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Chen H, Liu H, Zhang C, Xiao N, Li Y, Zhao X, Zhang R, Gu H, Kang Q, Wan J. RNA methylation-related inhibitors: Biological basis and therapeutic potential for cancer therapy. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1644. [PMID: 38572667 PMCID: PMC10993167 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation is widespread in nature. Abnormal expression of proteins associated with RNA methylation is strongly associated with a number of human diseases including cancer. Increasing evidence suggests that targeting RNA methylation holds promise for cancer treatment. This review specifically describes several common RNA modifications, such as the relatively well-studied N6-methyladenosine, as well as 5-methylcytosine and pseudouridine (Ψ). The regulatory factors involved in these modifications and their roles in RNA are also comprehensively discussed. We summarise the diverse regulatory functions of these modifications across different types of RNAs. Furthermore, we elucidate the structural characteristics of these modifications along with the development of specific inhibitors targeting them. Additionally, recent advancements in small molecule inhibitors targeting RNA modifications are presented to underscore their immense potential and clinical significance in enhancing therapeutic efficacy against cancer. KEY POINTS: In this paper, several important types of RNA modifications and their related regulatory factors are systematically summarised. Several regulatory factors related to RNA modification types were associated with cancer progression, and their relationships with cancer cell migration, invasion, drug resistance and immune environment were summarised. In this paper, the inhibitors targeting different regulators that have been proposed in recent studies are summarised in detail, which is of great significance for the development of RNA modification regulators and cancer treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanxiang Chen
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- School of Life ScienceZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Hongyang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Chenxing Zhang
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Nan Xiao
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | | | - Ruike Zhang
- Academy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Huihui Gu
- Academy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Qiaozhen Kang
- School of Life ScienceZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Junhu Wan
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
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Cruz R, Wuest WM. Beyond Ergosterol: Strategies for Combatting Antifungal Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida auris. Tetrahedron 2023; 133:133268. [PMID: 36938356 PMCID: PMC10022592 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2023.133268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida auris are historically problematic fungal pathogens responsible for systemic infections and high mortality rates, especially in immunocompromised populations. The three antifungal classes that comprise our present day armamentarium have facilitated efficacious treatment of these fungal infections in past decades, but their potency has steadily declined over the years as resistance to these compounds has accumulated. Importantly, pan-resistant strains of Candida auris have been observed in clinical settings, leaving affected patients with no treatment options and a death sentence. Many compounds in the ongoing antifungal drug discovery pipeline, similar to those within our aforementioned trinity, are predicated on the binding or inhibition of ergosterol. Recurring accounts of resistance to antifungals targeting this pathway suggest optimization of ergosterol-dependent antifungals is likely not the best solution for the long-term. This review aims to present several natural products with novel or underexplored biological targets, as well as similarly underutilized drug discovery strategies to inspire future biological investigations and medicinal chemistry campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Cruz
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Dr. Atlanta GA 30322
| | - William M Wuest
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Dr. Atlanta GA 30322
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Yu S, Ge Z, Chen W, Han J. Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate Enhances the Cytotoxic Effect of Arsenic Trioxide on Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2023; 26:2067-2076. [PMID: 36694317 DOI: 10.2174/1386207326666230123155944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 95% patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) carry the PML-RARα fusion oncoprotein. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an efficacious therapeutic agent for APL, and the mechanism involves the binding with PML and degradation of PML-RARα protein. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) demonstrates the function of facilitating the cytotoxic effect of ATO. PURPOSE To investigate whether PDTC is potential to enhance the cytotoxic effect of ATO to APL cells by acting on PML-RARα oncoproteins. METHODS Inhibitory effects of drugs on cell viability were examined by CCK-8 test, and apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were used to explore the mechanism. RESULTS PDTC improved the effect of ATO on inhibiting proliferation of NB4 cells in vitro. Further, PDTC-ATO promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in NB4 cells. The expression of caspase- 3 and Bcl-2 was reduced in PDTC-ATO-treated NB4 cells, while cleaved caspase-3 and Bax was up-regulated. Furthermore, less PML-RARα expression were found in PDTC-ATO-treated NB4 cells than that in NB4 cells treated with ATO singly. Laser confocal microscopy showed that protein colocalization of PML and RARα was disrupted more significantly by PDTC-ATO treatment than that with ATO monotherapy. CONCLUSION In conclusion, PDTC enhanced the cytotoxic effect of ATO on APL, and the mechanism was, at least in part, related to the promotion of ATO-induced degradation of PML-RARα fusion protein via forming a complex PDTC-ATO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuowang Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weixiang Chen
- General Department of Chongming Branch, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinbin Han
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Mo L, Zhang F, Chen F, Xia L, Huang Y, Mo Y, Zhang L, Huang D, He S, Deng J, Hao E, Du Z. Progress on structural modification of Tetrandrine with wide range of pharmacological activities. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:978600. [PMID: 36052124 PMCID: PMC9424556 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.978600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrandrine (Tet), derived from the traditional Chinese herb Fangji, is a class of natural alkaloids with the structure of bisbenzylisoquinoline, which has a wide range of physiological activities and significant pharmacfological effects. However, studies and clinical applications have revealed a series of drawbacks such as its poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and the fact that it can be toxic to humans. The results of many researchers have confirmed that chemical structural modifications and nanocarrier delivery can address the limited application of Tet and improve its efficacy. In this paper, we summarize the anti-tumor efficacy and mechanism of action, anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action, and clinical applications of Tet, and describe the progress of Tet based on chemical structure modification and nanocarrier delivery, aiming to explore more diverse structures to improve the pharmacological activity of Tet and provide ideas to meet clinical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuying Mo
- Guangxi Scientific Experimental Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Study on Functional Ingredients of Agricultural Residues, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Nanning, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Guangxi Scientific Experimental Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Study on Functional Ingredients of Agricultural Residues, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Nanning, China
- Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Guangxi Scientific Experimental Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Study on Functional Ingredients of Agricultural Residues, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Nanning, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Guangxi Scientific Experimental Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Study on Functional Ingredients of Agricultural Residues, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Nanning, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Office of the President, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Yuemi Mo
- Guangxi Scientific Experimental Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Study on Functional Ingredients of Agricultural Residues, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Nanning, China
| | - Lingqiu Zhang
- Guangxi Scientific Experimental Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Study on Functional Ingredients of Agricultural Residues, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Nanning, China
| | - Daquan Huang
- Guangxi Dahai Sunshine Pharmaceutical, Nanning, China
| | - Shunli He
- Guangxi Heli Pharmaceutical, Nanning, China
| | - Jiagang Deng
- Guangxi Scientific Experimental Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Study on Functional Ingredients of Agricultural Residues, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Jiagang Deng, ; Erwei Hao, ; Zhengcai Du,
| | - Erwei Hao
- Guangxi Scientific Experimental Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Study on Functional Ingredients of Agricultural Residues, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Jiagang Deng, ; Erwei Hao, ; Zhengcai Du,
| | - Zhengcai Du
- Guangxi Scientific Experimental Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Study on Functional Ingredients of Agricultural Residues, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Jiagang Deng, ; Erwei Hao, ; Zhengcai Du,
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Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of N14-Amino Acid-Substituted Tetrandrine Derivatives as Potential Antitumor Agents against Human Colorectal Cancer. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134040. [PMID: 35807286 PMCID: PMC9268013 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As a typical dibenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, tetrandrine (TET) is clinically used for the treatment of silicosis, inflammatory pulmonary, and cardiovascular diseases in China. Recent investigations have demonstrated the outstanding anticancer activity of this structure, but its poor aqueous solubility severely restricts its further development. Herein, a series of its 14-N-amino acid-substituted derivatives with improved anticancer effects and aqueous solubility were designed and synthesized. Among them, compound 16 displayed the best antiproliferative activity against human colorectal cancer (HCT-15) cells, with an IC50 value of 0.57 μM. Compared with TET, 16 was markedly improved in terms of aqueous solubility (by 5-fold). Compound 16 significantly suppressed the colony formation, migration, and invasion of HCT-15 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with it being more potent in this respect than TET. Additionally, compound 16 markedly impaired the morphology and motility of HCT-15 cells and induced the death of colorectal cancer cells in double-staining and flow cytometry assays. Western blot results revealed that 16 could induce the autophagy of HCT-15 cells by significantly decreasing the content of p62/SQSTM1 and enhancing the Beclin-1 level and the ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I. Further study showed that 16 effectively inhibited the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of umbilical vein endothelial cells, manifesting in a potent anti-angiogenesis effect. Overall, these results revealed the potential of 16 as a promising candidate for further preclinical studies.
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Role of main RNA modifications in cancer: N 6-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytosine, and pseudouridine. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:142. [PMID: 35484099 PMCID: PMC9051163 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major diseases threatening human life and health worldwide. Epigenetic modification refers to heritable changes in the genetic material without any changes in the nucleic acid sequence and results in heritable phenotypic changes. Epigenetic modifications regulate many biological processes, such as growth, aging, and various diseases, including cancer. With the advancement of next-generation sequencing technology, the role of RNA modifications in cancer progression has become increasingly prominent and is a hot spot in scientific research. This review studied several common RNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytosine, and pseudouridine. The deposition and roles of these modifications in coding and noncoding RNAs are summarized in detail. Based on the RNA modification background, this review summarized the expression, function, and underlying molecular mechanism of these modifications and their regulators in cancer and further discussed the role of some existing small-molecule inhibitors. More in-depth studies on RNA modification and cancer are needed to broaden the understanding of epigenetics and cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
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