2023

Jump to: 2022, 2021

12 pages, 14633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Evaluation of 8-Methoxy-2,5-dimethyl-5H-indolo[2,3-b] Quinoline as a Potential Antitumor Agent via PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling

by Yunhao Ma, Hongmei Zhu, Xinrong Jiang, Zhongkun Zhou, Yong Zhou, Yanan Tian, Hao Zhang, Mengze Sun, Lixue Tu, Juan Lu, Yuqing Niu, Huanxiang Liu, Yingqian Liu and Peng Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(20), 15142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242015142 - 13 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 884

Abstract

Chemotherapy is commonly used clinically to treat colorectal cancer, but it is usually prone to drug resistance, so novel drugs need to be developed continuously to treat colorectal cancer. Neocryptolepine derivatives have attracted a lot of attention because of their good cytotoxic activity; [...] Read more.

Chemotherapy is commonly used clinically to treat colorectal cancer, but it is usually prone to drug resistance, so novel drugs need to be developed continuously to treat colorectal cancer. Neocryptolepine derivatives have attracted a lot of attention because of their good cytotoxic activity; however, cytotoxicity studies on colorectal cancer cells are scarce. In this study, the cytotoxicity of 8-methoxy-2,5-dimethyl-5H-indolo[2,3-b] quinoline (MMNC) in colorectal cells was evaluated. The results showed that MMNC inhibits the proliferation of HCT116 and Caco-2 cells, blocks the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, decreases the cell mitochondrial membrane potential and induces apoptosis. In addition, the results of western blot experiments suggest that MMNC exerts cytotoxicity by inhibiting the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins. Based on these results, MMNC is a promising lead compound for anticancer activity in the treatment of human colorectal cancer. Full article

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12 pages, 1850 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterisation of Fluorescent Novel Pt(II) Cyclometallated Complexes with Anticancer Activity

by Brondwyn S. McGhie, Jennette Sakoff, Jayne Gilbert, Christopher P. Gordon and Janice R. Aldrich-Wright

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(9), 8049; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24098049 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1099

Abstract

Cancer poses a significant threat to global health and new treatments are required to improve the prognosis for patients. Previously, unconventional platinum complexes designed to incorporate polypyridyl ligands paired with diaminocyclohexane have demonstrated anticancer activity in KRAS mutated cells, previously thought to be [...] Read more.

Cancer poses a significant threat to global health and new treatments are required to improve the prognosis for patients. Previously, unconventional platinum complexes designed to incorporate polypyridyl ligands paired with diaminocyclohexane have demonstrated anticancer activity in KRAS mutated cells, previously thought to be undruggable and have cytotoxicity values up to 100 times better than cisplatin. In this work, these complexes were used as inspiration to design six novel cyclometallated examples, whose fluorescence could be exploited to better understand the mechanism of action of these kinds of platinum drugs. The cytotoxicity results revealed that these cyclometallated complexes (CMCs) have significantly different activity compared to the complexes that inspired them; they are as cytotoxic as cisplatin and have much higher selectivity indices in breast cancer cell lines (MCF10A/MCF-7). Complexes 1b, 2a, and 3b all had very high selectivity indexes compared to previous Pt(II) complexes. This prompted further investigation into their DNA binding properties, which revealed that they had good affinity to ctDNA, especially CMCs 1a and 3b. Their inherent fluorescence was successfully utilised in the calculation of their DNA binding affinity and could be useful in future work. Full article

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29 pages, 3816 KiB

Open AccessReview

Addressing the Reciprocal Crosstalk between the AR and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways for Prostate Cancer Treatment

by Fabio Raith, Daniel H. O’Donovan, Clara Lemos, Oliver Politz and Bernard Haendler

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(3), 2289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24032289 - 24 Jan 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4081

Abstract

The reduction in androgen synthesis and the blockade of the androgen receptor (AR) function by chemical castration and AR signaling inhibitors represent the main treatment lines for the initial stages of prostate cancer. Unfortunately, resistance mechanisms ultimately develop due to alterations in the [...] Read more.

The reduction in androgen synthesis and the blockade of the androgen receptor (AR) function by chemical castration and AR signaling inhibitors represent the main treatment lines for the initial stages of prostate cancer. Unfortunately, resistance mechanisms ultimately develop due to alterations in the AR pathway, such as gene amplification or mutations, and also the emergence of alternative pathways that render the tumor less or, more rarely, completely independent of androgen activation. An essential oncogenic axis activated in prostate cancer is the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, as evidenced by the frequent alterations of the negative regulator phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and by the activating mutations in PI3K subunits. Additionally, crosstalk and reciprocal feedback loops between androgen signaling and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade that activate pro-survival signals and play an essential role in disease recurrence and progression have been evidenced. Inhibitors addressing different players of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway have been evaluated in the clinic. Only a limited benefit has been reported in prostate cancer up to now due to the associated side effects, so novel combination approaches and biomarkers predictive of patient response are urgently needed. Here, we reviewed recent data on the crosstalk between AR signaling and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, the selective inhibitors identified, and the most advanced clinical studies, with a focus on combination treatments. A deeper understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms involved in disease progression and treatment resistance is essential to further guide therapeutic approaches with improved outcomes. Full article

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2022

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21 pages, 4111 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Mimetic Improves Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathy and Global Tolerance in Mice

by Caroline Prieux-Klotz, Henri Chédotal, Martha Zoumpoulaki, Sandrine Chouzenoux, Charlotte Chêne, Alvaro Lopez-Sanchez, Marine Thomas, Priya Ranjan Sahoo, Clotilde Policar, Frédéric Batteux, Hélène C. Bertrand, Carole Nicco and Romain Coriat

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(21), 12938; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232112938 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2181

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by every aerobic cell during mitochondrial oxidative metabolism as well as in cellular response to xenobiotics, cytokines, and bacterial invasion. Superoxide Dismutases (SOD) are antioxidant proteins that convert superoxide anions (O₂^•−) to hydrogen peroxide [...] Read more.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by every aerobic cell during mitochondrial oxidative metabolism as well as in cellular response to xenobiotics, cytokines, and bacterial invasion. Superoxide Dismutases (SOD) are antioxidant proteins that convert superoxide anions (O₂^•−) to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and dioxygen. Using the differential in the level of oxidative stress between normal and cancer cells, SOD mimetics can show an antitumoral effect and prevent oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. New Pt(IV) conjugate prodrugs (OxPt-x-Mn1C1A (x = 1, 1-OH, 2)), combining oxaliplatin and a Mn SOD mimic (MnSODm Mn1C1A) with a covalent link, were designed. Their stability in buffer and in the presence of sodium ascorbate was studied. In vitro, their antitumoral activity was assessed by the viability and ROS production of tumor cell lines (CT16, HCT 116, KC) and fibroblasts (primary culture and NIH 3T3). In vivo, a murine model of colorectal cancer was created with subcutaneous injection of CT26 cells in Balb/c mice. Tumor size and volume were measured weekly in four groups: vehicle, oxaliplatin, and oxaliplatin associated with MnSODm Mn1C1A and the bis-conjugate OxPt-2-Mn1C1A. Oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) was assessed using a Von Frey test reflecting chronic hypoalgesia. Tolerance to treatment was assessed with a clinical score including four items: weight loss, weariness, alopecia, and diarrhea. In vitro, Mn1C1A associated with oxaliplatin and Pt(IV) conjugates treatment induced significantly higher production of H₂O₂ in all cell lines and showed a significant improvement of the antitumoral efficacy compared to oxaliplatin alone. In vivo, the association of Mn1C1A to oxaliplatin did not decrease its antitumoral activity, while OxPt-2-Mn1C1A had lower antitumoral activity than oxaliplatin alone. Mn1C1A associated with oxaliplatin significantly decreased OIPN and also improved global clinical tolerance of oxaliplatin. A neuroprotective effect was observed, associated with a significantly improved tolerance to oxaliplatin without impairing its antitumoral activity. Full article

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20 pages, 1138 KiB

Open AccessReview

Methyl Group Metabolism in Differentiation, Aging, and Cancer

by Lars Erichsen, Chantelle Thimm and Simeon Santourlidis

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8378; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158378 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2575

Abstract

Methyl group metabolism belongs to a relatively understudied field of research. Its importance lies in the fact that methyl group metabolic pathways are crucial for the successful conversion of dietary nutrients into the basic building blocks to carry out any cellular methylation reaction. [...] Read more.

Methyl group metabolism belongs to a relatively understudied field of research. Its importance lies in the fact that methyl group metabolic pathways are crucial for the successful conversion of dietary nutrients into the basic building blocks to carry out any cellular methylation reaction. Methyl groups play essential roles in numerous cellular functions such as DNA methylation, nucleotide- and protein biosynthesis. Especially, DNA methylation is responsible for organizing the genome into transcriptionally silent and active regions. Ultimately, it is this proper annotation that determines the quality of expression patterns required to ensure and shape the phenotypic integrity and function of a highly specialized cell type. Life is characterized by constantly changing environmental conditions, which are addressed by changes in DNA methylation. This relationship is increasingly coming into focus as it is of fundamental importance for differentiation, aging, and cancer. The stability and permanence of these metabolic processes, fueling the supplementation of methyl groups, seem to be important criteria to prevent deficiencies and erosion of the methylome. Alterations in the metabolic processes can lead to epigenetic and genetic perturbations, causative for diverse disorders, accelerated aging, and various age-related diseases. In recent decades, the intake of methyl group compounds has changed significantly due to, e.g., environmental pollution and food additives. Based on the current knowledge, this review provides a brief overview of the highly interconnected relationship between nutrition, metabolism, changes in epigenetic modifications, cancer, and aging. One goal is to provide an impetus to additionally investigate changes in DNA methylation as a possible consequence of an impaired methyl group metabolism. Full article

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17 pages, 1847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Sensitivity Analysis to Discover Potential Molecular Drug Targets

by Malgorzata Kardynska, Jaroslaw Smieja, Pawel Paszek and Krzysztof Puszynski

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(12), 6604; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23126604 - 13 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1510

Abstract

Mathematical modeling of signaling pathways and regulatory networks has been supporting experimental research for some time now. Sensitivity analysis, aimed at finding model parameters whose changes yield significantly altered cellular responses, is an important part of modeling work. However, sensitivity methods are often [...] Read more.

Mathematical modeling of signaling pathways and regulatory networks has been supporting experimental research for some time now. Sensitivity analysis, aimed at finding model parameters whose changes yield significantly altered cellular responses, is an important part of modeling work. However, sensitivity methods are often directly transplanted from analysis of technical systems, and thus, they may not serve the purposes of analysis of biological systems. This paper presents a novel sensitivity analysis method that is particularly suited to the task of searching for potential molecular drug targets in signaling pathways. Using two sample models of pathways, p53/Mdm2 regulatory module and IFN-

β

-induced JAK/STAT signaling pathway, we show that the method leads to biologically relevant conclusions, identifying processes suitable for targeted pharmacological inhibition, represented by the reduction of kinetic parameter values. That, in turn, facilitates subsequent search for active drug components. Full article

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24 pages, 2388 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Potential Agents for Malignant Melanoma Treatment—Most Recent Studies 2020–2022

by Paweł Kozyra, Danuta Krasowska and Monika Pitucha

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(11), 6084; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23116084 - 29 May 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2582

Abstract

Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most lethal skin cancer. Despite a 4% reduction in mortality over the past few years, an increasing number of new diagnosed cases appear each year. Long-term therapy and the development of resistance to the drugs used drive the [...] Read more.

Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most lethal skin cancer. Despite a 4% reduction in mortality over the past few years, an increasing number of new diagnosed cases appear each year. Long-term therapy and the development of resistance to the drugs used drive the search for more and more new agents with anti-melanoma activity. This review focuses on the most recent synthesized anti-melanoma agents from 2020–2022. For selected agents, apart from the analysis of biological activity, the structure–activity relationship (SAR) is also discussed. To the best of our knowledge, the following literature review delivers the latest achievements in the field of new anti-melanoma agents. Full article

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18 pages, 5601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Chemicals Derived from Tadalafil Exhibit PRMT5 Inhibition and Promising Activities against Breast Cancer

by Ziyan Yang, Tian Xiao, Zezhi Li, Jian Zhang and Suning Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(9), 4806; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23094806 - 27 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2398

Abstract

Breast cancer seriously endangers women’s health worldwide. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is highly expressed in breast cancer and represents a potential druggable target for breast cancer treatment. However, because the currently available clinical PRMT5 inhibitors are relatively limited, there is an urgent [...] Read more.

Breast cancer seriously endangers women’s health worldwide. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is highly expressed in breast cancer and represents a potential druggable target for breast cancer treatment. However, because the currently available clinical PRMT5 inhibitors are relatively limited, there is an urgent need to develop new PRMT5 inhibitors. Our team previously found that the FDA-approved drug tadalafil can act as a PRMT5 inhibitor and enhance the sensitivity of breast cancer patients to doxorubicin treatment. To further improve the binding specificity of tadalafil to PRMT5, we chemically modified tadalafil, and designed three compounds, A, B, and C, based on the PRMT5 protein structure. These three compounds could bind to PRMT5 through different binding modes and inhibit histone arginine methylation. They arrested the proliferation and triggered the apoptosis of breast cancer cells in vitro and also promoted the antitumor effects of the chemotherapy drugs cisplatin, doxorubicin, and olaparib in combination regimens. Among them, compound A possessed the highest potency. Finally, the anti-breast cancer effects of PRMT5 inhibitor A and its ability to enhance chemosensitivity were further verified in a xenograft mouse model. These results indicate that the new PRMT5 inhibitors A, B, and C may be potential candidates for breast cancer treatment. Full article

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15 pages, 3683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

EAPB0503, an Imidazoquinoxaline Derivative Modulates SENP3/ARF Mediated SUMOylation, and Induces NPM1c Degradation in NPM1 Mutant AML

by Hala Skayneh, Batoul Jishi, Rita Hleihel, Maguy Hamie, Rana El Hajj, Carine Deleuze-Masquefa, Pierre-Antoine Bonnet, Marwan El Sabban and Hiba El Hajj

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(7), 3421; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073421 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2464

Abstract

Nucleophosmin-1 (NPM1) is a pleiotropic protein involved in numerous cellular processes. NPM1 shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, but exhibits a predominant nucleolar localization, where its fate and functions are exquisitely controlled by dynamic post-translational modifications (PTM). Sentrin/SUMO Specific Peptidase 3 (SENP3) [...] Read more.

Nucleophosmin-1 (NPM1) is a pleiotropic protein involved in numerous cellular processes. NPM1 shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, but exhibits a predominant nucleolar localization, where its fate and functions are exquisitely controlled by dynamic post-translational modifications (PTM). Sentrin/SUMO Specific Peptidase 3 (SENP3) and ARF are two nucleolar proteins involved in NPM1 PTMs. SENP3 antagonizes ARF-mediated NPM1 SUMOylation, to promote ribosomal biogenesis. In Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), NPM1 is frequently mutated, and exhibits an aberrant cytoplasmic localization (NPM1c). NPM1c mutations define a separate AML entity with good prognosis in some AML patients, rendering NPM1c as a potential therapeutic target. SENP3-mediated NPM1 de-SUMOylation induces resistance to therapy in NPM1c AML. Here, we demonstrate that the imidazoquinoxaline EAPB0503 prolongs the survival and results in selective reduction in the leukemia burden of NPM1c AML xenograft mice. Indeed, EAPB0503 selectively downregulates HDM2 expression and activates the p53 pathway in NPM1c expressing cells, resulting in apoptosis. Importantly, we unraveled that NPM1c expressing cells exhibit low basal levels of SUMOylation paralleled with high SENP3 and low ARF basal levels. EAPB0503 reverted these molecular players by inducing NPM1c SUMOylation and ubiquitylation, leading to its proteasomal degradation. EAPB0503-induced NPM1c SUMOylation is concurrent with SENP3 downregulation and ARF upregulation in NPM1c expressing cells. Collectively, these results provide a strong rationale for testing therapies modulating NPM1c post-translational modifications in the management of NPM1c AML. Full article

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16 pages, 3273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of αvβ3 Integrin Blockage in Breast Tumor and Endothelial Cells under Hypoxia In Vitro

by Bruna C. Casali, Larissa T. Gozzer, Matheus P. Baptista, Wanessa F. Altei and Heloisa S. Selistre-de-Araújo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(3), 1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23031745 - 03 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2847

Abstract

Breast cancer is characterized by a hypoxic microenvironment inside the tumor mass, contributing to cell metastatic behavior. Hypoxia induces the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), a transcription factor for genes involved in angiogenesis and metastatic behavior, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), [...] Read more.

Breast cancer is characterized by a hypoxic microenvironment inside the tumor mass, contributing to cell metastatic behavior. Hypoxia induces the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), a transcription factor for genes involved in angiogenesis and metastatic behavior, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and integrins. Integrin receptors play a key role in cell adhesion and migration, being considered targets for metastasis prevention. We investigated the migratory behavior of hypoxia-cultured triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBC) and endothelial cells (HUVEC) upon αvβ3 integrin blocking with DisBa-01, an RGD disintegrin with high affinity to this integrin. Boyden chamber, HUVEC transmigration, and wound healing assays in the presence of DisBa-01 were performed in hypoxic conditions. DisBa-01 produced similar effects in the two oxygen conditions in the Boyden chamber and transmigration assays. In the wound healing assay, hypoxia abolished DisBa-01′s inhibitory effect on cell motility and decreased the MMP-9 activity of conditioned media. These results indicate that αvβ3 integrin function in cell motility depends on the assay and oxygen levels, and higher inhibitor concentrations may be necessary to achieve the same inhibitory effect as in normoxia. These versatile responses add more complexity to the role of the αvβ3 integrin during tumor progression. Full article

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2021

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13 pages, 1590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Melatonin Suppresses Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas Migration and Invasion through Blocking FGF19/FGFR 4 Signaling Pathway

by Leilei Wang, Yuxiong Su and Wing Shan Choi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(18), 9907; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22189907 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2158

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are one of the most prevalent malignancies, with a low five-year survival rate, thus warranting more effective drugs or therapy to improve treatment outcomes. Melatonin has been demonstrated to exhibit oncostatic effects. In this study, we explored the [...] Read more.

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are one of the most prevalent malignancies, with a low five-year survival rate, thus warranting more effective drugs or therapy to improve treatment outcomes. Melatonin has been demonstrated to exhibit oncostatic effects. In this study, we explored the anti-cancer effects of melatonin on OSCCs and the underlying mechanisms. A human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCC-15) was treated with 2 mM melatonin, followed by transwell migration and invasion assays. Relative expression levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19) was identified by Cytokine Array and further verified by qPCR and Western blot. Overexpression and downregulation of FGF19 were obtained by adding exogenous hFGF19 and FGF19 shRNA lentivirus, respectively. Invasion and migration abilities of SCC-15 cells were suppressed by melatonin, in parallel with the decreased FGF19/FGFR4 expression level. Exogenous hFGF19 eliminated the inhibitory effects of melatonin on SCC-15 cells invasion and migration, while FGF19 knocking-down showed similar inhibitory activities with melatonin. This study proves that melatonin suppresses SCC-15 cells invasion and migration through blocking the FGF19/FGFR4 pathway, which enriches our knowledge on the anticancer effects of melatonin. Blocking the FGF19/FGFR4 pathway by melatonin could be a promising alternative for OSCCs prevention and management, which would facilitate further development of novel strategies to combat OSCCs. Full article

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13 pages, 2306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of MRI-Detectable Boron-Containing Gold Nanoparticle-Encapsulated Biodegradable Polymeric Matrix for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT)

by Chun-Yi Wu, Hsin-Hua Hsieh, Ting-Yu Chang, Jia-Jia Lin, Chin-Ching Wu, Ming-Hua Hsu, Ming-Chia Lin and Shin-Lei Peng

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(15), 8050; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22158050 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2541

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detectable boron (B)-containing nanoassemblies and evaluate their potential for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Starting from the citrate-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) (23.9 ± 10.2 nm), the diameter of poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) AuNPs (PLGA-AuNPs) [...] Read more.

This study aimed to develop a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detectable boron (B)-containing nanoassemblies and evaluate their potential for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Starting from the citrate-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) (23.9 ± 10.2 nm), the diameter of poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) AuNPs (PLGA-AuNPs) increased approximately 110 nm after the encapsulation of the PLGA polymer. Among various B drugs, the self-produced B cages had the highest loading efficiency. The average diameter of gadolinium (Gd)- and B-loaded NPs (PLGA-Gd/B-AuNPs) was 160.6 ± 50.6 nm with a B encapsulation efficiency of 28.7 ± 2.3%. In vitro MR images showed that the signal intensity of PLGA-Gd/B-AuNPs in T1-weighted images was proportional to its Gd concentration, and there exists a significantly positive relationship between Gd and B concentrations (R² = 0.74, p < 0.005). The hyperintensity of either 250 ± 50 mm³ (larger) or 100 ± 50 mm³ (smaller) N87 xenograft was clearly visualized at 1 h after intravenous injection of PLGA-Gd/B-AuNPs. However, PLGA-Gd/B-AuNPs stayed at the periphery of the larger xenograft while located near the center of the smaller one. The tumor-to-muscle ratios of B content, determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, in smaller- and larger-sized tumors were 4.17 ± 1.42 and 1.99 ± 0.55, respectively. In summary, we successfully developed theranostic B- and Gd-containing AuNPs for BNCT in this study. Full article

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19 pages, 4294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Search of Effective Anticancer Agents—Novel Sugar Esters Based on Polyhydroxyalkanoate Monomers

by Wojciech Snoch, Dawid Wnuk, Tomasz Witko, Jakub Staroń, Andrzej J. Bojarski, Ewelina Jarek, Francisco J. Plou and Maciej Guzik

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(13), 7238; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22137238 - 05 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2866

Abstract

Cancer is one of the deadliest illness globally. Searching for new solutions in cancer treatments is essential because commonly used mixed, targeted and personalized therapies are sometimes not sufficient or are too expensive for common patients. Sugar fatty acid esters (SFAEs) are already [...] Read more.

Cancer is one of the deadliest illness globally. Searching for new solutions in cancer treatments is essential because commonly used mixed, targeted and personalized therapies are sometimes not sufficient or are too expensive for common patients. Sugar fatty acid esters (SFAEs) are already well-known as promising candidates for an alternative medical tool. The manuscript brings the reader closer to methods of obtaining various SFAEs using combined biological, chemical and enzymatic methods. It presents how modification of SFAE’s hydrophobic chains can influence their cytotoxicity against human skin melanoma and prostate cancer cell lines. The compound’s cytotoxicity was determined by an MTT assay, which followed an assessment of SFAEs’ potential metastatic properties in concentrations below IC₅₀ values. Despite relatively high IC₅₀ values (63.3–1737.6 μM) of the newly synthesized SFAE, they can compete with other sugar esters already described in the literature. The chosen bioactives caused low polymerization of microtubules and the depolymerization of actin filaments in nontoxic levels, which suggest an apoptotic rather than metastatic process. Altogether, cancer cells showed no propensity for metastasis after treating them with SFAE. They confirmed that lactose-based compounds seem the most promising surfactants among tested sugar esters. This manuscript creates a benchmark for creation of novel anticancer agents based on 3-hydroxylated fatty acids of bacterial origin. Full article

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17 pages, 2731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proteomics Analysis of Andrographolide-Induced Apoptosis via the Regulation of Tumor Suppressor p53 Proteolysis in Cervical Cancer-Derived Human Papillomavirus 16-Positive Cell Lines

by Pariyakorn Udomwan, Chamsai Pientong, Panwad Tongchai, Ati Burassakarn, Nuchsupha Sunthamala, Sittiruk Roytrakul, Supawadee Suebsasana and Tipaya Ekalaksananan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(13), 6806; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22136806 - 24 Jun 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2641

Abstract

Regardless of the prophylactic vaccine accessibility, persistent infections of high-risk human papillomaviruses (hr-HPVs), recognized as an etiology of cervical cancers, continues to represent a major health problem for the world population. An overexpression of viral early protein 6 (E6) is linked to carcinogenesis. [...] Read more.

Regardless of the prophylactic vaccine accessibility, persistent infections of high-risk human papillomaviruses (hr-HPVs), recognized as an etiology of cervical cancers, continues to represent a major health problem for the world population. An overexpression of viral early protein 6 (E6) is linked to carcinogenesis. E6 induces anti-apoptosis by degrading tumor suppressor proteins p53 (p53) via E6-E6-associated protein (E6AP)-mediated polyubiquitination. Thus, the restoration of apoptosis by interfering with the E6 function has been proposed as a selective medicinal strategy. This study aimed to determine the activities of andrographolide (Androg) on the disturbance of E6-mediated p53 degradation in cervical cancer cell lines using a proteomic approach. These results demonstrated that Androg could restore the intracellular p53 level, leading to apoptosis-induced cell death in HPV16-positive cervical cancer cell lines, SiHa and CaSki. Mechanistically, the anti-tumor activity of Androg essentially relied on the reduction in host cell proteins, which are associated with ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathways, particularly HERC4 and SMURF2. They are gradually suppressed in Androg-treated HPV16-positive cervical cancer cells. Collectively, the restoration of p53 in HPV16-positive cervical cancer cells might be achieved by disruption of E3 ubiquitin ligase activity by Androg, which could be an alternative treatment for HPV-associated epithelial lesions. Full article

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18 pages, 2973 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anticancer Activity of Two Novel Hydroxylated Biphenyl Compounds toward Malignant Melanoma Cells

by Marina Pisano, Maria Antonietta Dettori, Davide Fabbri, Giovanna Delogu, Giuseppe Palmieri and Carla Rozzo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(11), 5636; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22115636 - 26 May 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2334

Abstract

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is still one of the most difficult cancers to treat despite recent advances in targeted and immune therapies. About 50% of advanced melanoma do not benefit of such therapies, and novel treatments are requested. Curcumin and [...] Read more.

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is still one of the most difficult cancers to treat despite recent advances in targeted and immune therapies. About 50% of advanced melanoma do not benefit of such therapies, and novel treatments are requested. Curcumin and its analogs have shown good anticancer properties and are being considered for use in combination with or sequence to recent therapies to improve patient outcomes. Our group previously published the synthesis and anticancer activity characterization of a novel curcumin-related compound against melanoma and neuroblastoma cells (D6). Here, two hydroxylated biphenyl compounds—namely, compounds 11 and 12—were selected among a small collection of previously screened C2-symmetric hydroxylated biphenyls structurally related to D6 and curcumin, showing the best antitumor potentiality against melanoma cells (IC₅₀ values of 1.7 ± 0.5 μM for 11 and 2.0 ± 0.7 μM for 12) and no toxicity of normal fibroblasts up to 32 µM. Their antiproliferative activity was deeply characterized on five melanoma cell lines by performing dose-response and clonal growth inhibition assays, which revealed long-lasting and irreversible effects for both compounds. Apoptosis induction was ascertained by the annexin V and TUNEL assays, whereas Western blotting showed caspase activation and PARP cleavage. A cell cycle analysis, following cell treatments with either compound 11 or 12, highlighted an arrest in the G2/M transition. Taking all this evidence together, 11 and 12 were shown to be good candidates as lead compounds to develop new anticancer drugs against malignant melanoma. Full article

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