Brevilin A Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Mechanistic prediction and validation of Brevilin A Therapeutic effects in Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been found widespread application in neoplasm treatment, yielding promising therapeutic candidates. Previous studies have revealed the anti-cancer properties of Brevilin A, a naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone derived from Centipeda minima (L.) A.Br. (C. minima), a TCM herb, specifically against lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms of its effects remain elusive. This study employs network pharmacology and experimental analyses to unravel the molecular mechanisms of Brevilin A in lung cancer.

METHODS

The Batman-TCM, Swiss Target Prediction, Pharmmapper, SuperPred, and BindingDB databases were screened to identify Brevilin A targets. Lung cancer-related targets were sourced from GEO, Genecards, OMIM, TTD, and Drugbank databases. Utilizing Cytoscape software, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and gene-pathway correlation analysis were conducted using R software. To validate network pharmacology results, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vitro experiments were performed.

RESULTS

We identified 599 Brevilin A-associated targets and 3864 lung cancer-related targets, with 155 overlapping genes considered as candidate targets for Brevilin A against lung cancer. The PPI network highlighted STAT3, TNF, HIF1A, PTEN, ESR1, and MTOR as potential therapeutic targets. GO and KEGG analyses revealed 2893 enriched GO terms and 157 enriched KEGG pathways, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. GSEA demonstrated a close association between hub genes and lung cancer. Gene-pathway correlation analysis indicated significant associations between hub genes and the cellular response to hypoxia pathway. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed Brevilin A's interaction with PTEN and HIF1A, respectively. In vitro experiments demonstrated Brevilin A-induced dose- and time-dependent cell death in A549 cells. Notably, Brevilin A treatment significantly reduced HIF-1α mRNA expression while increasing PTEN mRNA levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that Brevilin A exerts anti-cancer effects in treating lung cancer through a multi-target and multi-pathway manner, with the HIF pathway potentially being involved. These results lay a theoretical foundation for the prospective clinical application of Brevilin A.

Brevilin A Inhibits Prostate Cancer Progression by Decreasing PAX5-Activated SOX4

Brevilin A possesses inhibitory effects on the development of prostate cancer (PCa); however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present work aims to analyze how Brevilin A regulates PCa cell malignancy. RNA expression of paired box 5 (PAX5) and SRY-box transcription factor 4 (SOX4) was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression of PAX5, SOX4, and nuclear proliferation marker (Ki67) was detected by western blotting or immunohistochemistry assay. The viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and migratory and invasive abilities of PCa cells were investigated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, and transwell assays, respectively. The association between PAX5 and SOX4 was identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Xenograft mouse model assay was used to reveal the effect of Brevilin A on tumor tumorigenesis in vivo. PAX5 and SOX4 expression were upregulated in PCa tissues and cells relative to normal prostate tissues and human prostate epithelial cells. Brevilin A treatment inhibited PAX5 protein expression in PCa cells. Additionally, Brevilin A inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis of PCa cells, whereas these effects were attenuated after PAX5 overexpression. SOX4 was transcriptionally activated by PAX5, and its introduction partially relieved the inhibitory effects of PAX5 knockdown on PCa cell malignancy. Moreover, Brevilin A delayed tumor formation in vivo. Brevilin A inhibited PCa progression by regulating SOX4 expression in a PAX5-dependent manner, providing a promising anti-tumor drug for PCa.

Arnicolide D: a multi-targeted anticancer sesquiterpene lactone-preclinical efficacy and mechanistic insights

Arnicolide D, a potent sesquiterpene lactone from Centipeda minima, has emerged as a promising anticancer candidate, demonstrating significant efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing metastasis across various cancer models. This comprehensive study delves into the molecular underpinnings of Arnicolide D's anticancer actions, emphasizing its impact on key signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and STAT3, and its role in modulating cell cycle and survival mechanisms. Quantitative data from preclinical studies reveal Arnicolide D's dose-dependent cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, triple-negative breast cancer, and human colon carcinoma, showcasing its broad-spectrum anticancer potential. Given its multifaceted mechanisms and preclinical efficacy, Arnicolide D warrants further investigation in clinical settings to validate its therapeutic utility against cancer. The evidence presented underscores the need for rigorous pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies to establish safe dosing parameters for future clinical trials.

Sesquiterpene lactones as emerging biomolecules to cease cancer by targeting apoptosis

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death comprising two signaling cascades including the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. This process has been shown to be involved in the therapy response of different cancer types, making it an effective target for treating cancer. Cancer has been considered a challenging issue in global health. Cancer cells possess six biological characteristics during their developmental process known as cancer hallmarks. Hallmarks of cancer include continuous growth signals, unlimited proliferation, resistance to proliferation inhibitors, apoptosis escaping, active angiogenesis, and metastasis. Sesquiterpene lactones are one of the large and diverse groups of planet-derived phytochemicals that can be used as sources for a variety of drugs. Some sesquiterpene lactones possess many biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-malarial, anticancer, anti-diabetic, and analgesic. This review article briefly overviews the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis and the interactions between the modulators of both pathways. Also, the present review summarizes the potential effects of sesquiterpene lactones on different modulators of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis in a variety of cancer cell lines and animal models. The main purpose of the present review is to give a clear picture of the current knowledge about the pro-apoptotic effects of sesquiterpene lactones on various cancers to provide future direction in cancer therapeutics.

Brevilin A inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption

Brevilin A (BA) is the primary component of Centipeda minima, which is widely used in Chinese traditional medicine. The anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties of BA have been established; however, its function in bone metabolism is not well understood. This study revealed that concentrations of BA below 1.0 µM did not inhibit the proliferation of bone marrow macrophages but did impede the differentiation and bone resorption activity of osteoclasts. Furthermore, BA suppressed the expression of osteoclast-specific genes Mmp9, Acp5, Dc-stamp, Ctsk, and Atp6v0d2. In addition, mTOR, ERK, and NFATc1 activation in bone marrow macrophages were suppressed by BA. As a whole, BA blocks the mTOR and ERK signaling pathways, which is responsible for the development and activity of osteoclasts, and the resorption of bone.

Brevilin A is a potent anti-metastatic CRC agent that targets the VEGF-IL6-STAT3 axis in the HSCs-CRC interplay

BACKGROUND

More than half of the colorectal cancer (CRC) patients will develop liver metastasis that underlies the cancer mortality. In the hepatic tumor microenvironment, the interplay between CRC cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and the activation of HSCs to become carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) will further promote the cancer development. Nevertheless, the critical signaling molecule that involved in these processes remains unknown, which hinders the development of effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of metastatic CRC (mCRC).

METHODS

Conditioned medium system and co-cultured system were used to examine the interplay between CRC cells and HSCs. Luminex liquid suspension chip detection and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to screen for the mediators in the conditioned medium that facilitated the CRC-HSCs interplay and HSCs-to-CAFs differentiation. Cell and animal models were used to examine whether brevilin A inhibited CRC liver metastasis via the VEGF-IL6-STAT3 axis.

RESULTS

In the CRC-HSCs interplay, CRC promoted HSCs-to-CAFs differentiation by releasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); and HSCs released interleukin 6 (IL6) that activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the CRC and hence increased the cancer metastatic potential. The functions of the VEGF-IL6-STAT3 axis in the HSCs-CRC interplay were further validated by VEGF recombinant protein and IL6 neutralizing antibody. More importantly, brevilin A, an active compound isolated from Centipeda minima (L.) A. Br. et Aschers, targeted the VEGF-IL6-STAT3 axis in the CRC-HSCs interplay, hence significantly inhibited colorectal liver metastasis and cancer growth both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

We are the first to demonstrate brevilin A possesses potent anti-mCRC effect by targeting the VEGF-IL6-STAT3 axis in the CRC-HSCs interplay. Our findings not only support the development of brevilin A as a novel therapeutic agent for mCRC treatment, but also pave the path for the development of other VEGF-IL6-STAT3 targeting therapeutic strategies.

Centipeda minima active components and mechanisms in lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been extensively used for neoplasm treatment and has provided many promising therapeutic candidates. We previously found that Centipeda minima (C. minima), a Chinese medicinal herb, showed anti-cancer effects in lung cancer. However, the active components and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we used network pharmacology to evaluate C. minima active compounds and molecular mechanisms in lung cancer.

METHODS

We screened the TCMSP database for bioactive compounds and their corresponding potential targets. Lung cancer-associated targets were collected from Genecards, OMIM, and Drugbank databases. We then established a drug-ingredients-gene symbols-disease (D-I-G-D) network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using Cytoscape software, and we performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses using R software. To verify the network pharmacology results, we then performed survival analysis, molecular docking analysis, as well as in vitro and in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 21 C. minima bioactive compounds and 179 corresponding targets. We screened 804 targets related to lung cancer, 60 of which overlapped with C. minima. The top three candidate ingredients identified by D-I-G-D network analysis were quercetin, nobiletin, and beta-sitosterol. PPI network and core target analyses suggested that TP53, AKT1, and MYC are potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, molecular docking analysis confirmed that quercetin, nobiletin, and beta-sitosterol, combined well with TP53, AKT1, and MYC respectively. In vitro experiments verified that quercetin induced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell death in a dose-dependent manner. GO and KEGG analyses found 1771 enriched GO terms and 144 enriched KEGG pathways, including a variety of cancer related pathways, the IL-17 signaling pathway, the platinum drug resistance pathway, and apoptosis pathways. Our in vivo experimental results confirmed that a C. minima ethanol extract (ECM) enhanced cisplatin (CDDP) induced cell apoptosis in NSCLC xenografts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the key C. minima active ingredients and molecular mechanisms in the treatment of lung cancer, providing a molecular basis for further C. minima therapeutic investigation.

LncRNA IUR downregulates miR-144 to regulate PTEN in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

IUR is a recently identified oncogenic lncRNA in leukaemia, while its roles in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are unclear. We aimed to explore the possible involvement of IUR in NPC. IUR and PTEN were downregulated, while miR-144 was upregulated in NPC. In addition, IUR was inversely correlated with miR-144 and positively correlated with PTEN. In NPC cells, overexpression of IUR resulted in a downregulated expression of miR-144 and an upregulated expression of PTEN. Overexpression of miR-144 led to a downregulated expression of PTEN and attenuated the effects of overexpression of IUR. Cell proliferation assay showed that overexpression of IUR and PTEN resulted in decreased NPC cell proliferation rate. Overexpression of miR-144 played an opposite role and attenuated the effects of overexpression of IUR. In conclusion, IUR can downregulate miR-144 to upregulate PTEN in NPC, therefore inhibiting NPC cell proliferation.

Brevilin A Inhibits VEGF-Induced Angiogenesis through ROS-Dependent Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Brevilin A (BA), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Centipeda minima herb, has been identified to exhibit potent anticancer activity. However, the potential pharmacological effect and mechanism of BA in regulating endothelial cell (EC) angiogenesis, a key event in tumor growth, is poorly understood. In this study, BA was shown to significantly prevent vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced EC angiogenic capacities in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Subsequent functional assays revealed that BA dose dependently inhibited VEGF-stimulated survival, proliferation, migration, and triggered apoptosis activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as well as suppressed the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, increased the expression of proapoptotic protein caspase-3 and Bax, and suppressed PI3K/AKT pathway. Meanwhile, BA was also able to depolarize mitochondrial membranal permeability (MMP), accelerate mitochondrial superoxide accumulation, induce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and decreased intracellular glutathione (GSH) in HUVECs. Furthermore, both mitochondria-specific superoxide scavenger Mito-TEMPOL and broad-spectrum antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) dramatically abolished BA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial ROS production, causing the reversion of PI3K/AKT pathway and repression of apoptosis, eventually correcting the impaired endothelial behavior in survival, growth, migration, and angiogenesis. Collectively, our data for the first time identified a new mechanism for antiangiogenic effect of BA in vascular EC, one that is based on the regulation of mitochondrial-dependent ROS overproduction.

Promising anticancer activities and mechanisms of action of active compounds from the medicinal herb Centipeda minima (L.) A. Braun & Asch

BACKGROUND

Centipeda minima (L.) A. Braun & Asch (C. minima) has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine to treat multiple diseases, including sinusitis, rhinitis, headache, and allergy. To date, the anticancer properties of C. minima have drawn considerable attention owing to the anticancer potential of C. minima extracts, the identification of active components, and the elucidation of underlying molecular mechanisms. However, the anticancer properties and significance of active components in C. minima have rarely been summarized.

PURPOSE

This review presents a comprehensive summary of the anticancer properties exhibited by active components of C. minima.

METHODS

An extensive search for published articles on the anticancer activities and active components of C. minima was performed using Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

C. minima extracts exhibited both anticancer and chemosensitizing effects. Phytochemical studies have identified the active anticancer components of C. minima extracts. Sesquiterpene lactones, such as 6-O-angeloylplenolin (6-OAP, or brevilin A) and arnicolide D, have similar structures and anticancer mechanisms. As the most abundant sesquiterpene lactone in C. minima, 6-OAP exhibits anticancer activities mainly by targeting Skp1-Cullin1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Clinical trials have assessed the potential of 6-OAP in patients with vertex balding and alopecia areata, given its effect on JAK-STATs signaling. Chlorogenic acid, a representative organic acid in C. minima, reportedly possesses anticancer potential and inhibits tumor growth by affecting tumor microenvironment and has been approved for phase II clinical trials in patients with glioma in China.

CONCLUSION

In the present review, we highlight intriguing anticancer properties mediated by active compounds isolated from C. minima extracts, particularly sesquiterpene lactones, which might provide clues for developing novel anticancer drugs. Relevant clinical trials on chlorogenic acid and 6-OAP can promote anticancer clinical applications. Therefore, it is worth comprehensively elucidating underlying anticancer mechanisms and conducting clinical trials on C. minima and its active components.

Role of STAT3 in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its significance in anticancer therapy

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of head and neck tumor with noticeable regional and ethnic differences. It is associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection and has a tendency for local and distant metastasis. NPC is also highly sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Over 70% of patients present with locoregionally advanced disease, and distant metastasis is the primary reason for treatment failure. A signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) promotes NPC oncogenesis through mechanisms within cancerous cells and their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, which is critical in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of NPC. Further, p-STAT3 is strongly associated with advanced NPC. Recent research on STAT3 has focused on its expression at the center of various oncogenic pathways. Here, we discuss the role of STAT3 in NPC and its potential therapeutic inhibitors and analogs for the treatment and control of NPC.

Cyclophilin A binds to AKT1 and facilitates the tumorigenicity of Epstein-Barr virus by mediating the activation of AKT/mTOR/NF-κB positive feedback loop

The AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signalings are crucial pathways activated in cancers including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which is prevalent in southern China and closely related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. How these master pathways are persistently activated in EBV-associated NPC remains to be investigated. Here we demonstrated that EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) promoted cyclophilin A (CYPA) expression through the activation of NF-κB. The depletion of CYPA suppressed cell proliferation and facilitated apoptosis. CYPA was able to bind to AKT1, thus activating AKT/mTOR/NF-κB signaling cascade. Moreover, the use of mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, subverted the activation of the positive feedback loop, NF-κB/CYPA/AKT/mTOR. It is reasonable that LMP1 expression derived from initial viral infection is enough to assure the constant potentiation of AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signalings. This may partly explain the fact that EBV serves as a tumor-promoting factor with minimal expression of the viral oncoprotein LMP1 in malignancies. Our findings provide new insight into the understanding of causative role of EBV in tumorigenicity during latent infection.

Saucerneol attenuates nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells proliferation and metastasis through selectively targeting Grp94

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is highly prevalent in southern China. The remote metastasis of advanced NPC requires chemotherapeutic treatments to reduce the mortality. Our previous work revealed that saucerneol (SN) showed cytotoxicity against several nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. This work aims to investigate the effect of SN in NPC growth and exploring the mechanism of action.

STUDY DESIGN

Applying in vivo study, in vitro study and in silico study to indicate the mechanism of SN in inhibiting NPC growth.

METHODS

Saucerneol (SN) toxicity was measured with MTT assay. NPC proliferation was measured with EdU and colony formation assays, cell cycle was detected with flow cytometry. NPC migration and invasion were measured with scratch assay and matrigel transwell method. Further, human NPC xenograft tumor models were established in nude mice to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of SN in vivo. Toxicological analysis was performed on H&E staining and IHC. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were used to evaluate the expression levels of key molecules in PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK, NF-κB, and HIF-1α signal pathways. Target predicting was conducted using computational method, and target identification was carried out by ATPase assay and TSA.

RESULTS

SN, a potent NPC inhibitor that was previously isolated from Saururus chinensis in our lab, is proven to inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of HONE1 cell lines and inhibit the growth of human NPC xenografts in nude mice. Moreover, we further articulate the molecular mechanism of action for SN and, reveal that SN promotes the expression of cell cycle-dependent kinase inhibitory protein p21 Waf1/Cip1 through targeting Grp94 and then inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as well as up-regulating p53 to disrupt the progression of HONE1 cells.

CONCLUSION

SN significantly inhibits NPC cells proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo via selectively inhibit Grp94 and then blocking PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathway. This study firstly provides a novel selective Grp94 inhibitor as a NPC candidate.

Centipeda minima: An update on its phytochemistry, pharmacology and safety

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Centipeda minima (CM), the dried whole plant of Centipeda minima (L.) A. Braun and Aschers, has been used as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for thousands of years for the treatments of rhinitis, sinusitis, cough and asthmatic diseases. This review aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CM by summarizing its phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application and safety.

METHODS

This review summarizes the published studies on CM in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and literature databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Baidu Scholar, Wiley and China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), as well as the research articles on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application and safety of CM.

RESULTS

A total of 191 compounds have been isolated and identified from CM, including terpenes, flavonoids, sterols, phenols, organic acids and volatile oils. In addition, the pharmacological effects of CM, such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities, have also been evaluated by both in vitro and in vivo studies. The signaling pathways and mechanisms of action underlying the anti-cancer effects of CM have been revealed. Clinical applications of CM mainly include rhinitis and sinusitis, gynecological inflammation, cough, as well as asthma.

CONCLUSION

CM is a medicinal herb that possesses many therapeutic effects. Cutting-edge technology and system biology could provide us a more comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic effects, constituting components and toxicity of CM, which are the prerequisites for its translation into therapeutics for various disease treatments.

Picrasidine I Triggers Heme Oxygenase-1-Induced Apoptosis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells via ERK and Akt Signaling Pathways

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a higher incidence in Taiwan than worldwide. Although it is a radiosensitive malignancy, cancer recurrence is still high in the advanced stages because of its ability to induce lymph node metastasis. Picrasidine I from Picrasma quassioides has been reported as a potential drug for targeting multiple signaling pathways. The present study aimed to explore the role of picrasidine I in the apoptosis of NPC cells. Our results show that picrasidine I induced cytotoxic effects in NPC cells and caused cell cycle arrest in the sub-G1, S, and G2/M phases. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that the modulation of apoptosis through the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways was involved in picrasidine I-induced cell death. Downregulation of the ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways was also found in picrasidine I-induced apoptosis. Additionally, the apoptosis array showed that picrasidine I significantly increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, which could act as a critical molecule in picrasidine I-induced apoptosis in NPC cells. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets also revealed that the HMOX1 mRNA level (HO-1) is lower in patients with head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) and NPC than in patients without cancer. Our study indicated that picrasidine I exerts anticancer effects in NPC by modulating HO-1 via the ERK and Akt signaling pathways.

Screening tumor specificity targeted by arnicolide D, the active compound of Centipeda minima and molecular mechanism underlying by integrative pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herb-derived anti-tumor agents, such as paclitaxel and vincristine, exert significant but varied effectivenesses towards different cancer types. Similarly, Centipeda minima (CM) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to treat rhinitis, relieve pain and reduce swelling, and recently found to exert overwhelming anti-tumor effects against breast cancer, colon cancer, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma with different response rates. However, what is the optimizing cancer model that benefits most from CM, and what is the specific target underlying still require more exclusive and profound investigations.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the dominant tumor model and specific target of CM by integrative pharmacology and biological experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The most predominant and specific cancer types that are sensitive to CM were screened and identified based on a combination network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis. Compound-target network and protein-protein interaction of CM-related cancer targets were carried out to determine the most abundant active compound. Simultaneously, the priority target responsible for CM-related anti-tumor efficacy was further validated by molecular docking and in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

In total, approximately 42% (8/19) of the targets were enriched in prostate cancer (p = 1.25E-09), suggesting prostate cancer would be the most sensitive tumor response to CM-related efficacy. Furthermore, we found that arnicolide D (ARD), the most abundant and representative active compound of CM, could directly bind to Src with binding energy of -7.3 kcal/mol, implying Src would be the priority target responsible for CM-related anti-tumor efficacy. Meanwhile, the results were further validated by solvent-induced protein precipitation (SIP) assay. In addition, PCR and WB results also revealed that either CM or ARD could not influence the gene expression of Src, while significantly decreased its protein expression instead, which further suggested that ARD might markedly shortene the Src protein half-life to promote Src protein degradation, thereby achieving significant anti-prostate cancer efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Our findings not only suggest CM as a promising Src-targeting candidate for prostate cancer treatment, but also bring up a strategy for understanding the personalization of herbal medicines by using integrative pharmacology.

Epigenetics of Triple-negative breast cancer via natural compounds

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly resistant, lethal, and metastatic sub-division of breast carcinoma, characterized by the deficiency of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). In women, TNBC shows a higher aggressive behavior with poor patient prognosis and a higher recurrence rate during reproductive age. TNBC is defined by the presence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), which shows a significant role in cancer progression. At the epigenetic level, TNBC is characterized by epigenetic signatures, such as DNA methylation, histone remodeling, and a host of miRNA, MiR-193, LncRNA, HIF-2α, eEF2K, LIN9/NEK2, IMP3, LISCH7/TGF-β1, GD3s and KLK12 mediated regulation. These modifications either are silenced or activate the necessary genes that are prevalent in TNBC. The review is based on epigenetic mediated mechanistic changes in TNBC. Furthermore, Thymoquinone (TQ), Regorafenib, Fangjihuangqi decoction, Saikosaponin A, and Huaier, etc., are potent antitumor natural compounds extensively reported in the literature. Further, the review emphasizes the role of these natural compounds in TNBC and their possible epigenetic targets, which can be utilized as a potential therapeutic strategy in treatment of TNBC.

Medicinal Plant Centipeda Minima: A Resource of Bioactive Compounds

BACKGROUND

Centipeda minima (the family Asteraceae) is an annual herbaceous plant native to the tropical regions, especially in eastern tropical Asia. C. minima is well-known in the list of medicinal plants with capacities in treatment of whooping cough, nasal allergy, malaria, and asthma. More than sixty reports on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of this plant are now available, but a supportive review is insufficient.

OBJECTIVE

The current review aims to make a compilation of almost all of the isolated compounds from the title plant, together with their pharmacological activities.

METHODOLOGY

Centipeda minima is a meaningful keyword to search for previous references, while the reliable databases, such as Sci-Finder, Google Scholar, Pub Med, Science Direct, the Web of Science, Scopus, Bentham science, Taylor Francis, Springer, IOP Science were utilized at most.

CONCLUSION

More than one hundred secondary metabolites, classifying as terpenoids, flavonoids, mono-phenols, fatty acids, amides, and other types, were isolated from this plant. Among them, sesquiterpene lactones are dominant in either C. minima species or numerous plants of genus Centipeda. These phytochemical groups also possessed various biological results like anti-cancer, anti-bacteria, anti-allergy, anti-virus, anti-inflammation, and hepatoprotective activities. With many kinds of bioactive results such as anti-cancer and anti-inflammation, the use of C. minima plant extracts and isolated compounds for drug development seems to be a futuristic strategy.

Anti-fibrotic effects of brevilin A in hepatic fibrosis via inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway

Hepatic fibrosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) after repetitive liver damage is a key event in hepatic fibrogenesis. As part of ongoing research projects to identify pharmacologically effective natural products, the phytochemical investigation of a MeOH extract of Centipeda minima led to the isolation of a sesquiterpene lactone, brevilin A, which was explored to elucidate potential anti-fibrotic effects by reversing HSC activation. First, we observed that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 treatment significantly increased the expression levels of HSC activation marker, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and ECM protein such as collagen and fibronectin. Then, we demonstrated that brevilin A reversed the TGF-β1-induced increase in protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA and collagen. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of brevilin A, we evaluated the effects of brevilin A on the STAT3 signaling pathway. STAT3 phosphorylation, increased by TGF-β1 treatment, was strongly inhibited by brevilin A; the expression levels of fibronectin and connective tissue growth factor were also significantly decreased by brevilin A. The present study indicated that brevilin A has a preventive and therapeutic potential against hepatic fibrosis.

Advances in targeted therapy mainly based on signal pathways for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial carcinoma of the head and neck region which mainly distributes in southern China and Southeast Asia and has a crucial association with the Epstein-Barr virus. Based on epidemiological data, both incidence and mortality of NPC have significantly declined in recent decades grounded on the improvement of living standard and medical level in an endemic region, in particular, with the clinical use of individualized chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) which profoundly contributes to the cure rate of NPC patients. To tackle the challenges including local recurrence and distant metastasis in the current NPC treatment, we discussed the implication of using targeted therapy against critical molecules in various signal pathways, and how they synergize with chemoradiotherapy in the NPC treatment. Combination treatment including targeted therapy and IMRT or concurrent chemoradiotherapy is presumably to be future options, which may reduce radiation or chemotherapy toxicities and open new avenues for the improvement of the expected functional outcome for patients with advanced NPC.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Anticancer Compounds Derived from the Natural Product Brevilin A

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018, and this burden continues to increase. Therefore, there is a clear and urgent need for novel drugs with increased efficacy for the treatment of different cancers. Previous research has demonstrated that brevilin A (BA) exerts anticancer activity in various cancers, including human multiple myeloma, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon carcinoma, suggesting the anticancer potential present in the chemical scaffold of BA. Here, we designed and synthesized a small library of 12 novel BA derivatives and evaluated the biological anticancer effects of the compounds in various cancer cell lines. The results of this structure-activity relationship study demonstrated that BA derivatives BA-9 and BA-10 possessed significantly improved anticancer activity toward lung, colon, and breast cancer cell lines. BA-9 and BA-10 could more effectively reduce cancer cell viability and induce DNA damage, cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis when compared with BA. Our findings represent a significant step forward in the development of novel anticancer entities.

Brevilin A, a Natural Sesquiterpene Lactone Inhibited the Growth of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells via Akt/mTOR and STAT3 Signaling Pathways

Purpose

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a a breast cancer subtype characterized by a lack of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth receptor 2 and is associated with poorer prognoses when compared to other breast cancers. Thus, novel anti-cancer agents with high efficacy are urgently needed. Brevilin A (BA), a natural sesquiterpene lactone, has been reported to exhibit anti-cancer effects. However, the effects of BA on TNBC have not yet been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the anti-TNBC effects and the underlying mechanism of BA, in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Two TNBC cell lines and a xenograft mouse model were employed to assess the effects of BA. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay. Cell cycle status and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Cell migration was measured by wound-healing assay. Protein expression was measured by Western blotting analysis. The in vivo anti-cancer activity of BA was assessed in orthotopic tumor xenograft mice.

Results

BA significantly inhibited the growth of TNBC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner via induction of cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis. BA also inhibited tumor cell migration. BA significantly downregulated the expression of Akt, mTOR, Stat3 and their phosphorylation, and thus inhibiting the activation of the Akt/mTOR and STAT3 signaling pathways. Furthermore, oral administration of BA at 25 or 50 mg/kg leads to significant inhibition of tumor growth and proliferation in tumor xenograft model mice.

Conclusion

BA significantly inhibited the growth and migration of TNBC cells, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These inhibitory effects were associated with the suppression of the Akt/mTOR and Stat3 signal pathways. Based on our findings, BA possesses a promising candidate for development as an anti-cancer therapeutic drug against TNBC.

Anti-cancer Activity of Centipeda minima Extract in Triple Negative Breast Cancer via Inhibition of AKT, NF-κB, and STAT3 Signaling Pathways

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females worldwide. Estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer, suggest that globally, there were around 2.1 million new breast cancer cases and 627,000 deaths due to breast cancer in 2018. Among the subtypes of breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and carries the poorest prognosis, largest recurrence, and lowest survival rate. Major treatment options for TNBC patients are mainly constrained to chemotherapy, which can be accompanied by severe side effects. Therefore, development of novel and effective anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of TNBC are urgently required. Centipeda minima is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has historically been used to treat rhinitis, sinusitis, relieve pain, and reduce swelling. Recent studies have shown that Centipeda minima exhibited efficacy against certain cancers, however, to date, no studies have been conducted on its effects in breast cancer. Here, we aimed to investigate the anti-cancer activity of the total extract of Centipeda minima (CME), and its underlying mechanism, in TNBC. In MDA-MB-231, we found that CME could significantly reduce cell viability and proliferation, induce apoptosis and inhibit cancer cell migration and invasion, in a dose and time-dependent manner. We showed that CME may potentially act via inhibition of multiple signaling pathways, including the EGFR, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, NF-κB, and STAT3 pathways. Treatment with CME also led to in vitro downregulation of MMP-9 activity and inhibition of metastasis. Further, we demonstrated that CME could significantly reduce tumor burden in MDA-MB-231 xenograft mice, without any appreciable side effects. Based on our findings, CME is a promising candidate for development as a therapeutic with high efficacy against TNBC.

Brevilin A Inhibits STAT3 Signaling and Induces ROS-Dependent Apoptosis, Mitochondrial Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Purpose

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women across the globe. Despite concerted efforts to improve the prevailing treatment modalities, the overall prognosis of breast cancer remains unsatisfactory. Recently, antiproliferative activity of Brevilin A (Brv-A), a sesquiterpene lactone compound of Centipeda minima, has been unveiled in various cancer types. Here, we have explored anticancer activity of Brv-A in MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells by targeting various pathways.

Materials and Methods

Cell proliferation rate was determined by CCK-8 and clonogenic assay. Cellular morphological changes were observed under phase contrast microscope while calcein-AM and PI was used for live/dead assay. Cell cycle assay was performed by flow cytometry. Apoptotic cell percentage was determined by Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometric analysis. ROS generation and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured using commercially available kits while protein expression was measured by Western blotting.

Results

In our study, Brv-A exerted antiproliferative effect through mitotic arrest at G₂/M phase of cell cycle and induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Induction of apoptosis by Brv-A was found to be associated with ROS generation by targeting NOX2 and NOX3, mitochondrial dysfunction (MMP dissipation and Bcl-2 family proteins modulation), DNA fragmentation, JNK and p38 MAPK activation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by increasing Bip/GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP protein expressions and inhibition of STAT3 activation via decreased phosphorylation of JAK2 and SRC. Pretreatment of NAC, a ROS scavenger, partially reversed the aforesaid cellular events indicating ROS generation as the primary event to modulate cellular targets for induction of apoptosis. Besides, Brv-A has also been documented for inhibition of cell migration via decrease in COX-2 and MMP-2 expression.

Conclusion

Taken together, Brv-A induces G₂/M phase arrest, ROS-dependent apoptosis, ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibits STAT3 activation in MCF-7 cells signifying it to be one of the potential anticancer therapeutics in future.

The JAK2/STAT3 pathway is involved in the anti-melanoma effects of brevilin A

AIMS

Melanoma is lethal. Constitutively active signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been proposed as a pathogenic factor and a therapeutic target of melanoma. Brevilin A, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Centipeda minima (L.) A. Br. et Aschers., has been shown to exert antineoplastic effects and inhibit the STAT3 pathway in nasopharyngeal, lung, prostate and breast cancer cells. This study aimed to determine whether brevilin A has anti-melanoma effects, and whether STAT3 signaling is involved in the effects.

MAIN METHODS

A mouse A375 xenograft model, as well as A375 and A2058 cell models were employed to assess the in vivo and in vitro anti-melanoma effects of brevilin A. A375 cells stably expressing STAT3C, a constitutively active STAT3 mutant, were used to determine the role of STAT3 signaling in brevilin A's anti-melanoma effects.

KEY FINDINGS

Intraperitoneal injection of brevilin A dose-dependently inhibited melanoma growth in mice and suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation in the tumors. In cultured cells, brevilin A reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis, suppressed migration and invasion, decreased protein levels of phospho-JAK2 (Y1007/1008) and phospho-STAT3 (Tyr705), and restrained STAT3 nuclear localization. STAT3 over-activation diminished brevilin A's effects on cell viability and migration. Collectively, brevilin A exerts anti-melanoma effects and these effects are at least in part attributed to the inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings provide a pharmacological basis for developing brevilin A as a new phytotherapeutic agent against melanoma.