1
|
Yu D, Yang J, Wang B, Li Z, Wang K, Li J, Zhu C. New genetic insights into immunotherapy outcomes in gastric cancer via single-cell RNA sequencing and random forest model. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:112. [PMID: 38693422 PMCID: PMC11063021 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03684-8] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The high mortality rate of gastric cancer, traditionally managed through surgery, underscores the urgent need for advanced therapeutic strategies. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, outcomes remain suboptimal, necessitating the identification of novel biomarkers to predict sensitivity to immunotherapy. This study focuses on utilizing single-cell sequencing for gene identification and developing a random forest model to predict immunotherapy sensitivity in gastric cancer patients. METHODS Differentially expressed genes were identified using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and gene set enrichment analysis (GESA). A random forest model was constructed based on these genes, and its effectiveness was validated through prognostic analysis. Further, analyses of immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, and the random forest model provided deeper insights. RESULTS High METTL1 expression was found to correlate with improved survival rates in gastric cancer patients (P = 0.042), and the random forest model, based on METTL1 and associated prognostic genes, achieved a significant predictive performance (AUC = 0.863). It showed associations with various immune cell types and negative correlations with CTLA4 and PDCD1 immune checkpoints. Experiments in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that METTL1 enhances gastric cancer cell activity by suppressing T cell proliferation and upregulating CTLA4 and PDCD1. CONCLUSION The random forest model, based on scRNA-seq, shows high predictive value for survival and immunotherapy sensitivity in gastric cancer patients. This study underscores the potential of METTL1 as a biomarker in enhancing the efficacy of gastric cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dajun Yu
- Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital) of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233000, People's Republic of China
| | - BinBin Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhixiang Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233000, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233000, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mendez-Callejas G, Piñeros-Avila M, Yosa-Reyes J, Pestana-Nobles R, Torrenegra R, Camargo-Ubate MF, Bello-Castro AE, Celis CA. A Novel Tri-Hydroxy-Methylated Chalcone Isolated from Chromolaena tacotana with Anti-Cancer Potential Targeting Pro-Survival Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15185. [PMID: 37894866 PMCID: PMC10607159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015185] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromolaena tacotana (Klatt) R. M. King and H. Rob (Ch. tacotana) contains bioactive flavonoids that may have antioxidant and/or anti-cancer properties. This study investigated the potential anti-cancer properties of a newly identified chalcone isolated from the inflorescences of the plant Chromolaena tacotana (Klatt) R. M. King and H. Rob (Ch. tacotana). The chalcone structure was determined using HPLC/MS (QTOF), UV, and NMR spectroscopy. The compound cytotoxicity and selectivity were evaluated on prostate, cervical, and breast cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Apoptosis and autophagy induction were assessed through flow cytometry by detecting annexin V/7-AAD, active Casp3/7, and LC3B proteins. These results were supported by Western blot analysis. Mitochondrial effects on membrane potential, as well as levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins were analyzed using flow cytometry, fluorescent microscopy, and Western blot analysis specifically on a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line. Furthermore, molecular docking (MD) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to evaluate the interaction between the compounds and pro-survival proteins. The compound identified as 2',3,4-trihydroxy-4',6'-dimethoxy chalcone inhibited the cancer cell line proliferation and induced apoptosis and autophagy. MDA-MB-231, a TNBC cell line, exhibited the highest sensitivity to the compound with good selectivity. This activity was associated with the regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of the pro-apoptotic proteins, and reduction of anti-apoptotic proteins, thereby triggering the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The chalcone consistently interacted with anti-apoptotic proteins, particularly the Bcl-2 protein, throughout the simulation period. However, there was a noticeable conformational shift observed with the negative autophagy regulator mTOR protein. Future studies should focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer potential of the new chalcone and other flavonoids from Ch. tacotana, particularly against predominant cancer cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gina Mendez-Callejas
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas y de Genética Humana Aplicada (GIBGA), Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222 # 55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia;
| | - Marco Piñeros-Avila
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas y de Genética Humana Aplicada (GIBGA), Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222 # 55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia;
| | - Juvenal Yosa-Reyes
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Exactas, Física y Naturales Aplicadas, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Laboratorio de Simulación Molecular y Bioinformática, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Carrera 59 # 59-65, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia; (J.Y.-R.)
| | - Roberto Pestana-Nobles
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Exactas, Física y Naturales Aplicadas, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Laboratorio de Simulación Molecular y Bioinformática, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Carrera 59 # 59-65, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia; (J.Y.-R.)
| | - Ruben Torrenegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Productos Naturales de la U.D.C.A. (PRONAUDCA), Laboratorio de Productos Naturales, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222 # 55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia
| | - María F. Camargo-Ubate
- Grupo de Investigación en Productos Naturales de la U.D.C.A. (PRONAUDCA), Laboratorio de Productos Naturales, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222 # 55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia
| | - Andrea E. Bello-Castro
- Grupo de Investigación en Productos Naturales de la U.D.C.A. (PRONAUDCA), Laboratorio de Productos Naturales, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222 # 55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia
| | - Crispin A. Celis
- Grupo de Investigación en Fitoquímica (GIFUJ), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cra. 7 # 40-62, Bogotá 1115511, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chalcones: Promising therapeutic agents targeting key players and signaling pathways regulating the hallmarks of cancer. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 369:110297. [PMID: 36496109 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The need for innovative anticancer treatments with high effectiveness and low toxicity is urgent due to the development of malignancies that are resistant to chemotherapeutic agents and the poor specificity of existing anticancer treatments. Chalcones are 1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones, which are the precursors for flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Chalcones are readily available from a wide range of natural resources and consist of very basic chemical scaffolds. Because the ease with which the synthesis it allows for the production of several chalcone derivatives. Various in-vitro and in-vivo studies indicate that naturally occurring and synthetic chalcone derivatives exhibit promising biological activities against cancer hallmarks such as proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, inflammation, stemness, and regulation of cancer epigenetics. According to their structure and functional groups, chalcones derivatives and their hybrid compounds exert a broad range of biological activities through targeting key elements and signaling molecules relevant to cancer progression. This review will provide valuable insights into the latest updates of chalcone groups as anticancer agents and extensively discuss their underlying molecular mechanisms of action.
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao M, Wei F, Sun G, Wen Y, Xiang J, Su F, Zhan L, Nian Q, Chen Y, Zeng J. Natural compounds targeting glycolysis as promising therapeutics for gastric cancer: A review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1004383. [PMID: 36438836 PMCID: PMC9684197 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1004383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer, a common malignant disease, seriously endangers human health and life. The high mortality rate due to gastric cancer can be attributed to a lack of effective therapeutic drugs. Cancer cells utilize the glycolytic pathway to produce energy even under aerobic conditions, commonly referred to as the Warburg effect, which is a characteristic of gastric cancer. The identification of new targets based on the glycolytic pathway for the treatment of gastric cancer is a viable option, and accumulating evidence has shown that phytochemicals have extensive anti-glycolytic properties. We reviewed the effects and mechanisms of action of phytochemicals on aerobic glycolysis in gastric cancer cells. Phytochemicals can effectively inhibit aerobic glycolysis in gastric cancer cells, suppress cell proliferation and migration, and promote apoptosis, via the PI3K/Akt, c-Myc, p53, and other signaling pathways. These pathways affect the expressions of HIF-1α, HK2, LDH, and other glycolysis-related proteins. This review further assesses the potential of using plant-derived compounds for the treatment of gastric cancer and sheds insight into the development of new drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maoyuan Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangwei Sun
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Integrative Medicine Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yueqiang Wen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Juyi Xiang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangting Su
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Zhan
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Nian
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Geriatric Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
de Souza PS, Bibá GCC, Melo EDDN, Muzitano MF. Chalcones against the hallmarks of cancer: a mini-review. Nat Prod Res 2021; 36:4809-4826. [PMID: 34865580 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.2000980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Chalcones (1,3-diphenylpropen-1-ones) are a class of flavonoids that have been shown a broad spectrum of biological activities with therapeutic potential. Naturally occurring chalcones or synthetic chalcone derivatives have been extensively investigated as anticancer compounds. Cancer is still among the leading causes of death globally, although cancer treatments have improved over the past decades. Most of chemotherapeutic drugs target proliferating tumor cells; however, the cancer cells capabilities are also associated to tumor surround microenvironment. Thereby, the search of new compounds with a broad antitumor activity is still a great challenge. The cytotoxicity mechanisms of chalcones are beyond apoptosis induction in tumor cells, which make them promising compound for cancer therapy. In this mini-review we summarized recent studies that describe the anticancer potential of chalcones related to some of hallmarks of cancer. We shed a light on sustaining proliferative signaling, tumor-promoting inflammation, activating invasion and metastasis, inducing angiogenesis and resisting cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Silva de Souza
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Geysa Cristina Caldas Bibá
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Evelynn Dalila do Nascimento Melo
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michelle Frazão Muzitano
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dejani NN, Elshabrawy HA, Bezerra Filho CDSM, de Sousa DP. Anticoronavirus and Immunomodulatory Phenolic Compounds: Opportunities and Pharmacotherapeutic Perspectives. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081254. [PMID: 34439920 PMCID: PMC8394099 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2019, COVID-19 emerged as a severe respiratory disease that is caused by the novel coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease has been associated with high mortality rate, especially in patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney diseases. This could be attributed to dysregulated immune responses and severe systemic inflammation in COVID-19 patients. The use of effective antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 and modulation of the immune responses could be a potential therapeutic strategy for COVID-19. Studies have shown that natural phenolic compounds have several pharmacological properties, including anticoronavirus and immunomodulatory activities. Therefore, this review discusses the dual action of these natural products from the perspective of applicability at COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Naiana Dejani
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil;
| | - Hatem A. Elshabrawy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Sam Houston State University, Conroe, TX 77304, USA;
| | - Carlos da Silva Maia Bezerra Filho
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil;
- Postgraduate Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Damião Pergentino de Sousa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil;
- Postgraduate Program in Bioactive Natural and Synthetic Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-83-3216-7347
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Regulation of Nuclear Factor-KappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway by non-coding RNAs in cancer: Inhibiting or promoting carcinogenesis? Cancer Lett 2021; 509:63-80. [PMID: 33838282 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway is considered as a potential therapeutic target in cancer therapy. It has been well established that transcription factor NF-κB is involved in regulating physiological and pathological events including inflammation, immune response and differentiation. Increasing evidences suggest that deregulated NF-κB signaling can enhance cancer cell proliferation, metastasis and also mediate radio-as well as chemo-resistance. On the contrary, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been found to modulate NF-κB signaling pathway under different settings. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can dually inhibit/induce NF-κB signaling thereby affecting the growth and migration of cancer cells. Furthermore, the response of cancer cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be regulated by miRNAs. Regulation of NF-κB by miRNAs may be mediated via binding to 3/-UTR region. Interestingly, anti-tumor compounds can increase the expression of tumor-suppressor miRNAs in inhibiting NF-κB activation and the progression of cancers. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) can also effectively modulate NF-κB signaling thus affecting tumorigenesis. It is noteworthy that several studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs and circRNAs can affect miRNAs in targeting NF-κB activation. They can act as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) thereby reducing miRNA expression to induce NF-κB activation that can in turn promote cancer progression and malignancy.
Collapse
|