of malignant gastrointestinal tumors, particularly in cases with limited treatment options. However, more research is necessary to fully understand their therapeutic potential.

Natural Compounds for Preventing Age-Related Diseases and Cancers

Aging is a multifaceted process influenced by hereditary factors, lifestyle, and environmental elements. As time progresses, the human body experiences degenerative changes in major functions. The external and internal signs of aging manifest in various ways, including skin dryness, wrinkles, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Additionally, cancer, like aging, is a complex disease that arises from the accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic alterations. Circadian clock dysregulation has recently been identified as an important risk factor for aging and cancer development. Natural compounds and herbal medicines have gained significant attention for their potential in preventing age-related diseases and inhibiting cancer progression. These compounds demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic effects as well as circadian clock regulation. This review explores age-related diseases, cancers, and the potential of specific natural compounds in targeting the key features of these conditions.

Pharmacological Potential of Three Berberine-Containing Plant Extracts Obtained from Berberis vulgaris L., Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt., and Phellodendron amurense Rupr

Three berberine-containing plant extracts were investigated for their pharmacological properties. The stems and leaves of Berberis vulgaris, Mahonia aquifolium, and Phellodendron amurense were characterized through scanning electron microscopy. The plant extracts obtained from fresh stem barks were further analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography, revealing berberine concentrations, among berbamine and palmatine. The plant extracts were further tested for their anticancer potential against 2D and 3D human skin melanoma (A375) and lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell lines. The concentrations at which 50% of the cells are affected was determined by the viability assay and it was shown that B. vulgaris, the plant extract with the highest berberine concentration, is the most efficient inhibitor (0.4% extract concentration for the 2D model and 3.8% for the 3D model). The membrane integrity and nitrate/nitrite concentration assays were consistent with the viability results and showed effective anticancer potential. For further investigations, the B. vulgaris extract was used to obtain silver nanoparticles, which were characterized through transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The formed nanoparticles have a uniform size distribution and are suited for future investigations in the field of biomedical applications, together with the B. vulgaris plant extract.

The State-of-the-Art Antibacterial Activities of Glycyrrhizin: A Comprehensive Review

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza in the family Fabaceae/Leguminosae and is a renowned natural herb with a long history of medicinal use dating back to ancient times. Glycyrrhizin (GLY), the main active component of licorice, serves as a widely utilized therapeutic agent in clinical practice. GLY exhibits diverse medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, immunomodulatory, intestinal environment maintenance, and liver protection effects. However, current research primarily emphasizes GLY's antiviral activity, while providing limited insight into its antibacterial properties. GLY demonstrates a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity via inhibiting the growth of bacteria by targeting bacterial enzymes, impacting cell membrane formation, and altering membrane permeability. Moreover, GLY can also bolster host immunity by activating pertinent immune pathways, thereby enhancing pathogen clearance. This paper reviews GLY's inhibitory mechanisms against various pathogenic bacteria-induced pathological changes, its role as a high-mobility group box 1 inhibitor in immune regulation, and its efficacy in combating diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, combining GLY with other antibiotics reduces the minimum inhibitory concentration, potentially aiding in the clinical development of combination therapies against drug-resistant bacteria. Sources of information were searched using PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and GreenMedical for the keywords "licorice", "Glycyrrhizin", "antibacterial", "anti-inflammatory", "HMGB1", and combinations thereof, mainly from articles published from 1979 to 2024, with no language restrictions. Screening was carried out by one author and supplemented by others. Papers with experimental flaws in their experimental design and papers that did not meet expectations (antifungal papers, etc.) were excluded.

Biosurfactant-amphiphilized hyaluronic acid: A dual self-assembly anticancer nanoconjugate and drug vector for synergistic chemotherapy

Novel amphiphilic nanoconjugates of hyaluronic acid (HA), 50 kDa (HA50) and 100 kDa (HA100), and the lipopeptide biosurfactant surfactin (SF) were developed for potential anticancer applications. Physicochemical characterization indicated the formation of an ester conjugate (HA: SF molar ratio 1: 40) with the HA50-SF derivative exhibiting higher degree of substitution, hydrolytic stability, and surface activity. Self-assembly resulted in nanomicelles with smaller size and greater negative charge relative to SF micelles. Biological data demonstrated distinct anticancer activity of HA50-SF which displayed greater synergistic cytotoxicity and selectivity for MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells alongside greater modulation of apoptosis-related biomarkers leading to apoptosis. As bioactive vector for chemotherapeutic agents, the selected HA50-SF nanoconjugate efficiently (70 %) entrapped berberine (BER) producing a sustained release BER-HA50-SF synergistic anticancer nanoformulation. Lactoferrin (Lf) coating for dual HA/Lf targeting endowed Lf/BER-HA50-SF with significantly greater selectivity for both cell lines. A murine Ehrlich breast cancer model provided evidence for the efficacy and safety of Lf/BER-HA50-SF via tumoral, histological, immunohistochemical, molecular and systemic toxicity assessments. Thus, HA-SF nanoconjugates integrating the HA and SF properties and biofunctionalties present a novel biopolymer-biosurfactant platform of benefit to oncology nanomedicine and possibly other applications.

The emerging role of deubiquitylating enzyme USP21 as a potential therapeutic target in cancer

Although certain members of the Ubiquitin-specific peptidases (USPs) have been recognized as promising therapeutic targets for various diseases, research progress regarding USP21 has been relatively sluggish in its early stages. USP21 is a crucial member of the USPs subfamily, involved in diverse cellular processes such as apoptosis, DNA repair, and signal transduction. Research findings from the past decade demonstrate that USP21 mediates the deubiquitination of multiple well-known target proteins associated with critical cellular processes relevant to both disease and homeostasis, particularly in various cancers.This reviewcomprehensively summarizes the structure and biological functions of USP21 with an emphasis on its role in tumorigenesis, and elucidates the advances on the discovery of tens of small-molecule inhibitors targeting USP21, which suggests that targeting USP21 may represent a potential strategy for cancer therapy.

Berberine inhibits the progression of breast cancer by regulating METTL3-mediated m6A modification of FGF7 mRNA

BACKGROUND

Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid from Coptidis rhizoma, has been found to have powerful activities against various human malignancies, including breast cancer. However, the underlying antitumor mechanisms of BBR in breast cancer remain poorly understood.

METHODS

Breast cancer cells were cultured and treated with different doses (0, 20, 40, and 60 μM) of BBR for 48 h. Cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration were assessed using 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, transwell, and wound healing assays. Fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), and insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) mRNA levels and protein levels were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. Interaction between METTL3 and FGF7 m6A was assessed using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP)-qPCR and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Binding ability between IGF2BP3 and FGF7 mRNA was analyzed using RIP assay.

RESULTS

BBR treatment hindered breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and induced apoptosis. FGF7 expression was upregulated in breast cancer tissues, while its level was reduced in BBR-treated tumor cells. FGF7 upregulation relieved the repression of BBR on breast cancer cell malignant behaviors. In mechanism, METTL3 stabilized FGF7 mRNA through the m6A-IGF2BP3-dependent mechanism and naturally improved FGF7 expression. BBR treatment inhibited breast cancer growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

BBR treatment blocked breast cancer cell growth and metastasis partly by regulating METTL3-mediated m6A modification of FGF7 mRNA, providing a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

The Emerging Role of Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 36 (USP36) in Cancer and Beyond

The balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination is instrumental in the regulation of protein stability and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin-specific protease 36 (USP36), a member of the USP family, plays a crucial role in this dynamic equilibrium by hydrolyzing and removing ubiquitin chains from target proteins and facilitating their proteasome-dependent degradation. The multifaceted functions of USP36 have been implicated in various disease processes, including cancer, infections, and inflammation, via the modulation of numerous cellular events, including gene transcription regulation, cell cycle regulation, immune responses, signal transduction, tumor growth, and inflammatory processes. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of research on the roles of USP36 in different pathological conditions. By synthesizing the findings from previous studies, we have aimed to increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets for their treatment.

Curriculum vitae of CUG binding protein 1 (CELF1) in homeostasis and diseases: a systematic review

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are kinds of proteins with either singular or multiple RNA-binding domains (RBDs), and they can assembly into ribonucleic acid-protein complexes, which mediate transportation, editing, splicing, stabilization, translational efficiency, or epigenetic modifications of their binding RNA partners, and thereby modulate various physiological and pathological processes. CUG-BP, Elav-like family 1 (CELF1) is a member of the CELF family of RBPs with high affinity to the GU-rich elements in mRNA, and thus exerting control over critical processes including mRNA splicing, translation, and decay. Mounting studies support that CELF1 is correlated with occurrence, genesis and development and represents a potential therapeutical target for these malignant diseases. Herein, we present the structure and function of CELF1, outline its role and regulatory mechanisms in varieties of homeostasis and diseases, summarize the identified CELF1 regulators and their structure-activity relationships, and prospect the current challenges and their solutions during studies on CELF1 functions and corresponding drug discovery, which will facilitate the establishment of a targeted regulatory network for CELF1 in diseases and advance CELF1 as a potential drug target for disease therapy.

Berberine: A natural modulator of immune cells in multiple sclerosis

Berberine is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid found in such plants as Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aristata, and others, revealing a variety of pharmacological properties as a result of interacting with different cellular and molecular targets. Recent studies have shown the immunomodulatory effects of Berberine which result from its impacts on immune cells and immune response mediators such as diverse T lymphocyte subsets, dendritic cells (DCs), and different inflammatory cytokines. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disabling and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by the recruitment of autoreactive T cells into the CNS causing demyelination, axonal damage, and oligodendrocyte loss. There have been considerable changes discovered in MS regards to the function and frequency of T cell subsets such as Th1 cells, Th17 cells, Th2 cells, Treg cells, and DCs. In the current research, we reviewed the outcomes of in vitro, experimental, and clinical investigations concerning the modulatory effects that Berberine provides on the function and numbers of T cell subsets and DCs, as well as important cytokines that are involved in MS.

The emerging roles of lysine-specific demethylase 4A in cancer: Implications in tumorigenesis and therapeutic opportunities

Lysine-specific demethylase 4 A (KDM4A, also named JMJD2A, KIA0677, or JHDM3A) is a demethylase that can remove methyl groups from histones H3K9me2/3, H3K36me2/3, and H1.4K26me2/me3. Accumulating evidence suggests that KDM4A is not only involved in body homeostasis (such as cell proliferation, migration and differentiation, and tissue development) but also associated with multiple human diseases, especially cancers. Recently, an increasing number of studies have shown that pharmacological inhibition of KDM4A significantly attenuates tumor progression in vitro and in vivo in a range of solid tumors and acute myeloid leukemia. Although there are several reviews on the roles of the KDM4 subfamily in cancer development and therapy, all of them only briefly introduce the roles of KDM4A in cancer without systematically summarizing the specific mechanisms of KDM4A in various physiological and pathological processes, especially in tumorigenesis, which greatly limits advances in the understanding of the roles of KDM4A in a variety of cancers, discovering targeted selective KDM4A inhibitors, and exploring the adaptive profiles of KDM4A antagonists. Herein, we present the structure and functions of KDM4A, simply outline the functions of KDM4A in homeostasis and non-cancer diseases, summarize the role of KDM4A and its distinct target genes in the development of a variety of cancers, systematically classify KDM4A inhibitors, summarize the difficulties encountered in the research of KDM4A and the discovery of related drugs, and provide the corresponding solutions, which would contribute to understanding the recent research trends on KDM4A and advancing the progression of KDM4A as a drug target in cancer therapy.

Cancer Pathways Targeted by Berberine: Role of microRNAs

Cancer is a complex and heterogeneous malignant disease. Due to its multifactorial nature, including progressive changes in genetic, epigenetic, transcript, and protein levels, conventional therapeutics fail to save cancer patients. Evidence indicates that dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, cell proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and signaling pathways. Moreover, miRNAs can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in cancer. Berberine, a naturally occurring plant alkaloid, has a wide spectrum of biological activities in different types of cancers. Inhibition of cell proliferation, metastasis, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, as well as induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells, is reported by berberine. Recent studies suggested that berberine regulates many oncogenic and tumor suppressor miRNAs implicated in different phases of cancer. This review discussed how berberine inhibits cancer growth and propagation and regulates miRNAs in cancer cells. And how berberine-mediated miRNA regulation changes the landscape of transcripts and proteins that promote or suppress cancer progression. Overall, the underlying molecular pathways altered by berberine and miRNA influencing the tumor pathophysiology will enhance our understanding to combat the malignancy.

Lysine-specific demethylase 7A (KDM7A): A potential target for disease therapy

Histone demethylation is a kind of epigenetic modification mediated by a variety of enzymes and participates in regulating multiple physiological and pathological events. Lysine-specific demethylase 7A is a kind of α-ketoglutarate- and Fe(II)-dependent demethylase belonging to the PHF2/8 subfamily of the JmjC demethylases. KDM7A is mainly localized in the nucleus and contributes to transcriptional activation via removing mono- and di-methyl groups from the lysine residues 9 and 27 of Histone H3. Mounting studies support that KDM7A is not only necessary for normal embryonic, neural, and skeletal development, but also associated with cancer, inflammation, osteoporosis, and other diseases. Herein, the structure of KDM7A is described by comparing the similarities and differences of its amino acid sequences of KDM7A and other Histone demethylases; the functions of KDM7A in homeostasis and dyshomeostasis are summarized via documenting its content and related signaling; the currently known KDM7A-specific inhibitors and their structural relationship are listed based on their structure optimization and pharmacological activities; and the challenges and opportunities in exploring functions and developing targeted agents of KDM7A are also prospected via presenting encountered problems and potential solutions, which will provide an insight in functional exploration and drug discovery for KDM7A-related diseases.

Phytochemicals targeting glycolysis in colorectal cancer therapy: effects and mechanisms of action

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor in the world, and it is prone to recurrence and metastasis during treatment. Aerobic glycolysis is one of the main characteristics of tumor cell metabolism in CRC. Tumor cells rely on glycolysis to rapidly consume glucose and to obtain more lactate and intermediate macromolecular products so as to maintain growth and proliferation. The regulation of the CRC glycolysis pathway is closely associated with several signal transduction pathways and transcription factors including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR), adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), myc, and p53. Targeting the glycolytic pathway has become one of the key research aspects in CRC therapy. Many phytochemicals were shown to exert anti-CRC activity by targeting the glycolytic pathway. Here, we review the effects and mechanisms of phytochemicals on CRC glycolytic pathways, providing a new method of drug development.

Cuproptosis-Inducible Chemotherapeutic/Cascade Catalytic Reactor System for Combating with Breast Cancer

Cascade hydroxyl radical generating hydrogel reactor structures including a chemotherapeutic agent are invented for multiple treatment of breast cancer. Glucose oxidase (GOx) and cupric sulfate (Cu) are introduced for transforming accumulated glucose (in cancer cells) to hydroxyl radicals for starvation/chemodynamic therapy. Cu may also suppress cancer cell growth via cuproptosis-mediated cell death. Berberine hydrochloride (BER) is engaged as a chemotherapeutic agent in the hydrogel reactor for combining with starvation/chemodynamic/cuproptosis therapeutic modalities. Moreover, Cu is participated as a gel crosslinker by coordinating with catechol groups in hyaluronic acid-dopamine (HD) polymer. Controlling viscoelasticity of hydrogel reactor can extend the retention time following local injection and provide sustained drug release patterns. Low biodegradation rate of designed HD/BER/GOx/Cu hydrogel can reduce dosing frequency in local cancer therapy and avoid invasiveness-related inconveniences. Especially, it is anticipated that HD/BER/GOx/Cu hydrogel system can be applied for reducing size of breast cancer prior to surgery as well as tumor growth suppression in clinical application.

Current understanding and future prospects on Berberine for anticancer therapy

Berberine (BBR) is a potential plant metabolite and has remarkable anticancer properties. Many kinds of research are being focused on the cytotoxic activity of berberine in in vitro and in vivo studies. A variety of molecular targets which lead to the anticancer effect of berberine ranges from p-53 activation, Cyclin B expression for arresting cell cycles; protein kinase B (AKT), MAP kinase and IKB kinase for antiproliferative activity; effect on beclin-1 involved in autophagy; reduced expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 for the inhibition of invasion and metastasis etc. Berberine also interferes with transcription factor-1 (AP-1) activity responsible for the expression of oncogenes and neoplastic transformation of the cell. It also leads to the inhibition of various enzymes which are directly or indirectly involved in carcinogenesis like N acetyl transferase, Cyclo-oxygenase-2, Telomerase and Topoisomerase. In addition to these actions, Berberine plays a role in, the regulation of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines in preventing cancer formation. Berberine anticancer properties are demonstrated due to the interaction of berberine with micro-RNA. The summarized information presented in this review article may help and lead the researchers, scientists/industry persons to use berberine as a promising candidate against cancer.

Berberine inhibits the progression of renal cell carcinoma cells by regulating reactive oxygen species generation and inducing DNA damage

BACKGROUND

Berberine is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid that has been shown to have antitumor properties in a growing number of studies. However, its role in renal cell carcinoma remains unclear. This study investigates berberine's effect and mechanism in renal cell carcinoma.

METHODS

The methyl-tetrazolium, colony formation, and lactate dehydrogenase assay were used to detect proliferation and cytotoxicity, respectively. Flow cytometry, caspase-Glo 3/7 assay, and adenosine triphosphate assay were used to detect apoptosis and the adenosine triphosphate levels. Wound healing and transwell assay were used to examine the migration ability of renal cell carcinoma cells. Besides, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was explored using a DCFH-DA-based kit. Additionally, western blot and Immunofluorescence assay was taken to determine the levels of relative proteins.

RESULTS

In vitro, our findings indicated that the proliferation and migration of renal cell carcinoma cells treated with berberine in various concentrations were inhibited, while the level of ROS and apoptosis rate were increased. Furthermore, The results of western blot showed that the expression of Bax, Bad, Bak, Cyto c, Clv-Caspase 3, Clv-Caspase 9, E-cadherin, TIMP-1and γH2AX were up-regulated, while Bcl-2, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, Rad51 and PCNA were down-regulated after treating with berberine with various concentration.

CONCLUSION

The result of this study revealed that berberine inhibits renal cell carcinoma progression via regulating ROS generation and inducing DNA break.

Collective Syntheses of 8-Oxoprotoberberines via Sequential In(OTf)3-Catalyzed Cyclization and Pd(OAc)2-Catalyzed Heck Coupling

Six 8-oxoprotoberberines were synthesized collectively in four steps with acceptable yields (14-19%), of which the products 8-oxopalmatine, 8-oxopseudopalmatine, 8-oxoberberine, and 8-oxopseudoberberine come from nature. The synthetic route was featured with the In(OTf)₃-catalyzed cyclization and Heck coupling. Moreover, the syntheses of the natural products berberine, canadine, and iambertine were achieved via various reductions from 8-oxoberberine, which provided a concise approach to the syntheses of this kind of alkaloids.

The role of lysine-specific demethylase 6A (KDM6A) in tumorigenesis and its therapeutic potentials in cancer therapy

Histone demethylation is a key post-translational modification of chromatin, and its dysregulation affects a wide array of nuclear activities including the maintenance of genome integrity, transcriptional regulation, and epigenetic inheritance. Lysine specific demethylase 6A (KDM6A, also known as UTX) is an Fe²⁺- and α-ketoglutarate- dependent oxidase which belongs to KDM6 Jumonji histone demethylase subfamily, and it can remove mono-, di- and tri-methyl groups from methylated lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me1/2/3). Mounting studies indicate that KDM6A is responsible for driving multiple human diseases, particularly cancers and pharmacological inhibition of KDM6A is an effective strategy to treat varieties of KDM6A-amplified cancers in cellulo and in vivo. Although there are several reviews on the roles of KDM6 subfamily in cancer development and therapy, all of them only simply introduce the roles of KDM6A in cancer without systematically summarizing the specific mechanisms of KDM6A in tumorigenesis, which greatly limits the advances on the understanding of roles KDM6A in varieties of cancers, discovering targeting selective KDM6A inhibitors, and exploring the adaptive profiles of KDM6A antagonists. Herein, we present the structure and functions of KDM6A, simply outline the functions of KDM6A in homeostasis and non-cancer diseases, summarize the role of KDM6A and its distinct target genes/ligand proteins in development of varieties of cancers, systematically classify KDM6A inhibitors, sum up the difficulties encountered in the research of KDM6A and the discovery of related drugs, and provide the corresponding solutions, which will contribute to understanding the roles of KDM6A in carcinogenesis and advancing the progression of KDM6A as a drug target in cancer therapy.

Targeting lncRNAs of colorectal cancers with natural products

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is one of the functional classes of RNA that has a regulatory role in various cellular processes, such as modulation of disease onset, progression, and prognosis. ncRNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), have been actively studied in recent years. The change in ncRNA levels is being actively studied in numerous human diseases, especially auto-immune disorders and cancers; however, targeting and regulating ncRNA with natural products to cure cancer has not been fully established. Recently many groups reported the relationship between ncRNA and natural products showing promising effects to serve as additional therapeutic approaches to cure cancers. This mini-review summarizes the aspects of lncRNAs related to cancer biology focusing on colorectal cancers that natural products can target.