Cordycepin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced cell migration and invasion in human colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells through down-regulation of prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4

Review on active components and mechanism of natural product polysaccharides against gastric carcinoma

One of the malignant tumors with a high occurrence rate worldwide is gastric carcinoma, which is an epithelial malignant tumor emerging from the stomach. Natural product polysaccharides are a kind of natural macromolecular polymers, which have the functions of regulating immunity, anti-oxidation, anti-fatigue, hypoglycemia, etc. Natural polysaccharides have remarkable effectiveness in preventing the onset, according to studies, and development of gastric cancer at both cellular and animal levels. This paper summarizes the inhibitory mechanisms and therapeutic significance of plant polysaccharides, fungi polysaccharides, and algal polysaccharides in natural product polysaccharides on the occurrence and development of gastric cancer in recent years, providing a theoretical basis for the research, development, and medicinal value of polysaccharides.

Ethanolic extract from fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris HL8 exhibits cytotoxic activities against cancer cells, skin pathogenic yeasts, and postharvest pathogen Penicillium digitatum

Cordyceps militaris is a well-known medicinal mushroom in Asian countries. This edible fungus has been widely exploited for traditional medicine and functional food production. C. militaris is a heterothallic fungus that requires both the mating-type loci, MAT1-1 and MAT1-2, for fruiting body formation. However, recent studies also indicated two groups of C. militaris, including monokaryotic strains carrying only MAT1-1 in their genomes and heterokaryotic strains harboring both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2. These strain groups are able to produce fruiting bodies under suitable cultivating conditions. In previous work, we showed that monokaryotic strains are more stable than heterokaryotic strains in fruiting body formation through successive culturing generations. In this study, we report a high cordycepin-producing monokaryotic C. militaris strain (HL8) collected in Vietnam. This strain could form normal fruiting bodies with high biological efficiency and contain a cordycepin content of 14.43 mg/g lyophilized fruiting body biomass. The ethanol extraction of the HL8 fruiting bodies resulted in a crude extract with a cordycepin content of 69.15 mg/g. Assays of cytotoxic activity on six human cancer cell lines showed that the extract inhibited the growth of all these cell lines with the IC50 values of 6.41-11.51 µg/mL. Notably, the extract significantly reduced cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the extract also exhibited strong antifungal activity against Malassezia skin yeasts and the citrus postharvest pathogen Penicillium digitatum. Our work provides a promising monokaryotic C. militaris strain as a bioresource for medicine, cosmetics, and fruit preservation.

Regulation of the migration of colorectal cancer stem cells via the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway by the novel surface marker CD14 following LPS stimulation

Cell surface markers are most widely used in the study of cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, cell surface markers that are safely and stably expressed in CSCs have yet to be identified. Colonic CSCs express leukocyte CD14. CD14 binding to the ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is involved in the inflammatory response via the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) signaling pathway. TLR4 and MyD88 have been reported to promote the proliferation, metastasis and tumorigenicity of colon cancer cells, which is consistent with the characteristics of CSCs. In the present study, the proposed experimental method to detect cell proliferation, metastasis and tumorigenesis was used to confirm that, under LPS stimulation, CD14 promoted the proliferation, migration and tumorigenesis of colonic CSCs via the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway. Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays were used to assess the proliferation and migration of the cells. Colony formation and nude mouse xenograft assays were used to assess the capacity of cells to form tumors. Using western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, the mRNA and protein levels of CD14, TLR4 and MyD88 were examined. It was confirmed that CD14 promoted the proliferation, metastasis and tumorigenesis of colon CSCs in response to LPS stimulation via the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway, and CD14+ colon cancer cells were successfully isolated and sorted. According to the results of proliferation assay, it was determined that CD14 regulated the LPS-induced proliferation of colon CSCs. CD14, TLR4 and MyD88 protein and mRNA expression was upregulated in colon CSCs in response to LPS stimulation. This indicates a potential novel target for colon CSC-related studies.

The role of stromal cells in epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and its therapeutic potential

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical tumor invasion and metastasis process. EMT enables tumor cells to migrate, detach from their original location, enter the circulation, circulate within it, and eventually exit from blood arteries to colonize in foreign sites, leading to the development of overt metastases, ultimately resulting in death. EMT is intimately tied to stromal cells around the tumor and is controlled by a range of cytokines secreted by stromal cells. This review summarizes recent research on stromal cell-mediated EMT in tumor invasion and metastasis. We also discuss the effects of various stromal cells on EMT induction and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which several significant stromal cells convert from foes to friends of cancer cells to fuel EMT processes via their secretions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As a result, a better knowledge of the role of stromal cells in cancer cells' EMT may pave the path to cancer eradication.

Cordycepin remodels the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer by down-regulating the expression of PD-L1

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer, as a common malignant tumor, poses a serious threat to human life. Cordycepin, derived from Cordyceps militaris extract, which was established as a capable inhibitor of tumor growth. Nevertheless, the precise antitumor mechanism of cordycepin in colorectal cancer cells remains elusive.

METHODS

Herein, our initial focus was to explore the tumor-suppressive impact of cordycepin through its influence on various biological functions in murine colorectal cancer cells, conducted by an in vitro setting. First, we investigated the tumor-suppressive effect of cordycepin on the regulation of biological functions in murine colorectal cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, we evaluated the in vivo antitumor potential of cordycepin using a mouse preclinical tumor model, and further explored the antitumor mechanism.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that cordycepin effectively inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of murine colon cancer cells. Moreover, there is a substantial reduction in the expression of PD-L1 observed in tumor cells, in response to cordycepin treatment. Collectively, these results demonstrate the significant tumor-suppressive attributes of cordycepin against colorectal cancer. Consequently, our study lays a solid foundation for the potential clinical utilization of cordycepin in cancer therapy.

CONCLUSION

Cordycepin inhibits the biological functions of colorectal cancer cells and suppresses tumor growth by reducing the expression of PD-L1.

Drug Repurposing Analysis for Colorectal Cancer through Network Medicine Framework: Novel Candidate Drugs and Small Molecules

This study aimed to reveal the drug-repurposing candidates for colorectal cancer (CRC) via drug-repurposing methods and network biology approaches. A novel, differentially co-expressed, highly interconnected, and co-regulated prognostic gene module was identified for CRC. Based on the gene module, polyethylene glycol (PEG), gallic acid, pyrazole, cordycepin, phenothiazine, pantoprazole, cysteamine, indisulam, valinomycin, trametinib, BRD-K81473043, AZD8055, dovitinib, BRD-A17065207, and tyrphostin AG1478 presented as drugs and small molecule candidates previously studied in the CRC. Lornoxicam, suxamethonium, oprelvekin, sirukumab, levetiracetam, sulpiride, NVP-TAE684, AS605240, 480743.cdx, HDAC6 inhibitor ISOX, BRD-K03829970, and L-6307 are proposed as novel drugs and small molecule candidates for CRC.

Resveratrol downregulates ENaCs through the activation of AMPK in human colon cancer cells

Epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) are critically engaged in a number of hallmarks of cancer progression, including proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Thus, the inhibition of ENaCs possesses therapeutic potential in cancer. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol with anti-carcinogenic activity, is a potent activator of 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which reduces the abundance of ENaCs in the cell membrane by causing the internalization of the β subunit. However, the effect of resveratrol on ENaCs in cancer cells is unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol on ENaCs in human colon cancer cells HCT116 and HT29. The influences of resveratrol either alone or together with AMPK inhibitor compound C (CC), and ENaC inhibitor amiloride on cell viability were examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression levels of phospho-AMPK Thr¹⁷² and βENaC in cells were determined by immunofluorescence staining, and the expression of apoptotic markers Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Resveratrol was found to activate AMPK in a dose-dependent manner. Both AMPK activation by resveratrol and ENaC inhibition by amiloride decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis significantly. AMPK activation also reduced βENaC expression in cells. Our results suggest that ENaC inhibition through AMPK activation might be a potential mechanism underlying the anti-cancer effects of resveratrol.

Cordycepin and kinase inhibition in cancer

Cordycepin, a nucleoside from Cordyceps mushrooms, has many beneficial properties for health, including anticancer activities. In cancer cells, cordycepin targets various signaling molecules. Here, we review the possible anticancer mechanisms of cordycepin involving the targeting of kinases. Abnormal kinase expression is involved in cancer development and progression through different molecular mechanisms, including phosphorylation, amplification, genetic mutations, and epigenetic regulation. Research suggests that kinases, such as the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), AMP kinase (AMPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathways, can be targeted by cordycepin and disrupting their activity. Given that kinase inhibitors can have crucial roles in cancer treatment, targeting kinases might be one of the molecular mechanisms involved in the anticancer potential of cordycepin.

A Study on the Mechanism of Herbal Drug FDY003 for Colorectal Cancer Treatment by Employing Network Pharmacology

Colorectal cancer (CRC) originates from the uncontrolled growth of epithelial cells in the colon or rectum. Annually, 1.9 million new CRC cases are being reported, causing 0.9 million deaths worldwide. The suppressive effects of the herbal prescription FDY003, a mixture of Cordyceps militaris, Lonicera japonica Thunberg, and Artemisia capillaris Thunberg, against CRC have previously been reported. Nonetheless, the multiple compound-multiple target mechanisms of FDY003 in CRC cells have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used network pharmacology (NP) to analyze the polypharmacological mechanisms of action of FDY003 in CRC treatment. FDY003 promoted the suppression of viability of CRC cells and strengthened their sensitivity to anticancer drugs. The NP study enabled the investigation of 17 pharmaceutical compounds and 90 CRC-related genes that were targets of the compounds. The gene ontology terms enriched with the CRC-related target genes of FDY003 were those involved in the control of a variety of phenotypes of CRC cells, for instance, the decision of apoptosis and survival, growth, stress response, and chemical response of cells. In addition, the targeted genes of FDY003 were further enriched in various Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways that coordinate crucial pathological processes of CRC; these are ErbB, focal adhesion, HIF-1, IL-17, MAPK, PD-L1/PD-1, PI3K-Akt, Ras, TNF, and VEGF pathways. The overall analysis results obtained from the NP methodology support the multiple-compound-multiple-target-multiple-pathway pharmacological features of FDY003 as a potential agent for CRC treatment.

Cordycepin Suppresses The Malignant Phenotypes of Colon Cancer Cells through The GSK3ß/ß-catenin/cyclin D1 Signaling Pathway

OBJECTIVE

Cordycepin, also known as 3'-deoxyadenosine, is the main bioactive ingredient of Cordyceps militaris and possesses various pharmacological effects. This study was performed to investigate the role of cordycepin in regulating the biological behaviors of colon cancer cells and the potential mechanism behind it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, after treatment of colon cancer cells with different concentrations of cordycepin, inhibition of proliferation was detected by the 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Colon cancer cell migration and invasion abilities were analyzed by wound healing and Transwell assays. Flow cytometry was performed to detect cell apoptosis. A lung metastasis model in nude mice was utilized to examine the effect of cordycepin on the metastasis of colon cancer cells in in vivo. Western blot was used to quantify GSK3β, β-catenin and cyclin D1 expression levels.

RESULTS

Cordycepin inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, induced apoptosis in vitro, and inhibited lung metastasis of colon cancer cells in vivo. GSK-3β inhibitor (CHIR99021) treatment abolished the effects of cordycepin on cell viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Additionally, cordycepin promoted the expressions of GSK3β, and inhibited β-catenin and cyclin D1 in colon cancer cells, while co-treatment with CHIR99021 reversed the above effects.

CONCLUSION

Cordycepin suppresses the malignant phenotypes of colon cancer through the GSK3β/β-catenin/cyclin D1 signaling pathway.

Prostaglandin Pathways: Opportunities for Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Because of profound effects observed in carcinogenesis, prostaglandins (PGs), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthases, and PG receptors are implicated in cancer development and progression. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of PG actions has potential clinical relevance for cancer prevention and therapy. This review focuses on the current status of PG signaling pathways in modulating cancer progression and aims to provide insights into the mechanistic actions of PGs and their receptors in influencing tumor progression. We also examine several small molecules identified as having anticancer activity that target prostaglandin receptors. The literature suggests that targeting PG pathways could provide opportunities for cancer prevention and therapy.

A Systematic Review of the Biological Effects of Cordycepin

We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the effects of cordycepin on cell survival and proliferation, inflammation, signal transduction and animal models. A total of 1204 publications on cordycepin were found by the cut-off date of 1 February 2021. After application of the exclusion criteria, 791 papers remained. These were read and data on the chosen subjects were extracted. We found 192 papers on the effects of cordycepin on cell survival and proliferation and calculated a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 135 µM. Cordycepin consistently repressed cell migration (26 papers) and cellular inflammation (53 papers). Evaluation of 76 papers on signal transduction indicated consistently reduced PI3K/mTOR/AKT and ERK signalling and activation of AMPK. In contrast, the effects of cordycepin on the p38 and Jun kinases were variable, as were the effects on cell cycle arrest (53 papers), suggesting these are cell-specific responses. The examination of 150 animal studies indicated that purified cordycepin has many potential therapeutic effects, including the reduction of tumour growth (37 papers), repression of pain and inflammation (9 papers), protecting brain function (11 papers), improvement of respiratory and cardiac conditions (8 and 19 papers) and amelioration of metabolic disorders (8 papers). Nearly all these data are consistent with cordycepin mediating its therapeutic effects through activating AMPK, inhibiting PI3K/mTOR/AKT and repressing the inflammatory response. We conclude that cordycepin has excellent potential as a lead for drug development, especially for age-related diseases. In addition, we discuss the remaining issues around the mechanism of action, toxicity and biodistribution of cordycepin.

Cordycepin enhances the chemosensitivity of esophageal cancer cells to cisplatin by inducing the activation of AMPK and suppressing the AKT signaling pathway

Although cisplatin (cDDP), is a first-line chemotherapy drug for esophageal cancer, it still has the potential to develop drug resistance and side effects. There is increasing evidence that cordycepin can work synergistically with other chemotherapy drugs. Therefore, we investigated whether combination therapy of cordycepin and cDDP may enhance the therapeutic effect of cDDP. We performed a series of functional tests to study the effect of medical treatment on esophageal cancer cells. We then used GO analysis to examine the pathways affected by treatment with cordycepin and cDDP. Next, we observed changes in the abundance of the selected pathway proteins. The in vivo animal model supported the results of the in vitro experiments. Co-treatment with cordycepin and cDDP inhibited cell growth, migration, and metastasis, as well as induced apoptosis. Cordycepin was found to effectively enhance activation of AMPK and inhibited activity of AKT. In all treatment groups, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-p70S6K, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 were significantly reduced, while the expression levels of p-AMPK, cleaved Caspase-3, and Bax increased, and the total levels of Akt, PI3K, and p70S6K levels remained unchanged. Overall, cordycepin was found to enhance the chemical sensitivity of esophageal cancer cells to cisplatin by inducing AMPK activation and inhibiting the AKT signaling pathway. Combination therapy of cordycepin and cisplatin represent a novel potential treatment of esophageal cancer.

Eicosanoids in Cancer: Prostaglandin E2 Receptor 4 in Cancer Therapeutics and Immunotherapy

The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme is frequently overexpressed in epithelial malignancies including those of the breast, prostate, lung, kidney, ovary, and liver and elevated expression is associated with worse outcomes. COX-2 catalyzes the metabolism of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The COX-2 product prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) binds to four G-protein-coupled EP receptors designated EP1-EP4. EP4 is commonly upregulated in cancer and supports cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis through activation of multiple signaling pathways including ERK, cAMP/PKA, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB. EP4 antagonists inhibit metastasis in preclinical models. Cancer stem cells, that underlie therapy resistance and disease relapse, are driven by the expression of EP4. Resistance to several chemotherapies is reversed in the presence of EP4 antagonists. In addition to tumor cell-autonomous roles of EP4, many EP4-positive host cells play a role in tumor behavior. Endothelial cell-EP4 supports tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Natural Killer (NK) cells are critical to the mechanism by which systemically administered EP4 antagonists inhibit metastasis. PGE2 acts on EP4 expressed on the NK cell to inhibit tumor target cell killing, cytokine production, and chemotactic activity. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), that inhibit the development of cytotoxic T cells, are induced by PGE2 acting on myeloid-expressed EP2 and EP4 receptors. Inhibition of MDSC-EP4 leads to maturation of effector T cells and suppresses the induction of T regulatory cells. A number of EP4 antagonists have proven useful in dissecting these mechanisms. There is growing evidence that EP4 antagonism, particularly in combination with either chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or immune-based therapies, should be investigated further as a promising novel approach to cancer therapy. Several EP4 antagonists have now progressed to early phase clinical trials and we eagerly await the results of those studies.

Cordycepin induces apoptosis in human bladder cancer T24 cells through ROS-dependent inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Cordycepin, a derivative of nucleoside adenosine, is one of the active ingredients extracted from the fungi of genus Cordyceps, which have been used for traditional herbal remedies. In this study, we examined the effect of cordycepin on the proliferation and apoptosis of human bladder cancer T24 cells and its mechanism of action. Cordycepin treatment significantly reduced the cell survival rate of T24 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, which was associated with the induction of apoptosis. Cordycepin activated caspase-8 and -9, which are involved in the initiation of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, respectively, and also increased caspase-3 activity, a typical effect caspase, subsequently leading to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Additionally, cordycepin increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and truncation of Bid, and destroyed the integrity of mitochondria, which contributed to the cytosolic release of cytochrome c. Moreover, cordycepin effectively inactivated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, while LY294002, a PI3K/Akt inhibitor, increased the apoptosis-inducing effect of cordycepin. Cordycepin further enhanced the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while the addition of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a ROS inhibitor, significantly diminished cordycepin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and growth inhibition, and also blocked the inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, the presence of NAC significantly attenuated the enhanced apoptotic cell death and reduction of cell viability by treatment with cordycepin and LY294002. Collectively, the data indicate that cordycepin induces apoptosis through the activation of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways and the ROS-dependent inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling in human bladder cancer T24 cells.