Reduction of Rapid Proliferating Tumour Cell Lines by Inhibition of the Specific Glycine Transporter GLYT1

Oxidative Stress in Breast Cancer: A Biochemical Map of Reactive Oxygen Species Production

This review systematizes information about the metabolic features of breast cancer directly related to oxidative stress. It has been shown those redox changes occur at all levels and affect many regulatory systems in the human body. The features of the biochemical processes occurring in breast cancer are described, ranging from nonspecific, at first glance, and strictly biochemical to hormone-induced reactions, genetic and epigenetic regulation, which allows for a broader and deeper understanding of the principles of oncogenesis, as well as maintaining the viability of cancer cells in the mammary gland. Specific pathways of the activation of oxidative stress have been studied as a response to the overproduction of stress hormones and estrogens, and specific ways to reduce its negative impact have been described. The diversity of participants that trigger redox reactions from different sides is considered more fully: glycolytic activity in breast cancer, and the nature of consumption of amino acids and metals. The role of metals in oxidative stress is discussed in detail. They can act as both co-factors and direct participants in oxidative stress, since they are either a trigger mechanism for lipid peroxidation or capable of activating signaling pathways that affect tumorigenesis. Special attention has been paid to the genetic and epigenetic regulation of breast tumors. A complex cascade of mechanisms of epigenetic regulation is explained, which made it possible to reconsider the existing opinion about the triggers and pathways for launching the oncological process, the survival of cancer cells and their ability to localize.

Berberine Inhibited Growth and Migration of Human Colon Cancer Cell Lines by Increasing Phosphatase and Tensin and Inhibiting Aquaporins 1, 3 and 5 Expressions

Introduction: Berberine is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid with anti-cancer properties. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of its action in human colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been thoroughly elucidated. We investigated the anti-cancer effect of berberine on HT-29, SW-480 and HCT-116 human CRC cell lines. Methods: Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were studied by MTT assay, wound healing, transwell chambers and flow cytometry. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunostaining were used to evaluate the expression of aquaporins (AQPs) 1, 3 and 5 in colon cancer cell lines before and after treatment with berberine (10, 30 and 100 µM). RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to further explore the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and the molecular mechanisms underlying berberine-induced inhibition of cell proliferation. Results: We demonstrated that treatment of these CRC cell lines with berberine inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion through induction of apoptosis and necrosis. HT-29, SW-480 and HCT-116 stained positively for AQP 1, 3 and 5, and berberine treatment down-regulated the expression of all three types of AQPs. Berberine also modulated PI3K/AKT pathway activity through up-regulating PTEN and down-regulating PI3K, AKT and p-AKT expression as well as suppressing its downstream targets, mTOR and p-mTOR at the protein level. Discussion/Conclusions: These findings indicate that berberine inhibited growth, migration and invasion of these colon cancer cell lines via down-regulation of AQP 1, 3 and 5 expressions, up-regulating PTEN which inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway at the gene and protein levels, and that AQP 1, 3 and 5 expression level can be used as prognostic biomarkers for colon cancer metastasis.

Cancer Metabolism and Resistance to Cell Death: Novel Therapeutic Perspectives

Deregulation of metabolism and resistance to cell death are two hallmarks of cancer [...]