Honokiol suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis via regulation of the miR‑21/PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in human osteosarcoma cells

Interaction of ncRNAs and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway: Implications for osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, and is characterized by high heterogeneity, high malignancy, easy metastasis, and poor prognosis. Recurrence, metastasis, and multidrug resistance are the main problems that limit the therapeutic effect and prognosis of OS. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is often abnormally activated in OS tissues and cells, which promotes the rapid development, metastasis, and drug sensitivity of OS. Emerging evidence has revealed new insights into tumorigenesis through the interaction between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Therefore, we reviewed the interactions between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and ncRNAs and their implication in OS. These interactions have the potential to serve as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets in clinical applications.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Bone-Related Diseases: Intercellular Communication Messengers and Therapeutic Engineering Protagonists

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can deliver various bioactive molecules among cells, making them promising diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives in diseases. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) have shown therapeutic potential similar to MSCs but with drawbacks such as lower yield, reduced biological activities, off-target effects, and shorter half-lives. Improving strategies utilizing biotechniques to pretreat MSCs and enhance the properties of released EVs, as well as modifying MSC-EVs to enhance targeting abilities and achieve controlled release, shows potential for overcoming application limitations and enhancing therapeutic effects in treating bone-related diseases. This review focuses on recent advances in functionalizing MSC-EVs to treat bone-related diseases. Firstly, we underscore the significance of MSC-EVs in facilitating crosstalk between cells within the skeletal environment. Secondly, we highlight strategies of functional-modified EVs for treating bone-related diseases. We explore the pretreatment of stem cells using various biotechniques to enhance the properties of resulting EVs, as well as diverse approaches to modify MSC-EVs for targeted delivery and controlled release. Finally, we address the challenges and opportunities for further research on MSC-EVs in bone-related diseases.

Targeted Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Axis: Potential for Sarcoma Therapy

Sarcoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies often resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/ protein kinase B /mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway has emerged as a critical cancer target due to its central role in regulating key cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in the development and progression of bone sarcomas (BS) and soft tissue sarcomas (STS). PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors have shown promising preclinical and clinical activity in various cancers. These agents can inhibit the activation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR, thereby reducing the downstream signaling events that promote tumor growth and survival. In addition, PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors have been shown to enhance the efficacy of other anticancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The different types of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors vary in their specificity, potency, and side effect profiles and may be effective depending on the specific sarcoma type and stage. The molecular targeting of PI3K/Akt/mToR pathway using drugs, phytochemicals, nanomaterials (NMs), and microbe-derived molecules as Pan-PI3K inhibitors, selective PI3K inhibitors, and dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors have been delineated. While there are still challenges to be addressed, the preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that these inhibitors may significantly improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the potential of these inhibitors as sarcoma therapeutics and to continue developing more selective and effective agents to meet the clinical needs of sarcoma patients.

Functional role of MicroRNA/PI3K/AKT axis in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone tumor that occurs in children and adolescents, and the PI3K/AKT pathway is overactivated in most OS patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved endogenous non-protein-coding RNAs that can regulate gene expression by repressing mRNA translation or degrading mRNA. MiRNAs are enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway, and aberrant PI3K/AKT pathway activation is involved in the development of osteosarcoma. There is increasing evidence that miRNAs can regulate the biological functions of cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. MiRNA/PI3K/AKT axis can regulate the expression of osteosarcoma-related genes and then regulate cancer progression. MiRNA expression associated with PI3K/AKT pathway is also clearly associated with many clinical features. In addition, PI3K/AKT pathway-associated miRNAs are potential biomarkers for osteosarcoma diagnosis, treatment and prognostic assessment. This article reviews recent research advances on the role and clinical application of PI3K/AKT pathway and miRNA/PI3K/AKT axis in the development of osteosarcoma.

HA-DOPE-Modified Honokiol-Loaded Liposomes Targeted Therapy for Osteosarcoma

Purpose

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone cancer with a high risk of metastasis, high growth rate, and poor prognosis. Honokiol (HNK) is a general ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, with a potential anti-tumor effect. However, HNK is insoluble in water and lacks drug targeting, which limits its clinical application. To improve the OS therapeutic effect of HNK, we used HNK-loaded liposomes modified with hyaluronic acid-phospholipid conjugates (HA-DOPE) to treat OS based on the HA interaction with CD44.

Methods

The HNK-loaded liposomes were prepared via thin-film hydration and sonication. HA-DOPE was used to combine the HNK-loaded liposomes (HA-DOPE@Lips/HNK) via sonication and co-extrusion. HA-DOPE@Lips/HNK were characterized with respect to size, zeta potential, polymer dispersity index (PDI), and stability, and transmission electron microscopy was performed. Cellular uptake, cell viability, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, and mitochondrial activity were utilized to evaluate the antitumor effect in vitro. The biodistribution, xenograft tumor growth inhibition, and safety of HA-DOPE@Lips/HNK were evaluated in 143B OS xenograft mice in vivo.

Results

The particle size, PDI, and zeta potential of HA-DOPE@Lips/HNK were 146.20±0.26 nm, 0.20±0.01, and −38.45±0.98 mV, respectively. The encapsulation rate and drug loading were 80.14±0.32% and 3.78±0.09%, respectively. HA-DOPE@Lips/HNK could inhibit cell proliferation, cause apoptosis, block the cell cycle and disrupt mitochondrial activity. HA-DOPE@Lips/HNK specially delivered the drug into the tumor and inhibited tumor growth, and showed no obvious toxicity to normal tissues.

Conclusion

HA-DOPE@Lips/HNK could deliver HNK into the tumor site and had a good antitumor ability in vitro and in vivo. In addition, HA-DOPE@Lips/HNK increased the antitumor effects of HNK. Thus, it provides a promising nanocarrier to improve drug delivery in OS therapy.

The Role of PTEN/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in Apoptosis of Liver Cells in Cocks with Manganese Toxicity

PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is an important pathway for cell proliferation and apoptosis. Exposure to excess manganese (Mn) can cause damage in organisms. However, whether Mn toxicity can cause apoptosis is still not clear. In order to explore the mechanism of PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway responsible for Mn-induced apoptotic injury, 160 Hyline cocks were divided into four groups; there were the control group (Con group), the low-dose Mn group (L group), the medium-dose Mn group (M group), and the high-dose Mn group (H group). The cocks in Con group, L group, M group, and H group were fed with MnCl₂ diet containing 100, 600, 900, and 1800 mg/kg, respectively. The growth status of cocks in each group was observed on days 30, 60, and 90. Thirty cocks were randomly selected from each group and sacrificed on day 90 for optical microscope observation and fluorescence microscopic observation, as well as for transcription-level expression of apoptosis-related genes and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the liver. The results showed that the growth status of cocks was gradually depressed with the extension of feeding time and with the increase of Mn dose_. On day 90, the results of optical microscope observation and fluorescence microscope observation showed that damage and apoptosis appeared in the cock liver cells under Mn exposure groups. The results of transcription-level detection of apoptosis-related genes and HSPs indicated that Mn exposure upregulated eleven pro-apoptotic genes (including RIP1, RIP3, MLKL, Bax, Caspase-3, FADD, Cyt-C, ERK, JNK, Caspase-8, and P38) and downregulated one anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, further meaning that exposure to Mn-induced apoptosis in cock liver cells and PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway took part in molecular mechanism of apoptosis caused by excess Mn. Moreover, in our experiment, the increase of four HSPs (including HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, and HSP70) was found after Mn treatment for 90 days, which indicated that Mn stress triggered HSPs and HSPs were involved in molecular mechanism of Mn poisoning in cock livers. In addition, we also found there was upregulated dose-dependent manner in fifteen detected genes and there was downregulated dose-dependent manner in Bcl-2, indicating that the apoptosis caused by Mn poisoning in cock liver cells was dose-dependent.

[Isobavachalcone induces cell death through multiple pathways in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of isobavachalcone (IBC) on cell death of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and explore the possible mechanism.

METHODS

MCF-7 cells were treated with different concentrations of IBC, and the changes in cell proliferation were assessed using MTT assay. Apoptosis of MCF-7 cells following treatment with 10, 20, and 40 μmol/L IBC was analyzed using flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and fluorescence microscopy, and the expressions of apoptosis- and autophagy-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, Akt, p-Akt, p62, and LC3) were detected with Western blotting. Electron microscopy was used to observe the changes in submicrostructure of the cells following treatment with 40 μmol/L IBC. JC-1 assay kit, ATP assay kit, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) kit were used to determine the effect of IBC on mitochondrial function of the cells.

RESULTS

MTT assay showed that IBC significantly inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values of 38.46, 31.31, and 28.26 μmol/L at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. IBC also concentration-dependently induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. IBC-induced cell death was inhibited by z-VAD-fmk, a caspase inhibitor (P < 0.05), but not by the necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin-1 (Nec-1). Western blotting showed that IBC-induced MCF-7 cell apoptosis by increasing Bax expression and down-regulating the expressions of Bcl-2, Akt and p-Akt-473 (all P < 0.05). With the increase of IBC concentration, the expression of autophagy-related protein p62 and the LC3-II/I ratio increased progressively. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of autophagic bodies in IBC-treated MCF-7 cells. IBC treatment also resulted in decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular ATP level and increased ROS accumulation in MCF-7 cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

IBC is capable of inducing both apoptosis and autophagy in MCF-7 cells, suggesting the potential value of IBC as a lead compound in the development of anti-breast cancer agents.

Aqueous Extract and Polysaccharide of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Induce Apoptosis and G0/G1 Phase Cell Cycle Arrest by PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Mesangial Cells

Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MesPGN) is a common renal disease that lacks effective drug intervention. Aconiti Lateralis Radix (Fuzi), a natural Chinese medical herb, is found with significant therapeutic effects on various diseases in the clinic. However, its effects on MesPGN have not been reported. This study is aimed to discuss the therapeutic effects of the aqueous extract of Aconiti Lateralis Radix (ALR) and the polysaccharides of Aconiti Lateralis Radix (PALR) on MesPGN as well as the underlying mechanism. In this study, we, firstly, studied the anti-MesPGN mechanism of ALR and PALR. ALR and PALR inhibit the proliferation of the mesangial cells through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, induce the G0/G1 phase of block and apoptosis, inhibit the activity of Cyclin E and CDK2, increase the expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-8/caspase-8, and cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 proteins, and effectively inhibit the growth of the mesangial cells. Overall, our data suggest that ALR and PALR may be potential candidates for MesPGN and that PALR is more effective than ALR.

Advances in the Biological Functions and Mechanisms of miRNAs in the Development of Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common primary malignant bone tumors, mainly occurring in children and adolescents, and is characterized by high morbidity and poor prognosis. MicroRNAs, a class of noncoding RNAs consisting of 19 to 25 nucleotides, are involved in cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis to regulate the development and progression of osteosarcoma. Studies have found that microRNAs are closely related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of osteosarcoma patients and have an important role in improving drug resistance in osteosarcoma. This paper reviews the role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma and their clinical value, aiming to provide a new research direction for diagnosing and treating osteosarcoma and achieving a better prognosis.

Function of selected natural antidiabetic compounds with potential against cancer via modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder with growing global incidence, as 387 million people were diagnosed in 2014 with an expected projection of 642 million in 2040. Several complications are associated with DM including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and cancer. The latter is the second leading cause of death worldwide accounting for one in every six deaths, with liver, pancreas, and endometrium cancers are the most abundant among patients with diabetes. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a vital role in developing a wide array of pathological disorders, among them diabetes and cancer. Natural secondary metabolites that counteract the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulate PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway could be a promising approach in cancer therapy. Here, 717 medicinal plants with antidiabetic activities were highlighted along with 357 bioactive compounds responsible for the antidiabetic activity. Also, 43 individual plant compounds with potential antidiabetic activities against cancer via the modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade were identified. Taken together, the available data give an insight of the potential of repurposing medicinal plants and/or the individual secondary metabolites with antidiabetic activities for cancer therapy.

Impact of microRNA215p on the growth of thyroid cancer cells via targeting the recombinant sclerostin domain containing protein 1

OBJECTIVES

To explore the molecular mechanism for thyroid cancer metastasis via analyzing the role of microRNA (miR)-21-5p and its target gene recombinant sclerostin domain containing protein 1 (SOSTDC1) in thyroid cancer.

METHODS

The target miR-21-5p was screened through bioinformatics analysis and cell verification, and the thyroid cancer cell lines was transfected with miR-21-5p inhibitor. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test, flow cytometry, and cell scratch test were used to detect the proliferation, apoptosis and migration of thyroid cancer cells in the miR-21-5p inhibitor group and the inhibitor control group, respectively. The luciferase report experiment was used to verify the relationship between miR-21-5p and SOSTDC1, Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels and phosphorylation levels of SOSTDC1,phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) in thyroid cancer cells.

RESULTS

MiR-21-5p was significantly increased in thyroid cancer cells,which was negatively correlated with SOSTDC1 (r=-0.24, P<0.01). The proliferation and migration of thyroid cancer cells in the miR-21-5p inhibitor group was significantly lower than that in the inhibitor control group (both P<0.01), and the apoptosis rate in the miR-21-5p inhibitor group was significantly higher than that in the inhibitor control group (P<0.01).The luciferase report experiment showed that miR-21-5p could target and regulate the expression level of SOSTDC1, and the expression of PI3K in the miR-21-5p inhibitor group was significantly lower than that in the inhibitor control group (P<0.01). There were no significant changes in Akt and ERK1/2 levels, but the phosphorylation levels of Akt and ERK1/2 in the miR-21-5p inhibitor group were significantly lower than those in the inhibitor control group (both P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-21-5p in thyroid cancer cells can target the expression of SOSTDC1 and affect the activities of PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK, thereby inhibiting the apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells and promoting cell proliferation and migration.

Role of MicroRNAs in Human Osteosarcoma: Future Perspectives

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare form of cancer with high death rate but is one of the most frequent forms of bone cancer in children and adolescents. MiRNAs are small endogenous RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. The discovery of miRNAs could allow us to obtain an earlier diagnosis, predict prognosis and chemoresistance, and lead to the discovery of new treatments in different types of tumors, including OS. Despite the fact that there is currently only one clinical trial being carried out on a single miRNA for solid tumors, it is very probable that the number of clinical trials including miRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets, will increase in the near future. This review summarizes the different miRNAs related to OS and their possible therapeutic application.

Therapeutic Targeting of MicroRNAs in the Tumor Microenvironment

The tumor-microenvironment (TME) is an amalgamation of various factors derived from malignant cells and infiltrating host cells, including cells of the immune system. One of the important factors of the TME is microRNAs (miRs) that regulate target gene expression at a post transcriptional level. MiRs have been found to be dysregulated in tumor as well as in stromal cells and they emerged as important regulators of tumorigenesis. In fact, miRs regulate almost all hallmarks of cancer, thus making them attractive tools and targets for novel anti-tumoral treatment strategies. Tumor to stroma cell cross-propagation of miRs to regulate protumoral functions has been a salient feature of the TME. MiRs can either act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes (oncomiRs) and both miR mimics as well as miR inhibitors (antimiRs) have been used in preclinical trials to alter cancer and stromal cell phenotypes. Owing to their cascading ability to regulate upstream target genes and their chemical nature, which allows specific pharmacological targeting, miRs are attractive targets for anti-tumor therapy. In this review, we cover a recent update on our understanding of dysregulated miRs in the TME and provide an overview of how these miRs are involved in current cancer-therapeutic approaches from bench to bedside.

Anti-Tumor Mechanisms Associated With Regulation of Non-Coding RNA by Active Ingredients of Chinese Medicine: A Review

Cancer has become the second leading cause of death worldwide; however, its complex pathogenesis remains largely unclear. Previous research has shown that cancer development and progression are closely associated with various non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs, which regulate gene expression. Target gene abnormalities are regulated and engaged in the complex mechanism underlying tumor formation, thereby controlling apoptosis, invasion, and migration of tumor cells and providing potentially effective targets for the treatment of malignant tumors. Chemotherapy is a commonly used therapeutic strategy for cancer; however, its effectiveness is limited by general toxicity and tumor cell drug resistance. Therefore, increasing attention has been paid to developing new cancer treatment modalities using traditional Chinese medicines, which exert regulatory effects on multiple components, targets, and pathways. Several active ingredients in Chinese medicine, including ginsenoside, baicalin, and matrine have been found to regulate ncRNA expression levels, thus, exerting anti-tumor effects. This review summarizes the scientific progress made regarding the anti-tumor mechanisms elicited by various active ingredients of Chinese medicine in regulating non-coding RNAs, to provide a theoretical foundation for treating tumors using traditional Chinese medicine.

Communications Between Bone Marrow Macrophages and Bone Cells in Bone Remodeling

The mammalian skeleton is a metabolically active organ that continuously undergoes bone remodeling, a process of tightly coupled bone resorption and formation throughout life. Recent studies have expanded our knowledge about the interactions between cells within bone marrow in bone remodeling. Macrophages resident in bone (BMMs) can regulate bone metabolism via secreting numbers of cytokines and exosomes. This review summarizes the current understanding of factors, exosomes, and hormones that involved in the communications between BMMs and other bone cells including mensenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and so on. We also discuss the role of BMMs and potential therapeutic approaches targeting BMMs in bone remodeling related diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteosarcoma.

Participation of MicroRNAs in the Treatment of Cancer with Phytochemicals

Cancer is a global health concern and one of the main causes of disease-related death. Even with considerable progress in investigations on cancer therapy, effective anti-cancer agents and regimens have thus far been insufficient. There has been compelling evidence that natural phytochemicals and their derivatives have potent anti-cancer activities. Plant-based anti-cancer agents, such as etoposide, irinotecan, paclitaxel, and vincristine, are currently being applied in medical treatments for patients with cancer. Further, the efficacy of plenty of phytochemicals has been evaluated to discover a promising candidate for cancer therapy. For developing more effective cancer therapy, it is required to apprehend the molecular mechanism deployed by natural compounds. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been realized to play a pivotal role in regulating cellular signaling pathways, affecting the efficacy of therapeutic agents in cancer. This review presents a feature of phytochemicals with anti-cancer activity, focusing mainly on the relationship between phytochemicals and miRNAs, with insights into the role of miRNAs as the mediators and the regulators of anti-cancer effects of phytochemicals.

Circulating Long Non-Coding RNA GAS5 Is Overexpressed in Serum from Osteoporotic Patients and Is Associated with Increased Risk of Bone Fragility

Osteoporosis (OP) is a multifactorial disorder in which environmental factors along with genetic variants and epigenetic mechanisms have been implicated. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as important regulators of bone metabolism and OP aetiology. In this study, we analyzed the expression level and the genetic association of lncRNA GAS5 in OP patients compared to controls. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of GAS5 was performed on the serum of 56 OP patients and 28 healthy individuals. OP subjects were divided into three groups of analysis: 29 with fragility fractures of lumbar spine (OP_VF), 14 with fragility fractures of femoral neck (OP_FF) and 13 without fractures (OP_WF). Genotyping of the rs145204276 insertion/deletion polymorphism has also been performed by Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and direct sequencing analyses. Expression of circulating GAS5 is significantly increased in OP patients compared to controls (p < 0.01), with a statistically higher significance in fractured OP individuals vs. healthy subjects (p < 0.001). No statistically significant change was found in female OP patients; conversely, GAS5 is upregulated in the subgroup of fractured OP women sera (p < 0.01) and in all OP males (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a direct correlation between GAS5 expression level and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration was found in OP patients (r = 0.2930; p = 0.0389). Genetic analysis of rs145204276 revealed that the deletion allele was correlated with a higher expression of GAS5 in OP patients (0.22 ± 0.02 vs. 0.15 ± 0.01, ** p < 0.01). Our results suggest circulating GAS5 as a putative biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of OP and OP-related fractures.

Piceatannol suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis by regulation of the microRNA‑21/phosphatase and tensin homolog/protein kinase B signaling pathway in osteosarcoma cells

Piceatannol (Pice), a natural analog of resveratrol, has been identified as an anticancer agent in various cancers by modulating the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of Pice in osteosarcoma (OS) cells remain unclear. Thus, we hypothesized that Pice exerts anticancer effects on OS cells via the regulation of miRNA expression. Herein, we performed a MTT assay and flow cytometric analysis to determine cell viability and apoptosis in OS cells treated with Pice, respectively. Our results showed that Pice inhibits proliferation in a dose-dependent manner induces the apoptosis of OS cells. More importantly, miRNA microarray analysis identified that Pice alters miRNA expression profiles in human OS cells after treatment with Pice, and miR-21 was the most significantly downregulated. In addition, the therapeutic effects of Pice on OS cells were weakened by restoration of miR-21. In addition, we further verified that phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a tumor suppressor gene, is the functional target of miR-21 and Pice blocks the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway through inhibiting miR-21 expression in OS cells. Our findings suggested that Pice may exert anticancer effects on OS cells via mediating the miR-21/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway and could be considered to be a potential anticancer agent for treating OS.

trans-Anethole Abrogates Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis through the Mitochondrial-Mediated Pathway in Human Osteosarcoma Cells

trans-Anethole, the major bioactive component of Illicium verum Hook. commonly known as star anise exhibits various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antitumor. Osteosarcoma is an extremely aggressive malignant bone tumor that affects children and young adults and accounts for around 60% of all sarcomas. The study was planned to evaluate the potential of trans-Anethole against Human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63. The antiproliferative activity of trans-Anethole was assessed by MTT assay. trans-Anethole exhibited apoptotic cell death as monitored by confocal/electron microscopy and flow cytometry studies. Modulation of gene expression was studied by Western blot and RT-PCR analysis. The present study revealed that trans-Anethole inhibited osteosarcoma proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with a GI₅₀ value of 60.25 µM and showed pro-apoptotic activity as analyzed by Annexin V-FITC/PI assay. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that trans-Anethole induced cell cycle arrest at the G₀/G₁ phase with the generation of reactive oxygen species and reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Immunoblotting results showed the increased expression of caspase-9/-3, p53, and decreased expression of Bcl-xL suggesting the involvement of the p53 and mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. This work provides a rationale that trans-Anethole might be considered as a promising chemotherapeutic/nutraceutical agent for the management of osteosarcoma.Highlightstrans-Anethole inhibited cell growth and caused G₀/G₁ arrest in Human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line.trans-Anethole led to the loss of mitochondrial membrane permeability along with ROS generation.trans-Anethole upregulates the expression of p53, Caspase-9/-3, and downregulate Bcl-xL expression.

Dihydromyricetin inhibits cell proliferation, migration, invasion and promotes apoptosis via regulating miR-21 in Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cells

Dihydromyricetin, the most abundant natural flavonoid isolated from Ampelopsis grossedentata, exhibits broad anti-tumor effects. However, the effects of dihydromyricetin on cholangiocarcinoma remain unclear. This study examined the anti-tumor effects of dihydromyricetin in two human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines HCCC9810 and TFK-1, and the underlying mechanism was also investigated. Our study was the first to show that dihydromyricetin significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma cells. By analyzing the TCGA dataset, we found that expression of miR-21, an oncogene and a potential target of anticancer drugs for cholangiocarcinoma, was upregulated in cholangiocarcinoma tissues compared to paired control tissues. Moreover, dihydromyricetin significantly reduced the expression of miR-21 in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of miR-21 remarkably abolished the inhibitory effects of dihydromyricetin on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and abrogated its effect of promoting cell apoptosis in both HCCC9810 and TFK-1 cells. Dihydromyricetin remarkably increased the expression of PTEN and decreased the expression of phosphorylated Akt, while overexpression of miR-21 abrogated the modulation of PTEN/ Akt pathway by dihydromyricetin. Taken together, our study demonstrates that dihydromyricetin inhibits cell proliferation, migration, invasion and promotes apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma cells via regulating miR-21.

Loss of miR-204-5p Promotes Tumor Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion Through Targeting YWHAZ/PI3K/AKT Pathway in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

MicroRNAs dysregulation has been confirmed in multiple malignancies. This paper reported the molecular mechanism of miR-204-5p in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

miR-204-5p expression in 30 ESCC tumor tissues and 10 normal tissues was downloaded from RNA-seq data. ESCC tissues/normal tissues of 97 ESCC patients were collected. TE-1 and KYSE510 cells were transfected by miR-204-5p mimic, inhibitor, siYWHAZ or their corresponding controls. The phenotype of cells was detected by CCK-8 assay, transwell experiment, and flow cytometry. Luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) were performed to verify the targeting relationship between miR-204-5p and YWHAZ. miR-204-5p and YWHAZ expression in tissues/cells was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Xenograft tumor experiment was performed.

RESULTS

miR-204-5p expression was declined in ESCC patients and cells, which was indicated the poor outcome of patients. Compared with siNC group, TE-1 cells in miR-204-5p inhibitor group had higher OD450 value, less cell percentage in G1 phase, and more cell percentage in S phase, lower apoptosis percentage, and higher migration and invasion cell numbers. Moreover, KYSE510 cells of miR-204-5p mimic group showed lower OD450 value, more cell percentage in G1 phase and less cell percentage in S phase, higher apoptosis percentage, and lower migration and invasion cell numbers than control. YWHAZ was directly inhibited by miR-204-5p. Relative to siNC group, TE-1 cells of miR-inhibitor group exhibited higher YWHAZ protein expression, higher OD450 value, less cell percentage in G1 phase and more cell percentage in S phase, lower apoptosis percentage, higher migration and invasion cell numbers, and higher p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT protein expression, while siYWHAZ rescued the effects of miR-inhibitor. miR-204-5p up-regulation inhibited ESCC growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

miR-204-5p inhibits ESCC progression by targeted inhibition of YWHAZ/PI3K/AKT.

[Effect of honokiol on proliferation, migration and apoptosis of human tongue cancer CAL-27 cells in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of honokiol on proliferation, migration and apoptosis of human tongue carcinoma CAL-27 cells.

METHODS

Routinely cultured CAL-27 cells were treated with 20, 40, or 60 μmol/L honokiol and the changes in cell proliferation were assessed with MTT assay. The scratch wound healing assay was used to assess the migration ability of the treated cells, and the cell apoptosis was detected with Hoechst33342 fluorescence staining and annexin V-FITC/PI method. The protein expression levels of p-Pi3k, p-Fak, Fak, MMP-2, MMP-9, p-Akt, Akt, Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved-caspase-3 in the treated cells were detected using Western blotting.

RESULTS

Treatment with honokiol at 20, 40, and 60 μmol/L for 24 h significantly lowered the proliferation and migration ability of CAL-27 cells. The number of apoptotic cells increased with the increase of honokiol concentration, which resulted in a cell apoptosis rate of (15.24±2.06)% at 20 μmol/L, (35.03±2.42)% at 40 μmol/L, and (48.13±4.61)% at 60 μmol/L, as compared with (6.53±1.80)% in the control group. The expressions of p-Pi3k, p-Fak, MMP-2, MMP-9, p-Akt and BCL-2 decreased and those of Bax and cleaved-caspase-3 increased significantly in the cells after the treatment (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Honokiol can inhibit the proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis of CAL-27 cells in vitro possibly by regulating the expressions of p-Pi3k, p-Fak, MMP-2, MMP-9, p-Akt, Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved-caspase-3.

Honokiol: A Review of Its Anticancer Potential and Mechanisms

Cancer is characterised by uncontrolled cell division and abnormal cell growth, which is largely caused by a variety of gene mutations. There are continuous efforts being made to develop effective cancer treatments as resistance to current anticancer drugs has been on the rise. Natural products represent a promising source in the search for anticancer treatments as they possess unique chemical structures and combinations of compounds that may be effective against cancer with a minimal toxicity profile or few side effects compared to standard anticancer therapy. Extensive research on natural products has shown that bioactive natural compounds target multiple cellular processes and pathways involved in cancer progression. In this review, we discuss honokiol, a plant bioactive compound that originates mainly from the Magnolia species. Various studies have proven that honokiol exerts broad-range anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo by regulating numerous signalling pathways. These include induction of G0/G1 and G2/M cell cycle arrest (via the regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) and cyclin proteins), epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibition via the downregulation of mesenchymal markers and upregulation of epithelial markers. Additionally, honokiol possesses the capability to supress cell migration and invasion via the downregulation of several matrix-metalloproteinases (activation of 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and KISS1/KISS1R signalling), inhibiting cell migration, invasion, and metastasis, as well as inducing anti-angiogenesis activity (via the down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)). Combining these studies provides significant insights for the potential of honokiol to be a promising candidate natural compound for chemoprevention and treatment.

miRNA signatures in childhood sarcomas and their clinical implications

Progresses in multimodal treatments have significantly improved the outcomes for childhood cancer. Nonetheless, for about one-third of patients with Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, or osteosarcoma steady remission has remained intangible. Thus, new biomarkers to improve early diagnosis and the development of precision-targeted medicine remain imperative. Over the last decade, remarkable progress has been made in the basic understanding of miRNAs function and in interpreting the contribution of their dysregulation to cancer development and progression. On this basis, this review focuses on what has been learned about the pivotal roles of miRNAs in the regulation of key genes implicated in childhood sarcomas.

Roles of PI3K/AKT/GSK3 Pathway Involved in Psychiatric Illnesses

Psychiatric illnesses may be qualified to the cellular impairments of the function for survival or death in neurons, which may consequently appear as abnormalities in the neuroplasticity. The molecular mechanism has not been well understood, however, it seems that PI3K, AKT, GSK3, and their downstream molecules have crucial roles in the pathogenesis. Through transducing cell surviving signal, the PI3K/AKT/GSK3 pathway may organize an intracellular central network for the action of the synaptic neuroplasticity. In addition, the pathways may also regulate cell proliferation, cell migration, and apoptosis. Several lines of evidence have supported a role for this signaling network underlying the development and treatment for psychiatric illnesses. Indeed, the discovery of molecular biochemical phenotypes would represent a breakthrough in the research for effective treatment. In this review, we summarize advances on the involvement of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3 pathways in cell signaling of neuronal cells. This study may provide novel insights on the mechanism of mental disorder involved in psychiatric illnesses and would open future opportunity for contributions suggesting new targets for diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures.

Natural Compounds and Derivatives as Ser/Thr Protein Kinase Modulators and Inhibitors

The need for new drugs is compelling, irrespective of the disease. Focusing on medical problems in the Western countries, heart disease and cancer are at the moment predominant illnesses. Owing to the fact that ~90% of all 21,000 cellular proteins in humans are regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation it is not surprising that the enzymes catalysing these reactions (i.e., protein kinases and phosphatases, respectively) have attracted considerable attention in the recent past. Protein kinases are major team players in cell signalling. In tumours, these enzymes are found to be mutated disturbing the proper function of signalling pathways and leading to uncontrolled cellular growth and sustained malignant behaviour. Hence, the search for small-molecule inhibitors targeting the altered protein kinase molecules in tumour cells has become a major research focus in the academia and pharmaceutical companies.