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Hassani S, Ghanbari F, Lotfi M, Alam W, Aschner M, Popović-Djordjević J, Shahcheraghi SH, Khan H. How gallic acid regulates molecular signaling: role in cancer drug resistance. Med Oncol 2023; 40:308. [PMID: 37755616 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02178-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the deadliest and most heterogeneous diseases. Cancers often develop drug resistance, which can lead to treatment failure or recurrence. Accordingly, anticancer compounds are essential for chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells. Phenolic compounds are of interest in the development of cancer drugs due to their medicinal properties and ability to target different molecular pathways. Gallic acid (GA), as one of the main components of phenol, which is abundantly present in plant compounds such as walnut, sumac, grapes, tea leaves, oak bark, and other plant compounds, has antitumor properties. GA can prevent cancer progression, cell invasion, and metastasis by targeting molecular pathways and is an effective complement to chemotherapy drugs and combating multidrug resistance (MDR). In this review, we discuss various mechanisms related to cancer, the therapeutic potential of GA, the antitumor properties of GA in various cancers, and the targeted delivery of GA with nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Hassani
- Department of Plant and Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Ghanbari
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marzieh Lotfi
- Abortion Research Center, Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Waqas Alam
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Jelena Popović-Djordjević
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department for Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Seyed Hossein Shahcheraghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan.
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2
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Cheng L, Li S, He K, Kang Y, Li T, Li C, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Huang Y. Melatonin regulates cancer migration and stemness and enhances the anti-tumour effect of cisplatin. J Cell Mol Med 2023. [PMID: 37307404 PMCID: PMC10399526 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17809] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin, a lipophilic hormone released from the pineal gland, has oncostatic effects on various types of cancers. However, its cancer treatment potential needs to be improved by deciphering its corresponding mechanisms of action and optimising therapeutic strategy. In the present study, melatonin inhibited gastric cancer cell migration and soft agar colony formation. Magnetic-activated cell sorting was applied to isolate CD133+ cancer stem cells. Gene expression analysis showed that melatonin lowered the upregulation of LC3-II expression in CD133+ cells compared to CD133- cells. Several long non-coding RNAs and many components in the canonical Wnt signalling pathway were altered in melatonin-treated cells. In addition, knockdown of long non-coding RNA H19 enhanced the expression of pro-apoptotic genes, Bax and Bak, induced by melatonin treatment. Combinatorial treatment with melatonin and cisplatin was investigated to improve the applicability of melatonin as an anticancer therapy. Combinatorial treatment increased the apoptosis rate and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Melatonin can regulate migration and stemness in gastric cancer cells by modifying many signalling pathways. Combinatorial treatment with melatonin and cisplatin has the potential to improve the therapeutic efficacy of both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linglin Cheng
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shubo Li
- Liaoning Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Liaoning Agricultural Development Service Center, Shenyang, China
| | - Kailun He
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ye Kang
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianye Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chunting Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wanlu Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yongye Huang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioresource Research and Development of Liaoning Province, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
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3
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Xie Q, Cheng J, Mei W, Yang D, Zhang P, Zeng C. Phase separation in cancer at a glance. J Transl Med 2023; 21:237. [PMID: 37005672 PMCID: PMC10067312 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04082-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells are segmented into multiple compartments or organelles within the cell that regulate distinct chemical and biological processes. Membrane-less organelles are membrane-less microscopic cellular compartments that contain protein and RNA molecules that perform a wide range of functions. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) can reveal how membrane-less organelles develop via dynamic biomolecule assembly. LLPS either segregates undesirable molecules from cells or aggregates desired ones in cells. Aberrant LLPS results in the production of abnormal biomolecular condensates (BMCs), which can cause cancer. Here, we explore the intricate mechanisms behind the formation of BMCs and its biophysical properties. Additionally, we discuss recent discoveries related to biological LLPS in tumorigenesis, including aberrant signaling and transduction, stress granule formation, evading growth arrest, and genomic instability. We also discuss the therapeutic implications of LLPS in cancer. Understanding the concept and mechanism of LLPS and its role in tumorigenesis is crucial for antitumor therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Xie
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Jiejuan Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, Hubei, China
| | - Wuxuan Mei
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, Hubei, China
| | - Dexing Yang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, 518110, China.
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4
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Light, Water, and Melatonin: The Synergistic Regulation of Phase Separation in Dementia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065835. [PMID: 36982909 PMCID: PMC10054283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The swift rise in acceptance of molecular principles defining phase separation by a broad array of scientific disciplines is shadowed by increasing discoveries linking phase separation to pathological aggregations associated with numerous neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, that contribute to dementia. Phase separation is powered by multivalent macromolecular interactions. Importantly, the release of water molecules from protein hydration shells into bulk creates entropic gains that promote phase separation and the subsequent generation of insoluble cytotoxic aggregates that drive healthy brain cells into diseased states. Higher viscosity in interfacial waters and limited hydration in interiors of biomolecular condensates facilitate phase separation. Light, water, and melatonin constitute an ancient synergy that ensures adequate protein hydration to prevent aberrant phase separation. The 670 nm visible red wavelength found in sunlight and employed in photobiomodulation reduces interfacial and mitochondrial matrix viscosity to enhance ATP production via increasing ATP synthase motor efficiency. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that lowers viscosity to increase ATP by scavenging excess reactive oxygen species and free radicals. Reduced viscosity by light and melatonin elevates the availability of free water molecules that allow melatonin to adopt favorable conformations that enhance intrinsic features, including binding interactions with adenosine that reinforces the adenosine moiety effect of ATP responsible for preventing water removal that causes hydrophobic collapse and aggregation in phase separation. Precise recalibration of interspecies melatonin dosages that account for differences in metabolic rates and bioavailability will ensure the efficacious reinstatement of the once-powerful ancient synergy between light, water, and melatonin in a modern world.
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Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Romero A, Manucha W, Tan DX, Zuccari DAPDC, Chuffa LGDA. Aging-Related Ovarian Failure and Infertility: Melatonin to the Rescue. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030695. [PMID: 36978942 PMCID: PMC10045124 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging has a major detrimental effect on the optimal function of the ovary with changes in this organ preceding the age-related deterioration in other tissues, with the middle-aged shutdown leading to infertility. Reduced fertility and consequent inability to conceive by women in present-day societies who choose to have children later in life leads to increased frustration. Melatonin is known to have anti-aging properties related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Its higher follicular fluid levels relative to blood concentrations and its likely synthesis in the oocyte, granulosa, and luteal cells suggest that it is optimally positioned to interfere with age-associated deterioration of the ovary. Additionally, the end of the female reproductive span coincides with a significant reduction in endogenous melatonin levels. Thus, the aims are to review the literature indicating melatonin production in mitochondria of oocytes, granulosa cells, and luteal cells, identify the multiple processes underlying changes in the ovary, especially late in the cessation of the reproductive life span, summarize the physiological and molecular actions of melatonin in the maintenance of normal ovaries and in the aging ovaries, and integrate the acquired information into an explanation for considering melatonin in the treatment of age-related infertility. Use of supplemental melatonin may help preserve fertility later in life and alleviate frustration in women delaying childbearing age, reduce the necessity of in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedures, and help solve the progressively increasing problem of non-aging-related infertility in women throughout their reproductive life span. While additional research is needed to fully understand the effects of melatonin supplementation on potentially enhancing fertility, studies published to date suggest it may be a promising option for those struggling with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Correspondence: (R.J.R.); (A.R.); Tel.: +1-210-567-3859 (R.J.R.); +34-91-3943970 (A.R.)
| | - Ramaswamy Sharma
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.J.R.); (A.R.); Tel.: +1-210-567-3859 (R.J.R.); +34-91-3943970 (A.R.)
| | - Walter Manucha
- Instituto de Medicina y Biologia Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnologicas (CONICET), Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - Dun-Xian Tan
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Rohilla S, Singh M, Priya S, Almalki WH, Haniffa SM, Subramaniyan V, Fuloria S, Fuloria NK, Sekar M, Singh SK, Jha NK, Chellappan DK, Negi P, Dua K, Gupta G. Exploring the Mechanical Perspective of a New Anti-Tumor Agent: Melatonin. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 2023; 42:1-16. [PMID: 36734949 DOI: 10.1615/jenvironpatholtoxicoloncol.2022042088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a serotonin-derived pineal gland hormone with many biological functions like regulating the sleep-wake cycle, circadian rhythm, menstrual cycle, aging, immunity, and antioxidants. Melatonin synthesis and release are more pronounced during the night, whereas exposure to light decreases it. Evidence is mounting in favor of the therapeutic effects of melatonin in cancer prevention, treatment and delayed onset in various cancer subtypes. Melatonin exerts its anticancer effect through modification of its receptors such as melatonin 1 (MT1), melatonin 2 (MT2), and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation/demethylation, histone acetylation/deacetylation), metastasis, angiogenesis, altered cellular energetics, and immune evasion. Melatonin performs a significant function in immune modulation and enhances innate and cellular immunity. In addition, melatonin has a remarkable impact on epigenetic modulation of gene expression and alters the transcription of genes. As an adjuvant to cancer therapies, it acts by decreasing the side effects and boosting the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy. Since current treatments produce drug-induced unwanted toxicities and side effects, they require alternate therapies. A recent review article attempts to summarize the mechanistic perspective of melatonin in different cancer subtypes like skin cancer, breast cancer, hepatic cancer, renal cell cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colon oral, neck, and head cancer. The various studies described in this review will give a firm basis for the future evolution of anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Rohilla
- SGT College of Pharmacy, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, 122505, India
| | - Mahaveer Singh
- Swami Keshvanand Institute of Pharmacy (SKIP), Raiser, Bikaner, 334803, India
| | - Sakshi Priya
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahril Mohamed Haniffa
- Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Saujana Putra 42610, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vetriselvan Subramaniyan
- Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Bandar Saujana Putra, 42610 Jenjarom Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shivkanya Fuloria
- Faculty of Pharmacy /Centre of Excellence for Biomaterials Engineering, AIMST University, Kedah 08100, Malaysia
| | - Neeraj Kumar Fuloria
- Faculty of Pharmacy/Centre of Excellence for Biomaterials Engineering, AIMST University, Kedah 08100, Malaysia
| | - Mahendran Sekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh 30450, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Uttar Pradesh, Greater Noida, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University (IMU), Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Poonam Negi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia; Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Suresh GyanVihar University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India; Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
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7
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Arnao MB, Giraldo-Acosta M, Castejón-Castillejo A, Losada-Lorán M, Sánchez-Herrerías P, El Mihyaoui A, Cano A, Hernández-Ruiz J. Melatonin from Microorganisms, Algae, and Plants as Possible Alternatives to Synthetic Melatonin. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13010072. [PMID: 36676997 PMCID: PMC9862825 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin dietary supplements are widely consumed worldwide, with developed countries as the largest consumers, with an estimated annual growth rate of approximately 10% until 2027, mainly in developing countries. The wide use of melatonin against sleep disorders and particular problems, such as jet lag, has been added to other applications, such as anti-aging, anti-stress, immune system activation, anticancer, and others, which have triggered its use, normally without a prescription. The chemical industry currently covers 100% of the needs of the melatonin market. Motivated by sectors with more natural consumption habits, a few years ago, the possibility of obtaining melatonin from plants, called phytomelatonin, arose. More recently, the pharmaceutical industry has developed genetically modified microorganisms whose ability to produce biological melatonin in bioreactors has been enhanced. This paper reviews the aspects of the chemical and biological synthesis of melatonin for human consumption, mainly as dietary supplements. The pros and cons of obtaining melatonin from microorganisms and phytomelatonin from plants and algae are analyzed, as well as the advantages of natural melatonin, avoiding unwanted chemical by-products from the chemical synthesis of melatonin. Finally, the economic and quality aspects of these new products, some of which are already marketed, are analyzed.
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8
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Shim KH, Sharma N, An SSA. Prion therapeutics: Lessons from the past. Prion 2022; 16:265-294. [PMID: 36515657 PMCID: PMC9754114 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2022.2153551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are a group of incurable zoonotic neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) in humans and other animals caused by the prion proteins. The abnormal folding and aggregation of the soluble cellular prion proteins (PrPC) into scrapie isoform (PrPSc) in the Central nervous system (CNS) resulted in brain damage and other neurological symptoms. Different therapeutic approaches, including stalling PrPC to PrPSc conversion, increasing PrPSc removal, and PrPC stabilization, for which a spectrum of compounds, ranging from organic compounds to antibodies, have been explored. Additionally, a non-PrP targeted drug strategy using serpin inhibitors has been discussed. Despite numerous scaffolds being screened for anti-prion activity in vitro, only a few were effective in vivo and unfortunately, almost none of them proved effective in the clinical studies, most likely due to toxicity and lack of permeability. Recently, encouraging results from a prion-protein monoclonal antibody, PRN100, were presented in the first human trial on CJD patients, which gives a hope for better future for the discovery of other new molecules to treat prion diseases. In this comprehensive review, we have re-visited the history and discussed various classes of anti-prion agents, their structure, mode of action, and toxicity. Understanding pathogenesis would be vital for developing future treatments for prion diseases. Based on the outcomes of existing therapies, new anti-prion agents could be identified/synthesized/designed with reduced toxicity and increased bioavailability, which could probably be effective in treating prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Hwan Shim
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Niti Sharma
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Seong Soo A An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea
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Takayama KI, Inoue S. Targeting phase separation on enhancers induced by transcription factor complex formations as a new strategy for treating drug-resistant cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1024600. [PMID: 36263200 PMCID: PMC9574090 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1024600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The limited options for treating patients with drug-resistant cancers have emphasized the need to identify alternative treatment targets. Tumor cells have large super-enhancers (SEs) in the vicinity of important oncogenes for activation. The physical process of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) contributes to the assembly of several membrane-less organelles in mammalian cells. Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of proteins induce LLPS formation by developing condensates. It was discovered that key transcription factors (TFs) undergo LLPS in SEs. In addition, TFs play critical roles in the epigenetic and genetic regulation of cancer progression. Recently, we revealed the essential role of disease-specific TF collaboration changes in advanced prostate cancer (PC). OCT4 confers epigenetic changes by promoting complex formation with TFs, such as Forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1), androgen receptor (AR) and Nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), inducing PC progression. It was demonstrated that TF collaboration through LLPS underlying transcriptional activation contributes to cancer aggressiveness and drug resistance. Moreover, the disruption of TF-mediated LLPS inhibited treatment-resistant PC tumor growth. Therefore, we propose that repression of TF collaborations involved in the LLPS of SEs could be a promising strategy for advanced cancer therapy. In this article, we summarize recent evidence highlighting the formation of LLPS on enhancers as a potent therapeutic target in advanced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-ichi Takayama
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Department of Systems Aging Science and Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Systems Medicine and Gene Therapy, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
- *Correspondence: Satoshi Inoue,
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Understanding the Mechanism of Action of Melatonin, Which Induces ROS Production in Cancer Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081621. [PMID: 36009340 PMCID: PMC9404709 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) constitute a group of highly reactive molecules that have evolved as regulators of important signaling pathways. In this context, tumor cells have an altered redox balance compared to normal cells, which can be targeted as an antitumoral therapy by ROS levels and by decreasing the capacity of the antioxidant system, leading to programmed cell death. Melatonin is of particular importance in the development of innovative cancer treatments due to its oncostatic impact and lack of adverse effects. Despite being widely recognized as a pro-oxidant molecule in tumor cells, the mechanism of action of melatonin remains unclear, which has hindered its use in clinical treatments. The current review aims to describe and clarify the proposed mechanism of action of melatonin inducing ROS production in cancer cells in order to propose future anti-neoplastic clinical applications.
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11
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Viral Phase Separation and Epitranscriptomics in Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8122. [PMID: 35897696 PMCID: PMC9368024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The relentless, protracted evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus imposes tremendous pressure on herd immunity and demands versatile adaptations by the human host genome to counter transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic alterations associated with a wide range of short- and long-term manifestations during acute infection and post-acute recovery, respectively. To promote viral replication during active infection and viral persistence, the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein regulates host cell microenvironment including pH and ion concentrations to maintain a high oxidative environment that supports template switching, causing extensive mitochondrial damage and activation of pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling cascades. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial distress induce dynamic changes to both the host and viral RNA m6A methylome, and can trigger the derepression of long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE1), resulting in global hypomethylation, epigenetic changes, and genomic instability. The timely application of melatonin during early infection enhances host innate antiviral immune responses by preventing the formation of "viral factories" by nucleocapsid liquid-liquid phase separation that effectively blockades viral genome transcription and packaging, the disassembly of stress granules, and the sequestration of DEAD-box RNA helicases, including DDX3X, vital to immune signaling. Melatonin prevents membrane depolarization and protects cristae morphology to suppress glycolysis via antioxidant-dependent and -independent mechanisms. By restraining the derepression of LINE1 via multifaceted strategies, and maintaining the balance in m6A RNA modifications, melatonin could be the quintessential ancient molecule that significantly influences the outcome of the constant struggle between virus and host to gain transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic dominance over the host genome during acute infection and PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA;
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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12
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Liquid-liquid phase separation in tumor biology. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:221. [PMID: 35803926 PMCID: PMC9270353 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a novel principle for explaining the precise spatial and temporal regulation in living cells. LLPS compartmentalizes proteins and nucleic acids into micron-scale, liquid-like, membraneless bodies with specific functions, which were recently termed biomolecular condensates. Biomolecular condensates are executors underlying the intracellular spatiotemporal coordination of various biological activities, including chromatin organization, genomic stability, DNA damage response and repair, transcription, and signal transduction. Dysregulation of these cellular processes is a key event in the initiation and/or evolution of cancer, and emerging evidence has linked the formation and regulation of LLPS to malignant transformations in tumor biology. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the detailed mechanisms of biomolecular condensate formation and biophysical function and review the recent major advances toward elucidating the multiple mechanisms involved in cancer cell pathology driven by aberrant LLPS. In addition, we discuss the therapeutic perspectives of LLPS in cancer research and the most recently developed drug candidates targeting LLPS modulation that can be used to combat tumorigenesis.
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