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Current Pharmaceutical Design Jun 2024Paclitaxel (PTX) is a cornerstone chemotherapy for Breast Cancer (BC), yet its impact is limited by emerging resistance. Elemene Injection (EI) has shown potential in...
BACKGROUND
Paclitaxel (PTX) is a cornerstone chemotherapy for Breast Cancer (BC), yet its impact is limited by emerging resistance. Elemene Injection (EI) has shown potential in overcoming chemotherapy resistance. However, the efficacy by which EI restores PTX sensitivity in BC and the implicated molecular mechanism remain uncharted.
METHODS
Network pharmacology and bioinformatic analysis were conducted to investigate the targets and mechanisms of EI in overcoming PTX resistance. A paclitaxel-resistant MCF-7 cell line (MCF-7PR) was established. The efficacy of EI and/or PTX in inhibiting cell viability was evaluated using sulforhodamine B assay, while cell proliferation was assessed using EdU staining. Furthermore, protein and gene expression analysis was performed through Western blotting and qPCR.
RESULTS
The EI containing three active components exhibited a multifaceted impact by targeting an extensive repertoire of 122 potential molecular targets. By intersecting with 761 differentially expressed genes, we successfully identified 9 genes that displayed a direct association with resistance to PTX in BC, presenting promising potential as therapeutic targets for the EI to effectively counteract PTX resistance. Enrichment analysis indicated a significant correlation between these identified targets and critical biological processes, particularly DNA damage response and cell cycle regulation. This correlation was further substantiated through meticulous analysis of single-cell datasets. Molecular docking analysis revealed robust binding affinities between the active components of the EI and the identified molecular targets. Subsequently, in vitro experiments unequivocally demonstrated the dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effects of the EI on both PTX-resistant and sensitive BC cell lines, effectively mitigating the resistance phenotype associated with PTX administration. Furthermore, our findings have indicated EI to effectively suppress the protein expression levels of AR and RUNX1 in MCF-7 and MCF-7PR cells under PTX treatment, as well as downregulate the mRNA expression levels of stem-like properties' markers, KLF4 and OCT4, in these cell lines.
CONCLUSION
Elemene Injection (EI) application has exhibited a significant capability to mitigate PTX resistance in BC, which has been achieved through targeted suppression of the AR/RUNX1 axis, revealing a key strategy to overcome chemotherapeutic resistance.
PubMed: 38918989
DOI: 10.2174/0113816128315677240620052444 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Jun 2024This study aimed to discover the cytotoxic effect of YH239-EE and YH239 alone and their enantiomer potency in cytotoxic effect on the MCF7 cell line.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to discover the cytotoxic effect of YH239-EE and YH239 alone and their enantiomer potency in cytotoxic effect on the MCF7 cell line.
METHODS
We used the cytotoxic study on MDM2 cell lines by detecting the percentage of apoptosis and necrosis by annexin v methods.
RESULT
This result shows that YH239-EE causes more apoptosis and necrosis 40% in comparison to YH239 without ethyl ester, about 4.92 %, and The (+) enantiomer of YH239-EE demonstrated a markedly higher induction of apoptosis and necrosis (84.48%) in MCF7 cells compared to the (-) enantiomer (48.71%).
CONCLUSION
The ethyl ester group in YH239-EE might play a crucial role in enhancing the compound's ability to induce cell death, and The high efficacy of the (+) enantiomer of YH239-EE in inducing cell death in MCF7 cells suggests it may be a more promising therapeutic candidate for breast cancer treatment, specifically for subtypes represented by MCF7 cells.
Topics: Humans; Apoptosis; Breast Neoplasms; MCF-7 Cells; Female; Cell Proliferation; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Antineoplastic Agents; Stereoisomerism
PubMed: 38918676
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.6.2133 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Jun 2024Breast cancer represents one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Apart from genetic factors, the sex hormone estrogen plays a pivotal role in breast cancer...
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer represents one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Apart from genetic factors, the sex hormone estrogen plays a pivotal role in breast cancer development. We are exposed to a plethora of estrogen mimics on a daily basis via various routes. Nevertheless, how xenoestrogens, the exogenous estrogen mimics, modulate cancer-associated signaling pathways and interact with specific genes is still underexplored. Hence, this study aims to explore the direct or indirect binding partners of xenoestrogens and their expression upon exposure to these estrogenic compounds.
METHODS
The collection of genes linked to the xenoestrogens Octylphenol, Nonylphenol, Bisphenol-A, and 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane were gathered from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. Venny 2.1 was utilized to pinpoint the genes shared by these xenoestrogens. Subsequently, the shared genes underwent Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery bioinformatics resource. A xenoestrogen-protein interaction network was constructed using Search Tool for Interactions of Chemicals. The expressions of common genes were studied with the microarray dataset GSE5200 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Also, the expression of a common gene set within different breast cancer subtypes was identified using the University of California, Santa Cruz Xena.
RESULTS
The genes linked to xenoestrogens were identified, and 13 genes were found to interact with all four xenoestrogens. Through DAVID analysis, the genes chosen are found to be enriched for various functions and pathways, including pathways in cancer, chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation, and estrogen signaling pathways. The results of the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and the chemical-protein interaction network derived from STITCH were similar. Microarray data analysis showed significantly high expression of all 13 genes in another study, with Bisphenol-A and Nonylphenol treated MCF-7 cells, most of the genes are expressed in luminal A or basal breast cancer subtype.
CONCLUSION
In summary, the genes associated with the four xenoestrogens were mostly linked to pathways related to tumorigenesis, and the expression of these genes was found to be higher in breast cancer.
Topics: Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Estrogens; Female; Computational Biology; Computer Simulation; Protein Interaction Maps; Signal Transduction; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Benzhydryl Compounds
PubMed: 38918670
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.6.2077 -
Medical Oncology (Northwood, London,... Jun 2024FOXM1, a proto-oncogenic transcription factor, plays a critical role in cancer development and treatment resistance in cancers, particularly in breast cancer. Thus, this...
FOXM1, a proto-oncogenic transcription factor, plays a critical role in cancer development and treatment resistance in cancers, particularly in breast cancer. Thus, this study aimed to identify potential FOXM1 inhibitors through computational screening of drug databases, followed by in vitro validation of their inhibitory activity against breast cancer cells. In silico studies involved pharmacophore modeling using the FOXM1 inhibitor, FDI-6, followed by virtual screening of DrugBank and Selleckchem databases. The selected drugs were prepared for molecular docking, and the crystal structure of FOXM1 was pre-processed for docking simulations. In vitro studies included MTT assays to assess cytotoxicity, and Western blot analysis to evaluate protein expression levels. Our study identified Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole as potential FOXM1 inhibitors through in silico screening and molecular docking. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable interactions of these drugs with FOXM1. In vitro experiments showed both Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole exhibited strong FOXM1 inhibition at effective concentrations and that showed inhibition of cell proliferation. Rabeprazole showed the inhibitor activity at 10 µM in BT-20 and MCF-7 cell lines. Pantoprazole exhibited FOXM1 inhibition at 30 µM and in BT-20 cells and at 70 µM in MCF-7 cells, respectively. Our current study provides the first evidence that Rabeprazole and Pantoprazole can bind to FOXM1 and inhibit its activity and downstream signaling, including eEF2K and pEF2, in breast cancer cells. These findings indicate that rabeprazole and pantoprazole inhibit FOXM1 and breast cancer cell proliferation, and they can be used for FOXM1-targeted therapy in breast or other cancers driven by FOXM1.
Topics: Humans; Forkhead Box Protein M1; Drug Repositioning; Breast Neoplasms; Molecular Docking Simulation; Female; Rabeprazole; MCF-7 Cells; Cell Proliferation; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Antineoplastic Agents; Pantoprazole; Cell Line, Tumor; Pyridines; Thiophenes
PubMed: 38918225
DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02427-0 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Cellular functional pathways have evolved through selection based on fitness benefits conferred through protein intra- and inter-molecular interactions that comprise all...
Cellular functional pathways have evolved through selection based on fitness benefits conferred through protein intra- and inter-molecular interactions that comprise all protein conformational features and protein-protein interactions, collectively referred to as the interactome. While the interactome is regulated by proteome levels, it is also regulated independently by, post translational modification, co-factor, and ligand levels, as well as local protein environmental factors, such as osmolyte concentration, pH, ionic strength, temperature and others. In modern biomedical research, cultivatable cell lines have become an indispensable tool, with selection of optimal cell lines that exhibit specific functional profiles being critical for success in many cases. While it is clear that cell lines derived from different cell types have differential proteome levels, increased understanding of large-scale functional differences requires additional information beyond abundance level measurements, including how protein conformations and interactions are altered in certain cell types to shape functional landscapes. Here, we employed quantitative protein cross-linking coupled to mass spectrometry to probe large-scale protein conformational and interaction changes among three commonly employed human cell lines, HEK293, MCF-7, and HeLa cells. Isobaric quantitative Protein Interaction Reporter (iqPIR) technologies were used to obtain quantitative values of cross-linked peptides across three cell lines. These data illustrated highly reproducible (R values larger than 0.8 for all biological replicates) quantitative interactome levels across multiple biological replicates. We also measured protein abundance levels in these cells using data independent acquisition quantitative proteomics methods. Combining quantitative interactome and proteomics information allowed visualization of cell type-specific interactome changes mediated by proteome level adaptations as well as independently regulated interactome changes to gain deeper insight into possible drivers of these changes. Among the biggest detected alterations in protein interactions and conformations are changes in cytoskeletal proteins, RNA-binding proteins, chromatin remodeling complexes, mitochondrial proteins, and others. Overall, these data demonstrate the utility and reproducibility of quantitative cross-linking to study systems-level interactome variations. Moreover, these results illustrate how combined quantitative interactomics and proteomics can provide unique insight on cellular functional landscapes.
PubMed: 38915502
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.12.598691 -
RSC Advances Jun 2024Development of new effective EGFR-targeted antitumor agents is needed because of their clinical significance. A new series of imidazolone-sulphonamide-pyrimidine hybrids...
Development of new effective EGFR-targeted antitumor agents is needed because of their clinical significance. A new series of imidazolone-sulphonamide-pyrimidine hybrids was designed and synthesized as modified analogs of some reported EGFR inhibitors. The cytotoxic activity of all the synthesized hybrids was investigated against the breast MCF-7 cancerous cell line using doxorubicin (Dox) as a positive control. 4-(Furan-2-ylmethylene)imidazolone-sulphonamide-pyrimidine 6b had the best potent activity against MCF-7 cells with IC result of 1.05 μM, which was better than Dox (IC = 1.91 μM). In addition, mechanistic studies revealed the ability of compounds 5g, 5h and 6b to inhibit EGFR kinase. Cell cycle analysis revealed that compound 6b can halt MCF-7 cells at the G1 phase with a concomitant decrease in cellular percentage at the S and G2/M phases. This compound produced a noticeable rise in the proportion of apoptotic cells with regard to the untreated control. Furthermore, the effects of hybrid 6b on the expression levels of pro-apoptotic Bax and pro-survival Bcl2 were assessed. The results showed that this compound upregulated the level of Bax expression as well as declined the expression value of Bcl-2 with regard to the untreated control.
PubMed: 38915323
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra03157a -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Jun 2024Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women. Finding novel therapeutic agents with significant cytotoxic action and minimal adverse impact on...
In-vitro study of cytotoxic and apoptotic potential of Thalassia hemprichii (Ehren.) Asch. And Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) with correlation to their chemical profile.
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women. Finding novel therapeutic agents with significant cytotoxic action and minimal adverse impact on normal cells becomes crucial. Today, natural anticancer agents present an unconventional method of treating cancer, either as a curative or preventative agent, with considerable concern for marine organisms.
METHODS
The anticancer effect of the alcoholic extract of different Red Sea Seagrasses on MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line has been investigated. Seagrasses were collected from Wadi El Gamal, Red Sea and extracted. Qualitative HPLC analysis was performed on the extracts for the identification of their active biomarkers. This study was aimed to explore the cytotoxic impact of Thalassia hemprichii (Ehren.) and Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle on MCF-7 and their mode of action. Their anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells were performed using Neutral red assay. On the other hand, their apoptotic effect and their capacity to induce cell cycle arrest were investigated by flow cytometry assay. The effect of Seagrasses on the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM) was studied by using JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential assay kit in Seagrasses treated cancer cells to Δψ Caspases 3/7activity was examined using the colorimetric method. Gene expression analysis and quantitative real time RT-PCR for the sea grasses on MCF-7 was performed. Immune-blotting technique for Bcl-2 and p53 was investigated.
RESULTS
HPLC analysis demonstrated that the extracts contained mainly flavonoids and polyphenols such as Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acids, catechin and kaempferol that might be responsible for these anticancer effects. Seagrasses alcoholic crude extract markedly suppressed the growth and expansion of MCF-7 cells concentration-dependently with no toxicity against normal human skin fibroblast HSF. Thalassia hemprichii and Enhalus acoroides trigger mode of cell death primarily via apoptosis as confirmed by the flow cytometry. Additionally, they have ability to induce G0/S cell cycle arrest in MCF-7. The data showed the depletion in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM) in the treated cells dose-dependently Caspases 3/7activities markedly increased following 24 h treatment. Finally, Gene expression analysis showed a marked reduction in Bcl-2, Survivin and CDC2 gene expression levels and a significant increase in the expression of p53 and CC2D1A as compared to control cells.
CONCLUSION
In summary, the Methanolic extract of seagrass, Thalassia hemperchii and Enhalus ocoroides are able to induce concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects in human MCF-7 cells through intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. This study reveals the beneficial importance of sea grasses as a source of anticancer agents. Further in vivo study is recommended for the active isolated biomolecules.
Topics: Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Apoptosis; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Plant Extracts; Hydrocharitaceae; Cell Proliferation; Antineoplastic Agents
PubMed: 38915036
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04512-3 -
Journal of Biological Engineering Jun 2024Breast cancer remains a challenge for physicians. Metformin, an antidiabetic drug, show promising anticancer properties against cancers. An emerging quantum dot (QD)...
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer remains a challenge for physicians. Metformin, an antidiabetic drug, show promising anticancer properties against cancers. An emerging quantum dot (QD) material improves therapeutic agents' anticancer and imaging properties. QD are nano-sized particles with extreme application in nanotechnology captured by cells and accumulated inside cells, suggesting bioimaging and effective anticancer outcomes. In this study, a simple one-pot hydrothermal method was used to synthesize fluorescent metformin-derived carbon dots (M-CDs) and then investigated the cytotoxic effects and imaging features on two human breast cancer cell lines including, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells.
RESULTS
Results showed that M-CDs profoundly decreased the viability of both cancer cells. IC50 values showed that M-CDs were more cytotoxic than metformin either 24-48 h post-treatment. Cancer cells uptake M-CDs successfully, which causes morphological changes in cells and increased levels of intracellular ROS. The number of Oil Red O-positive cells and the expression of caspase-3 protein were increased in M-CDs treated cells. Authophagic factors including, AMPK, mTOR, and P62 were down-regulated, while p-AMPK, Becline-1, LC3 I, and LC3 II were up-regulated in M-CDs treated cells. Finally, M-CDs caused a decrease in the wound healing rate of cells.
CONCLUSIONS
For the first, M-CDs were synthesized by simple one-pot hydrothermal treatment without further purification. M-CDs inhibited both breast cancer cells through modulating autophagy signalling.
PubMed: 38915025
DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00433-4 -
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical... Jun 2024The global increase in breast cancer cases necessitates ongoing exploration of advanced therapies. Taxol (Tx), an initial breast cancer treatment, induces mitotic arrest...
PURPOSE
The global increase in breast cancer cases necessitates ongoing exploration of advanced therapies. Taxol (Tx), an initial breast cancer treatment, induces mitotic arrest but faces limitations due to side effects and the development of resistance. Addressing Tx resistance involves understanding the complex molecular mechanisms, including alterations in tubulin dynamics, NF-κB signaling, and overexpression of ABC transporters (ABCB1 and ABCG2), leading to multidrug resistance (MDR).
METHODS
Real-time PCR and ELISA kits were used to analyze ABCB1, ABCG2 and NF-κB gene and protein expression levels, respectively. An MDR test assessed the resistance cell phenotype.
RESULTS
MCF-7/Tx cells exhibited a 24-fold higher resistance to Tx. Real-time PCR and ELISA analysis revealed the upregulation of ABCB1, ABCG2, and NF-κB. U-359 significantly downregulated both ABCB1 and ABCG2 gene and protein levels. Co-incubation with Tx and U-359 further decreased the mRNA and protein expression of these transporters. The MDR test indicated that U-359 increased MDR dye retention, suggesting its potential as an MDR inhibitor. U-359 and Tx, either individually or combined, modulated NF-κBp65 protein levels.
CONCLUSION
The development of a Taxol-resistant MCF-7 cell line provided valuable insights. U-359 demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the expression of ABC transporters and NF-κB, suggesting a potential solution for overcoming multidrug resistance in breast cancer cells. The study recommends a strategy to enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy by integrating U-359 with traditional drugs.
Topics: Humans; Paclitaxel; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; NF-kappa B; MCF-7 Cells; Female; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2; Breast Neoplasms; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B; Neoplasm Proteins; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Drug Resistance, Multiple; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
PubMed: 38914845
DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05833-z -
Natural Product Research Jun 2024holds promise for exploration given its morphological likeness to the renowned , or tiger milk mushroom. Investigating its potential medicinal and industrial...
holds promise for exploration given its morphological likeness to the renowned , or tiger milk mushroom. Investigating its potential medicinal and industrial applications addresses a significant knowledge gap in this field. A comparative analysis with other species and cultivars provides insights into biopharmacological potential. cold water extract (LC-CWE) displayed moderate antioxidant activity, demonstrating promising Trolox equivalent antioxidant -capacity. Variable cytotoxicity was observed in different cell lines, with an IC of 215 μg/ml against breast cancer cells (MCF-7) cells. LC-CWE exhibited anti-inflammatory potential with an ED of 60 mg/kg in a λ-carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema model. Comparison with other species and cultivars emphasised LC-CWE's distinct attributes, including high phenolic content and moderate antioxidant capacity. LC-CWE displayed potential in selectively inhibiting MCF-7 cells and reducing inflammation, highlighting its medicinal promise. This research expands our understanding of and underscores the need for further mechanistic exploration.
PubMed: 38912899
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2369915