Targeting Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau in Chemotherapy-Resistant Models of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma

Insights into Dysregulated Neurological Biomarkers in Cancer

The link between neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and cancer has generated greater interest in biomedical research, with decades of global studies investigating neurodegenerative biomarkers in cancer to better understand possible connections. Tau, amyloid-β, α-synuclein, SOD1, TDP-43, and other proteins associated with nervous system diseases have also been identified in various types of solid and malignant tumors, suggesting a potential overlap in pathological processes. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of current evidence on the role of these proteins in cancer, specifically examining their effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, chemoresistance, and tumor progression. Additionally, we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of this interconnection, emphasizing the importance of further research to completely comprehend the clinical implications of these proteins in tumors. Finally, we explore the challenges and opportunities in targeting these proteins for the development of new targeted anticancer therapies, providing insight into how to integrate knowledge of NDs in oncology research.

The Ovary-Brain Connection

The brain and the ovaries are in a state of continuous communication [...].

Tubulin Complexity in Cancer and Metastasis

Tubulin plays a fundamental role in cellular function and as the subject for microtubule-active agents in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Microtubule-binding proteins (e.g., tau, MAP1/2/4, EB1, CLIP, TOG, survivin, stathmin) and posttranslational modifications (e.g., tyrosination, deglutamylation, acetylation, glycation, phosphorylation, polyamination) further diversify tubulin functionality and may permit additional opportunities to understand microtubule behavior in disease and to develop microtubule-modifying approaches to combat ovarian cancer. Tubulin-based structures that project from suspended ovarian cancer cells known as microtentacles may contribute to metastatic potential of ovarian cancer cells and could represent an exciting novel therapeutic target.

Novel Acrylate-Based Derivatives: Design, Synthesis, Antiproliferative Screening, and Docking Study as Potential Combretastatin Analogues

A variety of 3-(4-chlorophenyl) acrylic acids 4a,b and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)acrylate esters 5a-i were synthesized and structurally proven by spectroscopic studies such as IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR as well as mass spectrometry. All substances were investigated for their antiproliferative efficacy against the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Among these, acrylic acid compound 4b demonstrated the most potent cytotoxic effect with an IC50 value of 3.24 ± 0.13 μM, as compared to CA-4 (IC50 = 1.27 ± 09 μM). Additionally, acrylic acid molecule 4b displayed an inhibitory effect against β-tubulin polymerization with a percentage inhibition of 80.07%. Furthermore, compound 4b was found to produce considerable cell cycle arrest at the G2/M stage and cellular death, as demonstrated by FACS analysis. In addition, the in vivo antitumor screening of the sodium salt of acrylic acid 4b was carried out, and the results have shown that the tested molecule showed a significant decrease in viable EAC count and EAC volume, accompanied by a considerable increase in the life span prolongation, if compared to the positive control group. Furthermore, molecular modeling studies were performed to understand how the highly efficient chemicals 4b and 5e interact with the colchicine-binding region on tubulin. This work aims to shed light on the reasons behind their exceptional cytotoxicity and their better capacity to inhibit tubulin in comparison to CA-4.