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Di Dalmazi G, Giuliani C, Bucci I, Mascitti M, Napolitano G. Promising Role of Alkaloids in the Prevention and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Comprehensive Review of the Current Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5395. [PMID: 38791433 PMCID: PMC11121374 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105395] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) and thyroid autoimmune disorders (AITD) are among the most common diseases in the general population, with higher incidence in women. Chronic inflammation and autoimmunity play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. Some studies, indeed, have pointed out the presence of AITD as a risk factor for TC, although this issue remains controversial. Prevention of autoimmune disease and cancer is the ultimate goal for clinicians and scientists, but it is not always feasible. Thus, new treatments, that overcome the current barriers to prevention and treatment of TC and AITD are needed. Alkaloids are secondary plant metabolites endowed with several biological activities including anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. In this perspective, alkaloids may represent a promising source of prophylactic and therapeutic agents for TC and AITD. This review encompasses the current published literature on alkaloids effects on TC and AITD, with a specific focus on the pathways involved in TC and AITD development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Di Dalmazi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.G.); (I.B.); (G.N.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Cesidio Giuliani
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.G.); (I.B.); (G.N.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ines Bucci
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.G.); (I.B.); (G.N.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Mascitti
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.G.); (I.B.); (G.N.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giorgio Napolitano
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.G.); (I.B.); (G.N.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Hou W, Xu XL, Huang LJ, Zhang ZY, Zhou ZN, Wang JY, Ouyang X, Xin SY, Zhang ZY, Xiong Y, Huang H, Lan JX. Bioactivities and Action Mechanisms of Ellipticine Derivatives Reported Prior to 2023. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202400210. [PMID: 38433548 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202400210] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Currently, natural products are one of the priceless options for finding novel chemical pharmaceutical entities. Ellipticine is a naturally occurring alkaloid isolated from the leaves of Ochrosia elliptica Labill. Ellipticine and its derivatives are characterized by multiple biological activities. The purpose of this review was to provide a critical and systematic assessment of ellipticine and its derivatives as bioactive molecules over the last 60 years. Publications focused mainly on the total synthesis of alkaloids of this type without any evaluation of bioactivity have been excluded. We have reviewed papers dealing with the synthesis, bioactivity evaluation and mechanism of action of ellipticine and its derivatives. It was found that ellipticine and its derivatives showed cytotoxicity, antimicrobial ability, and anti-inflammatory activity, among which cytotoxicity toward cancer cell lines was the most investigated aspect. The inhibition of DNA topoisomerase II was the most relevant mechanism for cytotoxicity. The PI3K/AKT pathway, p53 pathway, and MAPK pathway were also closely related to the antiproliferative ability of these compounds. In addition, the structure-activity relationship was deduced, and future prospects were outlined. We are confident that these findings will lay a scientific foundation for ellipticine-based drug development, especially for anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Liang Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xingguo People's Hospital, Xingguo Hospital Affiliated to Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 342400, P. R. China
| | - Le-Jun Huang
- College of Rehabilitation, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, P. R. China
| | - Zhen-Yu Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Nuo Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Yang Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, P. R. China
| | - Xi Ouyang
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, P. R. China
| | - Su-Ya Xin
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Yun Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, P. R. China
| | - Yi Xiong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, P. R. China
| | - Hao Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Xia Lan
- College of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, P. R. China
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Romano F, Di Porzio A, Iaccarino N, Riccardi G, Di Lorenzo R, Laneri S, Pagano B, Amato J, Randazzo A. G-quadruplexes in cancer-related gene promoters: from identification to therapeutic targeting. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:745-773. [PMID: 37855085 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2271168] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded noncanonical secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) which are widely distributed in functional regions of the human genome, such as telomeres and gene promoter regions. Compelling evidence suggests their involvement in key genome functions such as gene expression and genome stability. Notably, the abundance of G4-forming sequences near transcription start sites suggests their potential involvement in regulating oncogenes. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of current knowledge on G4s in human oncogene promoters. The most representative G4-binding ligands have also been documented. The objective of this work is to present a comprehensive overview of the most promising targets for the development of novel and highly specific anticancer drugs capable of selectively impacting the expression of individual or a limited number of genes. EXPERT OPINION Modulation of G4 formation by specific ligands has been proposed as a powerful new tool to treat cancer through the control of oncogene expression. Actually, most of G4-binding small molecules seem to simultaneously target a range of gene promoter G4s, potentially influencing several critical driver genes in cancer, thus producing significant therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Porzio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Alqahtani T, Kumarasamy V, Alghamdi SS, Suliman RS, Bin Saleh K, Alrashed MA, Aldhaeefi M, Sun D. Adefovir Dipivoxil as a Therapeutic Candidate for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Targeting RET and STAT3 Proto-Oncogenes. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072163. [PMID: 37046823 PMCID: PMC10093259 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant gene expression is often linked to the progression of various cancers, making the targeting of oncogene transcriptional activation a potential strategy to control tumor growth and development. The RET proto-oncogene’s gain-of-function mutation is a major cause of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), which is part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndrome. In this study, we used a cell-based bioluminescence reporter system driven by the RET promoter to screen for small molecules that potentially suppress the RET gene transcription. We identified adefovir dipivoxil as a transcriptional inhibitor of the RET gene, which suppressed endogenous RET protein expression in MTC TT cells. Adefovir dipivoxil also interfered with STAT3 phosphorylation and showed high affinity to bind to STAT3. Additionally, it inhibited RET-dependent TT cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. These results demonstrate the potential of cell-based screening assays in identifying transcriptional inhibitors for other oncogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Vishnu Kumarasamy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Sahar Saleh Alghamdi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rasha Saad Suliman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacy Department, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Almafrag, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 3798, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khalid Bin Saleh
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
- Department of pharmacy practice, College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A. Alrashed
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
- Department of pharmacy practice, College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Aldhaeefi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
- Department of pharmacy practice, College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daekyu Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Pharmacy Department, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Almafrag, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 3798, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
- The BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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Wu S, Jiang L, Lei L, Fu C, Huang J, Hu Y, Dong Y, Chen J, Zeng Q. Crosstalk between G-quadruplex and ROS. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:37. [PMID: 36653351 PMCID: PMC9849334 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05562-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to single nucleic acid base damage, DNA strand breakage, inter- and intra-strand cross-linking of nucleic acids, and protein-DNA cross-linking involved in the pathogenesis of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging. G-quadruplex (G4) is a stacked nucleic acid structure that is ubiquitous across regulatory regions of multiple genes. Abnormal formation and destruction of G4s due to multiple factors, including cations, helicases, transcription factors (TFs), G4-binding proteins, and epigenetic modifications, affect gene replication, transcription, translation, and epigenetic regulation. Due to the lower redox potential of G-rich sequences and unique structural characteristics, G4s are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. Additionally, the formation, stability, and biological regulatory role of G4s are affected by ROS. G4s are involved in regulating gene transcription, translation, and telomere length maintenance, and are therefore key players in age-related degeneration. Furthermore, G4s also mediate the antioxidant process by forming stress granules and activating Nrf2, which is suggestive of their involvement in developing ROS-related diseases. In this review, we have summarized the crosstalk between ROS and G4s, and the possible regulatory mechanisms through which G4s play roles in aging and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songjiang Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ling Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Li Lei
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chuhan Fu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jinhua Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yumeng Dong
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Qinghai Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
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Rauf A, Abu-Izneid T, Khalil AA, Imran M, Shah ZA, Emran TB, Mitra S, Khan Z, Alhumaydhi FA, Aljohani ASM, Khan I, Rahman MM, Jeandet P, Gondal TA. Berberine as a Potential Anticancer Agent: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237368. [PMID: 34885950 PMCID: PMC8658774 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR), a potential bioactive agent, has remarkable health benefits. A substantial amount of research has been conducted to date to establish the anticancer potential of BBR. The present review consolidates salient information concerning the promising anticancer activity of this compound. The therapeutic efficacy of BBR has been reported in several studies regarding colon, breast, pancreatic, liver, oral, bone, cutaneous, prostate, intestine, and thyroid cancers. BBR prevents cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and controlling the cell cycle as well as autophagy. BBR also hinders tumor cell invasion and metastasis by down-regulating metastasis-related proteins. Moreover, BBR is also beneficial in the early stages of cancer development by lowering epithelial–mesenchymal transition protein expression. Despite its significance as a potentially promising drug candidate, there are currently no pure berberine preparations approved to treat specific ailments. Hence, this review highlights our current comprehensive knowledge of sources, extraction methods, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profiles of berberine, as well as the proposed mechanisms of action associated with its anticancer potential. The information presented here will help provide a baseline for researchers, scientists, and drug developers regarding the use of berberine as a promising candidate in treating different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar 23561, Pakistan;
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.J.)
| | - Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain 64141, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Anees Ahmed Khalil
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (A.A.K.); (M.I.)
| | - Muhammad Imran
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (A.A.K.); (M.I.)
| | - Zafar Ali Shah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar 23561, Pakistan;
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh;
| | - Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh;
| | - Zidan Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Chittagong, Chittagong 4318, Bangladesh;
| | - Fahad A. Alhumaydhi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 52571, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdullah S. M. Aljohani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 52571, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ishaq Khan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar 25100, Pakistan;
| | - Md. Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh;
| | - Philippe Jeandet
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Research Unit, Induced Resistance and Plant Bioprotection, EA 4707, USC INRAe 1488, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, Faculty of Sciences, P.O. Box 1039, CEDEX 2, 51687 Reims, France
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.J.)
| | - Tanweer Aslam Gondal
- School of Exercise and Nutrition, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia;
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Teng FY, Jiang ZZ, Guo M, Tan XZ, Chen F, Xi XG, Xu Y. G-quadruplex DNA: a novel target for drug design. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6557-6583. [PMID: 34459951 PMCID: PMC11072987 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is a type of quadruple helix structure formed by a continuous guanine-rich DNA sequence. Emerging evidence in recent years authenticated that G4 DNA structures exist both in cell-free and cellular systems, and function in different diseases, especially in various cancers, aging, neurological diseases, and have been considered novel promising targets for drug design. In this review, we summarize the detection method and the structure of G4, highlighting some non-canonical G4 DNA structures, such as G4 with a bulge, a vacancy, or a hairpin. Subsequently, the functions of G4 DNA in physiological processes are discussed, especially their regulation of DNA replication, transcription of disease-related genes (c-MYC, BCL-2, KRAS, c-KIT et al.), telomere maintenance, and epigenetic regulation. Typical G4 ligands that target promoters and telomeres for drug design are also reviewed, including ellipticine derivatives, quinoxaline analogs, telomestatin analogs, berberine derivatives, and CX-5461, which is currently in advanced phase I/II clinical trials for patients with hematologic cancer and BRCA1/2-deficient tumors. Furthermore, since the long-term stable existence of G4 DNA structures could result in genomic instability, we summarized the G4 unfolding mechanisms emerged recently by multiple G4-specific DNA helicases, such as Pif1, RecQ family helicases, FANCJ, and DHX36. This review aims to present a general overview of the field of G-quadruplex DNA that has progressed in recent years and provides potential strategies for drug design and disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yuan Teng
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zong-Zhe Jiang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Man Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Zhen Tan
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu-Guang Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
- LBPA, Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 61, Avenue du Président Wilson, 94235, Cachan, France.
| | - Yong Xu
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
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Selective Antitumor Activity of Datelliptium toward Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma by Downregulating RET Transcriptional Activity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133288. [PMID: 34209165 PMCID: PMC8267783 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare aggressive type of thyroid cancer with a propensity for metastasizing to the lymph nodes, liver, bones, and lungs. Previous studies have demonstrated that activated REarranged during Transfection (RET) mutants are key regulators of invasive and metastatic behaviors in MTC. The present study aimed to evaluate the antiinvasive and antimetastatic potential of a novel RET transcription inhibitor, datelliptium, which stabilizes the RET G-quadruplex structures and suppresses RET oncogene transcription by examining its effects on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs), and MTC cell migration. Interestingly, the ablation of RET with datelliptium resulted in decreased EMT, spheroid formation, and MTC cell migration. In this study, we also demonstrated the in vivo antitumor activity in TT tumor-bearing mice with about 75% tumor growth inhibition. Abstract Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare aggressive form of thyroid cancer with high rates of metastasis. Sporadic and hereditary MTC are strongly driven by somatic and germline mutations, respectively, in the transmembrane REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene, which encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase. Our previous study identified datelliptium as a novel RET transcription inhibitor, which stabilizes the RET G-quadruplex structures and suppresses RET oncogene transcription. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of datelliptium on the suppression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis-related behaviors of MTC cells, including cell migration and formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Our results demonstrated that datelliptium downregulated the expression of the mesenchymal markers, including N-cadherin, vimentin, slug, snail, and claudin-1. Compared to untreated cells, datelliptium significantly decreased the migration of TT cells in a dose-dependent manner in a wound healing assay. Additionally, datelliptium significantly reduced the size of preformed spheroids from TT cells over the time course. Finally, datelliptium inhibited approximately 75% of MTC xenograft growth with minimal systemic toxicity. In conclusion, datelliptium exerts its antitumor activity against MTC cells by reducing the EMT program, migratory ability, and self-renewal capacity of TT cells, thus preventing invasive and metastatic behavior of MTC.
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Alqahtani T, Kumarasamy VM, Huczyński A, Sun D. Salinomycin and its derivatives as potent RET transcriptional inhibitors for the treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2019; 56:348-358. [PMID: 31746350 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Rearranged during transfection kinase (RET) is a validated molecular target in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), as activating mutations in RET are often associated with the development of MTC. The present study reports the first preclinical characterization of salinomycin and selected analogs as potent RET transcriptional inhibitors. Reverse transcription‑PCR and immunoblotting revealed that salinomycin profoundly decreased RET expression in the TT human MTC cell line by inhibiting RET transcription. Moreover, salinomycin resulted in remarkable anti‑proliferative activity against MTC that is driven by RET (gain of function mutation) by selectively inhibiting the intracellular PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Also, flow cytometry and fluorescence‑activated cell sorting showed that salinomycin induces G1 phase arrest and apoptosis by reducing the expression of retinoblastoma protein, E2F1, cyclin D and CDK4. The structure‑activity relationship of salinomycin was investigated in this study. Some of the salinomycin derivatives showed the ability to reduce RET expression where others fail to alter RET expression. These results suggest that the RET‑suppressing effect of salinomycin may be largely attributed to disruption of the Wnt pathway, presumably through interference with the ternary LRP6‑Frizzled‑Wnt complex. Furthermore, these findings support the further preclinical evaluation of salinomycin and its analogs as a promising new class of therapeutic agents for the improved treatment of MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Vishnu Muthuraj Kumarasamy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Adam Huczyński
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, 60‑780 Poznan, Poland
| | - Daekyu Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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Developing Novel G-Quadruplex Ligands: from Interaction with Nucleic Acids to Interfering with Nucleic Acid⁻Protein Interaction. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030396. [PMID: 30678288 PMCID: PMC6384609 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex is a special secondary structure of nucleic acids in guanine-rich sequences of genome. G-quadruplexes have been proved to be involved in the regulation of replication, DNA damage repair, and transcription and translation of oncogenes or other cancer-related genes. Therefore, targeting G-quadruplexes has become a novel promising anti-tumor strategy. Different kinds of small molecules targeting the G-quadruplexes have been designed, synthesized, and identified as potential anti-tumor agents, including molecules directly bind to the G-quadruplex and molecules interfering with the binding between the G-quadruplex structures and related binding proteins. This review will explore the feasibility of G-quadruplex ligands acting as anti-tumor drugs, from basis to application. Meanwhile, since helicase is the most well-defined G-quadruplex-related protein, the most extensive research on the relationship between helicase and G-quadruplexes, and its meaning in drug design, is emphasized.
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Mulligan LM. 65 YEARS OF THE DOUBLE HELIX: Exploiting insights on the RET receptor for personalized cancer medicine. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:T189-T200. [PMID: 29743166 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The focus of precision cancer medicine is the use of patient genetic signatures to predict disease occurrence and course and tailor approaches to individualized treatment to improve patient outcomes. The rearranged during transfection (RET) receptor tyrosine kinase represents a paradigm for the power of personalized cancer management to change cancer impact and improve quality of life. Oncogenic activation of RET occurs through several mechanisms including activating mutations and increased or aberrant expression. Activating RET mutations found in the inherited cancer syndrome multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 permit early diagnosis, predict disease course and guide disease management to optimize patient survival. Rearrangements of RET found in thyroid and lung tumors provide insights on potential disease aggressiveness and offer opportunities for RET-targeted therapy. Aberrant RET expression in a subset of cases is associated with tumor dissemination, resistance to therapies and/or poorer prognosis in multiple cancers. The potential of RET targeting through repurposing of small-molecule multikinase inhibitors, selective RET inhibitors or other novel approaches provides exciting opportunities to individualize therapies across multiple pathologies where RET oncogenicity contributes to cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois M Mulligan
- Division of Cancer Biology and GeneticsCancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular MedicineQueen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Redaelli S, Plaza-Menacho I, Mologni L. Novel targeted therapeutics for MEN2. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:T53-T68. [PMID: 29348306 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene was recognized as the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) causing gene in 1993. Since then, much effort has been put into a clear understanding of its oncogenic signaling, its biochemical function and ways to block its aberrant activation in MEN2 and related cancers. Several small molecules have been designed, developed or redirected as RET inhibitors for the treatment of MEN2 and sporadic MTC. However, current drugs are mostly active against several other kinases, as they were not originally developed for RET. This limits efficacy and poses safety issues. Therefore, there is still much to do to improve targeted MEN2 treatments. New, more potent and selective molecules, or combinatorial strategies may lead to more effective therapies in the near future. Here, we review the rationale for RET targeting in MEN2, the use of currently available drugs and novel preclinical and clinical RET inhibitor candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Redaelli
- School of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Luca Mologni
- School of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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