Apoptosis In Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Research Articles

Carcinoembryonic antigen potentiates non-small cell lung cancer progression via PKA-PGC-1ɑ axis

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor-associated antigen primarily produced by tumor cells. It has been implicated in various biological processes such as cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis. Despite this, the precise molecular mechanisms through which CEA enhances tumor cell proliferation remain largely unclear. Our study demonstrates that CEA enhances the proliferation and migration of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) while also inhibiting cisplatin-induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Treatment with CEA led to an increase in mitochondrial numbers and accumulation of lipid droplets in A549 and H1299 cells. Additionally, our findings indicate that CEA plays a role in regulating the fatty acid metabolism of NSCLC cells. Inhibiting fatty acid metabolism significantly reduced the CEA-mediated proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells. CEA influences fatty acid metabolism and the proliferation of NSCLC cells by activating the PGC-1α signaling pathway. This regulatory mechanism involves CEA increasing intracellular cAMP levels, which in turn activates PKA and upregulates PGC-1α. In NSCLC, inhibiting the PKA-PGC-1α signaling pathway reduces both fatty acid metabolism and the proliferation and migration induced by CEA, both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that CEA contributes to the promotion of proliferation and migration by modulating fatty acid metabolism. Targeting CEA or the PKA-PGC-1ɑ signaling pathway may offer a promising therapeutic approach for treating NSCLC.

Demethylzeylasteral exerts potent efficacy against non-small-cell lung cancer via the P53 signaling pathway

Lung cancer has one of the highest mortality rates worldwide, with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constituting approximately 85% of all cases. Demethylzeylasteral (DEM), extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, exhibits notable anti-tumor properties. In this study, we revealed that DEM could effectively induce NSCLC cell apoptosis. Specifically, DEM can dose-dependently suppress the viability and migration of human NSCLC cells. RNA-seq analysis revealed that DEM regulates the P53-signaling pathway, which was further validated by assessing crucial proteins involved in this pathway. Biacore analysis indicated that DEM has high affinity with the P53 protein. The CDX model demonstrated DEM's anti-tumor actions. This work provided evidence that DEM-P53 interaction stabilizes P53 protein and triggers downstream anti-tumor activities. These findings indicate that DEM treatment holds promise as a potential therapeutic approach for NSCLC, which warrants further clinical assessment in patients with NSCLC.

The anti-non-small cell lung cancer effect of Diosbulbin B: Targeting YY1 induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

BackgroundToxic components frequently exhibit unique characteristics and activities, offering ample opportunities for the advancement of anti-cancer medications. As the main hepatotoxic component of Dioscorea bulbifera L. (DB), Diosbulbin B (DIOB) has been widely studied for its anti-tumor activity at nontoxic doses. However, the effectiveness and mechanism of DIOB against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. PurposeTo evaluate the anti-NSCLC activity of DIOB and to elucidate the specific mechanism of action. MethodThe effect of DIOB on NSCLCL in vitro was evaluated through CCK8, colony formation, and flow cytometry. The in vivo efficacy and safety of DIOB in treating NSCLC were assessed using various techniques, including HE staining, tunel staining, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical index detection. To understand the underlying mechanism, cell transfection, western blotting, molecular docking, cellular thermal shift assay (CESTA), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) were employed for investigation. ResultsDIOB effectively hindered the progression of NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo settings at a no-observed-adverse-effect concentration (NOAEC) and a safe dosage. Specifically, DIOB induced significant G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in A549, PC-9, and H1299 cells, while also notably inhibiting the growth of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. Mechanistically, DIOB could directly interact with oncogene Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and inhibit its expression. The reduction in YY1 resulted in the triggering of the tumor suppressor P53, which induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in NSCLC cells by inhibiting the expression of Cyclin A2, B2, CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, BCL-2, and inducing the expression of BAX. In NSCLC cells, the induction of G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis by DIOB was effectively reversed when YY1 was overexpressed or P53 was knocked down. Importantly, we observed that DIOB exerted the same effect by directly influencing the expression of YY1-regulated c-Myc and BIM, particularly in the absence of P53. ConclusionFor the inaugural investigation, this research unveiled the anti-NSCLC impact of DIOB, alongside its fundamental mechanism. DIOB has demonstrated potential as a treatment agent for NSCLC due to its impressive efficacy in countering NSCLC.

Inducing ubiquitination and degradation of TrxR1 protein by LW-216 promotes apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer via triggering ROS production

Thioredoxin reductases are frequently overexpressed in various solid tumors as a protective mechanism against heightened oxidative stress. Inhibitors of this system, such as Auranofin, are effective in eradicating cancer cells. However, the clinical significance of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) in lung cancer, as well as the potential for its antagonist as a treatment option, necessitated further experimental validation. In this study, we observed significant upregulation of TrxR1 specifically in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), rather than small cell lung cancer. Moreover, TrxR1 expression exhibited associations with survival rate, tumor volume, and histological classification. We developed a novel TrxR1 inhibitor named LW-216 and assessed its antitumor efficacy in NSCLC. Our results revealed that LW-216 is effectively bound with intracellular TrxR1 at sites R371 and G442, facilitating TrxR1 ubiquitination and suppressing TrxR1 expression, while not affecting TrxR2 expression. Treatment of LW-216-induced DNA damage and cell apoptosis in NSCLC cells through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Importantly, supplementation with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or ectopic TrxR1 expression reversed LW-216-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, LW-216 displayed potent tumor growth inhibition in NSCLC cell-implanted mice, reducing TrxR1 expression in xenografts. Remarkably, LW-216 exhibited superior antitumor activity compared to Auranofin in vivo. Collectively, our research provides compelling evidence supporting the potential of targeting TrxR1 by LW-216 as a promising therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.

QiDongNing induces lung cancer cell apoptosis via triggering P53/DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major cause of worldwide cancer death, posing a challenge for effective treatment. Our previous findings showed that Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) QiDongNing (QDN) could upregulate the expression of p53 and trigger cell apoptosis in NSCLC. Here, our objective was to investigate the mechanisms of QDN-induced apoptosis enhancement. We chose A549 and NCI-H460 cells for validation invitro, and LLC cells were applied to form a subcutaneous transplantation tumour model for validation in more depth. Our findings indicated that QDN inhibited multiple biological behaviours, including cell proliferation, cloning, migration, invasion and induction of apoptosis. We further discovered that QDN increased the pro-apoptotic BAX while inhibiting the anti-apoptotic Bcl2. QDN therapy led to a decline in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and a rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, QDN elevated the levels of the tumour suppressor p53 and the mitochondrial division factor DRP1 and FIS1, and decreased the mitochondrial fusion molecules MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1. The results were further verified by rescue experiments, the p53 inhibitor Pifithrin-α and the mitochondrial division inhibitor Mdivi1 partially inhibited QDN-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, whereas overexpression of p53 rather increased the efficacy of the therapy. Additionally, QDN inhibited tumour growth with acceptable safety invivo. In conclusion, QDN induced apoptosis via triggering p53/DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission in NSCLC cells.

Anti-NSCLC role of SCN4B by negative regulation of the cGMP-PKG pathway: Integrated utilization of bioinformatics analysis and in vitro assay validation.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)is a malignant tumor with low overall cure and survival rates. Uncovering abnormally expressed genes is significantly important for developing novel targeted therapies in NSCLC. This study aimed to discover new differentially expressed genes (DEGs)of NSCLC. The DEGs of NSCLC were identified in eight data sets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO)database. The expression profiles and the prognostic significance of SCN4B in LUAD and LUSC were analyzed using GEPIA database. LinkedOmics was used to identify co-expressed genes with SCN4B, which were further subjected to KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. SCN4B-overexpressing plasmid (pcDNA/SCN4B)was transfected into A549 and NCI-H2170 cells to elevate the expression of SCN4B. MTT and TUNEL assays were performed to evaluate cell viability and apoptosis. Relying on the screened DEGs from GEO database, we identified that SCN4B was significantly downregulated in LUAD and LUSC. We confirmed the downregulation of SCN4B in NSCLC tissues using GEPIA database. SCN4B has a prognostic value in LUAD, but not LUSC. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of SCN4B-related genes showed that cGMP-PKG signaling pathway might be involved in the role of SCN4B in NSCLC. Overexpression of SCN4B in A549 and NCI-H2170 cells inhibited the cell viability. Besides, SCN4B overexpression induced apoptosis of A549 and NCI-H2170 cells. SCN4B inhibited the expression of PKG1 and p-CREBin NSCLC cells. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of SCN4B on tumor malignancy were attenuated by the activator of PKG. In conclusion, integrated bioinformatical analysis proved that SCN4B was downregulated and had a prognostic significance in NSCLC. In vitro experimental studies demonstrated that SCN4B regulated NSCLC cells viability and apoptosis via inhibiting cGMP-PKG signaling pathway.

Targeted inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by (+)-anthrabenzoxocinone induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy in non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), characterized by low survival rates and a high recurrence rate, is a major cause of cancer-related mortality. Aberrant activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is a common driver of NSCLC. Within this study, the inhibitory activity of (+)-anthrabenzoxocinone ((+)-ABX), an oxygenated anthrabenzoxocinone compound derived from Streptomyces, against NSCLC is demonstrated for the first time both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, it is confirmed that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is targeted and suppressed by (+)-ABX, resulting in the induction of S and G2/M phase arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy in NSCLC cells. Additionally, the augmentation of intracellular ROS levels by (+)-ABX is revealed, further contributing to the inhibition of the signaling pathway and exerting inhibitory effects on tumor growth. The findings presented in this study suggest that (+)-ABX possesses the potential to serve as a lead compound for the treatment of NSCLC.Graphical abstract

Discovery of a novel natural compound, vitekwangin B, with ANO1 protein reduction properties and anticancer potential.

Background: Prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) present significant challenges in the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Hormone therapies for prostate cancer target androgen receptors and prostate-specific antigen markers. However, treatment options for prostatic small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma are limited. NSCLC, on the other hand, is primarily treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors but exhibits resistance. This study explored a novel therapeutic approach by investigating the potential anticancer properties of vitekwangin B, a natural compound derived from Vitex trifolia. Methods: Vitekwangin B was chromatographically isolated from the fruits of V. trifolia. ANO1 protein levels in prostate cancer and NSCLC cells were verified and evaluated again after vitekwangin B treatment. Results: Vitekwangin B did not inhibit anoctamin1 (ANO1) channel function but significantly reduced ANO1 protein levels. These results demonstrate that vitekwangin B effectively inhibited cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis in prostate cancer and NSCLC cells. Moreover, it exhibited minimal toxicity to liver cells and did not affect hERG channel activity, making it a promising candidate for further development as an anticancer drug. Conclusion: Vitekwangin B may offer a new direction for cancer therapy by targeting ANO1 protein, potentially improving treatment outcomes in patients with prostate cancer and NSCLC. Further research is needed to explore its full potential and overcome existing drug resistance challenges.

Knockdown of NCAPD3 inhibits the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer by regulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway

BackgroundAccumulating evidence indicates that aberrant non-SMC condensin II complex subunit D3 (NCAPD3) is associated with carcinogenesis of various cancers. Nevertheless, the biological role of NCAPD3 in the pathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.MethodsImmunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed to assess NCAPD3 expression in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. The ability of cell proliferation, invasion, and migration was evaluated by CCK-8 assays, EdU assays, Transwell assays, and scratch wound healing assays. Flow cytometry was performed to verify the cell cycle and apoptosis. RNA-sequence and rescue experiment were performed to reveal the underlying mechanisms.ResultsThe results showed that the expression of NCAPD3 was significantly elevated in NSCLC tissues. High NCAPD3 expression in NSCLC patients was substantially associated with a worse prognosis. Functionally, knockdown of NCAPD3 resulted in cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in NSCLC cells as well as a significant inhibition of proliferation, invasion, and migration. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing analysis suggested that NCAPD3 contributes to NSCLC carcinogenesis by regulating PI3K/Akt/FOXO4 pathway. Insulin-like growth factors-1 (IGF-1), an activator of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, could reverse NCAPD3 silence-mediated proliferation inhibition and apoptosis in NSCLC cells.ConclusionNCAPD3 suppresses apoptosis and promotes cell proliferation via the PI3K/Akt/FOXO4 signaling pathway, suggesting a potential use for NCAPD3 inhibitors as NSCLC therapeutics.

Comprehensive analysis and validation reveal DEPDC1 as a potential diagnostic biomarker associated with tumor immunity in non-small-cell lung cancer.

Current evidence suggests that DEP domain containing 1 (DEPDC1) has an important effect on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the diagnostic value and the regulatory function within NSCLC are largely unclear. This work utilized publicly available databases and in vitro experiments for exploring, DEPDC1 expression, clinical features, diagnostic significance and latent molecular mechanism within NSCLC. According to our results, DEPDC1 was remarkably upregulated in the tissues of NSCLC patients compared with non-carcinoma tissues, linked with gender, stage, T classification and N classification based on TCGA data and associated with smoking status and stage according to GEO datasets. Meanwhile, the summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve analysis result showed that DEPDC1 had a high diagnostic value in NSCLC (AUC = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.98; diagnostic odds ratio = 99.08, 95%CI: 31.91-307.65; sensitivity = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.81-0.94; specificity = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.86-0.96; positive predictive value = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.89-0.98; negative predictive value = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.67-0.90; positive likelihood ratio = 11.77, 95%CI: 6.11-22.68; and negative likelihood ratio = 0.12, 95%CI: 0.06-0.22). Subsequently, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting indicated that DEPDC1 was high expressed in NSCLC cells. According to the in vitro MTS and apoptotic assays, downregulated DEPDC1 expression targeting P53 signaling pathway inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells while promoting apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Moreover, DEPDC1 was significantly correlated with immune cell infiltrating levels in NSCLC based on TCGA data, which were primarily associated with T cells CD4 memory activated, macrophages M1, B cells memory, mast cells resting, T cells regulatory, monocytes, and T cells CD4 memory resting. Compared with the group with high expression of DEPDC1, the group with low expression level had higher scores for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment. GSEA confirmed that DEPDC1 was involved in gene expression and tumor-related signaling pathways. Finally, DEPDC1 and its associated immune-related genes were shown to be enriched in 'receptor ligand activity', 'external side of plasma membrane', 'regulation of innate immune response', and 'Epstein-Barr virus infection' pathways. The present study demonstrates that DEPDC1 may contribute to NSCLC tumorigenesis and can be applied as the biomarker for diagnosis and immunology.

Gefitinib Induces Apoptosis in NSCLC Cells by Promoting Glutaminolysis and Inhibiting the MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway.

Over 80% of lung cancer cases constitute non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), making it the most prevalent type of lung cancer globally and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The treatment of NSCLC patients with gefitinib has demonstrated promising initial efficacy. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate how gefitinib affects the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling pathway-mediated growth and death of NSCLC cells. In this study, the NSCLC cell line A549 was cultured in vitro and divided into a control group and a gefitinib group. The viability of the A549 cells was assessed using the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Flow cytometry was employed to detect apoptosis in A549 cells, and the expression of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH1) mRNA in these cells was determined using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR). Western blotting was utilized to evaluate the protein expression levels of key components in the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, including phospho-MEK1/2, MEK1/2, phospho-ERK1/2, and ERK1/2. Additionally, intracellular glutamine content in A549 cells was measured using a colorimetric method. In contrast to the control group, the proliferation of A549 cells, the transcription level of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH1), the intracellular glutamine content, and the protein expression levels of phospho-MEK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 were significantly lower in the gefitinib group. Moreover, apoptosis markedly increased. Gefitinib expedites apoptosis and diminishes proliferation in the NSCLC cell line A549 by downregulating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. This effect is accomplished by fostering the expression of GDH1 to augment glutaminolysis in A549 cells.

Oncogenic circ-SLC16A1 promotes progression of non-small cell lung cancer via regulation of the miR-1287-5p/profilin 2 axis

BackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded RNAs with covalently closed structures that have been implicated in cancer progression. However, the regulatory mechanisms remain largely unclear. So, the aim of this study was to reveal the role and regulatory mechanisms of circ-SLC16A1.MethodsIn this study, next-generation sequencing was used to identify abnormally expressed circRNAs between cancerous and para-carcinoma tissues. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess the expression patterns of circ-solute carrier family 16 member 1 (SLC16A1) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and tissue specimens. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was utilized to identify downstream targets of circ-SLC16A1. Transwell migration, wound healing, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation, cell counting, and colony formation assays were conducted to assess the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells. A mouse tumor xenograft model was employed to determine the roles of circ-SLC16A1 in NSCLC progression and metastasis in vivo.ResultsThe results found that circ-SLC16A1 was upregulated in NSCLC cells and tissues. Downregulation of circ-SLC16A1 inhibited tumor growth by reducing proliferation, lung metastasis, and lymphatic metastasis of NSCLC cells, and arrested the cell cycle in the G1 phase. Also, silencing of circ-SLC16A1 promoted apoptosis of NSCLC cells. The results of bioinformatics analysis and the dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that microRNA (miR)-1287-5p and profilin 2 (PFN2) are downstream targets of circ-SLC16A1. PFN2 overexpression or circ-SLC16A1 inhibition restored proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells after silencing of circ-SLC16A1. PFN2 overexpression restored migration and proliferation of NSCLC cells post miR-1287-5p overexpression.ConclusionsCollectively, these findings show that miR-1287-5p/PFN2 signaling was associated with downregulation of circ-SLC16A1 and reduced invasion and proliferation of NSCLC cells. So, circ-SLC16A1 is identified as a mediator of multiple pro-oncogenic signaling pathways in NSCLC and can be targeted to suppress tumor progression.

Abstract 4687: Primary study on the anticancer role of BAM15 in lung cancer cells

Abstract Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 80-85% of all lung cancer cases. BAM15, a mitochondrial uncoupler, is a potential therapeutic agent for many diseases, including obesity, diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Sepsis and cancers. However, there is no report on the anti-tumor role of BAM15 in NSCLC. Methods: To investigate the direct anti-cancer effects of BAM15 in NSCLC, we examined its inhibitory role on cell proliferation of NSCLC cells using the Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK8), colony forming assays and EdU staining assays. The impact of BAM15 on the cell cycle and cell apoptosis of NSCLC cells was analyzed by flow cytometric. A xenotransplanted NSCLC model in mice were used to test the anticancer role of BAM15. Result: Using the CCK8 assay, we found that the inhibitory role of BAM15 on the proliferation and colony formation of NSCLC cells is dose-dependent. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for cell proliferation were 2.71, 4.74, and 9.50 μM for A549, PC9, and H1299 NSCLC cells, respectively. The EdU staining assay demonstrated that BAM15 treatment significantly inhibited DNA synthesis in NSCLC cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that BAM15 arrested cell cycle at G2 phase in NSCLC cells and caused a striking increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells in NSCLC cells. The xenotransplanted NSCLC experiment indicated that BAM15 could significantly suppressed the growth of NSCLC tumors compared with the control tumors. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that BAM15 significantly inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in NSCLC cells, indicating that BAM15 is a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of NSCLC. Citation Format: Mei-yin Zhang, Yue-Ning Wang, Yu-Feng Zhou, Shuo-Cheng Wang, Shi-Juan Mai, Hui-Yun Wang. Primary study on the anticancer role of BAM15 in lung cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4687.

Suppression of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 synergizes with checkpoint kinase 2 inhibitor to promote death of non-small cell lung cancer cells with radiotherapeutic resistance

ObjectiveRadiotherapy resistance poses a prevalent clinical challenge in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), necessitating the development of ongoing treatment protocols following the emergence of radiotherapy resistance, as well as the identification of radiotherapy sensitization drugs. The objective of this study was to exclusively investigate therapeutic targets associated with radiotherapy resistance in NSCLC, thereby expanding the range of treatment alternatives available to patients grappling with radiotherapy resistance. MethodsVarious databases were employed to screen for therapeutic targets associated with radiotherapeutic resistance. The impact of administering inhibitors for cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) on cell proliferation and apoptosis in radioresistant NSCLC cell lines was assessed. ResultsThe potential of CDK1 and CHEK2 kinase as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in radioresistant NSCLC cells is evident. The up-regulation of CDK1 and CHEK2 expression in NSCLC tissues, as well as their activation in NSCLC cells exposed to X-irradiation, leads to radiotherapeutic resistance. Additionally, the heightened expression of CDK1 and CHEK2 may contribute to an increased score of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in NSCLC patients. The suppression of CDK1 in combination with a CHEK2 inhibitor synergistically promotes the death of NSCLC cells with radiotherapeutic resistance. Notably, the sensitivity of radioresistant NSCLC cell lines to the CHEK2 inhibitor (PV-1019) is enhanced through the pharmacological or genetic inhibition of CDK1. ConclusionsThe current study provides new perspectives on the synergistic effects of CDK1 and CHEK2 inhibitors in inducing apoptosis in NSCLC cells that have acquired resistance to radiotherapy.

A coumarin-furoxan hybrid as novel nitric oxide donor induced cell apoptosis and ferroptosis in NSCLC by promoting S-nitrosylation of STAT3 and negative regulation of JAK2-STAT3 pathway

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still lacks effective treatment because of its extensive mutation diversity and frequent drug resistance. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new therapeutic strategies for NSCLC. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of a new coumarin-furoxan hybrid compound 9, a nitric oxide (NO) donor drug, on NSCLC proliferation and its mechanism. Our results show that compound 9 can inhibit the growth of four NSCLC cell lines and H1975 xenograft model in a dose-dependent manner. Compound 9 effectively releases high concentrations of NO within the mitochondria, leading to cellular oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. Moreover, compound 9 inhibits JAK2/STAT3 protein phosphorylation and induces S-nitrosylation modification of STAT3, ultimately resulting in endogenous apoptosis in NSCLC. Additionally, compound 9 significantly induces NSCLC ferroptosis by depleting intracellular GSH, elevating MDA levels, inhibiting SLC7A11/GSH protein expression, and negatively regulating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. In summary, this study elucidates the inhibitory effects of compound 9 on NSCLC proliferation and provides insights into the underlying mechanisms, offering new possibilities for NSCLC treatment strategies.

Demethylzeylasteral inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion and promotes apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells by inhibiting the AKT/CREB signaling pathway

To investigate the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of Demethylzeylasteral (T-96) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We first examined the effects of different concentrations (1, 3, 10, and 30 μmol/L) of demethylzeylasteral on morphology and cell number of A549 and H1299 cells. The changes in proliferation, cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of A549 and H1299 cells following demethylzeylasteral treatment were detected using clone formation, CCK-8, cell scratch, Transwell, and flow cytometric assays, and the effect of SC79 treatment against demethylzeylasteral-induced cell apoptosis was assessed. Western blotting was performed to detect the changes in expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3 and phosphorylation of AKT/CREB in demethylzeylasteral-treated A549 and H1299 cells and the cellular expressions of apoptotic proteins following treatment with both demethylzeylasteral and SC79. T-96 treatment caused elongation of the cell body and widening of the intercellular space and significantly inhibited cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 and H1299 cells (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry showed that demethylzeylasteral induced apoptosis in both A549 and H1299 cells, whereas SC79 treatment obviously attenuated its pro-apoptotic effect (P < 0.05). Western blotting revealed up-regulated expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 proteins and lowered Bcl-2 expression level in demethylzeylasteral-treated A549 and H1299 cells, but cotreatment with SC79 obviously attenuated the expressions of the apoptotic proteins. T-96 significantly up-regulated the expression level of E-cadherin, down-regulated the expressions of N-cadherin and vimentin, and inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and CREB in the two cell lines (P < 0.05). T-96 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion and induces apoptosis of NSCLC cells possibly by inhibiting the AKT/CREB signaling pathway.

Carnosic Acid against Lung Cancer: Induction of Autophagy and Activation of Sestrin-2/LKB1/AMPK Signalling.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents 80% of all lung cancer cases and is characterized by low survival rates due to chemotherapy and radiation resistance. Novel treatment strategies for NSCLC are urgently needed. Liver kinase B1 (LKB1), a tumor suppressor prevalently mutated in NSCLC, activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which in turn inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and activates unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) to promote autophagy. Sestrin-2 is a stress-induced protein that enhances LKB1-dependent activation of AMPK, functioning as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC. In previous studies, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract (RE) activated the AMPK pathway while inhibiting mTORC1 to suppress proliferation, survival, and migration, leading to the apoptosis of NSCLC cells. In the present study, we investigated the anticancer potential of carnosic acid (CA), a bioactive polyphenolic diterpene compound found in RE. The treatment of H1299 and H460 NSCLC cells with CA resulted in concentration and time-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation assessed with crystal violet staining and 3H-thymidine incorporation, and concentration-dependent inhibition of survival, assessed using a colony formation assay. Additionally, CA induced apoptosis of H1299 cells as indicated by decreased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels, increased cleaved caspase-3, -7, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) levels, and increased nuclear condensation. These antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects coincided with the upregulation of sestrin-2 and the phosphorylation/activation of LKB1 and AMPK. Downstream of AMPK signaling, CA increased levels of autophagy marker light chain 3 (LC3), an established marker of autophagy; inhibiting autophagy with 3-methyladenine (3MA) blocked the antiproliferative effect of CA. Overall, these data indicate that CA can inhibit NSCLC cell viability and that the underlying mechanism of action of CA involves the induction of autophagy through a Sestrin-2/LKB1/AMPK signaling cascade. Future experiments will use siRNA and small molecule inhibitors to better elucidate the role of these signaling molecules in the mechanism of action of CA as well as tumor xenograft models to assess the anticancer properties of CA in vivo.

Ginsenoside Rg5 induces NSCLC cell apoptosis and autophagy through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Ginsenoside Rg5 (Rg5) is a minor ginsenoside of ginseng and has a strong anti-tumor potential. This study focused on deciphering the function of Rg5 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and investigating its related mechanism. After treating human NSCLC cell lines (H1650 and A549) and bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) with increasing concentration of Rg5, cell viability was examined using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. NSCLC cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by colony formation assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The levels of proteins associated with cell cycle progression, cell apoptosis, and autophagy as well as the key markers in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway were measured using western blot. A xenograft nude mouse model was established to explore the function of Rg5 in vivo. NSCLC cell viability was dose- and time-dependently suppressed after Rg5 treatment. Rg5 restrained NSCLC cell proliferation by inducing G2/M phase arrest via regulation of cell cycle-related genes including p21, cyclin B1, and Cdc2. Additionally, Rg5 promoted caspase-dependent apoptosis in NSCLC cells by regulating the intrinsic mitochondrial signaling pathway. Rg5 induced autophagy via the regulation of autophagy-related proteins. The in vivo experiments revealed the inhibitory impact of Rg5 on xenograft growth. Rg5 also inactivated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in NSCLC cells and mouse tumors. Rg5 induced autophagy and caspase-dependent apoptosis in NSCLC cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, suggesting that Rg5 might become a promising and novel anti-tumor agent for the clinical treatment of NSCLC patients.

Kinetochore scaffold 1 downregulation suppressed the development of non-small cell lung cancer by inactivating the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor-kappa B pathway.

Kinetochore scaffold 1 (KNL1) is indispensable for generating motile micro-tubule attachments and isolating chromosomes. KNL1 is highly expressed in multiple middle-route tissues and promotes tumor development. However, how it functions in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting (WB) were used to determine KNL1 expression in NSCLC tissues and cells. The sh-KNL1 or oe-KNL1 was transfected into NSCLC cells. The colony formation assay, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis. A transwell assay was used to monitor invasion and migration. The CCK-8 assay was used to measure NSCLC cell sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. WB confirmed the protein levels of apoptosis-related proteins, cell cycle-associated proteins, and the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) pathway. A PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway inhibitor was used to intervene in NSCLC cell transfection along with oe-KNL1, thus revealing the function of the pathway in carcinogenicity mediated by KNL1. In result KNL1 expression was substantially increased in NSCLC tissues and cells. High-level KNL1 expression is related to the poor prognosis of NSCLC patients. KNL1 silencing bolstered promoted NSCLC cell apoptosis and inhibited proliferation, cell cycle progression, invasion, and EMT, whereas KNL1 silencing had the opposite effect. KNL1 knockdown increased NSCLC cell sensitivity to chemical drugs. KNL1 promoted PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway activation, while PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway inhibition weakened the procancer effect mediated by KNL1 overexpression but had little influence on KNL1 levels. We conclude that KNL1 activates the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway to increase NSCLC progression and attenuate NSCLC sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs.

Acacetin inhibited non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell growth via upregulating miR-34a in vitro and in vivo

Acacetin, one of the flavonoid compounds, is a natural product found in various plants, including Silver birch, and Damiana. Previous studies showed that acacetin has anti-cancer effects on many kinds of cancer cells, however, the role of and the mechanisms of actions of acacetin on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells is still not fully understood. Herein, we found that, in vitro, acacetin inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of NSCLC cells, A549 and H460, in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, flow cytometry assay results showed that acacetin induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis of NSCLC cells. In vivo, acacetin suppressed tumor formation of A549-xenografted nude mice model with no obvious toxicities. Western blotting results showed that the protein levels of cell cycle-related proteins cyclin B1, cyclin D, and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 had decreased, while the apoptosis-related protein Bak had increased both in NSCLC cells and in A549-xenografted tumor tissues. For investigating the molecular mechanism behind the biological effects of acacetin on NSCLC, we found that acacetin induced the expression levels of tumor suppressor p53 both in vitro and in vivo. MicroRNA, miR-34a, the direct target of p53, has been shown anti-NSCLC proliferation effects by suppressing the expression of its target gene programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). We found that acacetin upregulated the expression levels of miR-34a, and downregulated the expression levels of PD-L1 of NSCLC cells in vitro and of tumors in vivo. In vitro, knockdown p53 expression by siRNAs reversed the induction effects of acacetin on miR34a expression and abolished the inhibitory activity of acacetin on NSCLC cell proliferation. Furthermore, using agomir and antagomir to overexpress and suppress the expression miR-34a in NSCLC cells was also examined. We found that miR-34a agomir showed similar effects as acacetin on A549 cells, while miR-34a antagomir could partially or completely reverse acacetin’s effects on A549 cells. In vivo, intratumor injection of miR-34a antagomir could drastically suppress the anti-tumor formation effects of acacetin in A549-xenografted nude mice. Overall, our results showed that acacetin inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis of NSCLC cells by regulating miR-34a.