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Varadharajan V, Balu AK, Shiju A, Muthuramalingam P, Shin H, Venkidasamy B, Alharbi NS, Kadaikunnan S, Thiruvengadam M. Deciphering the Anticancer Arsenal of Piper longum: Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Unveil Phytochemical Targets Against Lung Cancer. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:1915-1928. [PMID: 39113883 PMCID: PMC11302554 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.98393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Lung cancer, characterized by uncontrolled cellular proliferation within the lung tissues, is the predominant cause of cancer-related fatalities worldwide. The traditional medicinal herb Piper longum has emerged as a significant contender in oncological research because of its documented anticancer attributes, suggesting its potential for novel therapeutic development. Methods: This study adopted network pharmacology and omics methodology to elucidate the anti-lung cancer potential of P. longum by identifying its bioactive constituents and their corresponding molecular targets. Results: Through a comprehensive literature review and the Integrated Medicinal Plant Phytochemistry and Therapeutics database (IMPPAT), we identified 33 bioactive molecules from P. longum. Subsequent analyses employing tools such as SwissTargetPrediction, SuperPred, and DIGEP-Pred facilitated the isolation of 676 potential targets, among which 72 intersected with 666 lung cancer-associated genetic markers identified through databases including the Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and GeneCards. Further validation through protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, gene ontology, pathway analyses, boxplots, and overall survival metrics underscored the therapeutic potential of compounds such as 7-epi-eudesm-4(15)-ene-1β, demethoxypiplartine, methyl 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate, 6-alpha-diol, and aristolodione. Notably, our findings reaffirm the relevance of lung cancer genes, such as CTNNB1, STAT3, HIF1A, HSP90AA1, and ERBB2, integral to various cellular processes and pivotal in cancer genesis and advancement. Molecular docking assessments revealed pronounced affinity between 6-alpha-diol and HIF1A, underscoring their potential as therapeutic agents for lung cancer. Conclusion: This study not only highlights the bioactive compounds of P. longum but also reinforces the molecular underpinnings of its anticancer mechanism, paving the way for future lung cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashwath Kumar Balu
- Department of Biotechnology, PSG College of Technology, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, India
| | - Atul Shiju
- Department of Biotechnology, PSG College of Technology, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, India
| | - Pandiyan Muthuramalingam
- Division of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Korea
| | - Hyunsuk Shin
- Division of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Korea
| | - Baskar Venkidasamy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Naiyf S. Alharbi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shine Kadaikunnan
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Muthuramalingam P, Jeyasri R, Varadharajan V, Priya A, Dhanapal AR, Shin H, Thiruvengadam M, Ramesh M, Krishnan M, Omosimua RO, Sathyaseelan DD, Venkidasamy B. Network pharmacology: an efficient but underutilized approach in oral, head and neck cancer therapy-a review. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1410942. [PMID: 39035991 PMCID: PMC11257993 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1410942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The application of network pharmacology (NP) has advanced our understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms underlying diseases, including neck, head, and oral cancers, as well as thyroid carcinoma. This review aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of natural network pharmacology using compounds and traditional Chinese medicines for combating these malignancies. NP serves as a pivotal tool that provides a comprehensive view of the interactions among compounds, genes, and diseases, thereby contributing to the advancement of disease treatment and management. In parallel, this review discusses the significance of publicly accessible databases in the identification of oral, head, and neck cancer-specific genes. These databases, including those for head and neck oral cancer, head and neck cancer, oral cancer, and genomic variants of oral cancer, offer valuable insights into the genes, miRNAs, drugs, and genetic variations associated with these cancers. They serve as indispensable resources for researchers, clinicians, and drug developers, contributing to the pursuit of precision medicine and improved treatment of these challenging malignancies. In summary, advancements in NP could improve the globalization and modernization of traditional medicines and prognostic targets as well as aid in the development of innovative drugs. Furthermore, this review will be an eye-opener for researchers working on drug development from traditional medicines by applying NP approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pandiyan Muthuramalingam
- Division of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Rajendran Jeyasri
- Department of Biotechnology, Science Campus, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India
| | | | - Arumugam Priya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Anand Raj Dhanapal
- Chemistry and Bioprospecting Division, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore, India
| | - Hyunsuk Shin
- Division of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Manikandan Ramesh
- Department of Biotechnology, Science Campus, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India
| | - Murugesan Krishnan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | | | - Divyan Devasir Sathyaseelan
- Department of General Surgery, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Baskar Venkidasamy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
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Muthamil S, Muthuramalingam P, Kim HY, Jang HJ, Lyu JH, Shin UC, Go Y, Park SH, Lee HG, Shin H, Park JH. Unlocking Prognostic Genes and Multi-Targeted Therapeutic Bioactives from Herbal Medicines to Combat Cancer-Associated Cachexia: A Transcriptomics and Network Pharmacology Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:156. [PMID: 38203330 PMCID: PMC10778733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010156] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cachexia is a devastating fat tissue and muscle wasting syndrome associated with every major chronic illness, including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, AIDS, and heart failure. Despite two decades of intense research, cachexia remains under-recognized by oncologists. While numerous drug candidates have been proposed for cachexia treatment, none have achieved clinical success. Only a few drugs are approved by the FDA for cachexia therapy, but a very low success rate is observed among patients. Currently, the identification of drugs from herbal medicines is a frontier research area for many diseases. In this milieu, network pharmacology, transcriptomics, cheminformatics, and molecular docking approaches were used to identify potential bioactive compounds from herbal medicines for the treatment of cancer-related cachexia. The network pharmacology approach is used to select the 32 unique genes from 238 genes involved in cachexia-related pathways, which are targeted by 34 phytocompounds identified from 12 different herbal medicines used for the treatment of muscle wasting in many countries. Gene expression profiling and functional enrichment analysis are applied to decipher the role of unique genes in cancer-associated cachexia pathways. In addition, the pharmacological properties and molecular interactions of the phytocompounds were analyzed to find the target compounds for cachexia therapy. Altogether, combined omics and network pharmacology approaches were used in the current study to untangle the complex prognostic genes involved in cachexia and phytocompounds with anti-cachectic efficacy. However, further functional and experimental validations are required to confirm the efficacy of these phytocompounds as commercial drug candidates for cancer-associated cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanian Muthamil
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Naju 58245, Republic of Korea; (S.M.); (H.-Y.K.); (H.-J.J.); (J.-H.L.); (U.C.S.)
| | - Pandiyan Muthuramalingam
- Division of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea; (P.M.); (H.S.)
| | - Hyun-Yong Kim
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Naju 58245, Republic of Korea; (S.M.); (H.-Y.K.); (H.-J.J.); (J.-H.L.); (U.C.S.)
| | - Hyun-Jun Jang
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Naju 58245, Republic of Korea; (S.M.); (H.-Y.K.); (H.-J.J.); (J.-H.L.); (U.C.S.)
| | - Ji-Hyo Lyu
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Naju 58245, Republic of Korea; (S.M.); (H.-Y.K.); (H.-J.J.); (J.-H.L.); (U.C.S.)
| | - Ung Cheol Shin
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Naju 58245, Republic of Korea; (S.M.); (H.-Y.K.); (H.-J.J.); (J.-H.L.); (U.C.S.)
| | - Younghoon Go
- Korean Medicine (KM)-Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seong-Hoon Park
- Genetic and Epigenetic Toxicology Research Group, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hee Gu Lee
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyunsuk Shin
- Division of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea; (P.M.); (H.S.)
| | - Jun Hong Park
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Naju 58245, Republic of Korea; (S.M.); (H.-Y.K.); (H.-J.J.); (J.-H.L.); (U.C.S.)
- Korean Convergence Medicine Major, University of Science & Technology (UST), KIOM Campus, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
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Sivasankar C, Hewawaduge C, Muthuramalingam P, Lee JH. Tumor-targeted delivery of lnc antisense RNA against RCAS1 by live-attenuated tryptophan-auxotrophic Salmonella inhibited 4T1 breast tumors and metastasis in mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102053. [PMID: 37941832 PMCID: PMC10628790 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Emerging chemo- and radiotherapy resistance exacerbated the cancer risk and necessitated novel treatment strategies. Although RNA therapeutics against pro-oncogenic genes are highly effective, tumor-specific delivery remains a barrier to the implementation of this valuable tool. In this study, we report a tryptophan-auxotrophic Salmonella typhimurium strain as an onco-therapeutic delivery system with tumor-targeting ability using 4T1 mice breast-cancer model. The receptor-binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cell (RCAS1) is a cancer-specific protein that induces the apoptosis of peripheral lymphocytes and confers tumor immune evasion. We designed a long non-coding antisense-RNA against RCAS1 (asRCAS1) and delivered by Salmonella using a non-antibiotic, auxotrophic-selective, eukaryotic expression plasmid, pJHL204. After in vivo tumor-to-tumor passaging, the JOL2888 (ΔtrpA, ΔtrpE, Δasd + asRCAS1) strain exhibited high sustainability in tumors, but did not last in healthy organs, thereby demonstrating tumor specificity and safety. RCAS1 inhibition in the tumor was confirmed by western blotting and qPCR. In mice, JOL2888 treatment reduced tumor-associated macrophages, improved the T cell population, elicited cell-mediated immunity, and suppressed cancer-promoting genes. Consequently, the JOL2888 treatment significantly decreased the tumor volume by 80%, decreased splenomegaly by 30%, and completely arrested lung metastasis. These findings highlight the intrinsic tumor-targeting ability of tryptophan-auxotrophic Salmonella for delivering onco-therapeutic macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandran Sivasankar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan Campus 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Chamith Hewawaduge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan Campus 54596, Republic of Korea
| | | | - John Hwa Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan Campus 54596, Republic of Korea
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Muthuramalingam P, Govindasamy R, Venkidasamy B, Krishnan M, Shin H. Network pharmacology: a systems perspective possible underpinning approach for oral cancer treatment. Daru 2023; 31:273-275. [PMID: 37227691 PMCID: PMC10209553 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-023-00466-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pandiyan Muthuramalingam
- Division of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52725, Korea
| | - Rajakumar Govindasamy
- Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Baskar Venkidasamy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Murugesan Krishnan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Hyunsuk Shin
- Division of Horticultural Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52725, Korea.
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Sai Ramesh A, Adarshan S, Lohedan H, Naveen Kumar T, Thasleema Nasrin MR, Aarthi Shree G, Dinakarkumar Y, Ramalingam RJ, Karnan M. Computational analysis of the phytocompounds of Mimusops elengi against spike protein of SARS CoV2 - An Insilico model. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125553. [PMID: 37356683 PMCID: PMC10289265 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a global health crisis for over three years now, with the virus causing widespread illness and death. The urgent need for safe and effective therapeutic drugs has prompted the exploration of alternative medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Siddha. This study focuses on the potential therapeutic properties of the Ayurvedic plant, Mimusops elengi. In silico techniques were employed to analyze the bioactivity of the plant, including target prediction, gene ontology analysis, OMIM analysis, and molecular docking analysis. The results revealed 36 phytocompounds that interacted with 1431 receptors in the human body, and two compounds - hederagenin and quercetin - showed exceptionally high binding affinities toward their corresponding receptors, IL6 and MMP9. These results provide important insight into the potential therapeutic activity of M. elengi and its compounds in combating COVID-19. However, further research and clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings and develop safe and effective drugs. The study highlights the importance of combining traditional medicine with modern scientific methods to find effective treatments for global health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sai Ramesh
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech High Tech Dr. Rangarajan Dr. Sakunthala Engineering College, Avadi, Chennai 600062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Adarshan
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Hamad Lohedan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Kind Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - T Naveen Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech High Tech Dr. Rangarajan Dr. Sakunthala Engineering College, Avadi, Chennai 600062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M R Thasleema Nasrin
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech High Tech Dr. Rangarajan Dr. Sakunthala Engineering College, Avadi, Chennai 600062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - G Aarthi Shree
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech High Tech Dr. Rangarajan Dr. Sakunthala Engineering College, Avadi, Chennai 600062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Yuvaraj Dinakarkumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech High Tech Dr. Rangarajan Dr. Sakunthala Engineering College, Avadi, Chennai 600062, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - R Jothi Ramalingam
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Kind Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muthusamy Karnan
- Grassland and Forage Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, South Korea
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Vicidomini C, Roviello GN. Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Strategies. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052118. [PMID: 36903364 PMCID: PMC10003904 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding effective antiviral molecular strategies was a main concern in the scientific community when the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged at the end of 2019 as an easily transmissible and potentially deadly β-coronavirus able to cause the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), which famously led to one of the most worrying pandemics in recent times. Other members of this zoonotic pathogenic family were already known before 2019, but apart from the SARS-CoV, which was responsible of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic in 2002/2003, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), whose main impact on humans is geographically restricted to Middle Eastern countries, the other human β-coronaviruses known at that time were those typically associated with common cold symptoms which had not led to the development of any specific prophylactic or therapeutic measures. Although SARS-CoV-2 and its mutations are still causing illness in our communities, COVID-19 is less deadly than before and we are returning to normality. Overall, the main lesson learnt after the past few years of pandemic is that keeping our bodies healthy and immunity defenses strong using sport, nature-inspired measures, and using functional foods are powerful weapons for preventing the more severe forms of illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 and, from a more molecular perspective, that finding drugs with mechanisms of action involving biological targets conserved within the different mutations of SARS-CoV-2-and possibly within the entire family of β-coronaviruses-gives more therapeutic opportunities in the scenario of future pandemics based on these pathogens. In this regard, the main protease (Mpro), having no human homologues, offers a lower risk of off-target reactivity and represents a suitable therapeutic target in the search for efficacious, broad-spectrum anti-β-coronavirus drugs. Herein, we discuss on the above points and also report some molecular approaches presented in the past few years to counteract the effects of β-coronaviruses, with a special focus on SARS-CoV-2 but also MERS-CoV.
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