Ailanthone suppresses the activity of human colorectal cancer cells through the STAT3 signaling pathway

Ailanthone inhibits non-small cell lung cancer growth and metastasis through targeting UPF1/GAS5/ULK1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Targeting long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) is a novel and promising approach in cancer therapy. In our previous study, we investigated the effects of ailanthone (aila), the main active compound derived from the stem barks of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, on the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Although we observed significant inhibition of NSCLC cell growth of aila, the underlying mechanisms involving LncRNAs, specifically LncRNA growth arrest specific 5 (GAS5), remain largely unknown.

METHODS

To further explore the impact of aila on NSCLC, we performed a series of experiments. Firstly, we confirmed the inhibitory effect of aila on NSCLC cell growth using multiple assays, including MTT, wound healing, transwell assay, as well as subcutaneous and metastasis tumor mice models in vivo. Next, we utilized cDNA microarray and RT-QPCR to identify GAS5 as the primary target of aila. To verify the importance of GAS5 in aila-induced tumor inhibition, we manipulated GAS5 expression levels by constructing GAS5 over-expression and knockdown NSCLC cell lines. Furthermore, we investigated the upstream and downstream signaling pathways of GAS5 through western blot and RT-QPCR analysis.

RESULTS

Our results showed that aila effectively increased GAS5 expression, as determined by microarray analysis. We also observed that aila significantly enhanced GAS5 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner across various NSCLC cell lines. Notably, over-expression of GAS5 led to a significant suppression of NSCLC cell tumor growth; while aila had minimal inhibitory effect on GAS5-knockdown NSCLC cells. Additionally, we discovered that aila inhibited ULK1 and autophagy, and this inhibition was reversed by GAS5 knockdown. Moreover, we found that aila up-regulated GAS5 expression by suppressing UPF1-mediated nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD).

CONCLUSION

In summary, our findings suggest that aila promotes GAS5 expression by inhibiting UPF1-mediated NMD, leading to the repression of ULK1-mediated autophagy and subsequent inhibitory effects on NSCLC cells. These results indicate that aila is a potent enhancer of GAS5 and holds promising potential for application in NSCLC therapy. However, our research is currently focused only on NSCLC. It remains to be determined whether aila can also inhibit the growth of other types of tumors through the UPF1/GAS5/ULK1 signaling pathway. In future studies, we can further investigate the mechanisms by which aila suppresses other types of tumors and potentially broaden the scope of its application in cancer therapy.

Role of CTLA4 and pSTAT3 Immunostaining in Prognosis and Treatment of the Colorectal Carcinoma

Background & Objective

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-caused death worldwide and constitutes about 6.48% of all malignancies in Egypt. Studying the molecular profile of CRC is essential for developing targeted therapies. STAT3 and CTLA4 expression are considered as molecular abnormalities involved in the CRC progression and chemo-resistance. Therefore, they could be used as potential therapeutic targets. This study aimed to evaluate pSTAT3 and CTLA4 expression levels and their possible roles as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in CRC using immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Methods

This retrospective study included 113 CRC patients. Tissue microarrays were constructed, followed by pSTAT3 and CTLA4 antibodies immunostaining. Their expression was assessed and compared with the clinicopathological parameters and survival data.

Results

Both pSTAT3 and CTLA4 overexpression were significantly associated with poor prognostic parameters, such as the presence of distant metastasis (P=0.02 & 0.03), high grade (P<0.001 & 0.03), high mitotic count (P<0.001 & 0.03), high tumor budding group (P=0.008 & 0.04), infiltrating tumor border (P<0.001 & 0.007) respectively, and advanced pathological stage with pSTAT3 (P=0.02). A significant association was found between overexpression of both markers and short overall survival. Correlations between the H-score of pSTAT3 and CTLA4 in CRC showed a significant positive correlation (P<0.001).

Conclusion

STAT3 and CTLA4 positivity may be linked to the development and progression of the CRC, and they may provide potential prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets for CRC patients.

Modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis by natural compounds: a comprehensive and critical review

Tumor cells employ multiple signaling mediators to escape the hypoxic condition and trigger angiogenesis and metastasis. As a critical orchestrate of tumorigenic conditions, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is responsible for stimulating several target genes and dysregulated pathways in tumor invasion and migration. Therefore, targeting HIF-1 pathway and cross-talked mediators seems to be a novel strategy in cancer prevention and treatment. In recent decades, tremendous efforts have been made to develop multi-targeted therapies to modulate several dysregulated pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. In this line, natural compounds have shown a bright future in combating angiogenic and metastatic conditions. Among the natural secondary metabolites, we have evaluated the critical potential of phenolic compounds, terpenes/terpenoids, alkaloids, sulfur compounds, marine- and microbe-derived agents in the attenuation of HIF-1, and interconnected pathways in fighting tumor-associated angiogenesis and invasion. This is the first comprehensive review on natural constituents as potential regulators of HIF-1 and interconnected pathways against cancer angiogenesis and metastasis. This review aims to reshape the previous strategies in cancer prevention and treatment.

Elucidation of the mechanism of action of ailanthone in the treatment of colorectal cancer: integration of network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

Background: Ailanthone, a small compound derived from the bark of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, has several anti-tumour properties. However, the activity and mechanism of ailanthone in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain to be investigated. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the mechanism of ailanthone in the treatment of CRC by employing a combination of network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, and molecular biological technique. Methods: The druggability of ailanthone was examined, and its targets were identified using relevant databases. The RNA sequencing data of individuals with CRC obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed. Utilizing the R programming language, an in-depth investigation of differentially expressed genes was carried out, and the potential target of ailanthone for anti-CRC was found. Through the integration of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, GO and KEGG enrichment studies to search for the key pathway of the action of Ailanthone. Then, by employing molecular docking verification, flow cytometry, Transwell assays, and Immunofluorescence to corroborate these discoveries. Results: Data regarding pharmacokinetic parameters and 137 target genes for ailanthone were obtained. Leveraging The Cancer Genome Atlas database, information regarding 2,551 differentially expressed genes was extracted. Subsequent analyses, encompassing protein-protein interaction network analysis, survival analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and molecular docking verification, revealed the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as pivotal mediators of ailanthone against CRC. Additionally, the in vitro experiments indicated that ailanthone substantially affects the cell cycle, induces apoptosis in CRC cells (HCT116 and SW620 cells), and impedes the migration and invasion capabilities of these cells. Immunofluorescence staining showed that ailanthone significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT protein and suppressed the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells. Conclusion: Therefore, our findings indicate that Ailanthone exerts anti-CRC effects primarily by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Additionally, we propose that Ailanthone holds potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of human CRC.

Unraveling the function of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer: Metastasis, therapy response, and revisiting molecular pathways

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a dangerous form of cancer that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is a major global health concern, and the aggressive behavior of tumor cells makes it difficult to treat, leading to poor survival rates for patients. One major challenge in treating CRC is the metastasis, or spread, of the cancer, which is a major cause of death. In order to improve the prognosis for patients with CRC, it is necessary to focus on ways to inhibit the cancer's ability to invade and spread. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that is linked to the spread of cancer cells, also known as metastasis. The process transforms epithelial cells into mesenchymal ones, increasing their mobility and ability to invade other tissues. This has been shown to be a key mechanism in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), a particularly aggressive form of gastrointestinal cancer. The activation of EMT leads to increases in the spread of CRC cells, and during this process, levels of the protein E-cadherin decrease while levels of N-cadherin and vimentin increase. EMT also contributes to the development of resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy in CRC. Non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a role in regulating EMT in CRC, often through their ability to "sponge" microRNAs. Anti-cancer agents have been shown to suppress EMT and reduce the progression and spread of CRC cells. These findings suggest that targeting EMT or related mechanisms may be a promising approach for treating CRC patients in the clinic.

LINC00467: an oncogenic long noncoding RNA

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to play essential roles in the cell proliferation, fission and differentiation, involving various processes in humans. Recently, there is more and more interest in exploring the relationship between lncRNAs and tumors. Many latest evidences revealed that LINC00467, an oncogenic lncRNA, is highly expressed in lung cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, glioblastoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, osteosarcoma, and other malignant tumors. Besides, LINC00467 expression was linked with proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis via the regulation of target genes and multiple potential pathways. We reviewed the existing data on the expression, downstream targets, molecular mechanisms, functions, relevant signaling pathways, and clinical implications of LINC00467 in various cancers. LINC00467 may serve as a novel biomarker or therapeutic target for the diagnosis and prognosis of various human tumors.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps and suppresses the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells by regulating STAT3/CXCL8 pathway

Colon cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract. Tea catechin exerts anti-tumor effects in colon cancer. This work aimed to determine the functions of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of the main active components of Tea catechins, in the progression of colon cancer. In this work, enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay, quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting was utilized to examine the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, STAT3, p-STAT3 and CXCL8 in colon cancer patients and healthy controls. Compared with healthy controls, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly increased in the peripheral blood of colon cancer patients, and the expression of STAT3, p-STAT3 and CXCL8 was elevated in the neutrophils derived from colon cancer patients. Moreover, neutrophils were treated with phorbol ester (PMA) or DNase I to induce or impede the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Both STAT3 overexpression and PMA treatment promoted the expression of CXCL8, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit) in the colon cancer-derived neutrophils, indicating that STAT3 overexpression facilitated the formation of NETs. STAT3 deficiency suppressed the formation of NETs, which consistent with the results of DNase I treatment. Transwell assay was utilized to detect the migration and invasion of colon cancer cell line SW480. EGCG treatment suppressed the formation of NETs and the expression of STAT3 and CXCL8 in the colon cancer-derived neutrophils, and then inhibited the migration and invasion of SW480 cells. In conclusion, this work demonstrated that EGCG inhibited the formation of NETs and subsequent suppressed the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells by regulating STAT3/CXCL8 signalling pathway. Thus, this study suggests that EGCG may become a potential drug for colon cancer therapy.

Creation of Value Chains for the Sustainability of Control and Eradication Actions on Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle

Actions to control and eradicate Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle are essential to the prevention of uncontrolled growth and expansion of this species and its competition with native species. This competition leads to biodiversity and productivity losses in forests. The present study evaluated the potential to create value chains to maintain the sustainability of control actions through the energy recovery of collected A. altissima biomass. Other possibilities were also discussed, such as the extraction of allelopathic compounds. For this purpose, and to assess the potential for energy recovery, samples of A. altissima were collected and analyzed in the laboratory to discuss the potential of using extracted compounds in nature-based applications, and a literature review was carried out. It was found that, although there is potential for the use of these biomasses for energy production, the high levels of chlorine and heavy metals pose some obstacles to their large-scale use, mainly due to their corrosive potential. On the other hand, the extraction of allelopathic compounds was shown to be potentially interesting for use in the control of other invasive species. Used in this application, it may be possible to create value chains to sustain, control, and eradicate the actions of this invasive species.

Recent syntheses and biological profiling of quassinoids

Quassinoid natural products have gained considerable recognition for their diverse biological properties and their synthetically challenging, highly oxygenated polycyclic structures. Herein, we discuss strategies and tactics in the total synthesis of quassinoids that have been evolving over the past 15 years. Additionally, recent structure-activity relationships and potential biological mechanisms of actions are briefly summarized.