Anti-Cancer Effect of Quercetin in Xenograft Models with EBV-Associated Human Gastric Carcinoma

Effect of quercetin and chrysin and its association on viability and cell cycle progression in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Pharmacological properties of flavonoids have been reported, with an anticancer role amongst them, however, its mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this study, the activity of quercetin and chrysin towards MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was investigated. Cellular viability was determined after treatment with the compounds in different concentrations for 24 h. Secondly, cells were treated with fixed concentration of chrysin and different concentrations of quercetin with preincubation for 1 h. Both compounds inhibited cellular proliferation in dose-dependent manner. The association showed improvement in their cytotoxicity, more expressively with preincubation of quercetin. Quercetin and chrysin association induced cell cycle arrest in sub-G0/G1 phase in MDA-MB-231 cells, modified the expression of caspases-3 and -8,-8, inducing late apoptosis cell death. Taken together, our results demonstrate that both flavonoids inhibited cells growth in a dose-dependent manner and the association of quercetin improved chrysin's toxic effect over the cell lines.

Metabolomics Revealed the Tolerance and Growth Dynamics of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) to Soil Salinity in Licorice

Several studies have been devoted to seeking some beneficial plant-related microorganisms for a long time, and on this basis, it has been found that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have a considerable positive impact on plant health as a biological fungal agent. In this study, we focused on the effects of different AMF on the growth dynamics and root configuration of licorice under saline and alkali conditions. The metabolites of licorice under different AMF were assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) and Rhizophagus intraradices (Ri) were added as different AMF treatments, while the sterilized saline-alkali soil was treated as a control. Samples were taken in the R1 period (15 d after AMF treatment) and the R2 period (45 d after AMF treatment). The results showed that the application of AMF significantly increased the root growth of licorice and significantly increased the biomass of both shoot and root. A total of 978 metabolites were detected and divided into 12 groups including lipids, which accounted for 15.44%; organic acids and their derivatives, at 5.83%; benzene compounds and organic heterocyclic compounds, at 5.42%; organic oxides, at 3.78%; and ketones, accounting for 3.17%. Compared with the control, there were significant changes in the differential metabolites with treatment inoculated with AMF; the metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were the main differential metabolite enrichment pathways in the R1 period, and those in the R2 period were microbial metabolism in diverse environments and the degradation of aromatic compounds. In conclusion, the use of AMF as biofertilizer can effectively improve the growth of licorice, especially in terms of the root development and metabolites, in saline-alkali soil conditions.

The Emerging Role of Ferroptosis in EBV-Associated Cancer: Implications for Cancer Therapy

Ferroptosis is a novel and iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various human cancers. EBV is a well-recognized oncogenic virus that controls multiple signaling pathways within the host cell, including ferroptosis signaling. Recent studies show that inducing ferroptosis could be an efficient therapeutic strategy for EBV-associated tumors. This review will firstly describe the mechanism of ferroptosis, then summarize EBV infection and EBV-associated tumors, as well as the crosstalk between EBV infection and the ferroptosis signaling pathway, and finally discuss the role and potential application of ferroptosis-related reagents in EBV-associated tumors.

Update of Natural Products and Their Derivatives Targeting Epstein-Barr Infection

Epstein-Barr (EBV) is a human γ-herpesvirus that undergoes both a productive (lytic) cycle and a non-productive (latent) phase. The virus establishes enduring latent infection in B lymphocytes and productive infection in the oral mucosal epithelium. Like other herpesviruses, EBV expresses its genes in a coordinated pattern during acute infection. Unlike others, it replicates its DNA during latency to maintain the viral genome in an expanding pool of B lymphocytes, which are stimulated to divide upon infection. The reactivation from the latent state is associated with a productive gene expression pattern mediated by virus-encoded transcriptional activators BZLF-1 and BRLF-1. EBV is a highly transforming virus that contributes to the development of human lymphomas. Though viral vectors and mRNA platforms have been used to develop an EBV prophylactic vaccine, currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral drugs for the prophylaxis or treatment of EBV infection and EBV-associated cancers. Natural products and bioactive compounds are widely studied for their antiviral potential and capability to modulate intracellular signaling pathways. This review was intended to collect information on plant-derived products showing their antiviral activity against EBV and evaluate their feasibility as an alternative or adjuvant therapy against EBV infections and correlated oncogenesis in humans.

Pharmacological Mechanisms and Adjuvant Properties of Licorice Glycyrrhiza in Treating Gastric Cancer

Licorice is a remarkable traditional Chinese medicine obtained from the dried root and rhizomes of the Glycyrrhiza genus, and t has been utilized in China for many centuries. It consists of more than 300 compounds that are mainly divided into triterpene saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and phenolic components. The active compounds of licorice have been found to possess multiple biological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, immunoregulatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective functions. In addition to providing a brief overview of licorice's adjuvant properties, this review describes and analyzes the pharmacological mechanisms by which licorice components function to treat gastric cancer. Furthermore, licorice compounds are also found to be potent adjuvant chemotherapy agents, as they can improve the quality of life of cancer patients and alleviate chemotherapy-induced adverse effects.

Nano Drug Delivery Strategies for an Oral Bioenhanced Quercetin Formulation

Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, has been credited with a wide spectrum of therapeutic properties. However, the oral use of quercetin is limited due to its poor water solubility, low bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and rapid plasma clearance. Quercetin has been studied extensively when used with various nanodelivery systems for enhancing quercetin bioavailability. To enhance its oral bioavailability and efficacy, various quercetin-loaded nanosystems such as nanosuspensions, polymer nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, emulsions, liposomes or phytosomes, micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles, and other lipid-based nanoparticles have been investigated in in-vitro cells, in-vivo animal models, and humans. Among the aforementioned nanosystems, quercetin phytosomes are attracting more interest and are available on the market. The present review covers insights into the possibilities of harnessing quercetin for several therapeutic applications and a special focus on anticancer applications and the clinical benefits of nanoquercetin formulations.

A study related to the treatment of gastric cancer with Xiang-Sha-Liu-Jun-Zi-Tang based on network analysis

Purpose

Xiang-Sha-Liu-Jun-Zi-Tang(XSLJZT) is a common formula for the treatment of Gastric Cancer(GC) and is widely used in clinical practice, however, there is a lack of investigation into its mechanism.

Methods

We collected and organized drug and disease targets, constructed the "XSLJZT-Active Ingredient-Target" visualization network, and performed GO and KEGG functional enrichment analysis of crossover genes, followed by molecular docking of active ingredients and core targets. The best docked monomers were combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA) and macroscopically analyzed by GO and KEGG enrichment techniques. The results of cluster gene difference analysis, ROC evaluation, and CIBERSORT immune infiltration analysis were evaluated and finally supported by cellular experiments.

Results

The main components of XSLJZT are quercetin, stigmasterol, and naringenin, effectively treat GC by targeting STAT3, TP53 and MAPK3, which are involved in IL-17, TNF and HIF-1 signaling pathways. The results of molecular docking showed that quercetin bound better to the core targets. We performed an in-depth analysis of this monomer and found that quercetin acts on the core targets of TP53, MMP9, TIMP1 and MYC, and is involved in two key signaling pathways, TNF and IL-17, thus effectively treating GC. The experimental results are consistent with our analysis that quercetin inhibits the proliferation of GC cells and promotes apoptosis, and TP53, MYC and TIMP1 are the quercetin targets for the treatment of GC.

Conclusion

The present study tentatively suggests that quercetin, the main active ingredient in XSLJZT, can exert a therapeutic effect on GC by targeting TIMP1.

Recent Advances in Potential Health Benefits of Quercetin

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, has been a part of human diets for centuries. Its numerous health benefits, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties, have been extensively studied. Its strong antioxidant properties enable it to scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect against cellular damage. Quercetin's anti-inflammatory properties involve inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, making it a potential therapeutic agent for various inflammatory conditions. It also exhibits anticancer effects by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Finally, quercetin has cardiovascular benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving endothelial function, making it a promising candidate for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases. This review provides an overview of the chemical structure, biological activities, and bioavailability of quercetin, as well as the different delivery systems available for quercetin. Incorporating quercetin-rich foods into the diet or taking quercetin supplements may be beneficial for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. As research progresses, the future perspectives of quercetin appear promising, with potential applications in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods to promote overall well-being and disease prevention. However, further studies are needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action, optimize its bioavailability, and assess its long-term safety for widespread utilization.

Traditional Chinese medicine for transformation of gastric precancerous lesions to gastric cancer: A critical review

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common gastrointestinal tumor. Gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) are the last pathological stage before normal gastric mucosa transforms into GC. However, preventing the transformation from GPL to GC remains a challenge. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat gastric disease for millennia. A series of TCM formulas and active compounds have shown therapeutic effects in both GC and GPL. This article reviews recent progress on the herbal drugs and pharmacological mechanisms of TCM in preventing the transformation from GPL to GC, especially focusing on anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. This review may provide a meaningful reference for the prevention of the transformation from GPL to GC using TCM.

Anticancer applications of phytochemicals in gastric cancer: Effects and molecular mechanism

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common malignant cancer and is a life-threatening disease worldwide. Phytochemicals have been shown to be a rational, safe, non-toxic, and very promising approach to the prevention and treatment of cancer. It has been found that phytochemicals have protective effects against GC through inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, suppressing cell invasion and migration, anti-angiogenesis, inhibit Helicobacter pylori infection, regulating the microenvironment. In recent years, the role of phytochemicals in the occurrence, development, drug resistance and prognosis of GC has attracted more and more attention. In order to better understand the relationship between phytochemicals and gastric cancer, we briefly summarize the roles and functions of phytochemicals in GC tumorigenesis, development and prognosis. This review will probably help guide the public to prevent the occurrence and development of GC through phytochemicals, and develop functional foods or drugs for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.

Molecular Mechanisms of Flavonoids against Tumor Gamma-Herpesviruses and Their Correlated Cancers-A Focus on EBV and KSHV Life Cycles and Carcinogenesis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are cancer-causing viruses that belong to human gamma-herpesviruses. They are DNA viruses known to establish lifelong infections in humans, with the ability to develop various types of cancer. Drug resistance remains the main barrier to achieving effective therapies for viral infections and cancer. Thus, new medications with dual antiviral and anticancer actions are highly needed. Flavonoids are secondary metabolites biosynthesized by plants with diverse therapeutic effects on human health. In this review, we feature the potential role of flavonoids (flavones, protoflavones, isoflavones, flavanones, flavonols, dihydroflavonols, catechins, chalcones, anthocyanins, and other flavonoid-type compounds) in controlling gamma-herpesvirus-associated cancers by blocking EBV and KSHV infections and inhibiting the formation and growth of the correlated tumors, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, gastric cancer, extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and primary effusion lymphoma. The underlying mechanisms via targeting EBV and KSHV life cycles and carcinogenesis are highlighted. Moreover, the effective concentrations or doses are emphasized.

Unravelling Potential Health-Beneficial Properties of Corema album Phenolic Compounds: A Systematic Review

Corema (C.) album belongs to the family Ericaceae and can be found in the Iberian Peninsula, especially on the coastal areas facing the Atlantic coast. C. album berries have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Recent studies have revealed that not only the berries but also the leaves have relevant antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties, bringing this plant to the forefront of discussion. A systematic review of the literature was carried out to summarize the phenolic compounds and bioactive properties identified in C. album berries and leaves and to search for research gaps on this topic. The search was conducted in three electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) using PRISMA methodology. The inclusion criteria were the chemical compositions of the berries, leaves, or their extracts and their bioactive properties. The exclusion criteria were agronomic and archaeological research. The number of studies concerning phenolic compounds' composition and the bioactive properties of C. album berries and leaves is still limited (11 articles). However, the variety of polyphenolic compounds identified make it possible to infer new insights into their putative mechanism of action towards the suppression of NF-kB transcription factor activation, the modulation of inflammatory mediators/enzymes, the induction of apoptosis, the modulation of mitogen activated protein kinase, cell cycle arrest, and the reduction of oxidative stress. These factors can be of major relevance concerning the future use of C. album as nutraceuticals, food supplements, or medicines. Nevertheless, more scientific evidence concerning C. album's bioactivity is required.

Natural Small Molecules in Gastrointestinal Tract and Associated Cancers: Molecular Insights and Targeted Therapies

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Although surgery is the primary treatment, serious maladies that dissipate to other parts of the body may require chemotherapy. As there is no effective procedure to treat stomach cancer, natural small molecules are a current focus of research interest for the development of better therapeutics. Chemotherapy is usually used as a last resort for people with advanced stomach cancer. Anti-colon cancer chemotherapy has become increasingly effective due to drug resistance and sensitivity across a wide spectrum of drugs. Naturally-occurring substances have been widely acknowledged as an important project for discovering innovative medications, and many therapeutic pharmaceuticals are made from natural small molecules. Although the beneficial effects of natural products are as yet unknown, emerging data suggest that several natural small molecules could suppress the progression of stomach cancer. Therefore, the underlying mechanism of natural small molecules for pathways that are directly involved in the pathogenesis of cancerous diseases is reviewed in this article. Chemotherapy and molecularly-targeted drugs can provide hope to colon cancer patients. New discoveries could help in the fight against cancer, and future stomach cancer therapies will probably include molecularly formulated drugs.

Anisi Stellati Fructus, a Significant Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Herb and Its Bioactivity against Gastric Cancer

Anisi stellati fructus (ASF) is the fruit of Illicium verum Hook F. (Chinese star anise), which is native to many countries, and is a significant Chinese medicinal herb. Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major fatal types of cancers with multiple stages and a poor prognosis. The present review aims to discuss the bioactive properties of ASF and its phytocompounds against GC, with a particular insight into the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in its anti-GC mechanism. Furthermore, it highlights the potential mechanism of action of major phytocompounds of ASF against GC. Clinical studies (in vitro and in vivo) regarding the action of ASF and its major bioactive compounds such as quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, d-limonene, and honokiol against GC were reviewed. For this review, search of literature was performed in Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus related to ASF and its phytocompounds, from which only relevant studies were chosen. Major bioactive compounds of ASF and their extracts have proven to be effective against GC due to the mechanistic action of these compounds involving signaling pathways that target cancer cell apoptosis, proliferation, and tumor metastasis in GC cells. Existing reports of these compounds and their combinatory effects with other modern anticancer agents have also been reviewed. From its traditional use to its role as an anticancer agent, ASF and its bioactive phytocompounds have been observed to be effective in modern research, specifically against GC. However, further studies are required for the identification of molecular targets and pharmacokinetic potential and for the formulation of anti-GC drugs.

A Network Pharmacology Perspective Investigation of the Pharmacological Mechanisms of the Herbal Drug FDY003 in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and deadly malignant tumors worldwide. While the application of herbal drugs for GC treatment is increasing, the multicompound–multitarget pharmacological mechanisms involved are yet to be elucidated. By adopting a network pharmacology strategy, we investigated the properties of the anticancer herbal drug FDY003 against GC. We found that FDY003 reduced the viability of human GC cells and enhanced their chemosensitivity. We also identified 8 active phytochemical compounds in FDY003 that target 70 GC-associated genes and proteins. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that the targets of FDY003 are involved in various cellular processes, such as cellular proliferation, survival, and death. We further identified various major FDY003 target GC-associated pathways, including PIK3-Akt, MAPK, Ras, HIF-1, ErbB, and p53 pathways. Taken together, the overall analysis presents insight at the systems level into the pharmacological activity of FDY003 against GC.

Quercetin derivatives: Drug design, development, and biological activities, a review

More studies are needed to develop new drugs for problems associated with drug resistance and unfavorable side effects. The natural flavonoid of quercetin revealed a wide range of biological activities by the modulation of various targets and signaling pathways. However, quercetin's low solubility and poor bioavailability have restricted its applicability; as a result, researchers have attempted to design and synthesize numerous novel quercetin derivatives using various methodologies in order to modify quercetin's constraints; the physico-chemical properties of quercetin's molecular scaffold make it appealing for drug development; low molecular mass and chemical groups are two of these characteristics. Therefore, the biological activities of quercetin derivatives, as well as the relationship between activity and chemical structure and their mechanism of action, were investigated. These quercetin-based molecules could be valuable in the creation and discovery of medications for a number of diseases.

Current Advances and Outlook in Gastric Cancer Chemoresistance: A Review

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection of the lesion is the standard primary treatment of gastric cancer. Unfortunately, most patients are already in the advanced stage of the disease when they are diagnosed with gastric cancer. Alternative therapies, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, can achieve only very limited benefits. The emergence of cancer drug resistance has always been the major obstacle to the cure of tumors. The main goal of modern cancer pharmacology is to determine the underlying mechanism of anticancer drugs.

OBJECTIVE

Here, we mainly review the latest research results related to the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer, the application of natural products in overcoming the chemotherapy resistance of gastric cancer, and the new strategies currently being developed to treat tumors based on immunotherapy and gene therapy.

CONCLUSION

The emergence of cancer drug resistance is the main obstacle in achieving alleviation and final cure for gastric cancer. Mixed therapies are considered to be a possible way to overcome chemoresistance. Natural products are the main resource for discovering new drugs specific for treating chemoresistance, and further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of natural product activity in patients. .

Perspectives on the Role of Isoliquiritigenin in Cancer

Isoliquiritigenin (2',4',4-trihydroxychalcone, ISL), one of the most important bioactive compounds with a chalcone structure, is derived from licorice root. Licorice is commonly known as Glycyrrhiza, including Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhiza radix, and Glycyrrhiza glabra, which are generally available in common foods and Chinese herbal medicines based on a wide variety of biological functions and pharmacological effects, and its derivative (ISL) is utilized as a food additive and adjunct disease treatment. In this review, we summarized the progress over the last 10 years in the targeted pathways and molecular mechanisms of ISL that are involved in the regulation of the onset and progression of different types of cancers.

Pharmacological basis and new insights of quercetin action in respect to its anti-cancer effects

Quercetin is a kind of flavonoid compounds that comes from nature and is widely existed in the daily diet. Previous studies have found that quercetin has many effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and anti-cancer. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that quercetin can exert anti-tumor effects by altering cell cycle progression, inhibiting cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis progression, and affecting autophagy. This review summarizes the evidence for the pharmacological potential and inhibition of quercetin on cancers, supporting the viewpoint that quercetin should be adequately considered as a therapeutic agent against various cancers.

Quercetin Synergistically Inhibit EBV-Associated Gastric Carcinoma with Ganoderma lucidum Extracts

Mycotherapy has been shown to improve the overall response rate during cancer treatment and reduce some chemotherapy-related adverse events. Ganoderma lucidum is a traditional mushroom used for pharmaceutical purposes. G. lucidum extracts (GLE) showed potential antitumor activities against several cancers. These tumor inhibitory effects of GLE were attributed to the suppression of the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) is defined as the monoclonal proliferation of carcinoma cells with latent EBV infection. The inhibitory effects of GLE against EBVaGC are questionable. The aim of this study was to investigate GLE as potential antitumor agents and a counterpart of quercetin (QCT) for the cotreatment in suppressing EBVaGC development. Therefore, this study conducted antitumor assays using a EBVaGC xenograft mice model and found that GLE could suppress tumor development. These inhibitory effects were significantly augmented by the low concentration of the quercetin (QCT) cotreatment in the xenograft mice. The addition of GLE in low concentrations synergistically reinforced QCT-induced apoptosis and EBV lytic reactivation. GLE contains various polysaccharides and triterpenes, such as ganoderic acid. Interestingly, the addition of ganoderic acid A (GAA) could produce similar bioactive effects like GLE in QCT-mediated antitumor activity. The GAA addition in low concentrations synergistically reinforced QCT-induced apoptosis and EBV lytic reactivation. GAA was sufficiently effective as much as GLE. Therefore, our results suggested that QCT-supplemented GLE could be a potential food adjunct for the prevention of EBVaGC development.

Using glycyrrhizic acid to target sumoylation processes during Epstein-Barr virus latency

Cellular sumoylation processes are proposed targets for anti-viral and anti-cancer therapies. We reported that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) dysregulates cellular sumoylation processes, contributing to its oncogenic potential in EBV-associated malignancies. Ginkgolic acid and anacardic acid, known inhibitors of sumoylation, inhibit LMP1-induced protein sumoylation; however, both drugs have adverse effects in hosts. Here we test the effects of glycyrrhizic acid, a medicinal botanical extract with anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-viral properties, on cellular sumoylation processes. While glycyrrhizic acid is known to inhibit EBV penetration, its affect on cellular sumoylation processes remains to be documented. We hypothesized that glycyrrhizic acid inhibits cellular sumoylation processes and may be a viable treatment for Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignancies. Results showed that glycyrrhizic acid inhibited sumoylation processes (without affecting ubiquitination processes), limited cell growth, and induced apoptosis in multiple cell lines. Similar to ginkgolic acid; glycyrrhizic acid targeted the first step of the sumoylation process and resulted in low levels of spontaneous EBV reactivation. Glycyrrhizic acid did not affect induced reactivation of the virus, but the presence of the extract did reduce the ability of the produced virus to infect additional cells. Therefore, we propose that glycyrrhizic acid may be a potential therapeutic drug to augment the treatment of EBV-associated lymphoid malignancies.

Adenosine Induces EBV Lytic Reactivation through ADORA1 in EBV-Associated Gastric Carcinoma

Cordyceps species are known to contain numerous bioactive compounds, including cordycepin. Extracts of Cordyceps militaris (CME) are used in diverse medicinal purposes because of their bioactive components. Cordycepin, one of the active components of CME, exhibits anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Cordycepin structurally differs from adenosine in that its ribose lacks an oxygen atom at the 3′ position. We previously reported that cordycepin suppresses Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) gene expression and lytic replication in EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC). However, other studies reported that cordycepin induces EBV gene expression and lytic reactivation. Thus, it was reasonable to clarify the bioactive effects of CME bioactive compounds on the EBV life cycle. We first confirmed that CME preferentially induces EBV gene expression and lytic reactivation; second, we determined that adenosine in CME induces EBV gene expression and lytic reactivation; third, we discovered that the adenosine A1 receptor (ADORA1) is required for adenosine to initiate signaling for upregulating BZLF1, which encodes for a key EBV regulator (Zta) of the EBV lytic cycle; finally, we showed that BZLF1 upregulation by adenosine leads to delayed tumor development in the EBVaGC xenograft mouse model. Taken together, these results suggest that adenosine is an EBV lytic cycle inducer that inhibits EBVaGC development.

Role of hydroxyl groups in the B-ring of flavonoids in stabilization of the Hoogsteen paired third strand of Poly(U).Poly(A)*Poly(U) triplex

We have reported the interaction of two flavonoids namely quercetin (Q) and morin (M) with double stranded poly(A).poly(U) (herein after A.U) and triple stranded poly(U).poly(A)*poly(U) (herein after U.A*U, dot represents the Watson-Crick and asterisk represents Hoogsteen base pairing respectively) in this article. It has been observed that relative positions of hydroxyl groups on the B-ring of the flavonoids affect the stabilization of RNA. The double strand as well as the triple strand of RNA-polymers become more stabilized in presence of Q, however both the duplex and triplex remain unaffected in presence of M. The presence of catechol moiety on the B-ring of Q is supposed to be responsible for the stabilization. Moreover, after exploiting a series of biophysical experiments, it has been found that, triple helical RNA becomes more stabilized over its parent duplex in presence of Q. Fluorescence quenching, viscosity measurement and helix melting results establish the fact that Q binds with both forms of RNA through the mode of intercalation while M does not bind at all to either forms of RNA.