Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min-Hee Jo, Yong-Tae Kim, Sun Joo Park
Summary: Dieckol, a natural polyphenol, inhibits the growth of melanoma cells by inducing apoptotic cell death through affecting lysosomal function and mitochondrial membrane. This suggests its potential value as a chemotherapeutic drug candidate for melanoma treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yi-Ching Huang, Tien-Ming Yuan, Bang-Hung Liu, Kai-Li Liu, Chiung-Hua Wung, Show-Mei Chuang
Summary: The study findings suggest that co-treatment of capsaicin with conventional anticancer drugs significantly enhances the sensitivity of oral cancer cells to the drugs, mainly through upregulation of autophagy and downregulation of ribophorin II protein. Co-treatment reduces apoptosis induction, increases levels of necroptosis markers, and decreases levels of DNA damage response markers.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Iuliia Taskaeva, Izabella Gogaeva, Anastasia Shatruk, Nataliya Bgatova
Summary: The study aimed to investigate if lithium salt induces autophagy and apoptosis in skin melanoma cells to enhance cell death. The results showed that lithium treatment suppressed the proliferation of melanoma cells and stimulated autophagy and apoptosis, suggesting its potential as a treatment for melanoma.
MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Beibei Sha, Yaxin Sun, Shan Zhao, Miaomiao Li, Wenjing Huang, Zheng Li, Jianxiang Shi, Xuefei Han, Pei Li, Tao Hu, Ping Chen
Summary: This study explores the role of USP8 inhibitor, DUB-IN-1, in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. The results show that USP8 levels are higher in ESCC tissues compared to adjacent tissues. DUB-IN-1 induces DNA damage, G2/M phase block, and apoptosis through the p53 pathway. In addition, it stimulates autophagy through p53-dependent AMPK activation. These findings suggest that DUB-IN-1 may be a potential novel inhibitor for targeting USP8 in ESCC cells.
CELL BIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cheol Park, Hee-Jae Cha, Min Yeong Kim, EunJin Bang, Sung-Kwon Moon, Seok Joong Yun, Wun-Jae Kim, Jeong Sook Noh, Gi-Young Kim, Suengmok Cho, Hyesook Lee, Yung Hyun Choi
Summary: The study found that phloroglucinol can protect human retinal pigment epithelium cells from oxidative damage, reduce apoptosis, and improve cell function by decreasing ROS production.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jia-feng Tang, Guo-li Li, Tao Zhang, Yu-mei Du, Shi-ying Huang, Jian-hua Ran, Jing Li, Di-long Chen
Summary: In this study, it was found that HHT effectively inhibits the proliferation of melanoma cells by inducing DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed the inhibitory effect of HHT on melanoma, providing evidence for its potential as an anti-melanoma agent.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Zhi Lin, Fei Long, Rui Kang, Daniel J. Klionsky, Minghua Yang, Daolin Tang
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive summary of the latest research on the role and potential mechanisms of different lipids in regulating regulated cell death processes, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuanhang Ren, Xuan He, Xiyue Yan, Yanting Yang, Qiang Li, Tian Yao, Lidan Lu, Lianxin Peng, Liang Zou
Summary: This study investigated the cytotoxic effect and mechanism of toxicity of the insecticide Chlorfenapyr (CHL) on human liver cells. The results showed that CHL induced cellular toxicity by causing mitochondrial damage, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and autophagy in HepG2 cells. Additionally, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest were observed. This study suggests that CHL induces cytotoxicity associated with programmed cell death and DNA damage in HepG2 cells.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongrui Guo, Yujuan Ouyang, Jiaqi Wang, Hengmin Cui, Huidan Deng, Xinyue Zhong, Zhijie Jian, Huan Liu, Jing Fang, Zhicai Zuo, Xun Wang, Ling Zhao, Yi Geng, Ping Ouyang, Huaqiao Tang
Summary: Copper is essential but over-exposure can lead to adverse health effects. CuSO4 was found to induce spermatogenesis disorder through oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage and apoptosis, impairing male reproductive function.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Gazdova, Radka Michalkova, Martin Kello, Maria Vilkova, Zuzana Kudlickova, Janette Baloghova, Ladislav Mirossay, Jan Mojzis
Summary: This study focused on investigating the antiproliferative effects of chalcone hybrids, particularly the chalcone-acridine hybrid 1C, in melanoma cancer cells. The study revealed that 1C exhibited potent antiproliferative effects by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Additionally, the study found that 1C modulated the expression or phosphorylation of specific cell cycle-associated proteins and activated the DNA damage response pathway. Furthermore, 1C also induced apoptosis by causing mitochondrial dysfunction and activating caspase 3/7. The study suggests that the chalcone-acridine hybrid 1C may have potential as an antimelanoma agent in humans.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Heron F. Torquato, Manoel Trindade Rodrigues Junior, Caue Santos Lima, Roberto Theodoro de Araujo Junior, Fernanda Talhati, Dhebora Albuquerque Dias, Giselle Zenker Justo, Alice Teixeira Ferreira, Ronaldo Aloise Pilli, Edgar J. Paredes-Gamero
Summary: The natural product 10-methoxycanthin6-one (Mtx-C) showed high cytotoxicity in malignant AML cells Kasumi-1 and KG-1 by inducing mitochondrial-related apoptosis. Additionally, Mtx-C was able to simultaneously execute apoptotic and necrotic programs in Kasumi-1 cells, offering a promising opportunity for the development of new anti-leukemic molecules.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Alexei Evdokimov, Alexei Popov, Elena Ryabchikova, Olga Koval, Svetlana Romanenko, Vladimir Trifonov, Irina Petruseva, Inna Lavrik, Olga Lavrik
Summary: The naked mole rat, a long-lived rodent species, displays remarkable resistance to cancer and aging-related diseases. Research shows that naked mole rat cells are more resistant to DNA damaging agents compared to mouse cells, and they may exhibit limited apoptotic response and regulated necrosis. Overall, this study provides new insights into cell death mechanisms in naked mole rats and sheds light on potential therapeutic approaches.
Article
Biology
Cheol Park, Hyesook Lee, Soojung Jin, Jung-Ha Park, Min Ho Han, Jin-Woo Jeong, Hyun Ju Kwon, Byung Woo Kim, Shin-Hyung Park, Su Hyun Hong, Gi-Young Kim, Yung Hyun Choi
Summary: Loganin protects human keratinocytes from oxidative stress-induced cellular damage by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, and apoptosis.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jiandong Wang, Jinyuan Ma, Zongguang Tai, Lisha Li, Tingrui Zhang, Tingting Cheng, Junxia Yu, Quangang Zhu, Leilei Bao, Zhongjian Chen
Summary: This article reviews the use of activating immunogenic cell death (ICD) in enhancing cancer immunotherapy. Nanotechnology enables the stimulation of ICD and improves drug delivery. The potential synergistic benefits of combining ICD induction methods with the utilization of nanocarriers are also discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Srimanta Patra, Prakash P. Praharaj, Amruta Singh, Sujit K. Bhutia
Summary: SIRT1 plays a significant role in cancer regulation by regulating cellular localization and deacetylation activity. Its multifactorial role in autophagy regulates cancer-associated cellular phenotypes, aiding cellular survival and cell death. SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of autophagy-related genes and associated signaling mediators controls carcinogenesis.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
M. C. Joseph, A. J. Swarts, S. F. Mapolie
Summary: A series of novel cationic ruthenium half-sandwich complexes with 1-substituted-4-pyridyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole ligands were synthesized and found to be efficient catalyst precursors for transfer hydrogenation reactions. With a low concentration of base, these complexes could hydrogenate acetophenone with excellent conversions within a short reaction time. The catalytic efficiency of the most effective catalyst was further demonstrated in the transfer hydrogenation of a small library of ketones.
Article
Oncology
Victoria Damerell, Melvin Anyasi Ambele, Shanel Salisbury, Alexis Neumann-Mufweba, Chrisna Durandt, Michael Sean Pepper, Sharon Prince
Summary: Sarcomas are aggressive cancers of mesenchymal origin and their clinical management is complex. This study reveals that the c-Myc/TBX3 pathway may be a key mechanism that transforms mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) into sarcomas. TBX3 overexpression promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which are key processes in sarcomagenesis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ene Storm, Emile D. Maggott, Philani Mashazi, Tebello Nyokong, Rehana Malgas-Enus, Selwyn F. Mapolie
Summary: Gold and palladium nanoparticles were decorated on melamine formaldehyde and melamine resorcinol formaldehyde microspheres as heterogeneous catalysts for the oxidation of 1-phenylethanol. The supported catalysts showed higher conversion rates (around 83%) in water solvent compared to acetonitrile solvent (48-50%), which can be attributed to the different stability of the oxidant in different solvents.
MOLECULAR CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Amanda-Lee E. Manicum, Hitler Louis, Gideon E. Mathias, Ernest C. Agwamba, Frederick P. Malan, Tomsmith O. Unimuke, Wakopo J. Nzondomyo, Sibusiso A. Sithole, Supratim Biswas, Sharon Prince
Summary: In this study, two neutral complexes were synthesized using acetylacetone and characterized by various methods. The synthesized compounds showed potential as anticancer drugs and exhibited binding affinity to specific receptors.
INORGANICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Saif F. Khan, Carly A. Burmeister, David J. Scott, Musalula Sinkala, Amsha Ramburan, Hue-Tsi Wu, Georgia Schafer, Arieh A. Katz, Sharon Prince
Summary: Cervical cancer, mainly caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV, is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally. This study highlights the upregulation of TBX3 in cervical cancer cell lines and patient tissues, and its association with larger and more invasive tumors. It also reveals the dual role of TBX3 in promoting cell proliferation and migration in HPV-positive cells and inhibiting these processes in HPV-negative cells, with its tumor promoting activity depending on E6/E7.
MOLECULAR CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Moegamat Cassiem Joseph, Izak Aldert Kotze, Nnaemeka J. Nnaji, Andrew J. Swarts, Selwyn F. Mapolie
Summary: Cationic ruthenium(II) half-sandwich complexes with 1-octyl-4-pyridyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole ligands were found to exhibit strong ion pairing, which depended on the anionic counterion and solvent properties.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jennica Moller, Christina Kannigadu, Janine Aucamp, Moegamat C. Joseph, Andrew J. Swarts, David D. N'Da
Summary: Leishmaniasis is a widespread zoonotic disease that requires new and effective treatments. The current treatments have limitations such as toxicity, variable efficacy, and resistance. Ferrocenylazine derivatives show promising antileishmanial activity and could be potential new agents for treating leishmaniasis.
APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annick van Niekerk, Angelique Blanckenberg, Serah Kimani, Suparna Chakraborty, Sharon Prince, Prinessa Chellan, Selwyn Mapolie
Summary: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a low survival rate and current chemotherapy options have severe side effects and drug resistance. Palladium compounds show promise as alternatives with less toxicity and selectivity towards TNBC. This study reports the design and synthesis of benzylidene palladacycles with different phosphine bridging ligands. BTC2 emerges as a more soluble and less toxic compound with effective anticancer properties. It displays multimodal DNA binding properties and can be transported by albumin in mammalian cells.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bassam Abu Thaher, Ihab Al-Masri, Kanan Wahedy, Rami Morjan, Saeb Aliwaini, Iman Mahmoud Al Atter, Aayat Ahmed Elmabhouh, Areej Khaled Al Ibwaini, Saba Luay Alkhaldi, Basem Qeshta, Claus Jacob, Hans-Peter Deigner
Summary: Four novel 3-Aryl-1-(pyridin-4-yl)benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-d][1,2,4]-triazin-4(3H)-ones derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anticancer activity. The structures of the compounds were characterized and their binding to EGFR was determined. One compound, C3, exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells and also inhibited cell migration. Western blotting results indicated that C3 treatment inhibited EGFR signaling, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. This study provides a promising starting point for the development of new compounds targeting cancer cells.
NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annick van Niekerk, M. Cassiem Joseph, Angela Kavanagh, Hue Dinh, Andrew J. Swarts, Selwyn F. Mapolie, Johannes Zuegg, Amy K. Cain, Alysha G. Elliott, Mark A. T. Blaskovich, Angelo Frei
Summary: Infections associated with antibiotic resistance (AMR) are projected to become the leading cause of death in the coming decades due to over-prescription of antibiotics and a lack of new drug development. A community-driven initiative, Community for Open Antimicrobial Drug Discovery (CO-ADD), has identified metal-based drugs as a potential and untapped source for combating AMR. Testing of 18 palladium (Pd) and ruthenium (Ru) complexes has revealed that Pd complexes, particularly Pd1, exhibit potent antifungal activity against Candida glabrata. Furthermore, in-vivo studies in Galleria mellonella larvae have demonstrated the non-toxic nature of these compounds.
Article
Oncology
Ghodeejah Higgins, Faatiemah Higgins, Jade Peres, Dirk M. Lang, Tamer Abdalrahman, Muhammad H. Zaman, Sharon Prince, Thomas Franz
Summary: Cell stiffness and TBX3 expression are biomarkers of melanoma metastasis in 2D environments. Soft extracellular environments are more favorable for tumor growth. TBX3 mediates collective cell migration and tumor growth in the early VGP disease stage but plays a lesser role in the later metastatic stage of melanoma.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Nasser Abu-El-Noor, Yousef Aljeesh, Saeb Aliwaini, Sohaib Alhamss, Reda Darwish, Mysoon Abu-El-Noor
Summary: The purpose of this study was to identify the priorities and needs for improving oncology research in the Gaza Strip. Research priorities identified included assessing cancer awareness, exploring new biomarkers, and testing new cancer therapies. Research needs identified included financial support, training, availability of data, interdisciplinary research teams, and translating in vitro studies to in vivo.
JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY HEALTHCARE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maryna Saayman, Christina Kannigadu, Janine Aucamp, Helena D. Janse van Rensburg, Cassiem Joseph, Andrew J. Swarts, David D. N'Da
Summary: Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are neglected tropical diseases with increasing numbers of reported cases. Current treatments are inadequate, highlighting the need for new drugs. In this study, nitrofuran-based azine derivatives were investigated for their potential as antitrypanosomatid drugs, revealing two early leads for leishmanicidal activity and one hit for trypanosomacidal activity that warrant further investigation in vivo.
RSC MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Alexis Neumann-Mufweba, Serah Kimani, Saif Feroz Khan, Kelly Chibale, Sharon Prince
Summary: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Researchers have discovered a compound called MMV652103 that shows potential in the treatment of breast cancer. This compound inhibits oncogenic proteins and displays selective cytotoxicity to breast cancer cells, inhibiting their survival and migration, while also demonstrating a favorable safety profile.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paola Orlandi, Marta Banchi, Francesca Vaglini, Marco Carli, Stefano Aringhieri, Arianna Bandini, Carla Pardini, Cristina Viaggi, Michele Lai, Greta Ali, Alessandra Ottani, Eleonora Vandini, Patrizia Guidi, Margherita Bernardeschi, Veronica La Rocca, Giulio Francia, Gabriella Fontanini, Mauro Pistello, Giada Frenzilli, Daniela Giuliani, Marco Scarselli, Guido Bocci
Summary: This study investigates the role of MC4R in melanoma and the use of the selective antagonist ML in combination with vemurafenib. The results show that ML can inhibit melanoma cell proliferation and induce apoptosis through the inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and reduction of BCL-XL expression. The combination of vemurafenib and ML exhibits a synergistic effect in vitro and inhibits tumor growth in vivo without causing adverse effects.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Conor J. Bloxham, Katina D. Hulme, Fabrizio Fierro, Christian Fercher, Cassandra L. Pegg, Shannon L. O'Brien, Simon R. Foster, Kirsty R. Short, Sebastian G. B. Furness, Melissa E. Reichelt, Masha Y. Niv, Walter G. Thomas
Summary: Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) are a type of G protein-coupled receptors that allow humans to detect aversive and toxic substances. This study characterized the functional properties of previously identified T2Rs in human cardiac tissues and their naturally occurring polymorphisms. The results showed differences in signaling among different T2R variants, and revealed a potential association between the T2R50 Tyr203 variant and cardiovascular disease.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lu Chen, Huanying Shi, Wenxin Zhang, Yongjun Zhu, Haifei Chen, Zimei Wu, Huijie Qi, Jiafeng Liu, Mingkang Zhong, Xiaojin Shi, Tianxiao Wang, Qunyi Li
Summary: This study demonstrates that Carfilzomib exhibits potent anti-tumor activity against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by triggering mitochondrial apoptosis and reprogramming cellular metabolism. It has been identified that activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) plays a crucial role as a cellular target in ESCC cells treated with Carfilzomib. Overexpression of ATF3 effectively counteracts the effects of Carfilzomib on ESCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, ATF3 mediates the anti-tumor activity of Carfilzomib, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for ESCC.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xing Zhang, Xiang Li, Ran Xia, Hong-Sheng Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes recent progress on the mechanisms of ferroptosis resistance in cancer and highlights the role of redox status and metabolism. Combination therapy for ferroptosis has great potential in treating resistant malignant tumors.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2024)