scholarly journals A Novel Tanshinone Analog Exerts Anti-Cancer Effects in Prostate Cancer by Inducing Cell Apoptosis, Arresting Cell Cycle at G2 Phase and Blocking Metastatic Ability

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (18) ◽  
pp. 4459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengling Wang ◽  
Xueyi Zeng ◽  
Shengyou Li ◽  
Zekun Sun ◽  
Jia Yu ◽  
...  

Prostate cancer (PCa), an epithelial malignant tumor, is the second common cause of cancer death among males in western countries. Thus, the development of new strategies is urgently needed. Tanshinones isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza and its synthetic analogs show various biological activities including anticancer effects. Among them, the tanshinone analog 2-((Glycine methyl ester)methyl)-naphtho (TC7) is the most effective, with better selectivity and lower toxicity. Therefore, in this work, the effect of TC7 against PCa was investigated through assessing the molecular mechanisms regulating the growth, metastasis, and invasion of PCa cells. Human PCa cells, PC3 and LNCAP, were used to evaluate TC7 mechanisms of action in vitro, while male BALB/c nude mice were used for in vivo experiments by subjecting each mouse to a subcutaneous injection of PC3 cells into the right flank to evaluate TC7 effects on tumor volume. Our in vitro results showed that TC7 inhibited cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle at G2/M through the regulation of cyclin b1, p53, GADD45A, PLK1, and CDC2/cyclin b1. In addition, TC7 induced cell apoptosis by regulating apoptosis-associated genes such as p53, ERK1, BAX, p38, BCL-2, caspase-8, cleaved-caspase-8, PARP1, and the phosphorylation level of ERK1 and p38. Furthermore, it decreased DNA synthesis and inhibited the migration and invasion ability by regulating VEGF-1 and MMP-9 protein expression. Our in vivo evidence supports the conclusion that TC7 could be considered as a potential promising chemotherapeutic candidate in the treatment of PCa.

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongbo Yu ◽  
Zheng Xu ◽  
Maomao Guo ◽  
Weiwan Wang ◽  
Weican Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Docetaxel resistance affects prognosis in advanced prostate cancer (PCa). The precise mechanisms remain unclear. Transcription factor Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), which participates in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, has been reported to affect the sensitivity of chemotherapy. This study explores the role of FOXM1 in PCa docetaxel resistance and its association with kinesin family member 20 A (KIF20A), which is known to promote therapeutic resistance in some cancers. Methods We monitored cell growth using MTT and colony formation assays, and cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression using flow cytometry. Wound-healing and transwell assays were used to detect cell invasion and migration. mRNA and protein expression were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. We monitored FOXM1 binding to the KIF20A promoter using a ChIP assay. Tumorigenicity in nude mice was used to assess in vivo tumorigenicity. Results FOXM1 knockdown induced cell apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest, suppressing cell migration and invasion in docetaxel-resistant PCa cell lines (DU145-DR and VCaP-DR). Exogenous FOXM1 overexpression was found in their parental cells. Specific FOXM1 inhibitor thiostrepton significantly weakened docetaxel resistance in vitro and in vivo. We also found that FOXM1 and KIF20A exhibited consistent and highly correlated overexpression in PCa cells and tissues. FOXM1 also regulated KIF20A expression at the transcriptional level by acting directly on a Forkhead response element (FHRE) in its promoter. KIF20A overexpression could partially reverse the effect on cell proliferation, cell cycle proteins (cyclinA2, cyclinD1 and cyclinE1) and apoptosis protein (bcl-2 and PARP) of FOXM1 depletion. Conclusions Our findings indicate that highly expressed FOXM1 may help promote docetaxel resistance by inducing KIF20A expression, providing insight into novel chemotherapeutic strategies for combatting PCa docetaxel resistance.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongbo Yu ◽  
Zheng Xu ◽  
Maomao Guo ◽  
Weiwan Wang ◽  
Weican Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Docetaxel resistance affects prognosis in advanced prostate cancer (PCa). The precise mechanisms remain unclear. The transcription factor Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), which participates in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, has been reported to affect the sensitivity of chemotherapy. This study explores the role of FOXM1 in PCa docetaxel resistance and its association with kinesin family member 20 A (KIF20A), which is known to promote therapeutic resistance in some cancers.Methods: We monitored cell growth using MTT and colony formation assays, and cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression using flow cytometry. Wound-healing and transwell assays were used to detect cell invasion and migration. mRNA and protein expression were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. We monitored FOXM1 binding to the KIF20A promoter using the ChIP assay. Tumorigenicity in nude mice was used to assess in vivo tumorigenicity.Results: FOXM1 knockdown induced cell apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest, suppressing cell migration and invasion in docetaxel-resistant PCa cell lines (DU145-DR and VCaP-DR). Exogenous FOXM1 overexpression was found in their parental cells. Specific FOXM1 inhibitor thiostrepton significantly weakened docetaxel resistance in vitro and in vivo. We also found FOXM1 and KIF20A exhibited consistent and highly correlated overexpression in PCa cells and tissues. FOXM1 also regulated KIF20A expression at the transcriptional level by acting directly on a Forkhead response element (FHRE) in its promoter. KIF20A overexpression could partially reverse the effect on cell proliferation, cell cycle proteins (cyclinA2, cyclinD1 and cyclinE1) and apoptosis protein (bcl-2 and PARP) of FOXM1 depletion.Conclusions: Our findings indicate highly expressed FOXM1 may help promote docetaxel resistance by inducing KIF20A expression, providing insight into novel chemotherapeutic strategies for combatting PCa docetaxel resistance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ru-nan Zhang ◽  
Dong-mei Wu ◽  
Li-ping Wu ◽  
Guo-wei Gao

Abstract Background Emerging studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) predominantly function in the carcinogenesis of multiple developing human tumors. The current study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of LINC00337 in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods We analyzed TCGA and GTEx datasets and chose LINC00337 as the research object. Cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion were detected in the gain and loss experiments of LINC00337 both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter assays, western blotting analysis, and rescue experiments were performed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of LINC00337 function. Results LINC00337 expression was remarkably upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, LINC00337 knockdown was shown to repress cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, as well as the cell cycle, and gear up apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo. With respect to the mechanism, LINC00337 knockdown boosted miR-1285-3p expression and then restrained YTHDF1 expression post-transcriptionally. Crucially, both miR-1285-3p decrement and YTHDF1 overexpression successfully reversed the influence on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis caused by LINC00337 shRNA. Conclusions These results suggest that LINC00337 acts as an oncogenic lncRNA, targeting miR-1285-3p and regulating YTHDF1 expression, to promote the progression of lung adenocarcinoma.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuyang Chen ◽  
Yue Fu ◽  
Xinchun Liu ◽  
Peng Wang ◽  
Shangnan Dai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Cyclin-dependent kinase subunit 2 (CKS2) has been reported to promote various malignancies. This study aims to investigate the prognostic significance and functional role of CKS2 in pancreatic cancer.Methods: The analysis of abnormal expression genes and prognosis value on pancreatic cancer by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database and immunohistochemical staining of 64 samples of tumors. CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and a xenograft tumor model were used to analyze the biological function of CKS2 in pancreatic cancer. Western blotting was performed to explore the mechanisms underlying the effect of CKS2 on cell cycle progression and apoptosis.Results: A significantly higher expression of CKS2 was found in pancreatic cancer compared with adjacent normal tissues and high CKS2 expression indicated poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. Moreover, functional assays revealed that CKS2 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability, induced cell cycle G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in vitro and reduced tumor growth in vivo. In addition, CKS2 knockdown increased the expression of Bax, caspase-3, P53, P21 and GADD45α, but decreased the expression of Bcl-2, Cyclin B1, CDK1, Cyclin A, and Cdc25C. CKS2 overexpression obtained the opposite results to CKS2 knockdown.Conclusions: Our findings suggested that CKS2 may act as a promising prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongbo Yu ◽  
Zheng Xu ◽  
Maomao Guo ◽  
Weiwan Wang ◽  
Weican Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Docetaxel resistance affects prognosis in advanced prostate cancer (PCa). The precise mechanisms remain unclear. Transcription factor Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), which participates in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, has been reported to affect the sensitivity of chemotherapy. This study explores the role of FOXM1 in PCa docetaxel resistance and its association with kinesin family member 20 A (KIF20A), which is known to promote therapeutic resistance in some cancers.Methods: We monitored cell growth using MTT and colony formation assays, and cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression using flow cytometry. Wound-healing and transwell assays were used to detect cell invasion and migration. mRNA and protein expression were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. We monitored FOXM1 binding to the KIF20A promoter using a ChIP assay. Tumorigenicity in nude mice was used to assess in vivo tumorigenicity.Results: FOXM1 knockdown induced cell apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest, suppressing cell migration and invasion in docetaxel-resistant PCa cell lines (DU145-DR and VCaP-DR). Exogenous FOXM1 overexpression was found in their parental cells. Specific FOXM1 inhibitor thiostrepton significantly weakened docetaxel resistance in vitro and in vivo. We also found that FOXM1 and KIF20A exhibited consistent and highly correlated overexpression in PCa cells and tissues. FOXM1 also regulated KIF20A expression at the transcriptional level by acting directly on a Forkhead response element (FHRE) in its promoter. KIF20A overexpression could partially reverse the effect on cell proliferation, cell cycle proteins (cyclinA2, cyclinD1 and cyclinE1) and apoptosis protein (bcl-2 and PARP) of FOXM1 depletion.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that highly expressed FOXM1 may help promote docetaxel resistance by inducing KIF20A expression, providing insight into novel chemotherapeutic strategies for combatting PCa docetaxel resistance.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiliang Cai ◽  
Jiancheng Pan ◽  
Enli Liang ◽  
Dingrong Zhang ◽  
Cheng Fang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are known to be the important regulators in cancer progression. However, the role of circRNAs in PCa is yet to be investigated. Therefore, this study focuses on investigating the effect and the underlying molecular mechanisms of hsa_circ_0001686 (circ_0001686) in PCa. Methods: Sample tissues were collected from the PCa patients to carry out the microarray expression profile of the human circRNAs. In addition, the expression levels of circ_0001686, has_miR-411-5p (miR-411-5p), SMAD3, and TGFBR2 were also detected by qRT-RCR. Next, transfection experiments were employed to measure the effect of circ_0001686 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in the PCa cell lines (CWR22RV1and LNCaP). These effects were analyzed using MTT, colony formation, transwell, and scratch wound assays, respectively. The si-circ_0001686 was used as a negative control. Starbase and TargetScan databases were used to predict the putative binding sites among circ_0001686, miR-411-5p, and SMAD3/TGFBR2. The dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify these interactions. Furthermore, the levels of SMAD3 and TGFBR2 in CWR22RV1 and LNCaP cells were measured by western blot. Finally, in vivo experiments in the nude mouse model were carried out to strengthen the in vitro findings. Results: The expression of circ_0001686 was markedly up-regulated while the expression of miR-411-5p was down-regulated in PCa cells. Moreover, circ_0001686 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Molecular mechanism exploration revealed that circ_0001686 acts as a sponge of miR-411-5p which affects the downstream target gene SMAD3, and TGFBR2. Both the in vitro and in vivo studies verified that miR-411-5p inhibits cancer growth and metastasis in PCa.Conclusions: The circ_0001686 sequesters miR-411-5p to increase the expression of SMAD3/TGFBR2 which consequently promotes the proliferation, invasion, and migration in PCa cells.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongbo Yu ◽  
Zheng Xu ◽  
weiwan wang ◽  
Weican Zhang ◽  
zhibin xu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background:Resistance to docetaxel is an important factor which affects the prognosis in advanced prostate cancer (PCa). The precise mechanisms remain unclear. The transcription factor Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), participating in cell cycle progress and cell proliferation, has been reported to affect the sensitivity of chemotherapy. The present study aims to explore the role of FOXM1 in docetaxel resistance of PCa and how FOXM1 is associated with kinesin family member 20 A (KIF20A), which has been demonstrated to promote the development of therapeutic resistance in some cancers. Methods: We monitored cell growth by MTT and colony formation assays , and cell apoptosis and cell cycle through flow cytometry. Wound-healing and transwell assays were performed to detect cell migration and invasion. The mRNA and protein expression of gene were analyzed by by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting, respectively. We determined the binding of FOXM1 on the KIF20A promoter by the ChIP assay. Tumorigenicity in nude mice was employed to assess tumorigenicity in vivo. Results: FOXM1 knockdown induced cell apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest, and suppressed cell migration and invasion in docetaxel-resistant PCa cell lines (DU145-DR and VCaP-DR). The opposite trend was found in their parental cells with exogenous FOXM1 overexpression. Furthermore, thiostrepton, a specific inhibitor for FOXM1, significantly attenuated docetaxel resistance in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we found that FOXM1 and KIF20A were consistently overexpressed and highly correlated in PCa cells and tissues. Further studies demonstrated that FOXM1 regulated the expression of KIF20A at the transcriptional level directly through a Forkhead response element (FHRE) in its promoter. Moreover, KIF20A overexpression could partially reverse the effects of FOXM1 depletion on cell proliferation, cell cycle proteins (cyclinA2, cyclinD1 and cyclinE1) and apoptosis protein (bcl-2 and PARP). Conclusions: our findings suggest that highly expressed FOXM1 may promote docetaxel resistance partly through the induction of KIF20A expression and provide insights into novel chemotherapeutic strategies for docetaxel resistance in PCa.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongbo Yu ◽  
Zheng Xu ◽  
weiwan wang ◽  
zhibin xu ◽  
gangyi zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background:Resistance to docetaxel is an important factor which affects the prognosis in advanced prostate cancer (PCa). The precise mechanisms remain unclear. The transcription factor Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), participating in cell cycle progress and cell proliferation, has been reported to affect the sensitivity of chemotherapy. The present study aims to explore the role of FOXM1 in docetaxel resistance of PCa and how FOXM1 is associated with kinesin family member 20 A (KIF20A), which has been demonstrated to promote the development of therapeutic resistance in some cancers.Methods: We monitored cell growth by MTT and colony formation assays and cell apoptosis and cell cycle through flow cytometry. Wound-healing and transwell assays were performed to detect cell migration and invasion. Gene expression was analyzedby quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. We determined the binding of FOXM1 on the KIF20A promoter by the ChIP assay. Tumorigenicity in nude mice was employed to assess tumorigenicity in vivo.Results: FOXM1 knockdown induced cell apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest while hampered cell migration and invasion in docetaxel-resistant PCa cell lines (DU145-DR and VCaP-DR). The opposite trend was found in their parental cells with exogenous FOXM1 overexpression. Furthermore, thiostrepton, a specific inhibitor for FOXM1, significantly attenuated docetaxel resistance in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we found that FOXM1 and KIF20A were consistently overexpressed and highly correlated in PCa cells and tissues. Further studies demonstrated that FOXM1 regulated the expression of KIF20A at the transcriptional level directly through a Forkhead response element (FHRE) in its promoter. Moreover, KIF20A overexpression could partially reverse the effects of FOXM1 depletion on cell proliferation, cell cycle proteins (cyclinA2, cyclinD1 and cyclinE1) and apoptosis protein (Bcl-2 and PARP).Conclusions: our findings suggest that FOXM1 may promote docetaxel resistance partly through the induction of KIF20A expression and provide insights into novel chemotherapeutic strategies for docetaxel resistance in PCa.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Chang ◽  
Dan Zhu ◽  
Yanjiang Chen ◽  
Weiquan Zhang ◽  
Xi Liu ◽  
...  

Litchi seeds have been traditionally used in Chinese herbal formula for urologic neoplasms including prostate cancer (PCa). However, the effective components of Litchi seeds and the mechanisms of their actions on PCa cell growth and metastasis remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of the Total Flavonoid of Litchi Seed (TFLS) in PCa PC3 and DU145 cell lines. We found that TFLS significantly inhibited the PCa cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and prevented cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, we observed that TFLS upregulated the expression of epithelial biomarker E-cadherin and downregulated mesenchymal biomarker Vimentin. TFLS also increased the expression of cleaved-PRAP and Bax, and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 in both PC3 and DU145 cells. Besides, TFLS inhibited AKT signaling pathway by reducing the phosphorylation of AKT and activities of downstream signal transducers including mTOR, IκBα and NF-kB. Finally, TFLS treated mice exhibited a significant decrease in tumor size without toxicity in major organs in vivo. These results indicated that TFLS could suppress PCa cell growth in vivo and inhibit PCa cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro through induction of apoptosis and phenotypic reversal of EMT, which may be achieved by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways. Taken together, our data provide new insights into the role of TFLS as a novel potent anti-cancer agent for the treatment of PCa.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 2582-2592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengcheng Sun ◽  
Xinhai Sun ◽  
Weiming Zhao ◽  
Minghua Ren ◽  
Cheng Zhang ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Lemur tyrosine kinase (LMTK)-3 is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. Abnormal expression of LMTK-3 exists in various types of cancers, especially in endocrine-resistant breast cancers; however, the precise level of expression and the biological function in prostate cancer are poorly understood. Methods: In the present study, we determined the expression of LMTK-3 in prostate cancer using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. We infected PC3 and LNCaP cells with lentivirus-LMTK-3 and observed the biologic characteristics of the PC3 and LNCaP cells in vitro with TUNEL, and migration and invasion assays, respectively. We also established a transplant tumor model of human prostate cancer with infected cells in 15 BALB/c-nu/nu nude mice. Results: LMTK-3 was expressed in prostate epithelial cells. There was a significant decline in the level of LMTK-3 expression in prostate cancers compared to normal tissues. LMTK-3 inhibited PC3 and LNCaP cell growth, migration, and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis in vitro. We also observed that LMTK-3 induced PC3 cell apoptosis in vivo. Further study showed that LMTK-3 inhibited phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, and promoted phosphorylation and activation of p38 kinase and Jun kinase (JNK). Conclusion: Recombinant lentivirus with enhanced expression of LMTK-3 inhibited prostate cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. AKT and MAPK signaling pathways may contribute to the process.


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