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Safe S. Natural products and synthetic analogs as selective orphan nuclear receptor 4A (NR4A) modulators. Histol Histopathol 2024; 39:543-556. [PMID: 38116863 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Although endogenous ligands for the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1, Nur77), NR4A2 (Nurr1), and NR4A3 (Nor-1) have not been identified, several natural products and synthetic analogs bind NR4A members. These studies are becoming increasingly important since members of the NR4A subfamily of 3 receptors are potential drug targets for treating cancer and non-cancer endpoints and particularly those conditions associated with inflammatory diseases. Ligands that bind NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 including Cytosporone B, celastrol, bis-indole derived (CDIM) compounds, tryptophan/indolic, metabolites, prostaglandins, resveratrol, piperlongumine, fatty acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, peptides, and drug families including statins and antimalarial drugs. The structural diversity of NR4A ligands and their overlapping and unique effects on NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 suggest that NR4A ligands are selective NR4A modulators (SNR4AMs) that exhibit tissue-, structure-, and response-specific activities. The SNR4AM activities of NR4A ligands are exemplified among the Cytosporone B analogs where n-pentyl-2-[3,5-dihydroxy-2-(nonanoyl)]phenyl acetate (PDNPA) binds NR4A1, NR4A2 and NR4A3 but activates only NR4A1 and exhibits significant functional differences with other Cytosporone B analogs. The number of potential clinical applications of agents targeting NR4A is increasing and this should spur future development of SNR4AMs as therapeutics that act through NR4A1, NR4A2 and NR4A3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Bidooki SH, Navarro MA, Fernandes SCM, Osada J. Thioredoxin Domain Containing 5 (TXNDC5): Friend or Foe? Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3134-3163. [PMID: 38666927 PMCID: PMC11049379 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the thioredoxin domain containing 5 (TXNDC5), also known as endoplasmic reticulum protein 46 (ERp46), a member of the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family with a dual role in multiple diseases. TXNDC5 is highly expressed in endothelial cells, fibroblasts, pancreatic β-cells, liver cells, and hypoxic tissues, such as cancer endothelial cells and atherosclerotic plaques. TXNDC5 plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and antioxidative stress. Its potential significance in cancer warrants further investigation, given the altered and highly adaptable metabolism of tumor cells. It has been reported that both high and low levels of TXNDC5 expression are associated with multiple diseases, such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, brain diseases, and infections, as well as worse prognoses. TXNDC5 has been attributed to both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive features. It has been concluded that in cancer, TXNDC5 acts as a foe and responds to metabolic and cellular stress signals to promote the survival of tumor cells against apoptosis. Conversely, in normal cells, TXNDC5 acts as a friend to safeguard cells against oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Therefore, TXNDC5 could serve as a viable biomarker or even a potential pharmacological target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hesamoddin Bidooki
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, E-50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.H.B.); (M.A.N.)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute of Analytical Sciences and Physico-Chemistry for Environment and Materials (IPREM), Universite de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, 64 000 Pau, France;
- MANTA—Marine Materials Research Group, Universite de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, 64 600 Anglet, France
| | - María A. Navarro
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, E-50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.H.B.); (M.A.N.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, E-50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana C. M. Fernandes
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute of Analytical Sciences and Physico-Chemistry for Environment and Materials (IPREM), Universite de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, 64 000 Pau, France;
- MANTA—Marine Materials Research Group, Universite de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, 64 600 Anglet, France
| | - Jesus Osada
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, E-50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.H.B.); (M.A.N.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, E-50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
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Michalkova R, Mirossay L, Kello M, Mojzisova G, Baloghova J, Podracka A, Mojzis J. Anticancer Potential of Natural Chalcones: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10354. [PMID: 37373500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no doubt that significant progress has been made in tumor therapy in the past decades. However, the discovery of new molecules with potential antitumor properties still remains one of the most significant challenges in the field of anticancer therapy. Nature, especially plants, is a rich source of phytochemicals with pleiotropic biological activities. Among a plethora of phytochemicals, chalcones, the bioprecursors of flavonoid and isoflavonoids synthesis in higher plants, have attracted attention due to the broad spectrum of biological activities with potential clinical applications. Regarding the antiproliferative and anticancer effects of chalcones, multiple mechanisms of action including cell cycle arrest, induction of different forms of cell death and modulation of various signaling pathways have been documented. This review summarizes current knowledge related to mechanisms of antiproliferative and anticancer effects of natural chalcones in different types of malignancies including breast cancers, cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, lung cancers, renal and bladder cancers, and melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radka Michalkova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Mirossay
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Kello
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Mojzisova
- Center of Clinical and Preclinical Research MEDIPARK, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Janette Baloghova
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Anna Podracka
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Jan Mojzis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
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Lee M, Upadhyay S, Mariyam F, Martin G, Hailemariam A, Lee K, Jayaraman A, Chapkin RS, Lee SO, Safe S. Flavone and Hydroxyflavones Are Ligands That Bind the Orphan Nuclear Receptor 4A1 (NR4A1). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8152. [PMID: 37175855 PMCID: PMC10179475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098152] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It was recently reported that the hydroxyflavones quercetin and kaempferol bind the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1, Nur77) and act as antagonists in cancer cells and tumors, and they inhibit pro-oncogenic NR4A1-regulated genes and pathways. In this study, we investigated the interactions of flavone, six hydroxyflavones, seven dihydroxyflavones, three trihydroxyflavones, two tetrahydroxyflavones, and one pentahydroxyflavone with the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of NR4A1 using direct-binding fluorescence and an isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) assays. Flavone and the hydroxyflavones bound NR4A1, and their KD values ranged from 0.36 µM for 3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (galangin) to 45.8 µM for 3'-hydroxyflavone. KD values determined using ITC and KD values for most (15/20) of the hydroxyflavones were decreased compared to those obtained using the fluorescence assay. The results of binding, transactivation and receptor-ligand modeling assays showed that KD values, transactivation data and docking scores for these compounds are highly variable with respect to the number and position of the hydroxyl groups on the flavone backbone structure, suggesting that hydroxyflavones are selective NR4A1 modulators. Nevertheless, the data show that hydroxyflavone-based neutraceuticals are NR4A1 ligands and that some of these compounds can now be repurposed and used to target sub-populations of patients that overexpress NR4A1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miok Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.L.); (S.U.); (F.M.); (G.M.); (A.H.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Srijana Upadhyay
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.L.); (S.U.); (F.M.); (G.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Fuada Mariyam
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.L.); (S.U.); (F.M.); (G.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Greg Martin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.L.); (S.U.); (F.M.); (G.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Amanuel Hailemariam
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.L.); (S.U.); (F.M.); (G.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Kyongbum Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA;
| | - Arul Jayaraman
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Robert S. Chapkin
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Syng-Ook Lee
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea;
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.L.); (S.U.); (F.M.); (G.M.); (A.H.)
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Wang H, Zhang M, Fang F, Xu C, Liu J, Gao L, Zhao C, Wang Z, Zhong Y, Wang X. The nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A1 in human disease. Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 101:148-159. [PMID: 36861809 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2022-0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1), a member of the NR4A subfamily, acts as a gene regulator in a wide range of signaling pathways and responses to human diseases. Here, we provide a brief overview of the current functions of NR4A1 in human diseases and the factors involved in its function. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms can potentially improve drug development and disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuang Wang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Mengjuan Zhang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Jiazhi Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Lanjun Gao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns Research, Shijiazhuang 050091, China.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Yan Zhong
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns Research, Shijiazhuang 050091, China.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Xiangting Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns Research, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
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Lee HS, Kim DH, Lee IS, Park JH, Martin G, Safe S, Kim KJ, Kim JH, Jang BI, Lee SO. Plant Alkaloid Tetrandrine Is a Nuclear Receptor 4A1 Antagonist and Inhibits Panc-1 Cell Growth In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5280. [PMID: 35563670 PMCID: PMC9104798 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) is highly expressed in human pancreatic cancer cells and exerts pro-oncogenic activity. In a previous study, we demonstrated that fangchinoline (FCN), a natural inhibitor of nuclear NR4A1, induces NR4A1-dependent apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated FCN and its structural analogs (berbamine, isotetrandrine, tetrandrine, and tubocurarine) for their inhibitory effects on NR4A1 transactivity, and confirmed that tetrandrine (TTD) showed the highest inhibitory effect in pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, in a tryptophan fluorescence quenching assay, TTD directly bound to the ligand binding domain (LBD) of NR4A1 with a KD value of 10.60 μM. Treatment with TTD decreased proliferation and induced apoptosis in Panc-1 human pancreatic cancer cells in part through the reduced expression of the Sp1-dependent anti-apoptotic gene survivin and induction of ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress, which are the well-known NR4A1-dependent proapoptotic pathways. Furthermore, at a dose of 25 mg/kg/day, TTD reduced tumor growth in an athymic nude mouse xenograft model bearing Panc-1 cells. These data show that TTD is an NR4A1 antagonist and that modulation of the NR4A1-mediated pro-survival pathways is involved in the antitumor effects of TTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Seon Lee
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea; (H.-S.L.); (I.-S.L.); (J.-H.P.)
| | - Dae Hwan Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animal Research Support Team, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu 42415, Korea;
| | - In-Seon Lee
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea; (H.-S.L.); (I.-S.L.); (J.-H.P.)
| | - Ji-Hyun Park
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea; (H.-S.L.); (I.-S.L.); (J.-H.P.)
| | - Gregory Martin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA; (G.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA; (G.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Keuk-Jun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Daekyeung College, Gyeongsan 38547, Korea; (K.-J.K.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Joung-Hee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Daekyeung College, Gyeongsan 38547, Korea; (K.-J.K.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Byung Ik Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, Korea;
| | - Syng-Ook Lee
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea; (H.-S.L.); (I.-S.L.); (J.-H.P.)
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Broussochalcone A Induces Apoptosis in Human Renal Cancer Cells via ROS Level Elevation and Activation of FOXO3 Signaling Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:2800706. [PMID: 34745413 PMCID: PMC8566040 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2800706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Broussochalcone A (BCA) is a chalcone compound extracted from the cortex of Broussonetiapapyrifera (L.) Ventenat that exerts various effects, such as potent antioxidant, antiplatelet, and anticancer effects. However, the effects of BCA against cancers have been seldom studied. This study is aimed at demonstrating the apoptotic mechanisms of BCA in A498 and ACHN cells, which are two types of human renal cancer cell lines. MTT, cell counting, and colony formation assays indicated that BCA treatment inhibited cell viability and cell growth. Further, cell cycle analysis revealed that BCA induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Annexin V/PI staining and TUNEL assays were performed to determine the apoptotic effects and DNA fragmentation after treatment with BCA. Based on western blot analysis, BCA induced the upregulation of cleaved PARP, FOXO3, Bax, p21, p27, p53, phosphorylated p53 (ser15, ser20, and ser46), and active forms of caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9 proteins, but downregulated the proforms of the proteins. The expression levels of pAkt, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL were also found to be downregulated. Western blot analysis of nuclear fractionation results revealed that BCA induced the nuclear translocation of FOXO3, which might be induced by DNA damage owing to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Elevated intracellular ROS levels were also found following BCA treatment. Furthermore, DNA damage was detected after BCA treatment using a comet assay. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the apoptotic effects of BCA against renal cancer A498 and ACHN cells. Collectively, our study findings revealed that the apoptotic effects of BCA against human renal cancer cells occur via the elevation of ROS level and activation of the FOXO3 signaling pathway.
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