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Wang K, Nguyen T, Gao Y, Guo R, Fan C, Liao H, Li J, Chai J, Xu X, Gong Y, Chen X. Androcin 18-1, a novel scorpion-venom peptide, shows a potent antitumor activity against human U87 cells via inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 170:104137. [PMID: 38759703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a potent natural source for antitumor drug development due to the multiple action modes of anticancer components. Although the sequence of Androcin 18-1 has been identified from the transcriptome profile of the scorpion venom Androctonus bicolor, its bioactivity remains unclear. In this study, we described the antitumor mechanism whereby Androcin 18-1 inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis by inducing cell membrane disruption, ROS accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in human U87 glioblastoma cells. Moreover, Androcin 18-1 could suppress cell migration via the mechanisms associated with cytoskeleton disorganization and MMPs/TIMPs expression regulation. The discovery of this work highlights the potential application of Androcin 18-1 in drug development for glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tienthanh Nguyen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yihan Gao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiyin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaofan Fan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiali Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuxin Gong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, China.
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2
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Achimba F, Faezov B, Cohen B, Dunbrack R, Holford M. Targeting Dysregulated Ion Channels in Liver Tumors with Venom Peptides. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:139-147. [PMID: 38015557 PMCID: PMC10831335 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of cellular processes by ion channels has become central to the study of cancer mechanisms. Designing molecules that can modify ion channels specific to tumor cells is a promising area of targeted drug delivery and therapy. Despite their potential in drug discovery, venom peptides-a group of natural products-have largely remained understudied and under-characterized. In general, venom peptides display high specificity and selectivity for their target ion channels. Therefore, they may represent an effective strategy for selectively targeting the dysregulation of ion channels in tumor cells. This review examines existing venom peptide therapies for different cancer types and focuses on the application of snail venom peptides in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer worldwide. We provide insights into the mode of action of venom peptides that have been shown to target tumors. We also explore the benefit of using new computational methods like de novo protein structure prediction to screen venom peptides and identify potential druggable candidates. Finally, we summarize the role of cell culture, animal, and organoid models in developing effective therapies against HCC and highlight the need for creating models that represent the most disproportionately affected ethnicities in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Favour Achimba
- The PhD Program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York
- Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Bulat Faezov
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Brandon Cohen
- Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Roland Dunbrack
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mandë Holford
- The PhD Program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York
- Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
- The PhD Program in Chemistry, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York
- The PhD Program in Biology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, The American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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3
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Qu B, Yuan J, Liu X, Zhang S, Ma X, Lu L. Anticancer activities of natural antimicrobial peptides from animals. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1321386. [PMID: 38298540 PMCID: PMC10827920 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1321386] [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: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the most common cause of human death worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health and having a negative impact on the economy. In the past few decades, significant progress has been made in anticancer therapies, but traditional anticancer therapies, including radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have serious side effects, low specificity, and the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new treatment methods to improve efficacy and reduce side effects. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exist in the innate immune system of various organisms. As the most promising alternatives to traditional drugs for treating cancers, some AMPs also have been proven to possess anticancer activities, which are defined as anticancer peptides (ACPs). These peptides have the advantages of being able to specifically target cancer cells and have less toxicity to normal tissues. More and more studies have found that marine and terrestrial animals contain a large amount of ACPs. In this article, we introduced the animal derived AMPs with anti-cancer activity, and summarized the types of tumor cells inhibited by ACPs, the mechanisms by which they exert anti-tumor effects and clinical applications of ACPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Qu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Jiangshui Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Xueli Liu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
- Medical Ethics Committee Office, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- College of Life and Geographic Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecology of Pamirs Plateau in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Kashi University, Kashi, China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuezhen Ma
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Linlin Lu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
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4
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Wu J, Xiong W, Li J, Liao H, Chai J, Huang X, Lai S, Kozlov S, Chu X, Xu X. Peptide TK-HR from the Skin of Chinese Folk Medicine Frog Hoplobatrachus Rugulosus Accelerates Wound Healing via the Activation of the Neurokinin-1 Receptor. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16002-16017. [PMID: 38015459 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex process and remains a considerable challenge in clinical trials due to the lack of ideal therapeutic drugs. Here, a new peptide TK-HR identified from the skin of the frog Hoplobatrachus rugulosus was tested for its ability to heal cutaneous wounds in mice. Topical application of TK-HR at doses of 50-200 μg/mL significantly accelerated wound closure without causing any adverse effects in the animals. In vitro and in vivo investigations proved the regulatory role of the peptide on neutrophils, macrophages, keratinocytes, and vein endothelial cells involved in the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of wound healing. Notably, TK-HR activated the MAPK and TGF-β-Smad signaling pathways by acting on NK1R in RAW264.7 cells and mice. The current work has identified that TK-HR is a potent wound healing regulator that can be applied for the treatment of wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers and infected wounds, in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiena Wu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Weichen Xiong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Jinqiao Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Hang Liao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowen Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Shian Lai
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Sergey Kozlov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Xinwei Chu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueqing Xu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
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Lin L, Zhao Y, Wang P, Li T, Liang Y, Chen Y, Meng X, Zhang Y, Su G. Amino Acid Derivatives of Ginsenoside AD-2 Induce HepG2 Cell Apoptosis by Affecting the Cytoskeleton. Molecules 2023; 28:7400. [PMID: 37959819 PMCID: PMC10650444 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217400] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
AD-2 (20(R)-dammarane-3β, 12β, 20, 25-tetrol, 25-OH-PPD) was structurally modified to introduce additional amino groups, which can better exert its anti-tumor effects in MCF-7, A549, LoVo, HCT-116, HT -29, and U-87 cell lines. We investigated the cellular activity of 15 different AD-2 amino acid derivatives on HepG2 cells and the possible mechanism of action of the superior derivative 6b. An MTT assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity of the derivatives. Western blotting was used to study the signaling pathways. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and ghost pen peptide staining was used to identify the changes in the cytoskeleton. The AD-2 amino acid derivatives have a better cytotoxic effect on the HepG2 cells than AD-2, which may be achieved by promoting the apoptosis of HepG2 cells and influencing the cytoskeleton. The derivative 6b shows obvious anti-HepG2 cells activity through affecting the expression of apoptotic proteins such as MDM2, P-p53, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase 3, Cleaved Caspase 3, Caspase 8, and NSD2. According to the above findings, the amino acid derivatives of AD-2 may be developed as HepG2 cytotoxic therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Lin
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yuqing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China;
| | - Peng Wang
- ORxes Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200000, China;
| | - Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China;
| | - Yuhang Liang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xianyi Meng
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yudong Zhang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Guangyue Su
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (L.L.); (Y.L.); (Y.C.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Innovative Traditional Chinese Medicine for Major Chronic Diseases of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110016, China
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6
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Alamdari-Palangi V, Jaberi KR, Shahverdi M, Naeimzadeh Y, Tajbakhsh A, Khajeh S, Razban V, Fallahi J. Recent advances and applications of peptide-agent conjugates for targeting tumor cells. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15249-15273. [PMID: 37581648 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05144-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer, being a complex disease, presents a major challenge for the scientific and medical communities. Peptide therapeutics have played a significant role in different medical practices, including cancer treatment. METHOD This review provides an overview of the current situation and potential development prospects of anticancer peptides (ACPs), with a particular focus on peptide vaccines and peptide-drug conjugates for cancer treatment. RESULTS ACPs can be used directly as cytotoxic agents (molecularly targeted peptides) or can act as carriers (guiding missile) of chemotherapeutic agents and radionuclides by specifically targeting cancer cells. More than 60 natural and synthetic cationic peptides are approved in the USA and other major markets for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Compared to traditional cancer treatments, peptides exhibit anticancer activity with high specificity and the ability to rapidly kill target cancer cells. ACP's target and kill cancer cells via different mechanisms, including membrane disruption, pore formation, induction of apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and regulation of the immune system. Modified peptides have been developed as carriers for drugs, vaccines, and peptide-drug conjugates, which have been evaluated in various phases of clinical trials for the treatment of different types of solid and leukemia cancer. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the potential of ACPs as a promising therapeutic option for cancer treatment, particularly through the use of peptide vaccines and peptide-drug conjugates. Despite the limitations of peptides, such as poor metabolic stability and low bioavailability, modified peptides show promise in addressing these challenges. Various mechanism of action of anticancer peptides. Modes of action against cancer cells including: inducing apoptosis by cytochrome c release, direct cell membrane lysis (necrosis), inhibiting angiogenesis, inducing autophagy-mediated cell death and immune cell regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahab Alamdari-Palangi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7133654361, Iran
| | - Khojaste Rahimi Jaberi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahshid Shahverdi
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Yasaman Naeimzadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7133654361, Iran
| | - Amir Tajbakhsh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7133654361, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sahar Khajeh
- Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Razban
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7133654361, Iran.
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7133654361, Iran.
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Chinnadurai RK, Khan N, Meghwanshi GK, Ponne S, Althobiti M, Kumar R. Current research status of anti-cancer peptides: Mechanism of action, production, and clinical applications. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114996. [PMID: 37311281 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The escalating rate of cancer cases, together with treatment deficiencies and long-term side effects of currently used cancer drugs, has made this disease a global burden of the 21st century. The number of breast and lung cancer patients has sharply increased worldwide in the last few years. Presently, surgical treatment, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy strategies are used to cure cancer, which cause severe side effects, toxicities, and drug resistance. In recent years, anti-cancer peptides have become an eminent therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment due to their high specificity and fewer side effects and toxicity. This review presents an updated overview of different anti-cancer peptides, their mechanisms of action and current production strategies employed for their manufacture. In addition, approved and under clinical trials anti-cancer peptides and their applications have been discussed. This review provides updated information on therapeutic anti-cancer peptides that hold great promise for cancer treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kumar Chinnadurai
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth (Deemed-to-be-University), Pondicherry 607402, India
| | - Nazam Khan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Science, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Saravanaraman Ponne
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry 605014, India
| | - Maryam Althobiti
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Science, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rajender Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, Stockholm 106 91, Sweden.
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Deng Z, Gao Y, Nguyen T, Chai J, Wu J, Li J, Abdel-Rahman MA, Xu X, Chen X. The Potent Antitumor Activity of Smp43 against Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells via Inducing Membranolysis and Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15050347. [PMID: 37235381 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050347] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has been conducted to investigate the potential application of scorpion venom-derived peptides in cancer therapy. Smp43, a cationic antimicrobial peptide from Scorpio maurus palmatus venom, has been found to exhibit suppressive activity against the proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines. However, its impact on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines has not been previously investigated. This study aimed to determine the cytotoxicity of Smp43 towards various NSCLC cell lines, particularly A549 cells with an IC50 value of 2.58 μM. The results indicated that Smp43 was internalized into A549 cells through membranolysis and endocytosis, which caused cytoskeleton disorganization, a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and abnormal apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and autophagy due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, the study explored the in vivo protective effect of Smp43 in xenograft mice. The findings suggest that Smp43 has potential anticarcinoma properties exerted via the inducement of cellular processes related to cell membrane disruption and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Deng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Yahua Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Tienthanh Nguyen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiena Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiali Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | | | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
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9
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Lai R, Lu Q. Advanced Research on Animal Venoms in China. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040272. [PMID: 37104210 PMCID: PMC10144149 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
For millennia, scientists, researchers, and the general public have been intrigued by animal venoms due to their potent effects and paradoxical ability to both harm and heal [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Qiumin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
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10
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Scorpion Venom Peptide Smp24 Revealed Apoptotic and Antiangiogenic Activities in Solid-Ehrlich Carcinoma Bearing Mice. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-023-10494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
AbstractScorpion venom contains various peptides that could be utilized to treat various diseases, including cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of scorpion venom peptide (Smp24) using a solid Ehrlich Carcinoma (SEC) mice model. SEC model was established by subcutaneous transplantation of SEC cells into Swiss albino female mice afterward subcutaneous injection of the Smp24 peptide compared to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) as a standard drug. Various biochemical, hematological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular (western blotting and RT-PCR) assays were performed to evaluate the antitumor activity of Smp24. Results revealed that Smp24 peptide significantly reduced tumor volume. Interestingly, Smp24 peptide significantly restored normal body functions in cancer-treated groups by maintaining HB, RBC’s, and WBC’s levels, reducing the elevated serum ALT and AST, and increasing total protein and albumin as well as enhancing antioxidant status through reducing the level of MDA and NO and elevating GSH, SOD, and CAT levels. Moreover, it restored the normal morphology of the liver and kidney tissues and improved hematological parameters in cancer-treated animals. Smp24 induced apoptosis in SEC cells, through upregulation of caspase-3 and BAX and the downregulation of VEGF, Bcl-2, p53, PCNA, and Ki67. Moreover, results exhibited the apoptotic and antiangiogenic effects of Smp24 against SEC cancer cells. These findings supported our previous results about the anti-cancer efficacy of Smp24 and made it a good candidate for developing effective and safe anti-cancer agents.
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Vedenkin AS, Stovbun SV, Bukhvostov AA, Zlenko DV, Stovbun IS, Silnikov VN, Fursov VV, Kuznetsov DA. Anti-cancer activity of ultra-short single-stranded polydeoxyribonucleotides. Invest New Drugs 2023; 41:153-161. [PMID: 36749469 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01333-y] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
One of the features that differentiate cancer cells is their increased proliferation rate, which creates an opportunity for general anti-tumor therapy directed against the elevated activity of replicative apparatus in tumor cells. Besides DNA synthesis, successful genome replication requires the reparation of the newly synthesized DNA. Malfunctions in reparation can cause fatal injuries in the genome and cell death. Recently we have found that the ultra-short single-stranded deoxyribose polynucleotides of random sequence (ssDNA) effectively inhibit the catalytic activity of DNA polymerase [Formula: see text]. This effect allowed considering these substances as potential anti-tumor drugs, which was confirmed experimentally both in vitro (using cancer cell cultures) and in vivo (using cancer models in mice). According to the obtained results, ssDNA significantly suppresses cancer development and tumor growth, allowing consideration of them as novel candidates for anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sergey V Stovbun
- N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Dmitry V Zlenko
- N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics RAS, Moscow, Russia
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan S Stovbun
- Department of Psychopharmacology, FSBI "Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology", Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir N Silnikov
- Institute of Chemical Biology & Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valentin V Fursov
- N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Physical and Biophysical Research, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Kuznetsov
- N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics RAS, Moscow, Russia
- N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Nguyen T, Guo R, Chai J, Wu J, Liu J, Chen X, Abdel-Rahman MA, Xia H, Xu X. Smp24, a Scorpion-Venom Peptide, Exhibits Potent Antitumor Effects against Hepatoma HepG2 Cells via Multi-Mechanisms In Vivo and In Vitro. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14100717. [PMID: 36287985 PMCID: PMC9607800 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion-venom-derived peptides have become a promising anticancer agent due to their cytotoxicity against tumor cells via multiple mechanisms. The suppressive effect of the cationic antimicrobial peptide Smp24, which is derived from the venom of ScorpioMaurus palmatus, on the proliferation of the hepatoma cell line HepG2 has been reported earlier. However, its mode of action against HepG2 hepatoma cells remains unclear. In the current research, Smp24 was discovered to suppress the viability of HepG2 cells while having a minor effect on normal LO2 cells. Moreover, endocytosis and pore formation were demonstrated to be involved in the uptake of Smp24 into HepG2 cells, which subsequently interacted with the mitochondrial membrane and caused the decrease in its potential, cytoskeleton reorganization, ROS accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and alteration of apoptosis- and autophagy-related signaling pathways. The protecting activity of Smp24 in the HepG2 xenograft mice model was also demonstrated. Therefore, our data suggest that the antitumor effect of Smp24 is closely related to the induction of cell apoptosis, cycle arrest, and autophagy via cell membrane disruption and mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting a potential alternative in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tienthanh Nguyen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruiyin Guo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiena Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Junfang Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | | | - Hu Xia
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (X.X.); Tel.: +86-20-61648537 (X.X.)
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (X.X.); Tel.: +86-20-61648537 (X.X.)
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The Strong Anti-Tumor Effect of Smp24 in Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells Depends on Its Induction of Mitochondrial Dysfunctions and ROS Accumulation. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14090590. [PMID: 36136528 PMCID: PMC9502404 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14090590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of death in lung cancer due to its aggressiveness and rapid migration. The potent antitumor effect of Smp24, an antimicrobial peptide derived from Egyptian scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus via damaging the membrane and cytoskeleton have been reported earlier. However, its effects on mitochondrial functions and ROS accumulation in human lung cancer cells remain unknown. In the current study, we discovered that Smp24 can interact with the cell membrane and be internalized into A549 cells via endocytosis, followed by targeting mitochondria and affect mitochondrial function, which significantly causes ROS overproduction, altering mitochondrial membrane potential and the expression of cell cycle distribution-related proteins, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, MAPK, as well as PI3K/Akt/mTOR/FAK signaling pathways. In summary, the antitumor effect of Smp24 against A549 cells is related to the induction of apoptosis, autophagy plus cell cycle arrest via mitochondrial dysfunction, and ROS accumulation. Accordingly, our findings shed light on the anticancer mechanism of Smp24, which may contribute to its further development as a potential agent in the treatment of lung cancer cells.
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Li W, Mu L, Zou Y, Wang W, Zhao H, Wu X, Liao S. Effect of Silkworm Pupa Protein Hydrolysates on Proliferation of Gastric Cancer Cells In Vitro. Foods 2022; 11:foods11152367. [PMID: 35954133 PMCID: PMC9368083 DOI: 10.3390/foods11152367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The proliferation inhibition effects of the hydrolysates from silkworm pupa proteins on MGC-803 gastric cancer cells were investigated in this study. The specific morphological changes (cell membrane, cell nucleus and cytoskeleton) of cells were measured. In vitro, the proliferation of MGC-803 cells was inhibited by silkworm pupa protein hydrolysates (SPPHs) in a dose-dependent manner. The flow cytometry analysis showed that the blocking effect of SPPHs on the MGC-803 cells was mainly in the G0/G1-phase. The morphological changes, disintegration of the cytoskeleton and retardant cell cycles were probably related to the activation of apoptosis. Thus, SPPHs could be promising as a chemopreventive agent due to their ability to promote apoptosis of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixin Li
- Sericultural & Agri-Food Research Institute Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, Guangzhou 510610, China
| | - Lixia Mu
- Sericultural & Agri-Food Research Institute Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, Guangzhou 510610, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-20-8723-6897
| | - Yuxiao Zou
- Sericultural & Agri-Food Research Institute Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, Guangzhou 510610, China
| | - Weifei Wang
- Sericultural & Agri-Food Research Institute Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, Guangzhou 510610, China
| | - Haifeng Zhao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xuli Wu
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Sentai Liao
- Sericultural & Agri-Food Research Institute Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, Guangzhou 510610, China
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