Honokiol Enhances TRAIL-Mediated Apoptosis through STAMBPL1-Induced Survivin and c-FLIP Degradation

STAMBPL1, transcriptionally regulated by SREBP1, promotes malignant behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. STAM binding protein-like 1 (STAMBPL1), a key member of the COP9 signalosome subunit 5/serine protease 27/proteasome 26S subunit non-ATPase 7 (JAMM) family, is closely associated with tumor development. In this work, data from GSE101728 and GSE84402 chips were analyzed, and STAMBPL1 was selected as the target factor. This study aimed to reveal the potential function of STAMBPL1 in HCC. Clinical results showed that STAMBPL1 was significantly increased in tumor tissues of HCC patients, and its expression was strongly associated with tumor size and TNM stage. Furthermore, STAMBPL1-overexpressed Hep3B2.1-7 cell line or STAMBPL1-silenced SNU-182 cell line were established using lentivirus carrying cDNA encoding STAMBPL1 mRNA or shRNA targeting STAMBPL1, respectively. STAMBPL1-overexpressed cells exhibited a pronounced enhancement of proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Exogenous expression of STAMBPL1 increased the percentage of cells in the S phase and upregulated the expressions of CyclinD1 and Survivin. As expected, STAMBPL1 knockdown exhibited completely opposite effects, resulting in impaired tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, STAMBPL1 activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway and increased the expression of downstream cancer-promoting genes. Interestingly, we found that STAMBPL1 was transcriptionally regulated by sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), a modulator of lipid metabolism, as evidenced by luciferase reporter and chromatin-immunoprecipitation (Ch-IP) assays. Notably, STAMBPL1 overexpression increased lipid accumulation in HCC cells and xenograft tumors. Totally our findings suggest that STAMBPL1 plays a vital role in the tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Modulation of Wnt/β-catenin and lipid metabolism may contribute to its pro-cancer effects. STAMBPL1 may serve as a therapeutic target of HCC.

Toxicological effects of Honokiol on zebrafish and its underlying mechanism

The compound Honokiol, derived from the bark of Magnolia officinalis, possesses the ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species. The objective of this study was to investigate the toxicological and histopathological effects of Honokiol on zebrafish (Danio rerio) through conducting a semistatic acute toxicity test involving immersion in an Honokiol-containing solution. The results showed that the toxic effects of Honokiol on zebrafish were primarily manifested in the liver and gills. When exposed to 0.6 mg/L of Honokiol, it could lead to liver hemorrhage as well as swelling and necrosis of gill tissues, and high concentrations of Honokiol could trigger inflammatory responses. Additionally, research found that Honokiol could induce apoptosis in liver and gill tissues through the P53 pathway and possessed the ability to enhance antioxidation. The present findings significantly contribute to a more profound understanding of the toxic impact of Honokiol and its underlying mechanism, thereby providing a valuable reference for the future safe utilization of Honokiol and related pharmaceutical advancements.

Significance of TRAIL/Apo-2 ligand and its death receptors in apoptosis and necroptosis signalling: Implications for cancer-targeted therapeutics

The human immune defensesystem routinely expresses the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), which is the most prevalent element for antitumor immunity. TRAIL associates with its death receptors (DRs), DR4 (TRAIL-R1), and DR5 (TRAIL-R2), in cancer cells to initiate the intracellular apoptosis cascade. Accordingly, numerous academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies havetried to exploreTRAIL's capacity to kill tumourcells by producing recombinant versions of it (rhTRAIL) or TRAIL receptor agonists (TRAs) [monoclonal antibody (mAb), synthetic and natural compounds, etc.] and molecules that sensitize TRAIL signalling pathway for therapeutic applications. Recently, several microRNAs (miRs) have been found to activate or inhibit death receptor signalling. Therefore, pharmacological regulation of these miRs may activate or resensitize the TRAIL DRs signal, and this is a novel approach for developing anticancer therapeutics. In this article, we will discuss TRAIL and its receptors and molecular pathways by which it induces various cell death events. We will unravel potential innovative applications of TRAIL-based therapeutics, and other investigated therapeutics targeting TRAIL-DRs and summarize the current preclinical pharmacological studies and clinical trials. Moreover, we will also emphasizea few situations where future efforts may be addressed to modulate the TRAIL signalling pathway.

Honokiol and its analogues as anticancer compounds: Current mechanistic insights and structure-activity relationship

Lignans are plant-derived polyphenolic compounds with a plethora of biological applications. Also, regarded as phytoestrogens, the lignans offer a variety of health benefits of which the anti-cancer effects are the most attractive. Honokiol is a lignan isolated from various parts of trees belonging to the genus Magnolia. The bioactivity of honokiol is attributed to its characteristic physical properties, which include small size and the presence of two phenolic groups that may interact with proteins in cell membranes via hydrophobic interactions, aromatic pi orbital co-valency, and hydrogen bonding. The hydrophobicity of honokiol enables its rapid dissolution in lipids and the crossing of physiological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier and cerebrospinal fluid. These factors contribute towards the high bioavailability of honokiol which further support its candidature in medicinal research. Therefore, the anticancer properties of honokiol are of particular interest as many of the contemporary anticancer drugs suffer from bioavailability drawbacks, which necessitates the identification and development of novel candidate molecules directed as anticancer chemotherapeutics. The antioncogenic profile of honokiol also arises from the regulation of various signalling pathways associated with oncogenesis, arresting of the cell cycle by regulation of cyclic proteins, upregulation of epithelial markers and downregulation of mesenchymal markers leading to the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and preventing the metastasis by restricting cell migration and invasion due to the downregulation of matrix-metalloproteinases. In this review, we discuss the anticancer properties of honokiol.

Honokiol inhibits the growth of hormone-resistant breast cancer cells: its promising effect in combination with metformin

Background and purpose

Primary and metastatic breast cancers still represent an unmet clinical need for improved chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Considerable attention has been paid to natural anticancer compounds, especially lignans. The study aimed to evaluate the activity of several lignans against breast cancer cells and assess the effect of leading lignans on signaling pathways in combination with metformin.

Experimental approach

Human breast cancer cell lines MCF7 (hormone-dependent), MDA-MB-231, and SKBR3 (hormone-independent) were used. A hormone-resistant MCF7/hydroxytamoxifen (HT) subline was obtained by long-term cultivation of the MCF7 line with hydroxytamoxifen. Antiproliferative activity was assessed by the MTT test; the expression of signaling pathway proteins was evaluated by immunoblotting analysis.

Findings/Results

We evaluated the antiproliferative activity of lignans in breast cancer cells with different levels of hormone dependence and determined the relevant IC50 values. Honokiol was chosen as the leading compound, and its IC50 ranged from 12 to 20 μM, whereas for other tested lignans, the IC50 exceeded 50 μM. The accumulation of cleaved PARP and a decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 and ERα in MCF7/HT were induced following the combination of honokiol with metformin.

Conclusions and implications

Honokiol demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity against both hormone-dependent breast cancer cells and lines with primary and acquired hormone resistance. The combination of honokiol with metformin is considered an effective approach to induce death in hormone-resistant cells. Honokiol is of interest as a natural compound with antiproliferative activity against breast cancers, including resistant tumors.

Inhibition of USP2 Enhances TRAIL-Mediated Cancer Cell Death through Downregulation of Survivin

Ubiquitin-specific protease 2 (USP2) is a deubiquitinase belonging to the USPs subfamily. USP2 has been known to display various biological effects including tumorigenesis and inflammation. Therefore, we aimed to examine the sensitization effect of USP2 in TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. The pharmacological inhibitor (ML364) and siRNA targeting USP2 enhanced TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced cancer cell death, but not normal cells. Mechanistically, USP2 interacted with survivin, and ML364 degraded survivin protein expression by increasing the ubiquitination of survivin. Overexpression of survivin or USP2 significantly prevented apoptosis through cotreatment with ML364 and TRAIL, whereas a knockdown of USP2 increased sensitivity to TRAIL. Taken together, our data suggested that ML364 ubiquitylates and degrades survivin, thereby increasing the reactivity to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells.

Tubeimoside-1 Enhances TRAIL-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death through STAMBPL1-Mediated c-FLIP Downregulation

Tubeimoside-1 (TBMS-1), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is commonly used as an anti-cancer agent. In this study, we aimed to investigate its effect on the sensitization of cancer cells to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Our results revealed that even though monotherapy using TBMS-1 or TRAIL at sublethal concentrations did not affect cancer cell death, combination therapy using TBMS-1 and TRAIL increased apoptotic cell death. Mechanistically, TBMS-1 destabilized c-FLIP expression by downregulating STAMBPL1, a deubiquitinase (DUB). Specifically, when STAMBPL1 and c-FLIP bound together, STAMBPL1 deubiquitylated c-FLIP. Moreover, STAMBPL1 knockdown markedly increased sensitivity to TRAIL by destabilizing c-FLIP. These findings were further confirmed in vivo using a xenograft model based on the observation that combined treatment with TBMS-1 and TRAIL decreased tumor volume and downregulated STAMBPL1 and c-FLIP expression levels. Overall, our study revealed that STAMBPL1 is essential for c-FLIP stabilization, and that STAMBPL1 depletion enhances TRAIL-mediated apoptosis via c-FLIP downregulation.

Amygdalin alleviated TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in bronchial epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE

Transforming growth factor-beta TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in bronchial epithelial cells contributes to airway wall remodeling in asthma. This study aims to explore the role of amygdalin, an active ingredient in bitter almonds, in TGF-β-induced EMT in bronchial epithelial cells and to elucidate the possible mechanisms underlying its biological effects.

METHODS

An asthmatic mouse model was established through ovalbumin induction. Primary mouse bronchial epithelial cells and a human bronchial epithelial cell line were incubated with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) to induce EMT, whose phenotype of cells was evaluated by the expressions of EMT markers [alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin, and fibronectin] and cell migration capacity. A co-immunoprecipitation assay was performed to assess the ubiquitination of heparanase (HPSE).

RESULTS

In asthmatic model mice, amygdalin treatment relieved airway wall remodeling and decreased expressions of EMT markers (α-SMA and vimentin). In TGF-β-treated bronchial epithelial cells, amygdalin treatment decreased the mRNA and protein levels of EMT markers (α-SMA, vimentin, and fibronectin) without impairing cell viability. Through the Swiss Target Prediction database, HPSE was screened as a candidate downstream target for amygdalin. HPSE overexpression further promoted TGF-β-induced EMT while the HPSE inhibitor suppressed TGF-β-induced EMT in bronchial epithelial cells. In addition, HPSE overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of amygdalin on TGF-β-induced EMT in bronchial epithelial cells. The following mechanism exploration revealed that amygdalin downregulated HPSE expression by enhancing ubiquitination.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that amygdalin inhibited TGF-β-induced EMT in bronchial epithelial cells and found that the anti-EMT activity of amygdalin might be related to its regulatory effect on HPSE expression.

HSP90 mediates the connection of multiple programmed cell death in diseases

Heat shock protein (HSP) 90, an important component of the molecular chaperone network, is closely concerned with cellular signaling pathways and stress response by participating in the process of maturation and activation of client proteins, playing a crucial role both in the normal and abnormal operation of the organism. In functionally defective tissues, programmed cell death (PCD) is one of the regulable fundamental mechanisms mediated by HSP90, including apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and others. Here, we show the complex relationship between HSP90 and different types of PCD in various diseases, and discuss the possibility of HSP90 as the common regulatory nodal in multiple PCD, which would provide a new perspective for the therapeutic approaches in disease.

The Conceivable Functions of Protein Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination in Reproduction

Protein ubiquitination with general existence in virtually all eukaryotic cells serves as a significant post-translational modification of cellular proteins, which leads to the degradation of proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) can reverse the ubiquitination effect by removing the ubiquitin chain from the target protein. Together, these two processes participate in regulating protein stability, function, and localization, thus modulating cell cycle, DNA repair, autophagy, and transcription regulation. Accumulating evidence indicates that the ubiquitination/deubiquitination system regulates reproductive processes, including the cell cycle, oocyte maturation, oocyte-sperm binding, and early embryonic development, primarily by regulating protein stability. This review summarizes the extensive research concerning the role of ubiquitin and DUBs in gametogenesis and early embryonic development, which helps us to understand human pregnancy further.

Role of Induced Programmed Cell Death in the Chemopreventive Potential of Apigenin

The flavonoid apigenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone), which is one of the most widely distributed phytochemicals in the plant kingdom, is one of the most thoroughly investigated phenolic components. Previous studies have attributed the physiological effects of apigenin to its anti-allergic, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and blood-pressure-lowering properties, and its documented anticancer properties have been attributed to the induction of apoptosis and autophagy, the inhibition of inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation, and the regulation of cellular responses to oxidative stress and DNA damage. The most well-known mechanism for the compound’s anticancer effects in human cancer cell lines is apoptosis, followed by autophagy, and studies have also reported that apigenin induces novel cell death mechanisms, such as necroptosis and ferroptosis. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review the therapeutic potential of apigenin as a chemopreventive agent, as well as the roles of programmed cell death mechanisms in the compound’s chemopreventive properties.

STAMBPL1 promotes breast cancer cell resistance to cisplatin partially by stabilizing MKP-1 expression

Dual-specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1/DUSP1/CL-100) has been documented to promote breast cancer cell survival and chemoresistance. MKP-1 is an unstable protein that is ubiquitinated and degraded via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, it is not clear how MKP-1 protein stability is regulated in breast cancer. In this study, we performed a genome-wide siRNA library screen of deubiquitinases (DUBs) and identified STAMBPL1 as an MKP-1 DUB in breast cancer cells. STAMBPL1 interacts with MKP-1 and stabilizes MKP-1 via deubiquitination. Both STAMBPL1 and MKP-1 depletion sensitize breast cancer cells to cisplatin in vitro and in vivo, and ectopic overexpression of MKP-1 partially rescues STAMBPL1 depletion-induced cisplatin sensitivity. Furthermore, STAMBPL1 and MKP-1 depletion increased breast cancer sensitivity to cisplatin by increasing the phosphorylation and activation of c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK). Collectively, our findings not only identify STAMBPL1 as an MKP-1 DUB but also reveal a critical mechanism that regulates MKP-1 expression in breast cancer. Our findings indicate that the STAMBPL1/MKP-1 axis represents a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

L-Theanine inhibits melanoma cell growth and migration via regulating expression of the clock gene BMAL1

PURPOSE

L-Theanine is a unique non-protein amino acid found in green tea, which has been identified as a safe dietary supplement. It has been reported that L-theanine exerts various biological activities. In this study, we explored the anti-cancer effects of L-theanine on melanoma cells.

METHODS

A375, B16-F10, and PIG1 cell lines were used in the present study. EdU labeling, TUNEL and Annexin V/PI staining, wound-healing, and transwell migration assay were performed to detect the effects of L-theanine on melanoma cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. Brain and muscle Arnt-like protein 1 (BMAL1) was knocked down in melanoma cells to evaluate if L-theanine plays the anti-cancer role through regulating circadian rhythm of melanoma cells. The western blot, qRT-PCR, and dual luciferase assay were performed to explore the mechanism involved in the effects of L-theanine on melanoma cells.

RESULTS

L-Theanine apparently reduced the viability of melanoma cells. Further experiments showed that L-theanine attenuated the proliferation and migration, and promoted apoptosis of melanoma cells. L-Theanine significantly enhanced the expression of BMAL1, a clock gene in melanoma cells. Down-regulation of BMAL1 suppressed the anti-cancer effects of L-theanine on melanoma cells. Further experiments indicated that the p53 transcriptional activity raised by L-theanine was dependent on BMAL1 expression in melanoma cells.

CONCLUSION

L-Theanine exerts the anti-cancer effect on melanoma cells through attenuating the proliferation and migration, and promoting apoptosis of them, which is dependent on the regulation of the clock gene Bmal1 in melanoma cells.

Helicobacter pylori-induced reactive oxygen species direct turnover of CSN-associated STAMBPL1 and augment apoptotic cell death

Deubiquitinylases (DUBs) are central regulators of the ubiquitin system involved in protein regulation and cell signalling and are important for a variety of physiological processes. Most DUBs are cysteine proteases, and few other proteases are metalloproteases of the JAB1/MPN +/MOV34 protease family (JAMM). STAM-binding protein like 1 (STAMBPL1), a member of the JAMM family, cleaves ubiquitin bonds and has a function in regulating cell survival, Tax-mediated nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. However, the molecular mechanism by which STAMBPL1 influences cell survival is not well defined, especially with regard to its deubiquitinylation function. Here, we show that reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by chemotherapeutic agents or the human microbial pathogen Helicobacter pylori can induce cullin 1-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL1) and 26S proteasome-dependent degradation STAMBPL1. Interestingly, STAMBPL1 has a direct interaction with the constitutive photomorphogenic 9 (COP9 or CSN) signalosome subunits CSN5 and CSN6. The interaction with the CSN is required for the stabilisation and function of the STAMBPL1 protein. In addition, STAMBPL1 deubiquitinylates the anti-apoptotic protein Survivin and thus ameliorates cell survival. In summary, our data reveal a previously unknown mechanism by which the deubiquitinylase STAMBPL1 and the E3 ligase CRL1 balance the level of Survivin degradation and thereby determine apoptotic cell death. In response to genotoxic stress, the degradation of STAMBPL1 augments apoptotic cell death. This new mechanism may be useful to develop therapeutic strategies targeting STAMBPL1 in tumours that have high STAMBPL1 and Survivin protein levels.

Lucanthone, Autophagy Inhibitor, Enhances the Apoptotic Effects of TRAIL through miR-216a-5p-Mediated DR5 Upregulation and DUB3-Mediated Mcl-1 Downregulation

A lucanthone, one of the family of thioxanthenones, has been reported for its inhibitory effects of apurinic endonuclease-1 and autophagy. In this study, we investigated whether lucanthone could enhance tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in various cancer cells. Combined treatment with lucanthone and TRAIL significantly induced apoptosis in human renal carcinoma (Caki and ACHN), prostate carcinoma (PC3), and lung carcinoma (A549) cells. However, combined treatment did not induce apoptosis in normal mouse kidney cells (TCMK-1) and normal human skin fibroblast (HSF). Lucanthone downregulated protein expression of deubiquitinase DUB3, and a decreased expression level of DUB3 markedly led to enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Ectopic expression of DUB3 inhibited combined treatment with lucanthone and TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Moreover, lucanthone increased expression level of DR5 mRNA via downregulation of miR-216a-5p. Transfection of miR-216a-5p mimics suppressed the lucanthone-induced DR5 upregulation. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that lucanthone enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis through DR5 upregulation by downregulation of miR-216a-5p and DUB3-dependent Mcl-1 downregulation in human renal carcinoma cells.

Treating Cancers Using Nature's Medicine: Significance and Challenges

There was a time when plant-derived natural formulations were the cornerstone of ancient therapeutic approaches for treating many illnesses [...].

Deubiquitinases: Modulators of Different Types of Regulated Cell Death

The mechanisms and physiological implications of regulated cell death (RCD) have been extensively studied. Among the regulatory mechanisms of RCD, ubiquitination and deubiquitination enable post-translational regulation of signaling by modulating substrate degradation and signal transduction. Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are involved in diverse molecular pathways of RCD. Some DUBs modulate multiple modalities of RCD by regulating various substrates and are powerful regulators of cell fate. However, the therapeutic targeting of DUB is limited, as the physiological consequences of modulating DUBs cannot be predicted. In this review, the mechanisms of DUBs that regulate multiple types of RCD are summarized. This comprehensive summary aims to improve our understanding of the complex DUB/RCD regulatory axis comprising various molecular mechanisms for diverse physiological processes. Additionally, this review will enable the understanding of the advantages of therapeutic targeting of DUBs and developing strategies to overcome the side effects associated with the therapeutic applications of DUB modulators.

Traditional Chinese medicines and their active ingredients sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis

The rapidly developing resistance of cancers to chemotherapy agents and the severe cytotoxicity of such agents to normal cells are major stumbling blocks in current cancer treatments. Most current chemotherapy agents have significant cytotoxicity, which leads to devastating adverse effects and results in a substandard quality of life, including increased daily morbidity and premature mortality. The death receptor of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can sidestep p53-dependent pathways to induce tumor cell apoptosis without damaging most normal cells. However, various cancer cells can develop resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis via different pathways. Therefore, it is critical to find an efficient TRAIL sensitizer to reverse the resistance of tumor cells to TRAIL, and to reinforce TRAIL's ability to induce tumor cell apoptosis. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicines and their active ingredients have shown great potential to trigger apoptotic cell death in TRAIL-resistant cancer cell lines. This review aims to collate information about Chinese medicines that can effectively reverse the resistance of tumor cells to TRAIL and enhance TRAIL's ability to induce apoptosis. We explore the therapeutic potential of TRAIL and provide new ideas for the development of TRAIL therapy and the generation of new anti-cancer drugs for human cancer treatment. This study involved an extensive review of studies obtained from literature searches of electronic databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. "TRAIL sensitize" and "Chinese medicine" were the search keywords. We then isolated newly published studies on the mechanisms of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The name of each plant was validated using certified databases such as The Plant List. This study indicates that TRAIL can be combined with different Chinese medicine components through intrinsic or extrinsic pathways to promote cancer cell apoptosis. It also demonstrates that the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicines enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. This provides useful information regarding traditional Chinese medicine treatment, the development of TRAIL-based therapies, and the treatment of cancer.

Apigenin as Tumor Suppressor in Cancers: Biotherapeutic Activity, Nanodelivery, and Mechanisms With Emphasis on Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the most lethal malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to its propensity for early local and distant spread, affected patients possess extremely poor prognosis. Currently applied treatments are not effective enough to eradicate all cancer cells, and minimize their migration. Besides, these treatments are associated with adverse effects on normal cells and organs. These therapies are not able to increase the overall survival rate of patients; hence, finding novel adjuvants or alternatives is so essential. Up to now, medicinal herbs were utilized for therapeutic goals. Herbal-based medicine, as traditional biotherapeutics, were employed for cancer treatment. Of them, apigenin, as a bioactive flavonoid that possesses numerous biological properties (e.g., anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects), has shown substantial anticancer activity. It seems that apigenin is capable of suppressing the proliferation of cancer cells via the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Besides, apigenin inhibits metastasis via down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases and the Akt signaling pathway. In pancreatic cancer cells, apigenin sensitizes cells in chemotherapy, and affects molecular pathways such as the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1). Herein, the biotherapeutic activity of apigenin and its mechanisms toward cancer cells are presented in the current review to shed some light on anti-tumor activity of apigenin in different cancers, with an emphasis on pancreatic cancer.

Dexamethasone Inhibits TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis through c-FLIP(L) Upregulation and DR5 Downregulation by GSK3β Activation in Cancer Cells

Simple Summary

Dexamethasone (DEX) is commonly used as immunosuppressive and chemotherapeutic agent. The effects of DEX on cell death is different, depending on cell types and stimuli. Here, we found that DEX inhibited tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced cell death in cancer cells. Upregulation of c-FLIP(L) and downregulation of death receptor 5 (DR5) play a critical role in anti-apoptotic effects of DEX in TRAIL-induced apoptosis. DEX upregulated c-FLIP(L) expression at the transcriptional levels through the GSK-3β signaling pathway. Furthermore, DEX also modulated protein stability of DR5 via the GSK-3β/Cbl axis-mediated ubiquitin–proteasome system. Therefore, DEX-induced GSK3β activation plays a critical role in the modulation of c-FLIP(L) and DR5. This finding suggests that DEX reduced effects of anti-cancer drugs in cancer cells.

Abstract

Dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, is commonly used as immunosuppressive and chemotherapeutic agent. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of DEX on the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in cancer cells. We found that upregulation of c-FLIP(L) and downregulation of death receptor 5 (DR5; receptor for TRAIL ligand) contribute to the anti-apoptotic effect of DEX on TRAIL-induced apoptosis. DEX increased c-FLIP(L) expression at the transcriptional levels through the GSK-3β signaling pathway. The pharmacological inhibitor and catalytic mutant of GSK-3β suppressed DEX-induced upregulation of c-FLIP(L) expression. Furthermore, GSK-3β specific inhibitor markedly abolished DEX-mediated reduction of TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human renal cancer cells (Caki-1 and A498), human lung cancer cells (A549), and human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB361). In addition, DEX decreased protein stability of DR5 via GSK-3β-mediated upregulation of Cbl, an E3 ligase of DR5. Knockdown of Cbl by siRNA markedly inhibited DEX-induced DR5 downregulation. Taken together, these results suggest that DEX inhibits TRAIL-mediated apoptosis via GSK-3β-mediated DR5 downregulation and c-FLIP(L) upregulation in cancer cells.

Magnolol Enhances the Therapeutic Effects of TRAIL through DR5 Upregulation and Downregulation of c-FLIP and Mcl-1 Proteins in Cancer Cells

Magnolol is a biologically active compound, isolated from the Chinese herb Magnolia, that regulates antiproliferative, anticancer, antiangiogenic and antimetastatic activities. We found that magnolol sensitizes TRAIL-induced apoptotic cell death via upregulation of DR5 and downregulation of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) and Mcl-1 in cancer cells, but not in normal cells. Mechanistically, magnolol increased ATF4-dependent DR5 expression at the transcription level, and knockdown of ATF4 markedly inhibited magnolol-induced DR5 upregulation. Silencing DR5 with siRNA prevented combined treatment with magnolol and TRAIL-induced apoptosis and PARP cleavage. Magnolol induced proteasome-mediated Mcl-1 downregulation, while magnolol-induced c-FLIP downregulation was regulated, at least in part, by lysosomal degradation. Our results revealed that magnolol enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis via ATF4-dependent DR5 upregulation and downregulation of c-FLIP and Mcl-1 proteins.

Upregulation of DR5 and Downregulation of Survivin by IITZ-01, Lysosomotropic Autophagy Inhibitor, Potentiates TRAIL-Mediated Apoptosis in Renal Cancer Cells via Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively is able to increase apoptosis in cancer cells as agent with minimum toxicity to noncancerous cells. However, all cancer cells are not sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In this study, we showed the sub-lethal concentrations of a lysosomotropic autophagy inhibitor, IITZ-01, sensitizes cancer cells (renal, lung, and breast carcinoma) to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through DR5 upregulation and survivin downregulation through ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Knockdown of DR5 or overexpression of survivin inhibited combined treatment with IITZ-01 and TRAIL-induced apoptosis. IITZ-01 downregulated protein expression of Cbl, ubiquitin E3 ligase, and decreased expression level of Cbl markedly led to increase DR5 protein expression and TRAIL sensitivity. Moreover, IITZ-01 decreased expression level of survivin protein via downregulation of deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 9X (USP9X) expression. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that IITZ-01 enhances TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through DR5 stabilization by downregulation of Cbl and USP9X-dependent survivin ubiquitination and degradation in renal carcinoma cells.

Curcumin in cancer therapy: A novel adjunct for combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel and alleviation of its adverse effects

Dealing with cancer is of importance due to enhanced incidence rate of this life-threatening disorder. Chemotherapy is an ideal candidate in overcoming and eradication of cancer. To date, various chemotherapeutic agents have been applied in cancer therapy and paclitaxel (PTX) is one of them. PTX is a key member of taxane family with potential anti-tumor activity against different cancers. Notably, PTX has demonstrated excellent proficiency in elimination of cancer in clinical trials. This chemotherapeutic agent is isolated from Taxus brevifolia, and is a tricyclic diterpenoid. However, resistance of cancer cells into PTX chemotherapy has endangered its efficacy. Besides, administration of PTX is associated with a number of side effects such as neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity and so on, demanding novel strategies in obviating PTX issues. Curcumin is a pharmacological compound with diverse therapeutic effects including anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and so on. In the current review, we demonstrate that curcumin, a naturally occurring nutraceutical compound is able to enhance anti-tumor activity of PTX against different cancers. Besides, curcumin administration reduces adverse effects of PTX due to its excellent pharmacological activities. These topics are discussed with an emphasis on molecular pathways to provide direction for further studies in revealing other signaling networks.