scholarly journals CancerGram: An Effective Classifier for Differentiating Anticancer from Antimicrobial Peptides

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1045
Author(s):  
Michał Burdukiewicz ◽  
Katarzyna Sidorczuk ◽  
Dominik Rafacz ◽  
Filip Pietluch ◽  
Mateusz Bąkała ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Kappa Statistic ◽  
R Package ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Membrane Composition ◽  
Anticancer Peptides ◽  
Multicellular Organisms

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute a diverse group of bioactive molecules that provide multicellular organisms with protection against microorganisms, and microorganisms with weaponry for competition. Some AMPs can target cancer cells; thus, they are called anticancer peptides (ACPs). Due to their small size, positive charge, hydrophobicity and amphipathicity, AMPs and ACPs interact with negatively charged components of biological membranes. AMPs preferentially permeabilize microbial membranes, but ACPs additionally target mitochondrial and plasma membranes of cancer cells. The preference towards mitochondrial membranes is explained by their membrane potential, membrane composition resulting from α-proteobacterial origin and the fact that mitochondrial targeting signals could have evolved from AMPs. Taking into account the therapeutic potential of ACPs and millions of deaths due to cancer annually, it is of vital importance to find new cationic peptides that selectively destroy cancer cells. Therefore, to reduce the costs of experimental research, we have created a robust computational tool, CancerGram, that uses n-grams and random forests for predicting ACPs. Compared to other ACP classifiers, CancerGram is the first three-class model that effectively classifies peptides into: ACPs, AMPs and non-ACPs/non-AMPs, with AU1U amounting to 0.89 and a Kappa statistic of 0.65. CancerGram is available as a web server and R package on GitHub.

Polymeric prodrug combination to exploit the therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides against cancer cells

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (39) ◽  
pp. 9278-9286 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Kelly ◽  
A. Foltyn-Arfa Kia ◽  
F. Hassan ◽  
S. O'Grady ◽  
M. P. Morgan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Antineoplastic Agent ◽  
Polymeric Prodrug

The first targeted anticancer polymeric prodrug candidates of antimicrobial peptides, intended for combination therapy with another polymeric prodrug of an approved antineoplastic agent (doxorubicin) are reported.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial Peptides as Anticancer Agents: Functional Properties and Biological Activities

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 2850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Lucia Tornesello ◽  
Antonella Borrelli ◽  
Luigi Buonaguro ◽  
Franco Maria Buonaguro ◽  
Maria Lina Tornesello
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Tumor Antigens ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Host Defense Peptides

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), or host defense peptides, are small cationic or amphipathic molecules produced by prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms that play a key role in the innate immune defense against viruses, bacteria and fungi. AMPs have either antimicrobial or anticancer activities. Indeed, cationic AMPs are able to disrupt microbial cell membranes by interacting with negatively charged phospholipids. Moreover, several peptides are capable to trigger cytotoxicity of human cancer cells by binding to negatively charged phosphatidylserine moieties which are selectively exposed on the outer surface of cancer cell plasma membranes. In addition, some AMPs, such as LTX-315, have shown to induce release of tumor antigens and potent damage associated molecular patterns by causing alterations in the intracellular organelles of cancer cells. Given the recognized medical need of novel anticancer drugs, AMPs could represent a potential source of effective therapeutic agents, either alone or in combination with other small molecules, in oncology. In this review we summarize and describe the properties and the mode of action of AMPs as well as the strategies to increase their selectivity toward specific cancer cells.

scholarly journals Small Molecule Wnt Pathway Modulators from Natural Sources: History, State of the Art and Perspectives

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Artem Blagodatski ◽  
Antonina Klimenko ◽  
Lee Jia ◽  
Vladimir L. Katanaev
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Wnt Pathway ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Small Molecule Modulators ◽  
Multicellular Organisms ◽  
Important Therapeutic Target

The Wnt signaling is one of the major pathways known to regulate embryonic development, tissue renewal and regeneration in multicellular organisms. Dysregulations of the pathway are a common cause of several types of cancer and other diseases, such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. This makes Wnt signaling an important therapeutic target. Small molecule activators and inhibitors of signaling pathways are important biomedical tools which allow one to harness signaling processes in the organism for therapeutic purposes in affordable and specific ways. Natural products are a well known source of biologically active small molecules with therapeutic potential. In this article, we provide an up-to-date overview of existing small molecule modulators of the Wnt pathway derived from natural products. In the first part of the review, we focus on Wnt pathway activators, which can be used for regenerative therapy in various tissues such as skin, bone, cartilage and the nervous system. The second part describes inhibitors of the pathway, which are desired agents for targeted therapies against different cancers. In each part, we pay specific attention to the mechanisms of action of the natural products, to the models on which they were investigated, and to the potential of different taxa to yield bioactive molecules capable of regulating the Wnt signaling.

Cytotoxic Effect of the Combination of Gemcitabine and Atorvastatin Loaded in Microemulsion on the HCT116 Colon Cancer Cells

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayson H. Alkhatib ◽  
Dalal Al-Saedi ◽  
Wadiah S. Backer
Keyword(s):  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Anticancer Drugs ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
In Vitro Study ◽  
Colon Cancer Cells ◽  
Apoptosis Detection ◽  
Hct116 Cells

The combination of anticancer drugs in nanoparticles has great potential as a promising strategy to maximize efficacies by eradicating resistant, reduce the dosage of the drug and minimize toxicities on the normal cells. Gemcitabine (GEM), a nucleoside analogue, and atorvastatin (ATV), a cholesterol lowering agent, have shown anticancer effect with some limitations. The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antitumor activity of the combination therapy of GEM and ATVencapsulated in a microemulsion (ME) formulation in the HCT116 colon cancer cells. The cytotoxicity and efficacy of the formulation were assessed by the 3- (4,5dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphyneltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The mechanism of cell death was examined by observing the morphological changes of treated cells under light microscope, identifying apoptosis by using the ApopNexin apoptosis detection kit, and viewing the morphological changes in the chromatin structure stained with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) under the inverted fluorescence microscope. It has been found that reducing the concentration of GEM loaded on ME (GEM-ME) from 5μM to 1.67μM by combining it with 3.33μM of ATV in a ME formulation (GEM/2ATV-ME) has preserved the strong cytotoxicity of GEM-ME against HCT116 cells. The current study proved that formulating GEM with ATV in ME has improved the therapeutic potential of GEM and ATV as anticancer drugs.

Oncogenic LncRNA CASC9 in Cancer Progression

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuying Qi ◽  
Chaoying Song ◽  
Jiali Zhang ◽  
Chong Guo ◽  
Chengfu Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Squamous Metaplasia ◽  
Neoplastic Transformation ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Human Cancers ◽  
Current Review

Background: Long non-coding RNA (LncRNAs), with the length over 200 nucleotides, originate from intergenic, antisense, or promoter-proximal regions, is a large family of RNAs that lack coding capacity. Emerging evidences illustrated that LncRNAs played significant roles in a variety of cellular functions and biological processes in profuse human diseases, especially in cancers. Cancer susceptibility candidate 9 (CASC9), as a member of the LncRNAs group, was firstly found its oncogenic function in esophageal cancer. In following recent studies, a growing amount of human malignancies are verified to be correlated with CASC9, most of which are derived from the squamous epithelium tissue. This present review attempts to highlight the latest insights into the expression, functional roles, and molecular mechanisms of CASC9 in different human malignancies. Methods: In this review, the latest findings related to the pathophysiological processes of CASC9 in human cancers were summarized and analyzed, the associated studies were collected in systematically retrieval of PubMed used lncRNA and CASA9 as keywords. Results: CASC9 expression is identified to be aberrantly elevated in a variety of malignancies. The over-expression of CASC9 has been suggested to accelerate cell proliferation, migration, cell growth and drug resistance of cancer cells, while depress cell apoptosis, revealing its role as an oncogene. Moreover, the current review demonstrated CASC9 closely relates to neoplastic transformation of squamous epithelial cells and squamous metaplasia in non-squamous epithelial tissues. Finally, we discuss the limitations and tremendous diagnostic/therapeutic potential of CASC9 in various human cancers. Results: CASC9 expression is identified to be aberrantly elevated in a variety of malignancies. The over-expression of CASC9 has been suggested to accelerate cell proliferation, migration, cell growth and drug resistance of cancer cells, while depress cell apoptosis, revealing its role as an oncogene. Moreover, the current review demonstrated CASC9 closely relates to neoplastic transformation of squamous epithelial cells and squamous metaplasia in non-squamous epithelial tissues. Finally, we discuss the limitations and tremendous diagnostic/therapeutic potential of CASC9 in various human cancers. Conclusion: Long non-coding RNACASC9 likely served as useful disease biomarkers or therapy targets that could effectively apply in treatment of different kinds of cancers.

Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Anti-Cancer Therapies

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 482-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milena Kostadinova ◽  
Milena Mourdjeva
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Tumor Formation ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Blocking Mechanisms

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are localized throughout the adult body as a small population in the stroma of the tissue concerned. In injury, tissue damage, or tumor formation, they are activated and leave their niche to migrate to the site of injury, where they release a plethora of growth factors, cytokines, and other bioactive molecules. With the accumulation of data about the interaction between MSCs and tumor cells, the dualistic role of MSCs remains unclear. However, a large number of studies have demonstrated the natural anti-tumor properties inherent in MSCs, so this is the basis for intensive research for new methods using MSCs as a tool to suppress cancer cell development. This review focuses specifically on advanced approaches in modifying MSCs to become a powerful, precision- targeted tool for killing cancer cells, but not normal healthy cells. Suppression of tumor growth by MSCs can be accomplished by inducing apoptosis or cell cycle arrest, suppressing tumor angiogenesis, or blocking mechanisms mediating metastasis. In addition, the chemosensitivity of cancer cells may be increased so that the dose of the chemotherapeutic agent used could be significantly reduced.

Majra Honey Abrogated the Normal and Cancer Cells Proliferation Inhibition by Juniperus procera Extract and Extract/Honey Generated AgNPs

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 970-981
Author(s):  
Hamed A. Ghramh ◽  
Essam H. Ibrahim ◽  
Mona Kilnay
Keyword(s):  
Anticancer Activity ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Splenic Cells ◽  
Juniperus Procera

Background: Juniperus procera and Majra honey are well-known as a folk medicine in many countries. Objectives: This work aimed to study the immunomodulatory effects after mixing Majra honey, J. procera water leaves extract and silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) on immune or cancer cells. Methods: Juniperus procera water leaves extract and 20% Majra honey were prepared. Both the extract and honey were used separately to synthesize AgNPs. AgNPs were characterized using UV/Vis spectrophotometry and electron microscopy. Bioactive molecules in honey and the extract were explored using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Protein profile of honey was explored using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate- Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and honey sugar content was determined using High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Biological activities of honey and the extract were tested. Results: The results demonstrated the ability of the extract/honey to produce AgNPs in a spherical shape. The extract/honey contained many functional groups. SDS-PAGE of Majra honey showed many protein bands. HPLC revealed honey is of good quality and no external additives are added to it. The extract and extract+ AgNPs inhibited the growth of normal rat splenic cells while honey stimulated it. The extract+honey turned stimulatory to the splenic cells’ growth and significantly diminished the inhibitory potential of the extract containing AgNPs. Both the extract and honey have antimicrobial activities, this potential increased in the presence of AgNPs. Honey and Honey+AgNPs inhibited HepG2 cancer cell proliferation while Hela cell growth inhibited only with honey+AgNPs. Conclusion: Both honey and the extract have antibacterial and immunomodulatory potentials as well as the power to produce AgNPs. Majra honey alone showed anticancer activity against HepGe2 cells, but not against Hela cells, and when contained AgNPs had anticancer activity on both cell lines. Mixing of Majra honey with J. procera extract showed characterized immunomodulatory potentials that can be described as immunostimulant.

Therapeutic potential of renin angiotensin system inhibitors in cancer cells metastasis

2020 ◽  
Vol 216 (7) ◽  
pp. 153010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milad Hashemzehi ◽  
Farimah Beheshti ◽  
Seyed Mahdi Hassanian ◽  
Gordon A. Ferns ◽  
Majid Khazaei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin

scholarly journals The Role of Sphingolipids in Cancer Immunotherapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6492
Author(s):  
Paola Giussani ◽  
Alessandro Prinetti ◽  
Cristina Tringali
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Car T ◽  
Sphingosine 1 Phosphate ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Lymphocyte Egress

Immunotherapy is now considered an innovative and strong strategy to beat metastatic, drug-resistant, or relapsing tumours. It is based on the manipulation of several mechanisms involved in the complex interplay between cancer cells and immune system that culminates in a form of immune-tolerance of tumour cells, favouring their expansion. Current immunotherapies are devoted enforcing the immune response against cancer cells and are represented by approaches employing vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, interleukins, checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. Despite the undoubted potency of these treatments in some malignancies, many issues are being investigated to amplify the potential of application and to avoid side effects. In this review, we discuss how sphingolipids are involved in interactions between cancer cells and the immune system and how knowledge in this topic could be employed to enhance the efficacy of different immunotherapy approaches. In particular, we explore the following aspects: how sphingolipids are pivotal components of plasma membranes and could modulate the functionality of surface receptors expressed also by immune cells and thus their functionality; how sphingolipids are related to the release of bioactive mediators, sphingosine 1-phosphate, and ceramide that could significantly affect lymphocyte egress and migration toward the tumour milieu, in addition regulating key pathways needed to activate immune cells; given the renowned capability of altering sphingolipid expression and metabolism shown by cancer cells, how it is possible to employ sphingolipids as antigen targets.

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