Polyisoprenylated Cysteinyl Amide Inhibitors Deplete K-Ras and Induce Caspase-dependent Apoptosis in Lung Cancer Cells

Background: Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) harboring mutation-induced dysregulation of Ras signaling present some of the most difficult-to-manage cases, since directly targeting the constitutively active mutant Ras proteins has not resulted in clinically useful drugs. Therefore, modulating Ras activity for targeted treatment of cancer remains an urgent healthcare need. Objective: In the current study, we investigated a novel class of compounds, the polyisoprenylated cysteinyl amide inhibitors (PCAIs), for their anticancer molecular mechanisms using the NSCLC cell panel with K-Ras and/or other mutant genes. Methods: The effect of the PCAIs on intracellular K-Ras levels, cell viability, apoptosis, spheroid and colony formation were determined. Results: Treatment of the lung cancer cells with the PCAIs, NSL-RD-035, NSL-BA-036, NSL-BA- 040 and NSL-BA-055 resulted in concentration-dependent cell death in both K-Ras mutant (A549, NCI-H460, and NCI-H1573), N-Ras mutant (NCI-H1299) and other (NCI-H661, NCI-H1975, NCIH1563) NSCLC cells. The PCAIs at 1.0 -10 μM induced the degeneration of 3D spheroid cultures, inhibited clonogenic cell growth and induced marked apoptosis via the extrinsic pathway. The most potent of the PCAIs, NSL-BA-055, at 5 μM induced a seven-fold increase in the activity of caspase- 3/7 and a 75% selective depletion of K-Ras protein levels relative to GAPDH in A549 cells that correlated with PCAIs-induced apoptosis. NSL-BA-040 and NSL-BA-055 also induced the phosphorylation of MAP kinase (ERK 1/2). Conclusion: Taken together, PCAIs may be potentially useful as targeted therapies that suppress NSCLC progression through disruption of Ras-mediated growth signaling.

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Destruxin B Isolated from Entomopathogenic FungusMetarhizium anisopliaeInduces Apoptosis via a Bcl-2 Family-Dependent Mitochondrial Pathway in Human Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2013/548929 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Chun-Chi Wu ◽

Tzu-Hsiu Chen ◽

Bing-Lan Liu ◽

Li-Chen Wu ◽

Yung-Ching Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Apoptotic Cell ◽

A549 Cells ◽

Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Mitochondrial Pathway ◽

Lung Cancer Cells ◽

Gel Chromatography

Destruxin B, isolated from entomopathogenic fungusMetarhizium anisopliae, is one of the cyclodepsipeptides with insecticidal and anticancer activities. In this study, destruxin B was extracted and purified by ion-exchange chromatography, silica gel chromatography, and semipreparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The potential anticancer effects and molecular mechanisms of destruxin B in human nonsmall cell lung cancer cell lines were characterized. Our results showed that destruxin B induced apoptotic cell death in A549 cells. This event was accompanied by the activation of caspase-2, -3, and -9. Moreover, destruxin B increased the expression level of proapoptotic molecule, PUMA, while decreased antiapoptotic molecule Mcl-1. Additionally, the translocation of Bax from cytosol to mitochondrial membrane was observed upon destruxin B treatment. Knockdown of Bax by shRNA effectively attenuated destruxin-B-triggered apoptosis in A549 cells. Interestingly, similar toxic effects and underlying mechanisms including caspase activation, upregulation of PUMA, and downregulation of Mcl-1 were also observed in a p53-null lung cancer H1299 cell line upon destruxin B treatment. Taken together, our findings suggest that destruxin-B-induced apoptosis in human nonsmall cell lung cancer cells is via a Bcl-2 family-dependent mitochondrial pathway.

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S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 positively controls mitotic arrest deficient 2 in lung cancer cells

10.7287/peerj.preprints.2298v1 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Tonghai Huang ◽

Lin Yang ◽

Guangsuo Wang ◽

Guanggui Ding ◽

Bin Peng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽

Human Lung ◽

Mitotic Arrest ◽

S Phase ◽

Lung Cancer Cells ◽

Human Lung Cancer ◽

Lung Cancers ◽

Protein Levels

Background. Mitotic arrest deficient 2 (Mad2) is a key component of spindle assembly checkpoint and overexpressed in human lung cancers, but the mechanism of the deregulation of Mad2 in lung cancer is largely unknown. We aim to investigate the regulation of Mad2 by S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) in human lung cancer cells. Methods. Human lung cancer A549 and NCI-H1975 cells were transfected with MAD2 and SKP2 siRNAs or plasmids to silence or overexpress MAD2 and SKP2. Flavopiridol and HLM006474 were used to inhibit cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) and E2F1, respectively. mRNA and protein levels were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Cell cycle progression was assayed by flow cytometery. Results. Knockdown of Skp2 by siRNA decreased Mad2 mRNA and protein levels in A549 and NCI-H1299 cells, accompanied with upregulation of p27 but decrease of the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma (Rb). In contrast, ectopic overexpression of Skp2 increased Mad2 mRNA and protein levels and phosphorylation of Rb, while decreased p27. Pharmacological inhibition of CDK1/2 by flavopiridol or E2F1 with HLM006474 led to downregulation of Mad2 expression, and prevented the increase of Mad2 expression by Skp2. Accordingly, silencing of either Mad2 or Skp2 impaired the mitosis arrest in response to nocadazole. Conclusion. SKP2 positively regulates the gene expression of MAD2 through p27-CDKs-E2F1 signaling pathway, suggesting that deregulation of Skp2 may lead to upregulation of Mad2 via enhancing the activity of CDKs in human lung cancers. Our findings may provide an explanation of the simultaneous upregulation of MAD2 and SKP2 in lung cancer and potential targets for the development of molecular targeted therapy for lung cancers.

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S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 positively controls mitotic arrest deficient 2 in lung cancer cells

10.7287/peerj.preprints.2298 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Tonghai Huang ◽

Lin Yang ◽

Guangsuo Wang ◽

Guanggui Ding ◽

Bin Peng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽

Human Lung ◽

Mitotic Arrest ◽

S Phase ◽

Lung Cancer Cells ◽

Human Lung Cancer ◽

Lung Cancers ◽

Protein Levels

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Improved Therapeutic Efficacy of Topotecan Against A549 Lung Cancer Cells with Folate-targeted Topotecan Liposomes

Current Drug Metabolism ◽

10.2174/1389200221999200820163337 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (11) ◽

pp. 902-909

Author(s):

Jingxin Zhang ◽

Weiyue Shi ◽

Gangqiang Xue ◽

Qiang Ma ◽

Haixin Cui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Drug Delivery ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Targeted Delivery ◽

Therapeutic Efficacy ◽

Drug Delivery Systems ◽

Lung Tumor ◽

A549 Cells ◽

Delivery Systems ◽

Lung Cancer Cells

Background: Among all cancers, lung cancer has high mortality among patients in most of the countries in the world. Targeted delivery of anticancer drugs can significantly reduce the side effects and dramatically improve the effects of the treatment. Folate, a suitable ligand, can be modified to the surface of tumor-selective drug delivery systems because it can selectively bind to the folate receptor, which is highly expressed on the surface of lung tumor cells. Objective: This study aimed to construct a kind of folate-targeted topotecan liposomes for investigating their efficacy and mechanism of action in the treatment of lung cancer in preclinical models. Methods: We conjugated topotecan liposomes with folate, and the liposomes were characterized by particle size, entrapment efficiency, cytotoxicity to A549 cells and in vitro release profile. Technical evaluations were performed on lung cancer A549 cells and xenografted A549 cancer cells in female nude mice, and the pharmacokinetics of the drug were evaluated in female SD rats. Results: The folate-targeted topotecan liposomes were proven to show effectiveness in targeting lung tumors. The anti-tumor effects of these liposomes were demonstrated by the decreased tumor volume and improved therapeutic efficacy. The folate-targeted topotecan liposomes also lengthened the topotecan blood circulation time. Conclusion: The folate-targeted topotecan liposomes are effective drug delivery systems and can be easily modified with folate, enabling the targeted liposomes to deliver topotecan to lung cancer cells and kill them, which could be used as potential carriers for lung chemotherapy.

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Ovalitenone Inhibits the Migration of Lung Cancer Cells via the Suppression of AKT/mTOR and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26030638 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 638

Author(s):

Kittipong Sanookpan ◽

Nongyao Nonpanya ◽

Boonchoo Sritularak ◽

Pithi Chanvorachote

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cell Migration ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Colony Formation ◽

Cancer Metastasis ◽

Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽

A549 Cells ◽

Lung Cancer Cells ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Mesenchymal Transition

Cancer metastasis is the major cause of about 90% of cancer deaths. As epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known for potentiating metastasis, this study aimed to elucidate the effect of ovalitenone on the suppression of EMT and metastasis-related behaviors, including cell movement and growth under detached conditions, and cancer stem cells (CSCs), of lung cancer cells. Methods: Cell viability and cell proliferation were determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazo-liumbromide (MTT) and colony formation assays. Cell migration and invasion were analyzed using a wound-healing assay and Boyden chamber assay, respectively. Anchorage-independent cell growth was determined. Cell protrusions (filopodia) were detected by phalloidin-rhodamine staining. Cancer stem cell phenotypes were assessed by spheroid formation. The proteins involved in cell migration and EMT were evaluated by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Results: Ovalitenone was used at concentrations of 0–200 μM. While it caused no cytotoxic effects on lung cancer H460 and A549 cells, ovalitenone significantly suppressed anchorage-independent growth, CSC-like phenotypes, colony formation, and the ability of the cancer to migrate and invade cells. The anti-migration activity was confirmed by the reduction of filopodia in the cells treated with ovalitenone. Interestingly, we found that ovalitenone could significantly decrease the levels of N-cadherin, snail, and slug, while it increased E-cadherin, indicating EMT suppression. Additionally, the regulatory signaling of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), ATP-dependent tyrosine kinase (AKT), the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) was suppressed by ovalitenone. Conclusions: The results suggest that ovalitenone suppresses EMT via suppression of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, ovalitenone exhibited potential for the suppression of CSC phenotypes. These data reveal the anti-metastasis potential of the compound and support the development of ovalitenone treatment for lung cancer therapy.

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Knockdown CYP2S1 inhibits lung cancer cells proliferation and migration

Cancer Biomarkers ◽

10.3233/cbm-210189 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Huan Guo ◽

Baozhen Zeng ◽

Liqiong Wang ◽

Chunlei Ge ◽

Xianglin Zuo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Cell Growth ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Lung Cancer Cells ◽

Invasion And Migration ◽

And Migration

BACKGROUND: The incidence of lung cancer in Yunnan area ranks firstly in the world and underlying molecular mechanisms of lung cancer in Yunnan region are still unclear. We screened a novel potential oncogene CYP2S1 used mRNA microassay and bioinformation database. The function of CYP2S1 in lung cancer has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the functions of CYP2S1 in lung cancer. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR were used to verify the expression of CYP2S1. Colony formation and Transwell assays were used to determine cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Xenograft assays were used to detected cell growth in vivo. RESULTS: CYP2S1 is significantly up-regulated in lung cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown CYP2S1 in lung cancer cells resulted in decrease cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro. Animal experiments showed downregulation of CYP2S1 inhibited lung cancer cell growth in vivo. GSEA analysis suggested that CYP2S1 played functions by regulating E2F targets and G2M checkpoint pathway which involved in cell cycle. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with high CYP2S1 had markedly shorter event overall survival (OS) time. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that CYP2S1 exerts tumor suppressor function in lung cancer. The high expression of CYP2S1 is an unfavorable prognostic marker for patient survival.

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PRMT5 Promotes EMT Through Regulating Akt Activity in Human Lung Cancer

Cell Transplantation ◽

10.1177/09636897211001772 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 ◽

pp. 096368972110017

Author(s):

Jianhao Huang ◽

Yonghua Zheng ◽

Xiao Zheng ◽

Bao Qian ◽

Qi Yin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Human Lung ◽

Akt Signaling ◽

Lung Cancer Cells ◽

Signaling Cascades ◽

Human Lung Cancer ◽

Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Human Lung Cancer Cells

The type II protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) has been engaged in various human cancer development and progression types. Nevertheless, few studies uncover the biological functions of PRMT5 in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human lung cancer cells, and the associated molecular mechanisms and signaling cascades are entirely unknown. Here, we show that PRMT5 is the ectopic expression in human lung cancer tissues and cell lines. Further study reveals that silencing PRMT5 by lentivirus-mediated shRNA or blocking of PRMT5 by specific inhibitor GSK591 attenuates the expression levels of EMT-related markers in vivo, using the xenograft mouse model. Moreover, our results show that down-regulation of PRMT5 impairs EGFR/Akt signaling cascades in human lung cancer cells, whereas re-expression of PRMT5 recovers those changes, suggesting that PRMT5 regulates EMT probably through EGFR/Akt signaling axis. Altogether, our results demonstrate that PRMT5 serves as a critical oncogenic regulator and promotes EMT in human lung cancer cells. More importantly, our findings also suggest that PRMT5 may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of human lung cancer.

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MiR-107 inhibits proliferation of lung cancer cells through regulating TP53 regulated inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (TRIAP1)

Open Life Sciences ◽

10.1515/biol-2017-0023 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 200-205 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Bing Wang ◽

Zhanjie Zuo ◽

Fang Lv ◽

Liang Zhao ◽

Minjun Du ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Western Blot ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

A549 Cells ◽

Lung Cancer Cells ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Aberrant Expression ◽

Small Interference Rna ◽

Qrt Pcr

AbstractAimsAccumulating evidence indicates that aberrant expression of miR-107 plays a crucial role in cancers. This study aims to display the function of miR-107 and its novel target genes in the progression of lung cancer.Methods and MaterialMiR-107 or miR-107 inhibitor was transfected into lung cancer cells A549. The levels of miR-107 and TP53 regulated inhibition of apoptosis 1 (TRIAP1) were examined by quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis and Western Blot. Functionally, MTT and colony formation assays were carried out to test the effect of miR-107 inhibitor and/or small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting TRIAP1 mRNA on proliferation of lung cancer cells. Levels of miR-107 or TRIAP1 were detected in clinical lung cancer samples by using qRT-PCR analysis.ResultsQRT-PCR analysis revealed that miR-107 inhibitor or miR-107 was successfully transfected into A549 cells. Western Blot indicated that miR-107 decreased the expression of TRIAP1 protein in the cells. In contrast, miR-107 inhibitor augmented the levels of TRIAP1 protein. Functionally, miR-107 inhibitor remarkably suppressed A549 cell proliferation, whereas, TRIAP1 siRNAs could abrogate the miR-107 inhibitor-induced proliferation of cells. Then, we validated that TRIAP1 was increased in clinical lung cancer samples. MiR-107 expression was negatively related to TRIAP1 expression in clinical lung cancer samples.ConclusionsMiR-107 suppresses cell proliferation by targeting TRIAP1 in lung cancer. Our finding allows new insights into the mechanisms of lung cancer that is mediated by miR-107.

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Quiescin Sulfhydryl Oxidase 1 (QSOX1) Secreted by Lung Cancer Cells Promotes Cancer Metastasis

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms19103213 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 19 (10) ◽

pp. 3213 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Hye-Jin Sung ◽

Jung-Mo Ahn ◽

Yeon-Hee Yoon ◽

Sang-Su Na ◽

Young-Jin Choi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Cancer Metastasis ◽

Lung Cancer Cells ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Sulfhydryl Oxidase ◽

Lung Cancers ◽

Normal Tissues ◽

Cancer Tissues ◽

Quiescin Sulfhydryl Oxidase

As lung cancer shows the highest mortality in cancer-related death, serum biomarkers are demanded for lung cancer diagnosis and its treatment. To discover lung cancer protein biomarkers, secreted proteins from primary cultured lung cancer and adjacent normal tissues from patients were subjected to LC/MS–MS proteomic analysis. Quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase (QSOX1) was selected as a biomarker candidate from the enriched proteins in the secretion of lung cancer cells. QSOX1 levels were higher in 82% (51 of 62 tissues) of lung cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Importantly, QSOX1 serum levels were significantly higher in cancer patients (p < 0.05, Area Under curve (AUC) = 0.89) when measured by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Higher levels of QSOX1 were also uniquely detected in lung cancer tissues, among several other solid cancers, by immunohistochemistry. QSOX1-knock-downed Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells were less viable from oxidative stress and reduced migration and invasion. In addition, LLC mouse models with QSOX1 knock-down also proved that QSOX1 functions in promoting cancer metastasis. In conclusion, QSOX1 might be a lung cancer tissue-derived biomarker and be involved in the promotion of lung cancers, and thus can be a therapeutic target for lung cancers.

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