Inhibits Colon Cancer Cell Research Articles

Synthetic free fatty acid receptor (FFAR) 2 agonist 4-CMTB and FFAR4 agonist GSK13764 inhibit colon cancer cell growth and migration and regulate FFARs expression in in vitro and in vivo models of colorectal cancer

IntroductionFree fatty acid receptors (FFARs) are G protein-coupled receptors that divide into 4 subtypes; FFAR2 and FFAR3 are activated by short-chain fatty acids, while FFAR1 and FFAR4 - by long-chain fatty acids. Recent studies show the potential involvement of FFARs in the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer (CRC). A decrease in FFAR2 and FFAR4 gene expression is observed in patients with CRC. The aim of our study was to evaluate the anti-cancer effect of FFAR2 and FFAR4 stimulation by selective synthetic agonists in in vitro and in vivo models of CRC.Materials and methodsFFAR2 agonist, 4-CMTB, and FFAR4 agonist, GSK137647 were used. Cell viability (CCD 841 CoN and SW-480) was determined after 48 h incubation with tested compounds using MTT assay. Real-time qPCR and Western Blot were used to identify changes in FFARs expression. Migration and invasion were characterized by commercially available tests. Colitis-associated CRC (CACRC) mouse model was induced by azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate.Results4-CMTB and GSK137647 significantly reduced cancer cell growth as well as migration and invasion capacities. Both synthetic compounds increased FFAR2 and FFAR4 expression in SW-480 cells. Neither 4-CMTB nor GSK137647 influenced the course of AOM/DSS-induced CACRC in mice, however, 4-CMTB elevated FFAR2 protein expression in mouse tissues.ConclusionWe presented that stimulation of FFAR2 and FFAR4 may inhibit CRC cell viability and migration and that the FFAR2 and FFAR4 expression decreased in CRC can be restored by treatment with respective agonists, indicating new promising pharmacological targets in CRC treatment.

One-pot biocatalysis of potato rhamnogalacturonan and the role of its deacetylation in efficient inhibition of colon cancer cells and hydrogel mediated colon-targeted drug delivery

Deacetylation of potato rhamnogalacturonan (PRG) by rhamnogalacturonan acetyl esterase (CtPae12B) was explored for enhanced hydrolysis of PRG by rhamnogalacturonan lyase (CtRGLf) and the effects of deacetylated PRG were studied in enhancing inhibition of colon-cancer cells and formation of colon-targeting drug delivery material. Pre-treatment of PRG with CtPae12B resulted in increased relative activity of CtRGLf. CtPae12B removed acetyl groups from both O-2 and O-3 positions of D-galactopyranosyluronic acid residues of PRG, resulting in 98 % deacetylation. PRG displayed 21.9 % degree of acetylation and 7.7 % degree of methylation. TLC and ESI-MS analysis of CtRGLf hydrolysed PRG showed unsaturated RG di-saccharide as the smallest product, with m/z 322. Deacetylated PRG-oligosaccharides displayed higher, 50 % inhibition of colon-cancer HCT-116 cells (with shrunken and globular morphology) than 35 % inhibition by acetylated PRG-oligosaccharides. FESEM and BET analysis of CtPae12B-treated PRG showed porous structure and significantly higher total surface area and pore volume than non-enzyme treated PRG. Higher drug entrapment efficiency and lower drug release rate of CtPae12B-treated PRG hydrogel (0.0033 min−1 at pH 1.2 and 0.009 min−1 at pH 7.4), than non-enzyme treated PRG hydrogel, (0.0057 min−1 at pH 1.2 and 0.02 min−1 at pH 7.4), showed it to be a potential biomaterial for sustainable colon-targeted drug delivery.

Retracted] MicroRNA‑642a‑5p inhibits colon cancer cell migration and invasion by targeting collagen type I α1.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that certain of the cell invasion assay data shown in Fig. 6B on p. 940, and western blot data featured in Fig. 7B on p. 942, had already appeared in previously published articles written by different authors at different research institutes. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a satisfactory reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 45: 933‑944, 2021; DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7905].

Effect of Pterostilbene Regulating Nuclear Factor E2-Related Factor 2 on Apoptosis of Colon Cancer Cells in Vitro

Objective To investigate the effects of pterostilbene on human colon cancer LoVo cells and study the regulatory mechanism of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the process of pterostilbene acting on LoVo cells. Methods LoVo cells were treated with different concentrations (5,10,20,40,60,80,100 μmol/L) of pterostilbene.Cell viability,migration,invasion,and apoptosis were examined by CCK-8,scratch,Transwell,and TUNEL assays,respectively.The mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by the mitochondrial membrane potential assay kit with JC-1.The reactive oxygen species level was measured by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate.The protein levels of Nrf2,phosphorylated Nrf2,heme oxygenase 1,and apoptotic proteins (Bcl2 and Bax) were determined by Western blotting.In addition,cell viability,Nrf2 expression,and apoptosis rate were determined after co-application of the Nrf2-specific agonist sulforaphane. Results Compared with the control group,40,60,80,100 μmol/L pterostilbene reduced the viability of LoVo cells (P=0.014,P<0.001,P<0.001,P<0.001).Pterostilbene at 5,10,20 μmol/L did not show effects on cell viability but inhibited cell migration (P=0.008,P<0.001,P<0.001) and invasion (all P<0.001).Pterostilbene at 40,60,80 μmol/L increased apoptosis (P=0.014,P<0.001,P<0.001),promoted mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization (P=0.026,P<0.001,P<0.001) and reactive oxygen species accumulation (all P<0.001),and down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated Nrf2 (P=0.030,P<0.001,P<0.001),heme oxygenase 1 (P=0.015,P<0.001,P<0.001),and Bcl2 (P=0.039,P<0.001,P<0.001) in LoVo cells.Pterostilbene at 60,80 μmol/L down-regulated Nrf2 expression (P=0.001,P<0.001) and up-regulated Bax expression (both P<0.001).The application of sulforaphane reversed the effects of pterostilbene on cell viability (P<0.001),apoptosis (P<0.001),and Nrf2 expression (P=0.022). Conclusion Pterostilbene is a compound that can effectively inhibit colon cancer cells by inhibiting the Nrf2 pathway.

Discovery of Cytotoxic Nitric Oxide-Releasing Piperlongumine Derivatives Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin in Colon Cancer Cells.

Piperlongumine (1) increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and induces apoptosis in cancer cells through various pathways. Nitric oxide (NO) donors have demonstrated potent anticancer activities with exogenous NO being oxidized by ROS in the tumor microenvironment to form highly reactive N-oxides (RNOS). This amplifies oxidative stress cascade reactions, ultimately inducing cancer cell apoptosis. To exploit this synergy, a series of NO-releasing piperlongumine derivatives (2-5) were designed and synthesized. These compounds were expected to release NO in cancer cells, simultaneously generating piperlongumine derivative fragments to enhance the anticancer effects. Compound 6, structurally similar to compounds 2-5 but not releasing NO, served as a control. Among these derivatives, compound 5 exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activity against HCT-116 cells and efficiently released NO in this cell line. Further investigation revealed that compound 5 inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation by modulating β-catenin expression, which is a pivotal protein in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These findings highlight compound 5 as a promising candidate for colon cancer treatment targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Retraction: A InIII‐MOF with Imidazole Decorated Pores as 5‐Fu Delivery System to Inhibit Colon Cancer Cells Proliferation and Induce Cell Apoptosis in vitro and in vivo

Retraction: A In^III‐MOF with Imidazole Decorated Pores as 5‐Fu Delivery System to Inhibit Colon Cancer Cells Proliferation and Induce Cell Apoptosis in vitro and in vivo

Effect and mechanism of curcumin on colon cancer cell senescence through early growth response 1 (EGR1).

The expression level of early growth response 1 (EGR1) is elevated in colon cancer (CC) tissues and is closely associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. However, the role of EGR1 as a transcription factor (TF) influencing cell senescence in the progression of CC remains largely unexplored. This study aims to investigate the impact of curcumin on colorectal cancer cell senescence by modulating EGR1. Genes associated with cell senescence were obtained from a public database, and ChIP-X predicted TFs were utilized. The R2 database was employed to examine the relationship between gene expression and survival. CC cell lines were transfected with plasmids to achieve stable expression. Stable transfected cell lines were screened, and changes in RNA and protein expression were assessed using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB) analysis. Senescence levels were measured by SA-β-Gal staining. Cell proliferation and invasion capabilities were evaluated through soft agar and Matrigel invasion assays. Molecular docking was used to predict the interaction between curcumin and EGR1. Gene activity changes were detected using a dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The results indicated that EGR1 was overexpressed in CC tissues and correlated with poor prognosis. As a TF, EGR1 negatively regulated the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) genes associated with cell senescence. Knocking down EGR1 increased the rate of cell senescence and inhibited cell proliferation and invasion. Curcumin inhibited the transcriptional activity of EGR1, thereby promoting cell senescence and inhibiting tumor progression. In conclusion, curcumin hampers the activity of TF EGR1, affecting the transcription and translation of target genes TERT and SIRT6, thus promoting cell senescence and inhibiting CC cell proliferation. These findings provide potential insights for targeted therapy of CC.

The Therapeutic Effects of Bromelain against Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Objective: Considering the side effects of chemotherapy treatments, we reviewed the anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of bromelain on colon cancer cells in this study. Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were followed in the design of this systematic review. Various databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, were thoroughly searched. Finally, 14 articles were retrieved after considering the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria. The desired data were extracted, entered into an Excel file, and the study results were reviewed. Results: According to the included studies, bromelain can significantly reduce the survival and death of cloned cancer cells through different mechanisms. These mechanisms include impeding tumor growth and metastasis by reducing mucins production/secretion and increasing/reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Moreover, bromelain induces apoptosis via reduced expression of Bcl-2, extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), Akt, activation caspase system (caspase-3, 7, 8, and 9), and extranuclear p53. Ferroptosis was another mechanism of causing cell death. In addition, bromelain activates the autophagy pathway, lysosome formation, and deregulation of other autophagyrelated proteins. Conclusion: Bromelain effectively inhibits colon cancer cells' growth, proliferation, and metastasis and reduces their survival by different mechanisms. Therefore, after examining clinical studies, it can be used as an effective drug for treating CRC.

Pharmacodynamic Materials and Mechanisms of Compound Scutellariae Radix Granules for Colorectal Cancer: A Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Cell Experiments Study

Background: Compound Scutellariae Radix Granules (CSRG) are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC), which is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Studies have demonstrated that CSRG have anti-CRC effects; however, the exact molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: This study used network pharmacology and molecular docking to identify the active ingredients in CSRG and assess CRC-related genes and pathways. After that, the effect of CSRG on HT29 cells was observed in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 detection, Western blot, and flow cytometry with AnnexinV-FITC/PI double staining experiments were used to observe the effects of CSRG on the proliferation, apoptosis and other effects of HT-29 cells. Moreover, the effects of CSRG and IGF-I (PI3K/AKT agonist) on HT-29 cell biological behaviors were gauged. Results: Naringenin, quercetin, licochalcone A, acacetin, wogonin, baicalein, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin were the key active ingredients in CSRG, which affect CRC through five genes: mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 and 1, tumor protein 53, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and RELA proto-oncogene, NF-kB subunit. The molecular docking experiments predicted the activity of the active ingredients in CSRG against their intended target, each of which could stably bind the corresponding CRC target. The enrichment analysis indicate that CSRG played a synergistic effect in regulating the process of apoptosis and cell proliferation, and that multiple pathways were participated in CSRG-related CRC treatment. Cell experiments results demonstrated that the PI3k–Akt pathway may be critical pathways. Besides, Tp53 was found tightly linked to apoptosis. Moreover, the suppressive effect of CSRG on HT29 cell malignant phenotypes was reversed by IGF-I. Conclusion: CSRG are an anti-colon cancer herb containing multiple components, involving multiple target genes and signaling pathways. CSRG inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, which may be related to its inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway and activation of the Tp53 pathway.

Study on the effects of rapamycin and the mTORC1/2 dual inhibitor OSI-027 on the metabolism of colon cancer cells based on UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics.

mTORC1/2 dual inhibitors may be more effective than mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. However, their metabolic impacts on colon cancer cells remain unexplored. We conducted a comparative analysis of the anti-proliferative effects of rapamycin and the novel OSI-027 in colon cancer cells HCT-116, evaluating their metabolic influences through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Our results demonstrate that OSI-027 more effectively inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation than rapamycin. Additionally, we identified nearly 600 metabolites from the spectra, revealing significant differences in metabolic patterns between cells treated with OSI-027 and rapamycin. Through VIP value screening, we pinpointed crucial metabolites contributing to these distinctions. For inhibiting glycolysis and reducing glucose consumption, OSI-027 was likely to be more potent than rapamycin. For amino acids metabolism, although OSI-027 has a broad effect as rapamycin, their effects in degrees were not exactly the same. These findings address the knowledge gap regarding mTORC1/2 dual inhibitors and lay a foundation for their further development and research.

Complement factor I knockdown inhibits colon cancer development by affecting Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc signaling pathway and glycolysis.

Colon cancer (CC) occurrence and progression are considerably influenced by the tumor microenvironment. However, the exact underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate immune infiltration-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CC and specifically explored the role and potential molecular mechanisms of complement factor I (CFI). Immune infiltration-associated DEGs were screened for CC using bioinformatics. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to examine hub DEGs expression in the CC cell lines. Stable CFI-knockdown HT29 and HCT116 cell lines were constructed, and the diverse roles of CFI in vitro were assessed using CCK-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, wound healing, and transwell assays. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry staining were employed to evaluate the influence of CFI on the tumorigenesis of CC xenograft models constructed using BALB/c male nude mice. Key proteins associated with glycolysis and the Wnt pathway were measured using western blotting. Six key immune infiltration-related DEGs were screened, among which the expression of CFI, complement factor B, lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1, and SRY-related high-mobility-group box 4 was upregulated, whereas that of fatty acid-binding protein 1, and bone morphogenic protein-2 was downregulated. Furthermore, CFI could be used as a diagnostic biomarker for CC. Functionally, CFI silencing inhibited CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Mechanistically, CFI knockdown downregulated the expression of key glycolysis-related proteins (glucose transporter type 1, hexokinase 2, lactate dehydrogenase A, and pyruvate kinase M2) and the Wnt pathway-related proteins (β-catenin and c-Myc). Further investigation indicated that CFI knockdown inhibited glycolysis in CC by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc pathway. The findings of the present study demonstrate that CFI plays a crucial role in CC development by influencing glycolysis and the Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc pathway, indicating that it could serve as a promising target for therapeutic intervention in CC.

ATF4 inhibits tumor development and mediates p-GCN2/ASNS upregulation in colon cancer

Colon cancer (CC) is a highly malignant tumor with a high incidence and poor prognosis. This study aimed to explore the function and molecular mechanisms of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in CC. The expression levels of ATF4, GCN2, and ASNS in CC tissues were measured using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), clone formation, transwell, and flow cytometry assays were conducted to assess cell viability, clonogenicity, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis, respectively, in the ATF4 knockdown and overexpression SW480 cell lines. The effect of ATF4 on the expression of GCN2 and ASNS was detected using RT-qPCR, Chip-qPCR, and western blotting. ATF4, GCN2, and ASNS were expressed at low levels in CC tissues, and all had a significant negative correlation with tumor diameter. ATF4 knockdown promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and S-phase cell cycle and inhibited apoptosis in SW480 cells. In contrast, ATF4 overexpression had the opposite effect. Furthermore, ATF4 overexpression enhanced ATF4 binding to the ASNS promoter region. ATF4 knockdown significantly inhibited the expression of p-GCN2 and ASNS, whereas ATF4 overexpression significantly upregulated their expression. ATF4 inhibited CC cell viability, clone formation ability, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis, possibly by regulating the expression of p-GCN2 and ASNS. Our study provides a novel potential therapeutic target for the treatment of CC.

Circular RNA circHIPK2 inhibits colon cancer cells through miR-373-3p/RGMA axis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in cancer development. However, their regulation, function, and underlying mechanisms of action remain unclear. We found that circHIPK2 was downregulated in colon cancer, and low expression levels of circHIPK2 were associated with high tumor grade and poor patient survival. The expression of circHIPK2 was observed to be regulated by the transcription factor HOXD10, which was downregulated in colon cancer. Consequently, low circHIPK2 expression promoted colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, circHIPK2 sponges miR-373-3p to upregulate the expression of the tumor suppressor RGMA, leading to the activation of BMP/Smad signaling and, ultimately, the inhibition of colon cancer cells, indicating that circHIPK2 inhibits colon cancer cells through the miR-373-3p/RGMA/BMP pathway. These findings revealed a previously unknown regulation, function, and underlying mechanism of circHIPK2 in cancer cells. Hence, circHIPK2 may have a prognostic value and serve as a potential target for colon cancer treatment.

SP1-induced circ_0017552 modulates colon cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis via up-regulation of NET1

Colon cancer (CC) is a common malignancy over the world and its morbidity and mortality significantly went up in China in recent years. Molecular functions in cancers have gradually been the pivot subject in cancer research. Neuroepithelial cell transforming 1 (NET1) was reported to contribute to prostate cancer and gastric cancer. Our study figured out that NET1 was overexpressed in CC cells. Then, loss-of-function assays revealed that NET1 facilitated CC cell proliferation and repressed CC cell apoptosis. Next, miR-338–3p was confirmed to target NET1. After that, we verified that circ_0017552 which originates from NET1 could positively modulate NET1 expression. Besides, circ_0017552 was a sponge of miR-338–3p. Rescue assays’ results demonstrated that circ_0017552 could regulate CC cell proliferation and apoptosis through up-regulation of NET1. A transcription factor named Sp1 (SP1) was found to be present in circ_0017552. SP1 induced transcription of circ_0017552 to facilitate CC cell proliferation and inhibit CC cell apoptosis. In a word, SP1-induced circ_0017552 regulated CC cell proliferation and apoptosis through miR-338–3p/NET1 axis.

Sijunzi decoction enhances sensitivity of colon cancer cells to NK cell destruction by modulating P53 expression

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSijunzi Decoction (SJZD), a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, is frequently employed in the treatment of various cancers, including colon cancer. Previous research suggests that SJZD plays a pivotal role in modulating the immune system and enhancing immunity against tumors. However, the precise role of SJZD in combating colon cancer and its potential molecular functions in regulating natural killer cells remain elusive. Aims of the studyTo elucidate the potential mechanism underlying the anticolon cancer effects of SJZD in synergy with natural killer (NK) cells through both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Materials and methodsIn vivo experiments: A subcutaneous tumor mouse model of colon cancer and in vivo NK cell depletion experiments were conducted to observe the anticolon cancer effects of SJZD. Flow cytometry assessed immune cell depletion in mouse spleens, while immunohistochemical (IHC) staining detected the expression of apoptotic genes in tumor tissues. In vitro experiments: The mechanism by which SJZD regulates the sensitization of colon cancer cells to NK cells was investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting (WB), and co-culture experiments with NK cells. ResultsSijunzi Decoction (SJZD) significantly impeded tumor growth in mice; however, NK cell depletion markedly attenuated the tumor-suppressive effect of SJZD. Immunohistochemical (IHC) results indicated that SJZD increased the expression of P53, death receptor 4 (DR4), and death receptor 5 (DR5) in tumor tissues. In vitro experiments, 24 h SJZD-pretreated colon cancer cells showed a substantial elevation in P53, DR4, and DR5 levels, and the activity of colon cancer cells significantly diminished after co-culture with NK cells. These effects of SJZD were reversed with the addition of the P53 inhibitor pifithrin-α (PFT-α), resulting in reduced inhibition of colon cancer cells by NK cells. ConclusionSJZD enhances the levels of DR4 and DR5 through the modulation of P53 expression, consequently increasing the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to NK cell-mediated killing. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of SJZD in patients with colon cancer.In this study, we first investigated the effect of SJZD on subcutaneous tumor growth in mice with colon cancer using in vivo assays and assessed the impact of NK cells on the anticolon cancer effect of SJZD in vivo through NK cell depletion. In vitro experiments were conducted to explore the potential mechanism of action of SJZD in NK cell-mediated anticolon cancer effects.

Network Pharmacology and Component Analysis Integrated Study to Uncovers the Molecular Mechanisms of Lansium parasiticum Bark Extract in Colon Cancer Treatment

Side effects and risk of resistance are common consequences of colon cancer treatment based on chemotherapy. The medicinal plant originating in Indonesia, Lansium parasiticum bark extract (LPBE), has not been studied much. The purpose of this study is to identify the compounds present in LPBE and explain how the molecular mechanisms of the composite inhibit colon cancer cells. LC-MS/MS Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrophotometry has been used to identify compounds in LPBE. The ADMET program is used to determine absorption profiles and bioavailability per oral. The tissue pharmacology approach uses Cytoscape 3.9.1, GeneCards, Disgenet, STRING 2.0.0, SRplot, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway to predict the molecular anti-cancer mechanisms of these compounds. In vitro validation using PyRx Autodock Vina 9.0 and Biovia Discovery Studio with BAX (PDB ID:2YXJ), BCL2 (P DB ID:2W3L) and STAT3 receptors (PDB ID:6NJS). A total of 17 active compounds were identified through LC-MS/MS. The moronic acid compound showed the highest levels of 14.29% followed by 4-Morpholineacetic Acid 12.2% and ursolic aldehyde 8.37%. Pharmacological network analysis showed that the compounder works on the EGFR tyrosine kinase resistance path by targeting the BCL2, BAX, STAT3 genes. The results of the in silico validation support the results of tissue pharmacology findings. Ursolic aldehyde, and Moronic acid showed a higher affinity to the three receptors. Therefore, Lansium parasiticum bark extract (LPBE) is recommended for further study as a candidate anti-cancer drug both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract 5419: Claudin-7 mediates Rab25-induced suppression of colon cancer cell invasion

Abstract Ras-related protein 25 (Rab25) is a member of small GTPase, and growing evidence demonstrates the context-dependent roles of Rab25 in cancer progression. While Rab25 aggravates cancer cell invasion in ER-positive breast, ovarian, and gastric cancers, Rab25 is under-expressed and suppresses colon and triple-negative breast cancer progression. Claudins are major components of tight junctions, and disruption of claudins is implicated in tumorigenesis. Among 27 known members of the claudin family, claudin-7 is suggested to suppress colon cancer progression. Previously, we identified that Rab25 induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasiveness of several types of cancer cells through activating the β1 integrin/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/Snail signaling cascades. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of Rab25-induced tumor suppression. In the present study, we identify the critical role of claudin-7 in Rab25-induced suppression of colon cancer invasion. 3D Matrigel and modified Boden chamber were used to assess the invasiveness of colon cancer cells. Wound-healing assay was used to analyze colon cancer cell migration. 3D Matrigel was used to analyze tumor growth. Immunoblotting was used to assess the protein expression. Rab25 induced claudin-7 expression in colon cancer cells through protein stabilization. In addition, the enforced expression of claudin-7 not only reduced the EGFR/Ras signaling activity and Snail expression but also attenuated colon cancer cell invasion. However, silencing of claudin-7 expression rescued the tumor suppressive role of Rab25, thereby increasing colon cancer cell invasiveness. Collectively, our data demonstrate for the first time that Rab25 reduces the EGFR/Ras/Snail signaling activity and inhibits colon cancer cell invasion by upregulating claudin-7 expression. Citation Format: Su Jin Cho, Bo Young Jeong, Se-Hee Yoon, Chang Gyo Park, Hoi Young Lee. Claudin-7 mediates Rab25-induced suppression of colon cancer cell invasion [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 5419.

Cafestol inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth in xenograft mice by activating LKB1/AMPK/ULK1-dependent autophagy

Chemotherapy failure in colorectal cancer patients is the major cause of recurrence and poor prognosis. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop drugs that have a good chemotherapy effect while also being extremely safe. In this study, we found cafestol inhibited colon cancer growth and HCT116 proliferation in vivo and in vitro, and improved the composition of intestinal flora. Further metabolomic data showed that autophagy and AMPK pathways were involved in the process of cafestol's anti-colon cancer effects. The functional validation studies revealed that cafestol increased autophagy vesicles and LC3B-II levels. The autophagic flux induced by cafestol was prevented by using BafA1. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA blocked the cafestol-induced increase in LC3B-II and cell proliferation inhibition. Then we found that cafestol induced the increased expressions of LKB1, AMPK, ULK1, p-LKB1, p-AMPK, and p-ULK1 proteins in vivo and in vitro. Using the siRNA targeted to the Lkb1 gene, the levels of AMPK, ULK1, and LC3B-II were suppressed under cafestol treatment. These results indicated that the effect of cafestol is through regulating LKB1/AMPK/ULK1 pathway-mediated autophagic death. Finally, a correlation matrix of the microbiome and autophagy-related proteins was conducted. We found that cafestol-induced autophagic protein expression was positively correlated with the beneficial intestinal bacteria (Muribaculaceae, Bacteroides, Prevotellacece, and Alloprevotella) and negatively correlated with the hazardous bacteria. Conclusions: This study found that cafestol inhibited colon cancer in vitro and in vivo by the mechanism that may be related to LKB1/AMPK/ULK1 pathway-mediated autophagic cell death and improved intestinal microenvironment.

Carboxymethylated and sulfated Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides inhibited colon cancer cells growth via PI3K/AKT-MAPKs/NF-κB pathways and immunomodulation

Our previous research revealed that carboxymethylation modification (CM-CP) and sulfation modification (S-CP) could enhance the antitumor activity of Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides (CP), however, the antitumor mechanisms of CM-CP and S-CP are not fully clarified and remain largely unexplored. The aims of the present study were to investigate the dual anti-tumor function of CM-CP and S-CP in inhibiting cancer cells and activating macrophages to exert immunomodulation. Results revealed that CM-CP and S-CP preferentially inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer CT-26 cells in dose-dependent and time-dependent ways, without toxicity to normal cell lines. Flow cytometry values further established that CM-CP and S-CP interventions elicited acidification in the cells, arrested the cell cycle in S stage, raised the amount of reactive oxygen species and activated oxidative stress. CM-CP and S-CP treatment elicited the depolarization of mitochondrial membranous potentials and Ca2+ superload, and disrupted the equilibrium of Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase. Simultaneously, apoptotic proteins expression assays revealed that CM-CP and S-CP promoted CT-26 cell apoptosis through PI3K/AKT-MAPKs/NF-κB signal pathways. In parallel, CM-CP and S-CP dramatically promoted the proliferation and secretory activity (TNF-α and NO) of RAW264.7 cells. Co-culture of cancer cells with CM-CP and S-CP-stimulated macrophage supernatants resulted in more pronounced suppression of cancer cell viability. These findings demonstrated that CM-CP and CM-CP not only inhibit cancer cell growth directly, but also activate macrophages to exert immunomodulatory effects to suppress cancer cells. Furthermore, CM-CP and CM-CP make a contribution to the development of potential functional foods or supplements for the prevention or treatments of colorectal cancer.

Curcumin targeting miR-761 influences proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells through GSK-3β regulation

Abnormal miR-761 expression involves in colon cancer and curcumin has a significant anti-tumor cell proliferation effect. In this study, we investigated whether curcumin targeting miR-761 can affect colon cancer cells. Control group (NC group), miR-761 Mimics group, and miR-761 Mimics+curcumin group were set up. miR-761 and GSK-3β levels were detected by RT-qPCR. Dual fluorescein report detected the relation between miR-761 and GSK-3β along with analysis of cell proliferation by cloning assay and apoptosis by flow cytometry. Compared with normal tissues, miR-761 expression in colon cancer tissues was lower (P &lt;0.01), while GSK-3β level was higher (P &lt; 0.01). Dual fluorescein report analysis showed GSK-3β as a target of miR-761. Compared with NC group, clone number in miR-761 Mimics group decreased, the proliferation capacity decreased, and apoptotic number increased. While compared with miR-761 Mimics group, clone number in miR-761 Mimics+curcumin cells increased, proliferation capacity increased, and apoptotic number decreased. Curcumin targeting miR-761 can inhibit GSK-3β expression, inhibit colon cancer cells proliferation and promote apoptosis. However, when the pCDNA-GSK-3β plasmid overexpresses GSK-3β, it can prevent the action of miR-761.