scholarly journals Celecoxib Blocks Vasculogenic Mimicry via an Off-Target Effect to Radiosensitize Lung Cancer Cells: An Experimental Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Niu ◽  
Xie-Wan Chen ◽  
Yu Qin ◽  
Lu-Ping Zhang ◽  
Rong-Xia Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Enzyme Activity ◽  
Periodic Acid ◽  
Vasculogenic Mimicry ◽  
Lewis Lung Cancer ◽  
Enzyme Activity Assay ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Target Effect

The resistance to radiotherapy in lung cancer can be attributed to vasculogenic mimicry (VM) to some extent. Celecoxib (CXB), a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), is reported as a radiosensitizer in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, whether CXB can regulate VM formation via an off-target effect to radiosensitize NSCLC remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the radiosensitizing effect of CXB on NSCLC, i.e., whether CXB can inhibit VM formation via binding to newly identified targets other than COX-2. CXB radiosensitivity assay was performed in BALB/c mice bearing H460 xenografts and C57 mice bearing Lewis lung cancer (LLC) xenografts, which were divided into the control, CXB, irradiation (IR) treatment, and IR plus CXB groups. VM formation was observed using 3D Matrigel, periodic acid solution (PAS) staining, and immunofluorescence staining. The potential off-targets of CXB were screened using Protein Data Bank (PDB) database, MGLTools 1.5.6, and AutoDock Vina 1.1.2 and confirmed by Western blotting, enzyme activity assay, and RNA interference in vitro experiments and by immunohistochemistry in vivo experiments. CXB treatment almost eliminated the enhancement of VM formation by IR in vitro and in vivo, partially due to COX-2 inhibition. Four potential off-targets were predicted by molecular docking. Among them, aminopeptidase N (APN) and integrin alpha-V (ITAV) were remarkably inhibited in protein expression and enzyme activity in vitro or in vivo, consistent with the remarkable reduction of VM formation in H460 xenografts in BALB/c mice. In conclusion, CXB dramatically blocked VM through inhibiting newly identified off-targets APN and ITAV, other than COX-2, then radiosensitizing NSCLC.

scholarly journals Baicalein suppresses vasculogenic mimicry through inhibiting RhoA/ROCK expression in lung cancer A549 cell line

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 1007-1015
Author(s):  
Zhe Zhang ◽  
Li Nong ◽  
Menglei Chen ◽  
Xiaoli Gu ◽  
Weiwei Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Vasculogenic Mimicry ◽  
A549 Cells ◽  
A549 Cell Line ◽  
Traditional Herbal Medicine ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Filament Network ◽  
Lung Cancer A549 Cell

Abstract Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to a new tubular network of the blood supply system with abundant extracellular matrix. VM is similar to capillaries but does not involve endothelial cells. As a traditional herbal medicine commonly used in China, baicalein possesses anti-inflammatory and lipoxygenase activities. However, the effects of baicalein on the process of VM formation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying mechanisms have remained poorly understood. In this study, baicalein was found to inhibit the viability and motility of A549 cells and induced the breakage of the cytoskeletal actin filament network. In addition, baicalein significantly decreased the formation of VM and downregulated the expressions of VM-associated factors, such as VE-cadherin, EphA2, MMP14, MMP2, MMP9, PI3K and LAMC2, similar to the effects of ROCK inhibitors. Indeed, baicalein inhibited RhoA/ROCK expression in vitro and in vivo, suggesting the underlying mechanisms of reduced VM formation. Collectively, baicalein suppressed the formation of VM in NSCLC by targeting the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway, indicating that baicalein might serve as an emerging drug for NSCLC.

scholarly journals The Alternative Route to Heme in the Methanogenic ArchaeonMethanosarcina barkeri

Archaea ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Kühner ◽  
Kristin Haufschildt ◽  
Alexander Neumann ◽  
Sonja Storbeck ◽  
Judith Streif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Activity ◽  
Feedback Regulation ◽  
Methanosarcina Barkeri ◽  
Heme Biosynthesis ◽  
Alternative Route ◽  
Activity Assay ◽  
Enzyme Activity Assay ◽  
Living Organisms

In living organisms heme is formed from the common precursor uroporphyrinogen III by either one of two substantially different pathways. In contrast to eukaryotes and most bacteria which employ the so-called “classical” heme biosynthesis pathway, the archaea use an alternative route. In this pathway, heme is formed from uroporphyrinogen III via the intermediates precorrin-2, sirohydrochlorin, siroheme, 12,18-didecarboxysiroheme, and iron-coproporphyrin III. In this study the heme biosynthesis proteins AhbAB, AhbC, and AhbD fromMethanosarcina barkeriwere functionally characterized. Using anin vivoenzyme activity assay it was shown that AhbA and AhbB (Mbar_A1459 and Mbar_A1460) together catalyze the conversion of siroheme into 12,18-didecarboxysiroheme. The two proteins form a heterodimeric complex which might be subject to feedback regulation by the pathway end-product heme. Further, AhbC (Mbar_A1793) was shown to catalyze the formation of iron-coproporphyrin IIIin vivo. Finally, recombinant AhbD (Mbar_A1458) was produced inE. coliand purified indicating that this protein most likely contains two [4Fe-4S] clusters. Using anin vitroenzyme activity assay it was demonstrated that AhbD catalyzes the conversion of iron-coproporphyrin III into heme.

scholarly journals Sophoridine Inhibits the Tumour Growth of Non-Small Lung Cancer by Inducing Macrophages M1 Polarisation via MAPK-Mediated Inflammatory Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bei Zhao ◽  
Xiaodan Hui ◽  
Hairong Zeng ◽  
Yinan Yin ◽  
Jian Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Tumour Growth ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Tumour Microenvironment ◽  
Lung Cancer Cells ◽  
Mice Model ◽  
Lewis Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common and lethal neoplasms for which very few efficacious treatments are currently available. M1-like polarised tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key mediators to modulate the tumour microenvironment, which play a key role in inhibiting cancer cell growth. Sophoridine, a naturally occurring alkaloid, exerts multiple pharmacological activities including anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory activities, but it has not been characterised as a regulator of tumour microenvironment towards NSCLC. Herein, the regulatory effects of sophoridine on the polarisation of THP-1 cells into TAMs and the anti-tumour effects of sophoridine-stimulated M1 polarised macrophages towards lung cancer cells were carefully investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that sophoridine could significantly promote M1 polarisation of RAW264.7 and THP-1-derived macrophages, leading to increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the M1 surface markers CD86 via activating MAPKs signaling pathway. Further investigations showed that sophoridine-stimulated RAW264.7 and THP-1-derived M1 macrophages effectively induced cell apoptosis as well as inhibited the cell colony formation and cell proliferation in both H460 and Lewis lung cancer cells. In Lewis-bearing mice model, sophoridine (15 or 25 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the tumour growth and up-regulated the expression of CD86/F4/80 in tumour tissues. Collectively, the findings clearly demonstrate that sophoridine promoted M1-like polarisation in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that sophoridine held a great therapeutic potential for treating lung cancer.

scholarly journals Zi Shen Decoction Inhibits Growth and Metastasis of Lung Cancer via Regulating the AKT/GSK-3β/β-Catenin Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Yanxia Ma ◽  
Yu Liu ◽  
Linxin Teng ◽  
En Luo ◽  
Dekang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Lung Cancer Cells ◽  
Lewis Lung Cancer ◽  
Lung Cancer Therapy ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Gsk 3Β

Lung cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Oxidative stress plays important roles in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. Many natural products show antioxidative activities in cancer treatment. Zi Shen decoction (ZSD) is a classic prescription for the treatment of lung disease. However, its effect on lung cancer lacks evidence-based efficacy. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of ZSD on lung cancer in vivo and in vitro. Our results showed that oral administration of ZSD suppressed the Lewis lung cancer (LLC) growth in a subcutaneous allograft model and promoted necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in the tumor tissues. Furthermore, ZSD not only inhibited tumor cell proliferation and migration but also induced cell apoptosis in lung cancer cells. PI3K/AKT signaling is well characterized in response to oxidative stress. The bioinformatics analysis and western blot assays suggested that ZSD decreased the enzyme activity of PI3K and AKT in vivo and in vitro. We also found that the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway medicated anticancer effect of ZSD in lung cancer cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that ZSD possesses antitumor properties, highlighting its potential use as an alternative strategy or adjuvant treatment for lung cancer therapy.

scholarly journals USP9X-mediated KDM4C deubiquitination promotes lung cancer radioresistance by epigenetically inducing TGF-β2 transcription

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohua Jie ◽  
William Pat Fong ◽  
Rui Zhou ◽  
Ye Zhao ◽  
Yingchao Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Affinity Purification ◽  
Smad Signaling ◽  
Lung Cancer Patients ◽  
Lysine Specific Demethylase ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
H3k9me3 Level ◽  
Critical Binding

AbstractRadioresistance is regarded as the main barrier to effective radiotherapy in lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms of radioresistance remain elusive. Here, we show that lysine-specific demethylase 4C (KDM4C) is overexpressed and correlated with poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. We provide evidence that genetical or pharmacological inhibition of KDM4C impairs tumorigenesis and radioresistance in lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we uncover that KDM4C upregulates TGF-β2 expression by directly reducing H3K9me3 level at the TGF-β2 promoter and then activates Smad/ATM/Chk2 signaling to confer radioresistance in lung cancer. Using tandem affinity purification technology, we further identify deubiquitinase USP9X as a critical binding partner that deubiquitinates and stabilizes KDM4C. More importantly, depletion of USP9X impairs TGF-β2/Smad signaling and radioresistance by destabilizing KDM4C in lung cancer cells. Thus, our findings demonstrate that USP9X-mediated KDM4C deubiquitination activates TGF-β2/Smad signaling to promote radioresistance, suggesting that targeting KDM4C may be a promising radiosensitization strategy in the treatment of lung cancer.

scholarly journals MSCs-engineered biomimetic PMAA nanomedicines for multiple bioimaging-guided and photothermal-enhanced radiotherapy of NSCLC

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yipengchen Yin ◽  
Yongjing Li ◽  
Sheng Wang ◽  
Ziliang Dong ◽  
Chao Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cell Membranes ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Fluorescence Signal ◽  
Bimodal Imaging ◽  
Red Blood Cell Membranes ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Tumor Accumulation

Abstract Background The recently developed biomimetic strategy is one of the mostly effective strategies for improving the theranostic efficacy of diverse nanomedicines, because nanoparticles coated with cell membranes can disguise as “self”, evade the surveillance of the immune system, and accumulate to the tumor sites actively. Results Herein, we utilized mesenchymal stem cell memabranes (MSCs) to coat polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) nanoparticles loaded with Fe(III) and cypate—an derivative of indocyanine green to fabricate Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs, which featured high stability, desirable tumor-accumulation and intriguing photothermal conversion efficiency both in vitro and in vivo for the treatment of lung cancer. After intravenous administration of Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs and Cyp-PMAA-Fe@RBCs (RBCs, red blood cell membranes) separately into tumor-bearing mice, the fluorescence signal in the MSCs group was 21% stronger than that in the RBCs group at the tumor sites in an in vivo fluorescence imaging system. Correspondingly, the T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal at the tumor site decreased 30% after intravenous injection of Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs. Importantly, the constructed Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs exhibited strong photothermal hyperthermia effect both in vitro and in vivo when exposed to 808 nm laser irradiation, thus it could be used for photothermal therapy. Furthermore, tumors on mice treated with phototermal therapy and radiotherapy shrank 32% more than those treated with only radiotherapy. Conclusions These results proved that Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs could realize fluorescence/MRI bimodal imaging, while be used in phototermal-therapy-enhanced radiotherapy, providing desirable nanoplatforms for tumor diagnosis and precise treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

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