scholarly journals Cardiac Glycosides as Autophagy Modulators

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 3341
Author(s):  
Jan Škubník ◽  
Vladimíra Svobodová Pavlíčková ◽  
Jana Psotová ◽  
Silvie Rimpelová
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Glycosides ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Drug Repositioning ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Antitumor Action ◽  
Great Effort ◽  
Autophagy Induction ◽  
Antitumor Properties ◽  
Therapeutic Research

Drug repositioning is one of the leading strategies in modern therapeutic research. Instead of searching for completely novel substances and demanding studies of their biological effects, much attention has been paid to the evaluation of commonly used drugs, which could be utilized for more distinct indications than they have been approved for. Since treatment approaches for cancer, one of the most extensively studied diseases, have still been very limited, great effort has been made to find or repurpose novel anticancer therapeutics. One of these are cardiac glycosides, substances commonly used to treat congestive heart failure or various arrhythmias. Recently, the antitumor properties of cardiac glycosides have been discovered and, therefore, these compounds are being considered for anticancer therapy. Their mechanism of antitumor action seems to be rather complex and not fully uncovered yet, however, autophagy has been confirmed to play a key role in this process. In this review article, we report on the up-to-date knowledge of the anticancer activity of cardiac glycosides with special attention paid to autophagy induction, the molecular mechanisms of this process, and the potential employment of this phenomenon in clinical practice.

scholarly journals Small Non-Coding-RNA in Gynecological Malignancies

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1085
Author(s):  
Shailendra Kumar Dhar Dwivedi ◽  
Geeta Rao ◽  
Anindya Dey ◽  
Priyabrata Mukherjee ◽  
Jonathan D. Wren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
P Element ◽  
Gynecologic Malignancies ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Gynecological Malignancies ◽  
Non Coding Rna ◽  
Therapeutic Research ◽  
Regulatory Functions

Gynecologic malignancies, which include cancers of the cervix, ovary, uterus, vulva, vagina, and fallopian tube, are among the leading causes of female mortality worldwide, with the most prevalent being endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer. Gynecologic malignancies are complex, heterogeneous diseases, and despite extensive research efforts, the molecular mechanisms underlying their development and pathology remain largely unclear. Currently, mechanistic and therapeutic research in cancer is largely focused on protein targets that are encoded by about 1% of the human genome. Our current understanding of 99% of the genome, which includes noncoding RNA, is limited. The discovery of tens of thousands of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), possessing either structural or regulatory functions, has fundamentally altered our understanding of genetics, physiology, pathophysiology, and disease treatment as they relate to gynecologic malignancies. In recent years, it has become clear that ncRNAs are relatively stable, and can serve as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as guide therapy choices. Here we discuss the role of small non-coding RNAs, i.e., microRNAs (miRs), P-Element induced wimpy testis interacting (PIWI) RNAs (piRNAs), and tRNA-derived small RNAs in gynecological malignancies, specifically focusing on ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer.

scholarly journals 3D-surface MALDI mass spectrometry imaging for visualising plant defensive cardiac glycosides in Asclepias curassavica

2021 ◽  
Vol 413 (8) ◽  
pp. 2125-2134
Author(s):  
Domenic Dreisbach ◽  
Georg Petschenka ◽  
Bernhard Spengler ◽  
Dhaka R. Bhandari
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Imaging ◽  
Cardiac Glycosides ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Plant Science ◽  
Primary Metabolism ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Asclepias Curassavica ◽  
3D Surface ◽  
3D Surfaces

AbstractMass spectrometry–based imaging (MSI) has emerged as a promising method for spatial metabolomics in plant science. Several ionisation techniques have shown great potential for the spatially resolved analysis of metabolites in plant tissue. However, limitations in technology and methodology limited the molecular information for irregular 3D surfaces with resolutions on the micrometre scale. Here, we used atmospheric-pressure 3D-surface matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (3D-surface MALDI MSI) to investigate plant chemical defence at the topographic molecular level for the model system Asclepias curassavica. Upon mechanical damage (simulating herbivore attacks) of native A. curassavica leaves, the surface of the leaves varies up to 700 μm, and cardiac glycosides (cardenolides) and other defence metabolites were exclusively detected in damaged leaf tissue but not in different regions of the same leaf. Our results indicated an increased latex flow rate towards the point of damage leading to an accumulation of defence substances in the affected area. While the concentration of cardiac glycosides showed no differences between 10 and 300 min after wounding, cardiac glycosides decreased after 24 h. The employed autofocusing AP-SMALDI MSI system provides a significant technological advancement for the visualisation of individual molecule species on irregular 3D surfaces such as native plant leaves. Our study demonstrates the enormous potential of this method in the field of plant science including primary metabolism and molecular mechanisms of plant responses to abiotic and biotic stress and symbiotic relationships. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Crocetin Mitigates Irradiation Injury in an In Vitro Model of the Pubertal Testis: Focus on Biological Effects and Molecular Mechanisms

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1676
Author(s):  
Giulia Rossi ◽  
Martina Placidi ◽  
Chiara Castellini ◽  
Francesco Rea ◽  
Settimio D'Andrea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Model ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Cellular Damage ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Adolescent Cancer ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
Vitro Model ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Infertility is a potential side effect of radiotherapy and significantly affects the quality of life for adolescent cancer survivors. Very few studies have addressed in pubertal models the mechanistic events that could be targeted to provide protection from gonadotoxicity and data on potential radioprotective treatments in this peculiar period of life are elusive. In this study, we utilized an in vitro model of the mouse pubertal testis to investigate the efficacy of crocetin to counteract ionizing radiation (IR)-induced injury and potential underlying mechanisms. Present experiments provide evidence that exposure of testis fragments from pubertal mice to 2 Gy X-rays induced extensive structural and cellular damage associated with overexpression of PARP1, PCNA, SOD2 and HuR and decreased levels of SIRT1 and catalase. A twenty-four hr exposure to 50 μM crocetin pre- and post-IR significantly reduced testis injury and modulated the response to DNA damage and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, crocetin treatment did not counteract the radiation-induced changes in the expression of SIRT1, p62 and LC3II. These results increase the knowledge of mechanisms underlying radiation damage in pubertal testis and establish the use of crocetin as a fertoprotective agent against IR deleterious effects in pubertal period.

scholarly journals SMADS-Mediate Molecular Mechanisms in Sjögren’s Syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 3203
Author(s):  
Margherita Sisto ◽  
Domenico Ribatti ◽  
Sabrina Lisi
Keyword(s):  
Sjögren’S Syndrome ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Sjögren's Syndrome ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Sjogren’S Syndrome ◽  
Sjogren's Syndrome ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Sjögren‘S Syndrome

There is considerable interest in delineating the molecular mechanisms of action of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), considered as central player in a plethora of human conditions, including cancer, fibrosis and autoimmune disease. TGF-β elicits its biological effects through membrane bound serine/threonine kinase receptors which transmit their signals via downstream signalling molecules, SMADs, which regulate the transcription of target genes in collaboration with various co-activators and co-repressors. Until now, therapeutic strategy for primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) has been focused on inflammation, but, recently, the involvement of TGF-β/SMADs signalling has been demonstrated in pSS salivary glands (SGs) as mediator of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation. Although EMT seems to cause pSS SG fibrosis, TGF-β family members have ambiguous effects on the function of pSS SGs. Based on these premises, this review highlights recent advances in unravelling the molecular basis for the multi-faceted functions of TGF-β in pSS that are dictated by orchestrations of SMADs, and describe TGF-β/SMADs value as both disease markers and/or therapeutic target for pSS.

Microglia extracellular vesicles: focus on molecular composition and biological function

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 1779-1790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Ceccarelli ◽  
Chiara Giacomelli ◽  
Laura Marchetti ◽  
Claudia Martini
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Biological Function ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Molecular Composition ◽  
Cargo Proteins ◽  
A Cell ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous family of cell-derived lipid bounded vesicles comprising exosomes and microvesicles. They are potentially produced by all types of cells and are used as a cell-to-cell communication method that allows protein, lipid, and genetic material exchange. Microglia cells produce a large number of EVs both in resting and activated conditions, in the latter case changing their production and related biological effects. Several actions of microglia in the central nervous system are ascribed to EVs, but the molecular mechanisms by which each effect occurs are still largely unknown. Conflicting functions have been ascribed to microglia-derived EVs starting from the neuronal support and ending with the propagation of inflammation and neurodegeneration, confirming the crucial role of these organelles in tuning brain homeostasis. Despite the increasing number of studies reported on microglia-EVs, there is also a lot of fragmentation in the knowledge on the mechanism at the basis of their production and modification of their cargo. In this review, a collection of literature data about the surface and cargo proteins and lipids as well as the miRNA content of EVs produced by microglial cells has been reported. A special highlight was given to the works in which the EV molecular composition is linked to a precise biological function.

scholarly journals The Effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine on Smooth Muscles is Impacted by Broadband UV and LED UV and Blue Light

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-342
Author(s):  
Charilaos Xenodochidis ◽  
◽  
Milena Draganova-Filipova ◽  
George Miloshev ◽  
Milena Georgieva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Smooth Muscles ◽  
Light Sources ◽  
Organ Bath ◽  
Light Emitting ◽  
Signaling Systems ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Lamp Source

Due to their effects, similar to low-intensity therapy light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LED) and broadband spectrum lamps have recently become commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative pathologies, cancer, as well as ageing. Despite the proven positive effects of such therapies, deeper understanding of the light therapies’ biological effects remains unclear. Even more, the molecular mechanisms through which different neurotransmitters, namely serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), mediate the organism’s response to radiation are yet indistinct. In this paper, we present the design and development of a specialized system for irradiation of biological objects, which is composed of LED 365 nm and LED 470 nm and a broadband lamp source of UVA/B (350 nm) with intensity, power density and direction, which can be optimized experimentally. The system, named a “water organ bath (wob)”, is used in the current work to irradiate smooth muscle stomach strips of rats. The obtained results prove that the modulation of the spontaneous contractile smooth muscle activity and the potentiation of the effects of major neurotransmitters are executed by the emitted light. The probable explanation for the neurotransmitters photoactivation is that it is the resultant effect of electromagnetic radiation on intracellular enzymes signaling systems.

scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms and Immunomodulatory Effects of Platinum Analogs on Some Genes and as Anticancer Drugs: Review Article

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-26
Author(s):  
Dalia A. Shakur ◽  
Suhad F. H. Al-Mugdadi ◽  
Inam S. Arif
Keyword(s):  
Cytotoxic Effect ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Drug ◽  
Immunomodulatory Effects ◽  
Molecular Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Immunomodulatory Properties ◽  
Dna Break ◽  
Dna Purine Bases ◽  
Platinum Analogs

Platinum analogs includes cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin. Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug with excellent success in the management of human malignancies. Molecular mechanism of action related to its capacity to crosslink of DNA purine bases; also, by interfere with DNA repair, leading to DNA break, and consequently lead to apoptosis in cancer cells. Cisplatin also found to have immunomodulatory properties besides its cytotoxic effect.

The LPA-CDK5-Tau Pathway Mediates Neuronal Injury in an In Vitro Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion Insult

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaya Wang ◽  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Liqin Huang ◽  
Yanhong Mo ◽  
Changyu Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Neuronal Cell Death ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Ischemic Brain ◽  
Pathophysiological Process ◽  
Vitro Model

Abstract Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a common glycerol phospholipid and an important extracellular signaling molecule. LPA binds to its receptors and mediates a variety of biological effects, including the pathophysiological process underlying ischemic brain damage and traumatic brain injury. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating the pathological role of LPA are not clear. Here, we found that LPA activates cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5). CDK5 phosphorylates tau, which leads to neuronal cell death. Inhibition of LPA production or blocking its receptors reduced the abnormal activation of CDK5 and phosphorylation of tau, thus reversing the death of neurons. Our data indicate that the LPA-CDK5-Tau pathway plays an important role in the pathophysiological process after ischemic stroke. Inhibiting the LPA pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for treating ischemic brain injury.

Modulation of Long Non-Coding RNAs by Different Classes of Secondary Metabolites from Plants: A Mini-Review on Antitumor Effects

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamires Cunha Almeida ◽  
Janaína Brandão Seibert ◽  
Tatiane Roquete Amparo ◽  
Gustavo Henrique Bianco de Souza ◽  
Glenda Nicioli da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Antitumor Action ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Parameters ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Antitumor Potential ◽  
Inhibition Of Tumor Growth ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

: The broad pharmacological spectrum of plants is related to their secondary metabolism, which is responsible for the synthesis of different compounds that have multiple effects on cellular physiology. Among the biological effects presented by phytochemicals, their use for the prevention and treatment of cancer can be highlighted. This occurs due to several mechanisms of antitumor action demonstrated by these compounds, including regulation of the cell signaling pathways and inhibition of tumor growth. In this way, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) appear to be promising targets for the treatment of cancer. Their deregulation has already been related to a variety of clinical-pathological parameters. However, the effects of secondary metabolites on lncRNAs are still restricted. For this reason, the present review aimed to gather data on phytochemicals with action on lncRNAs in order to confirm their possible antitumor potential. According to the literature, terpenoid and flavonoid are the main examples of secondary metabolites involved with lncRNAs activity. In addition, the lncRNAs H19, CASC2, HOTAIR, NKILA, CCAT1, MALAT1, AFAP1-AS1, MEG3, and CDKN2B-AS1 can be highlighted as important targets in the search for new anti-tumor agents since they act as modulating pathways related to cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion. Finally, challenges for the use of natural products as a commercial drug were also discussed. The low yield, selectivity index and undesirable pharmacokinetic parameters were emphasized as a difficulty for obtaining these compounds on a large scale and for improving the potency of its biological effect. However, the synthesis and/or development of formulations were suggested as a possible approach to solve these problems. All of these data together confirm the potential of secondary metabolites as a source of new anti-tumor agents acting on lncRNAs.

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