Growth Of Human Cancer Cells Research Articles

The comparative study of growth and drug response of MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 human breast cancer cells in two- and three-dimensional culture

هدف: کشت سه بعدی سلولهای سرطانی، روشی است که در آن سلول‌ها فرصت رشد و ارتباط همه جانبه در یک فضای سه بعدی داشته و توده های سلولی با نام توموسفر ایجاد می‌کنند. در سالهای اخیر، توسعه مدل های توموری از سلول های سرطانی با به‌کارگیری روش های کشت سه بعدی به عنوان استراتژی دقیق و قابل اعتماد جهت مطالعه سلول های بنیادی سرطانی و شناسایی رویکردهای درمانی مبتنی بر سلول بنیادی سرطانی شناخته می شود. مدلهای سه­بعدی در مقایسه با روش مرسوم کشت تک لایه، شباهت بیشتری به شراط درون تنی دارند. زیرا در مدلهای توموری، ریزمحیط توموری، تعاملات سلول-سلول و سلول-ماتریکس خارج سلولی و شرایط هیپوکسی که لازمه بقا سلول های بنیادی سرطان است به خوبی بازتولید می شود. مدلهای توموری از طریق بکارگیری چندین گونه سلولی از جمله سلولهای سرطانی و استرومایی در ساخت، به خوبی قابلیت توسعه و بازتاب پیچیدگی بافتی را دارند که در چنین حالتی، حتی مدلی دقیقتر در بازتاب شرایط وقعی بدن محسوب می شوند. ازینرو در مطالعه حاضر، ساخت مدل سه بعدی سرطان پستان با هدف بررسی ارتباط رفتار سلولی با شرایط کشت (دوبعدی و سه بعدی)، مطالعه مقایسه‌ای رشد و پاسخ دارویی دو رده سلول سرطان پستان انسانی انجام شده است. مواد و روش­ها: دو رده سلولی MCF-7 و MDA-MB-231 به صورت دو بعدی و سه بعدی (به دو شیوه کشت در سطح و کشت غوطه ور) بر روی داربست ماتریژل کشت داده شدند. فنوتیپ مولکولی سلول‌ها بر حسب مارکرهای سطحی با استفاده از روش فلوسایتومتری بررسی شد. رشد ماموسفرها در 12 روز دنبال و کنتیک رشد آنها مشخص شد. برای بررسی پاسخ دارویی دو داروی ضدسرطان اکتینومایسین دی و پکلی تاکسل مورد استفاده قرار گرفت. ابتدا مقادیر IC50 دو دارو برای رده های سلولی مورد مطالعه تعیین شد، سپس ماموسفرهای تولید شده با دوز مشخص دارو تیمار و اثر آنها بر رشد ماموسفرها دنبال شد. نتایج: دو رده سلولی MCF-7 و MDA-MB-231 که بهصورت دو بعدی و سه بعدی کشت داده شدند تفاوت معنیداری در فنوتیپ مولکولی نشان می‌دهند. به گونه ای که بنظر میرسد پس از کشت سه بعدی بیان مارکر سطحی CD44 بطور قابل توجهی کاهش داشته است. از طرفی ویژگی‌های رشدی سلولهای مورد مطالعه در دو حالت مختلف کشت سه بعدی اختلاف قابل توجهی نشان می‌دهند. مطالعات پاسخ دارویی نیز به‌طور مشابه گویای اختلاف پاسخ دارویی در شرایط کشت دو بعدی و سه بعدی است به گونه ای که اثر مهارکنندگی داروی پکلی‌تاکسل در مقایسه با داروی اکتینومایسین دی، در شرایط کشت سه بعدی کاهش داشته است. علاوه بر آن نتایج نشان می‌دهند که دو رده MCF-7 و MDA-MB231 نیز پاسخ دارویی متفاوتی دارند که میتواند متاثر از فنوتیپ مولکولی متفاوت آنها باشد. نتیجه­گیری: در مجموع نتایج حاصل از پژوهش انجام شده, موید این نکته است که فنوتیپ مولکولی سلول‌های سرطانی، ویژگی‌های رشدی و پاسخ دارویی آنها بهشدت متاثر از نوع رده سلولی مورد مطالعه، شیوه کشت آنها و نوع داروی بهکار رفته است. بنابراین انجام هرچه دقیق‌تر مطالعات سرطانی مستلزم دستیابی به مدلی است که بیشترین شباهت را با تومور مربوطه در بدن داشته باشد.

Retraction Note to: Inhibition of human liver cancer cell growth by evodiamine involves apoptosis and deactivation of PI3K/AKT pathway

Retraction Note to: Inhibition of human liver cancer cell growth by evodiamine involves apoptosis and deactivation of PI3K/AKT pathway

Abstract 5382: Biofield therapy suppressed the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells by modulation of cell cycle and cell voltage potentials

Abstract Biofield therapies have gained popularity and are being explored as possible treatments for cancer. In some cases, devices have been developed that mimic the electromagnetic fields (EMF) that are emitted from people delivering biofield therapies. However, it is not clear if EMFs are the mechanism of action. We previously reported that biofield therapy significantly inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells in vitro and their relevant animal model mediated through inflammatory and immune pathways. We expanded this research to examine the effects of human biofield therapy on the growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells and explored relevant mechanisms. Cell viability of human pancreatic cancer Panc-1 and mouse pancreatic cancer Panc02 cells was measured by PrestoBlue assay. Cell cycle was measured by PI staining and cell voltage potentials were assessed using DiBAC4 staining. It is well-established that cancer cells have distinct bioelectrical properties and most have depolarized cell voltage potentials that support cell proliferation. Expression of cell signaling proteins was determined by Western blot. We found that Panc-1 and Panc02 cells exposed to biofield treatment for 15 and 30 mins, respectively, resulted in significantly lower viability compared to that of sham control. These experiments were replicated 12 times for Panc-1 cells and 6 times for Panc02 cells. We further observed that the experimental exposure significantly increased G1 phase population of Panc-1 cells (sham control=43.7% (0.8) vs treatment=55.0% (0.8%), p<0.001). In contrast, Panc02 cells exposed to biofield therapy had significantly higher population of G2/M cells than that of sham control group (sham control=22.5% (0.5) vs treatment=27.7% (1.1), p<0.001). We found that biofield therapy resulted in a 36.7% reduction in cell voltage potentials as measured by the intensity of DiBAC4 staining in Panc-1 cells compared to that of sham controls (p<0.01). Finally, the treatment down-regulated pAkt expression and the pAkt/Akt ratio by 45.3% and 43.8%, respectively, in Panc-1 cells in comparison with the sham control group. The effect of biofield therapy on cell signaling proteins measured by Reverse Phase Proteomic Array in Panc-1 cells and the growth of human Panc-1 mouse orthotopic model is ongoing and the results will be presented at the meeting. Together, these findings suggest that exposure to biofield therapy results in reduced growth of pancreatic cancer cells which might be in part mediated through modification of the cell cycle - differentially for different cell types, reductions in cell voltage potentials suggesting hyperpolarization of cells, and down regulation of PI3K/Akt pathways. Citation Format: Peiying Yang, Sharmistha Chakraborty, Phuong Nguyen, Meng Cui, Andrew Cusimano, Daoyan Wei, Sarah Prinsloo, Lorenzo Cohen. Biofield therapy suppressed the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells by modulation of cell cycle and cell voltage potentials [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5382.

Abstract 5949: Aspirins metabolites inhibit human colon cancer cell growth: Potential role in colorectal cancer prevention

Abstract Aspirin’s role in colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention is evidential from several epidemiological data. Numerous theories and targets have been proposed, a consensus has not been reached regarding its mechanism of action. One of the unexplored area in aspirin’s CRC prevention is the role of Dihydroxy benzoic acids (DHBAs), which are generated from aspirin’s metabolism by gut microflora and cytochrome P450 (CYP450). Out of the screened DHBAs, 2,3-DHBA and 2,5-DHBA showed concentration dependent inhibition of CDK1, CDK2, CDK4 and CDK6 enzyme activity in-vitro. We demonstrated that 2,3-DHBA and 2,5-DHBA inhibits CDK-1 enzyme activity beginning at 500 µM, while CDK2 and CDK4 activity was inhibited only at higher concentrations (>750 µM). 2,3-DHBA inhibited CDK6 enzyme activity from 250 µM, while 2,5-DHBA inhibited its activity >750 µM. Using colony formation assays, we further demonstrated the role of 2,3-DHBA and 2,5-DHBA in cancer cell cycle inhibition in 3 different cancer cell lines. Out of the 2 DHBAs, 2,5-DHBA was highly effective in inhibiting clonal formation in HCT-116 and HT-29 CRC cell lines (250-500 µM), and in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line (~100 µM); whereas both aspirin and salicylic acid failed to inhibit all four CDKs and colony formation. Based on the present results, it is suggested that 2,3-DHBA and 2,5-DHBA may contribute to the chemopreventive properties of aspirin, possibly through the inhibition of CDKs. The present data and the proposed mechanisms should open new areas for future investigations. Citation Format: Poojitha Tummala, Ranjini Sankaranarayanan, Rakesh Dachineni, Jayarama Gunaje Bhat. Aspirins metabolites inhibit human colon cancer cell growth: Potential role in colorectal cancer prevention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5949.

Fuzheng Kang' ai decoction inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion by modulating mir-21-5p/human phosphatase and tensin homology deleted on chromosome ten in lung cancer cells.

To elucidate the potential molecular mechanism by which Fuzheng Kang'ai decoction (, FZKA) inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells. Varying FZKA concentrations were used to manage lung cancer cells (A549 and PC9). We employed: cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and plate clone for-mation assays to examine the cell viability; flow cytometry (FCM) to analyze the cycle arrest; transwell and wound-healing assays to assess the cell invasion and migration, respectively. Further, a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was adopted to evaluate the miR-21-5p expression. For protein expression analysis, we employed the Western blot technique. Recombinant miR-21-5p overexpression adenovirus vector harboring GFP was constructed and transfected into A549 and PC9, after which we explored the effect of FZKA on miR-21-5p overexpression. Notably, treatment with FZKA inhibited viability, clone-formation ability, invasion, and migration of lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, FZKA markedly suppressed miR-21-5p expression but elevated the human phosphatase and tensin homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) protein level in both A549 and PC9 cells. Over-expression of miR-21-5p lowered PTEN protein expression. Besides, overexpressed miR-21-5p levels with adenovirus antagonized FZKA-upregulated PTEN protein expression. The present study demonstrates how FZKA modulates cell biological behaviors, for instance, it impedes the proliferation by upregulating PTEN expression with miR-21-5p as the target. These findings unveil the potential novel molecular mechanisms from the microRNA aspect by which FZKA suppresses the growth of human lung cancer cells.

Crude extract of Desmodium gangeticum process anticancer activity via arresting cell cycle in G1 and modulating cell cycle-related protein expression in A549 human lung carcinoma cells.

BackgroundDesmodium gangeticum (L.)DC., which belongs to the Leguminosae family, has been used in Taiwan and other subtropical countries as an external medicine to remove blood stasis, activate blood circulation, and reduce inflammation. It has been reported to have antioxidant effects and improve inflammatory responses in rats stimulated by pro-inflammatory agents and induced gastric ulcers in experimental animals over the past few decades. This plant has also been used to treat parasitic infections, but there are no reports regarding its effects on lung cancer. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate its water crude extract (in abbreviation DG) on lung cancer cells.MethodsA549 human lung cancer cells were tested for survival using MTT, trypan blue, and propidium iodide. The effects of various concentrations of the crude extract of D. gangeticum (DG) (0.125~1 mg/ml) on the cell cycle and apoptosis of A549 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and Western blotting methods.ResultsDG can inhibit the growth of A549 human lung cancer cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. DG arrested A549 cells in the G1 phase by increasing the proteins expression of p21, p27, cyclin D1, and cyclin E. Additionally, DG decreased the expression of cyclin A, B1, and Cdc 2 (CDK1) proteins.ConclusionsDG demonstrated the anti-lung cancer activity by arresting the cell cycle in G1 via increasing the p21, p27, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and decreasing Cdc2, cyclin A, and B1 proteins expression in A549 human lung cancer cells.

Pentagalloylglucose suppresses the growth and migration of human nasopharyngeal cancer cells via the GSK3β/β-catenin pathway in vitro and in vivo

BackgroundNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of malignant squamous cell tumour originating from the nasopharynx epithelium. Pentagalloylglucose (PGG) is a natural polyphenolic compound that exerts anticancer effects in many types of tumours. However, the role and underlying mechanism of PGG in NPC cells have not been fully defined. PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the anticancer activity of PGG as well as the potential mechanism in NPC cells. MethodsThe effects of PGG on the proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution of CNE1 and CNE2 cells were assessed by MTT and flow cytometry assays. Cell migration was evaluated using wound healing and transwell assays. The expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3B) was observed by immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting was used to explore the levels of related proteins and signalling pathway components. Furthermore, the effects of PGG on NPC cell growth were analysed in a xenograft mouse model in vivo using cisplatin as a positive control. ResultsPGG dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of CNE1 and CNE2 cells. PGG regulated the cell cycle by altering p53, cyclin D1, CDK2, and cyclin E1 protein levels. PGG induced apoptosis and autophagy in NPC cells and elevated the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the protein levels of LC3B. Moreover, PGG decreased NPC cell migration by increasing E-cadherin and decreasing N-cadherin, vimentin and CD44 protein levels. Mechanistically, PGG treatment downregulated p-mTOR and β-catenin expression but upregulated p-p38 MAPK and p-GSK3β expression. In addition, PGG significantly inhibited NPC cell tumour growth and lung metastasis in vivo. ConclusionPGG may suppress cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and autophagy, and decrease the metastatic capacity of NPC cells through the p38 MAPK/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. The present study provides evidence for PGG as a potential therapy for NPC.

Long Noncoding RNA SNHG16 Regulates the Growth of Human Lung Cancer Cells by Modulating the Expression of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2)

The involvement of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG16 has been reported in several human cancers. Notwithstanding, the role of lncRNA SNHG16 is yet largely unknown in human lung cancer. Consequently, this study was undertaken to investigate the role and therapeutic potential of SNHG16 in human lung cancer. The results showed a significant (P < 0.05) transcriptional upregulation of SNHG16 in lung cancer tissues and cell lines. However, downregulation of SNHG16 resulted in significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of lung cancer A549 and SK-LU-1 cell proliferation. DAPI and annexin V/PI assays revealed apoptosis to be responsible for inhibition of cell proliferation and colony formation observed upon SNHG16 knockdown. This was accompanied by enhancement of Bax and suppression of Bcl-2 expression in A549 and SK-LU-1 cells. Transwell assays revealed that silencing of SNHG16 also significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited migration and invasion of A549 and SK-LU-1 cells. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that SNHG16 interacted with ALDH2 to exert its effects in human lung cancer cells. The expression of ALDH2 was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed in human lung cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of ALDH2 inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of the A549 and SK-LU-1 cells. However, silencing of ALDH2 could avoid the tumor-suppressive effects of SNHG16 knockdown. Finally, SNHG16 silencing was also found to inhibit in vivo tumor growth. Collectively, the study unveils the molecular role of SNHG16 in regulating the development of lung cancer by interacting with ALDH2.

Targeting the Homologous Recombination Pathway in Cancer With a Novel Class of RAD51 Inhibitors.

Targeting DNA damage response (DDR) pathway has been proposed as an approach for amplifying tumor-specific replicative lesions. RAD51 plays a central role in the DDR process, and thus represents a promising anti-tumor target. We here report the discovery of a series of next generation RAD51 inhibitors that can prevent RAD51 foci formation. The lead compounds dramatically impaired human cancer cell growth, induced cell cycle arrest in S-phase, and resulted in elevated γH2AX. Furthermore, cancer cells became sensitized to chemotherapy and other DDR inhibitors. Dosed either as a single agent or in combination with cisplatin, the compounds significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. By upregulating ATR-CHK1 signaling, the RAD51 inhibitors increased surface PD-L1 levels in various tumor cells, suggesting a potential combination of RAD51 inhibitors with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Overall, our findings provide the preclinical rationale to explore RAD51 inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or DDR-targeting therapy in cancer treatment.

Dichloromethane stem bark extract of Goniothalamus lanceolatus Miq. modulates inflammatory cytokines and ameliorates tissue damage in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Goniothalamus lanceolatus extract inhibits the growth of human ovarian cancer cells through migration suppression and apoptosis inductionNasibah Razali, Norodiyah Othman, Nur Hilwani Ismail, Nur Vicky Bihud, Nor Hadiani Ismail, Farida Zuraina Mohd Yusof

Functional Screen for microRNAs Suppressing Anchorage-Independent Growth in Human Cervical Cancer Cells.

The progression of anchorage-dependent epithelial cells to anchorage-independent growth represents a critical hallmark of malignant transformation. Using an in vitro model of human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced transformation, we previously showed that acquisition of anchorage-independent growth is associated with marked (epi)genetic changes, including altered expression of microRNAs. However, the laborious nature of the conventional growth method in soft agar to measure this phenotype hampers a high-throughput analysis. We developed alternative functional screening methods using 96- and 384-well ultra-low attachment plates to systematically investigate microRNAs regulating anchorage-independent growth. SiHa cervical cancer cells were transfected with a microRNA mimic library (n = 2019) and evaluated for cell viability. We identified 84 microRNAs that consistently suppressed growth in three independent experiments. Further validation in three cell lines and comparison of growth in adherent and ultra-low attachment plates yielded 40 microRNAs that specifically reduced anchorage-independent growth. In conclusion, ultra-low attachment plates are a promising alternative for soft-agar assays to study anchorage-independent growth and are suitable for high-throughput functional screening. Anchorage independence suppressing microRNAs identified through our screen were successfully validated in three cell lines. These microRNAs may provide specific biomarkers for detecting and treating HPV-induced precancerous lesions progressing to invasive cancer, the most critical stage during cervical cancer development.

Improving Anticancer Activity of Chrysin using Tumor Microenvironment pH-Responsive and Self-Assembled Nanoparticles.

Chrysin is a natural bioactive compound with potential biological activities. However, unfavorable physicochemical properties of native chrysin make it difficult to achieve good therapeutic efficacies. In this study, poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG4000)-conjugated chrysin nanoparticles were prepared. The PEG4000 was conjugated to chrysin through cis-aconityl and succinoyl linkers to achieve tumor microenvironment-specific drug release from PEGylated nanoparticles. The conjugation of PEG and chrysin via succinoyl (PCNP-1) and cis-aconityl (PCNP-2) linkers was confirmed by the 1H NMR and FTIR analysis. The nanoparticles were characterized by DLS, TEM, XRD, and DSC analysis. Comparatively, PCNP-2 showed a better drug release profile and higher anticancer activity against human breast cancer cells than chrysin or PCNP-1. The apoptosis studies and colony formation inhibition assay revealed that the PCNP-2 induced more apoptosis and more greatly controlled the growth of human breast cancer cells than pure chrysin. Thus, the use of PCNPs may help to overcome the issues of chrysin and could be a better therapeutic approach.

Chitosan Nanoparticles Containing Cinnamomum verum J.Presl Essential Oil and Cinnamaldehyde; Preparation, Characterization and Anticancer Effects Against Melanoma and Breast Cancer Cells

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and due to the emergence of resistance to synthetic drugs in different cancers, developing new green drugs have become crucial. In this study, chitosan nanoparticles containing Cinnamomum verum J.Presl essential oil and cinnamaldehyde (major ingredient) were first prepared. The obtained nanoparticles were then characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform InfraRed (ATR-FTIR). After that, anticancer effects of the as-prepared nanoparticles were investigated. IC50 values of chitosan nanoparticles containing the essential oil were observed at 79 and 112 µg/mL against A-375 and MDA-MB-468 cells, respectively. These values for chitosan nanoparticles containing cinnamaldehyde were obtained at 135 and 166 µg/mL. The results of the current study indicated that chitosan nanoparticles containing C. verum essential oil can inhibit the growth of human melanoma (A-375) and breast cancer (MDA-MB-468) cells.

Anhuienoside C inhibits human ovarian cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis, suppression of cell migration and invasion, and targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

The present study was initiated to examine the anticancer effects of Anhuienoside C (AC) against ovarian cancer and postulates the possible molecular mechanism of its action. 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was implemented for determination of the effects of AC on cell viability of the ovarian cancer OVACAR-3 cell line. To study cellular morphology, phase contrast microscopy was performed. Apoptosis was examined via acridine orange/ethidium bromide used staining assays. Flow cytometry was used to check the different phases of the cell cycle. Cell migration and invasion assays were performed via transwell chamber assay. The effects of AC on expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein in ovarian cell were assessed using western blotting assay. The results indicated that the cell proliferation rate lowered in AC-treated OVACAR-3 cells as compared to the untreated controls in a dose-dependent manner. Cell morphology changed substantially by the exposure to AC and remained dose dependent. These morphological changes were indicative of apoptotic cell death. Apoptosis analysis showed dose-dependent increase of apoptosis. The cell migration and invasion of OVACAR-3 cells was reduced to a minimum by AC in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, western blotting assay showed blocking of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway with increasing AC doses. Taking all together, AC is a potential ovarian cancer inhibitor. It induces its anti-ovarian cancer effects via induction of apoptosis, delaying cell migration and invasion, and blocking PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Extracellular Regucalcin Suppresses the Growth, Migration, Invasion, and Adhesion of Metastatic Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Introduction: Regucalcin plays a multifunctional role in the regulation of cellular function including metabolism, signaling process, and transcriptional activity in maintaining cell homeostasis. Downregulated expression or activity of regucalcin contributes to the development of malignancies in various types of human cancer. Survival of cancer patients, including metastatic prostate cancer, is prolonged with high expression of regucalcin in the tumor tissues. Methods: We elucidate whether extracellular regucalcin conquers the growth, migration, invasion, and adhesion of metastatic human prostate cancer PC-3 and DU-145 cells. Results: Extracellular regucalcin (0.1, 1, and 10 nM) of physiologic levels (1 nM at human serum) inhibited colony formation and growth of PC-3 and DU-145 cells, while it did not have an effect on cell death. Repressive effects of extracellular regucalcin on the proliferation were not exhibited by the presence of inhibitors of the cell cycle, intracellular signaling process, and transcriptional activity, suggesting that the signals of extracellular regucalcin are transmitted to block cell growth. Furthermore, extracellular regucalcin (0.1, 1, or 10 nM) inhibited migration, invasion, and adhesion of PC-3 and DU-145 cells. Mechanistically, extracellular regucalcin (10 nM) decreased the levels of various signaling proteins including Ras, posphatidylinositol-3 kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, mechanistic target of rapamycin, RSK-2, caveolin-1, and integrin β1 in PC-3 cells. Discussion and Conclusion: Thus, extracellular regucalcin may play a suppressive role in growth, migration, invasion, and adhesion, which are involved in the metastatic activity of human prostate cancer cells, via affecting diverse signaling processes. This study may provide a new strategy in preventing metastatic prostate cancer with exogenous regucalcin.

Lanthanide europium MOF nanocomposite as the theranostic nanoplatform for microwave thermo-chemotherapy and fluorescence imaging

BackgroundsMicrowave sensitization nanoplatform, integrating multiple functional units for improving tumor selectivity, is of great significance for clinical tumor microwave treatment. Lanthanide europium metal organic framework (EuMOF) is expected to be a theranostic nanoplatform owing to its unique luminescent and microwave sensitization properties. However, it is difficult to be applied to complicated biological systems for EuMOF due to its rapid degradation induced by the solvent molecular and ionic environment. In this work, a luminescent EuMOF nanocomposite (EuMOF@ZIF/AP-PEG, named EZAP) was designed, which brought the multifunctional characteristics of microwave sensitization, fluorescence imaging and drug loading.ResultsLamellar EuMOF was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Through the charge adsorption mechanism, the zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF) structure was intensively assembled on the surface of EuMOF to realize the protection. Then, through in-situ Apatinib drug loading and PEG modification, EZAP nanocomposite was finally obtained. Apatinib (AP) was a kind of chemotherapy drug approved by Food and Drug Administration for targeted therapy of tumors. PEG modification increased long-term circulation of EZAP nanocomposite. The physical and chemical structure and properties of EuMOF@ZIF (EZ) were systematically represented, indicating the successful synthesis of the nanocomposite. The toxic and side effects were negligible at a safe dose. The growth of human liver cancer cells and murine liver cancer cells in vitro was significantly inhibited, and the combined microwave-thermal therapy and chemotherapy in vivo achieved high anti-cancer efficacy. Moreover, EZAP nanocomposite possessed bright red fluorescence, which can be applied for tumor imaging in tumor-bearing mice in vivo.ConclusionTherefore, EZAP nanocomposite showed high microwave sensitization, excellent fluorescence properties and outstanding drug loading capacity, establishing a promising theranostic nanoplatform for tumor therapy and fluorescence imaging. This work proposes a unique strategy to design for the first time a multifunctional nanoplatform with lanthanide metal organic frameworks for biological applications in tumor therapy and diagnosis.Graphical

In vitro Anticancer and Antioxidant Activity of Partially Purified Poly-saccharides from Marine Bivalves Against Human Lung Cancer Cell Lines (A549 and NCI-H460)

Marine-derived bioactive polysaccharide have aroused extensive attention because of their potential nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Polysaccharides from marine molluscs have high potential as promising candidates for drug development. In this study, partially purified polysaccharide from various bivalve species were investigated for its bioactivity. Enzyme assisted extraction technique was applied for polysaccharide extraction from marine bivalves. Five papain released crude polysaccharide extracts were prepared from four clams (Donax variabilis, Donax incarnatus, Donax cuneatus, Sunetta scripta) and one mussel (Perna viridis). Initially, all five species were subjected to biochemical and proximate analyses. Five distinct partially purified polysaccharide extracts were tested in vitro for antioxidant and anticancer properties. The cytotoxicity and cell viability of five marine bivalve extracts was investigated in normal (Vero) and two lung cancer cell lines (lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and lung large cell carcinoma (NCI-H460)). In the performed antioxidant assays, almost all the polysaccharide extracts showed strong antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner. Likewise, all the five polysaccharide extracts showed significant inhibitory effects on growth of human lung cancer cells. In particular, polysaccharide from clam Donax variabilis showed high activity in the growth inhibition of both non-small cell lung cancers. This research can be considered as the foundation for the development of a new marine-derived drug whose biological activity can be assessed by further purification and characterization of the active bio-compound.

Study on Dual Pore Network Polylactic Acid Scaffolds for Growth of MCF7 Human Breast Cancer Cells

The ability to fabricate dual pore tissue scaffolds remains a challenge with respect to material selection and control over geometry. Herein, a novel method combining additive manufacturing and solid‐state foaming to fabricate dual porous tissue scaffolds is presented. Structures with designed architectures are 3D printed followed by solid‐state foaming resulting in macro‐ and micropores, respectively. The advantage of this approach is its applicability to a wide range of materials with flexibility to control the pore sizes during the design stage and foaming process, respectively. The obtained scaffolds have macro‐ and micropore sizes of 200 and 25 μm, respectively, with a porosity of 71%. The scaffolds are seeded and cultured with MCF7 breast cancer cells to study cell adhesion and growth followed by the efficacy of oleuropein treatment. The results show that the scaffold is able to support attachment, proliferation, and viability of the cells. In addition, the scaffolds do not elicit any toxicity and the MCF7 cells are equally susceptible to the oleuropein treatment when grown on the scaffolds. In summary, a scalable, controllable, and repeatable process for the fabrication of dual pore tissue scaffolds is presented, which can aid in the development of bioartificial organs.

Generation of nanobodies targeting the human, transcobalamin-mediated vitamin B12 uptake route.

Cellular uptake of vitamin B12 in humans is mediated by the endocytosis of the B12 carrier protein transcobalamin (TC) via its cognate cell surface receptor TCblR, encoded by the CD320gene. Because CD320 expression is associated with the cell cycle and upregulated in highly proliferating cells including cancer cells, this uptake route is a potential target for cancer therapy. We developed and characterized four camelid nanobodies that bind holo-TC (TC in complex with B12 ) or the interface of the human holo-TC:TCblR complex with nanomolar affinities. We determined X-ray crystal structures of these nanobodies bound to holo-TC:TCblR, which enabled us to map their binding epitopes. When conjugated to the model toxin saporin, three of our nanobodies caused growth inhibition of HEK293T cells and therefore have the potential to inhibit the growth of human cancer cells. We visualized the cellular binding and endocytic uptake of the most potent nanobody (TC-Nb4) using fluorescent light microscopy. The co-crystal structure of holo-TC:TCblR with another nanobody (TC-Nb34) revealed novel features of the interface of TC and the LDLR-A1 domain of TCblR, rationalizing the decrease in the affinity of TC-B12 binding caused by the Δ88mutation in CD320.

Biomass Accumulation of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino in Cell Suspension Cultures inhibiting Human Cancer Cell Growth

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GpM) is a medicinal plant in traditional medicine throughout Asia for the treatment of several diseases including cancer. GpM plant cell suspension cultures provide a time and cost effective well-controlled means promising a high-yielding biomass production of pharmaceutical compounds. The purpose of the current work is to investigate the effect of GpM cell suspension cultures on human cancer cell lines growth. The biomass was produced by cell suspension culture of GpM callus into 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask containing 50 mL of liquid medium culture. Gypenosides in GpM were confirmed by HPLC. Pharmacological activities of GpM extract were tested on human cancer cell line (HepG2, Huh7, A549 and HL-60) using Sulforhodamine B (SRB) cytotoxicity assay and Tetrazolium (MTT) assay. We successfully produced 5.485 ± 0.223 g GpM fresh biomass per 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask after 18 days culture. Total gypenosides and Rb1 in dry cell suspension were 48.844 ± 3.933 mg/g and 0.041 ± 0.004 mg/g. The crude extract from GpM cell suspension cultures exhibited significant cancerous cell growth inhibition in a dose dependent manner. From the MTT assay and SRB cytotoxicity assay, it is obvious that GpM cell suspension culture extract at 200 μg/mL significantly inhibited the growth of multiple human cancer cells including hepatoma cell lines (HepG2, Huh7), lung carcinoma cell line (A549) and leukemia cell line (HL-60). Anti-cancer cell proliferation properties of GpM cell suspension culture were significantly higher than those of natural plants’ extracts. In this framework, GpM in cell suspension cultures was found to inhibit the proliferation of several human cancer cells. Biomass accumulation of GpM in cell suspension cultures may contribute to the development of efficient strategies for plant-derived anticancer compound production.