scholarly journals Molecular Basis of the Anticancer and Antibacterial Properties of CecropinXJ Peptide: An In Silico Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 691
Author(s):  
Francisco Ramos-Martín ◽  
Nicola D’Amelio
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Phospholipid Composition ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
Outer Leaflet ◽  
In Silico Study ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
Poor Outcomes

Esophageal cancer is an aggressive lethal malignancy causing thousands of deaths every year. While current treatments have poor outcomes, cecropinXJ (CXJ) is one of the very few peptides with demonstrated in vivo activity. The great interest in CXJ stems from its low toxicity and additional activity against most ESKAPE bacteria and fungi. Here, we present the first study of its mechanism of action based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and sequence-property alignment. Although unstructured in solution, predictions highlight the presence of two helices separated by a flexible hinge containing P24 and stabilized by the interaction of W2 with target biomembranes: an amphipathic helix-I and a poorly structured helix-II. Both MD and sequence-property alignment point to the important role of helix I in both the activity and the interaction with biomembranes. MD reveals that CXJ interacts mainly with phosphatidylserine (PS) but also with phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) headgroups, both found in the outer leaflet of cancer cells, while salt bridges with phosphate moieties are prevalent in bacterial biomimetic membranes composed of PE, phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and cardiolipin (CL). The antibacterial activity of CXJ might also explain its interaction with mitochondria, whose phospholipid composition recalls that of bacteria and its capability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.

Targeted Inactivation of Murine Band 3 (AE1) Gene Produces a Hypercoagulable State Causing Widespread Thrombosis In Vivo

Blood ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. 1785-1792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hani Hassoun ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
John Vassiliadis ◽  
Mohini Lutchman ◽  
Jiri Palek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Specific Binding ◽  
Phospholipid Composition ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Fluorescein Isothiocyanate ◽  
Band 3 ◽  
Hypercoagulable State ◽  
Outer Leaflet ◽  
Large Vein ◽  
American Society

Abstract Only 5% to 10% of band 3 null mice survive the neonatal period. To determine the cause of death, 3 adult and 11 newborn band 3 null mice were submitted for histopathologic examination. All but 1 pup showed evidence of thrombosis including: (1) large thrombotic lesions in the heart, which were partially organized, calcified in some fields, and endothelialized, indicating a process that developed premortem (3 of 3 adults and 6 of 11 pups). (2) Subcapsular necrotic areas in the liver suggestive of premortem ischemic events caused by arteriolar occlusions (8 of 11 pups). (3) Large vein thrombi (4 of 11 pups). To investigate the etiology of this hypercoagulable state, we have used the Russell’s viper venom test (RVV) to show that red blood cells (RBCs) from band 3 null mice significantly shorten the RVV clotting time of normal plasma in a dose-dependent fashion, whereas RBCs from normal mice have no effect, suggesting that the membrane of band 3 null RBCs provides a suitable surface for activation of the prothrombinase complex. Using flow cytometry, we have examined the phosphatidylserine (PS)-specific binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-annexin V to normal and band 3 null RBCs. A subpopulation of cells (3% to 5% of RBCs) with increased FITC-annexin V binding was detected in band 3 null RBCs as compared with normal RBCs. Furthermore, the entire cell population of band 3 null RBCs shows a measurable increase in the mean fluorescence intensity, suggesting that band 3 null RBCs may have increased PS exposure on the outer membrane leaflet. These findings are further supported by direct fluorescence microscopy of normal and band 3 null RBCs labeled with FITC-annexin V. Based on these observations, we postulate that the high mortality of band 3 null mice may be related to a hypercoagulable state, which appears to originate from changes in the phospholipid composition of the membrane leading to PS exposure on the outer leaflet. © 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

scholarly journals Dynamical Behavior of the Human Ferroportin Homologue from Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus: Insight into the Ligand Recognition Mechanism

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6785
Author(s):  
Valentina Tortosa ◽  
Maria Carmela Bonaccorsi di Patti ◽  
Federico Iacovelli ◽  
Andrea Pasquadibisceglie ◽  
Mattia Falconi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamical Behavior ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Major Facilitator Superfamily ◽  
Ligand Recognition ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
Recognition Mechanism ◽  
Bdellovibrio Bacteriovorus ◽  
Physiological Relevance ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
Major Facilitator

Members of the major facilitator superfamily of transporters (MFS) play an essential role in many physiological processes such as development, neurotransmission, and signaling. Aberrant functions of MFS proteins are associated with several diseases, including cancer, schizophrenia, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. MFS transporters are also involved in multidrug resistance in bacteria and fungi. The structures of most MFS members, especially those of members with significant physiological relevance, are yet to be solved. The lack of structural and functional information impedes our detailed understanding, and thus the pharmacological targeting, of these transporters. To improve our knowledge on the mechanistic principles governing the function of MSF members, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on the inward-facing and outward-facing crystal structures of the human ferroportin homologue from the Gram-negative bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus (BdFpn). Several simulations with an excess of iron ions were also performed to explore the relationship between the protein’s dynamics and the ligand recognition mechanism. The results reinforce the existence of the alternating-access mechanism already described for other MFS members. In addition, the reorganization of salt bridges, some of which are conserved in several MFS members, appears to be a key molecular event facilitating the conformational change of the transporter.

scholarly journals Combining ReACp53 with Carboplatin to Target High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancers

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 5908
Author(s):  
Adam Neal ◽  
Tiffany Lai ◽  
Tanya Singh ◽  
Neela Rahseparian ◽  
Tristan Grogan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Cells ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Ovarian Carcinomas ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines ◽  
Poor Outcomes

Ovarian malignancies are a leading cause of cancer-related death for US women. High-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs), the most common ovarian cancer subtype, are aggressive tumors with poor outcomes. Mutations in TP53 are common in HGSOCs, with a subset resulting in p53 aggregation and misregulation. ReACp53 is a peptide designed to inhibit mutant p53 aggregation and has been shown efficacious in targeting cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. As p53 regulates apoptosis, combining ReACp53 with carboplatin represents a logical therapeutic strategy. The efficacy of this combinatorial approach was tested in eight ovarian cancer cell lines and 10 patient HGSOC samples using an in vitro organoid drug assay, with the SynergyFinder tool utilized for calculating drug interactions. Results demonstrate that the addition of ReACp53 to carboplatin enhanced tumor cell targeting in the majority of samples tested, with synergistic effects measured in 2 samples, additivity measured in 14 samples, and antagonism measured in 1 sample. This combination was found to be synergistic in OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cells in vitro through enhanced apoptosis, and survival of mice bearing OVCAR3 intraperitoneal xenografts was extended when treated with the addition of ReACp53 to carboplatin versus carboplatin alone. Results suggest that carboplatin and ReACp53 may be a potential strategy in targeting a subset of HGSOCs.

scholarly journals Small Molecule Cjoc42 Improves Chemo-Sensitivity and Increases Levels of Tumor Suppressor Proteins in Hepatoblastoma Cells and in Mice by Inhibiting Oncogene Gankyrin

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber M. D’Souza ◽  
Ashley Cast ◽  
Meenasri Kumbaji ◽  
Maria Rivas ◽  
Ruhi Gulati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Liver Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Tumor Suppressor Proteins ◽  
Pediatric Liver ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
Relapsed Disease ◽  
Different Doses

Objective: Relapsed hepatoblastoma (HBL) and upfront hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are notoriously chemoresistant tumors associated with poor outcomes. Gankyrin (Gank) is a known oncogene that is overexpressed in pediatric liver cancer and implicated in chemo-resistance. The goal of this study was to evaluate if the Gank-tumor suppressor axis is activated in chemoresistant hepatoblastoma patients and examine if an inhibitor of Gank, Cjoc42, might improve the chemosensitivity of cancer cells.Methods: Expression of Gank and its downstream targets were examined in fresh human HBL samples using immunostaining, QRT-PCR, and Western Blot. Cancer cells, Huh6 (human HBL) and Hepa1c1c7 (mouse HCC) were treated with Cjoc42 and with Cjoc42 in combination with cisplatin or doxorubicin. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and chemoresistance were examined. To examine activities of Cjoc42 in vivo, mice were treated with different doses of Cjoc42, and biological activities of Gank and cytotoxicity of Cjoc42 were tested.Results: Elevation of Gank and Gank-mediated elimination of TSPs are observed in patients with minimal necrosis after chemotherapy and relapsed disease. The treatment of Huh6 and Hepa1c1c7 with Cjoc42 was not cytotoxic; however, in combination with cisplatin or doxorubicin, Cjoc42 caused a significant increase in cytotoxicity compared to chemotherapy alone with increased apoptosis. Examination of Cjoc42 in WT mice showed that Cjoc42 is well tolerated without systemic toxicity, and levels of tumor suppressors CUGBP1, Rb, p53, C/EBPα, and HNF4α are increased by blocking their Gank-dependent degradation.Conclusions: Our work shows that Cjoc42 might be a promising adjunct to chemotherapy for the treatment of severe pediatric liver cancer and presents mechanisms by which Cjoc42 increases chemo-sensitivity.

Targeted Inactivation of Murine Band 3 (AE1) Gene Produces a Hypercoagulable State Causing Widespread Thrombosis In Vivo

Blood ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. 1785-1792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hani Hassoun ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
John Vassiliadis ◽  
Mohini Lutchman ◽  
Jiri Palek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Specific Binding ◽  
Phospholipid Composition ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Fluorescein Isothiocyanate ◽  
Band 3 ◽  
Hypercoagulable State ◽  
Outer Leaflet ◽  
Large Vein ◽  
American Society

Only 5% to 10% of band 3 null mice survive the neonatal period. To determine the cause of death, 3 adult and 11 newborn band 3 null mice were submitted for histopathologic examination. All but 1 pup showed evidence of thrombosis including: (1) large thrombotic lesions in the heart, which were partially organized, calcified in some fields, and endothelialized, indicating a process that developed premortem (3 of 3 adults and 6 of 11 pups). (2) Subcapsular necrotic areas in the liver suggestive of premortem ischemic events caused by arteriolar occlusions (8 of 11 pups). (3) Large vein thrombi (4 of 11 pups). To investigate the etiology of this hypercoagulable state, we have used the Russell’s viper venom test (RVV) to show that red blood cells (RBCs) from band 3 null mice significantly shorten the RVV clotting time of normal plasma in a dose-dependent fashion, whereas RBCs from normal mice have no effect, suggesting that the membrane of band 3 null RBCs provides a suitable surface for activation of the prothrombinase complex. Using flow cytometry, we have examined the phosphatidylserine (PS)-specific binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-annexin V to normal and band 3 null RBCs. A subpopulation of cells (3% to 5% of RBCs) with increased FITC-annexin V binding was detected in band 3 null RBCs as compared with normal RBCs. Furthermore, the entire cell population of band 3 null RBCs shows a measurable increase in the mean fluorescence intensity, suggesting that band 3 null RBCs may have increased PS exposure on the outer membrane leaflet. These findings are further supported by direct fluorescence microscopy of normal and band 3 null RBCs labeled with FITC-annexin V. Based on these observations, we postulate that the high mortality of band 3 null mice may be related to a hypercoagulable state, which appears to originate from changes in the phospholipid composition of the membrane leading to PS exposure on the outer leaflet. © 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

Ultrastructural modification of cellular interactions in cancer tumor

1978 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 318-319
Author(s):  
N. P. Dmitrieva
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Human Thyroid ◽  
Adjacent Cell ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Cellular Interactions ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Cancer Tumor ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
Characteristic Features

One of the most characteristic features of cancer cells is their ability to metastasia. It is suggested that the modifications of the structure and properties of cancer cells surfaces play the main role in this process. The present work was aimed at finding out what ultrastructural features apear in tumor in vivo which removal of individual cancer cells from the cell population can provide. For this purpose the cellular interactions in the normal human thyroid and cancer tumor of this gland electron microscopic were studied. The tissues were fixed in osmium tetroxide and were embedded in Araldite-Epon.In normal human thyroid the most common type of intercellular contacts was represented by simple junction formed by the parallelalignment of adjacent cell membranees leaving in between an intermembranes space 15-20 nm filled with electronlucid material (Fig. 1a). Sometimes in the basal part of cells dilatations of the intercellular space 40-50 nm wide were found (Fig. 1a). Here the cell surfaces may form single short microvilli.

Garlic Extract (Allium sativum L.) Effectively Inhibits Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by Invitro Test

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-68
Author(s):  
Agnina Listya Anggraini ◽  
Ratih Dewi Dwiyanti ◽  
Anny Thuraidah
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Allium Sativum ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Garlic Extract ◽  
Dilution Method ◽  
Initial Stage

Infection is a disease caused by the presence of pathogenic microbes, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has chemical contents such as allicin, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and steroids, which can function as an antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This study aims to determine the antibacterial properties of garlic extract powder against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This research is the initial stage of the development of herbal medicines to treat Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli infections. The antibacterial activity test was carried out by the liquid dilution method. The concentrations used were 30 mg/mL, 40 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 60 mg/mL and 70 mg/mL. The results showed that the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was 40 mg/mL and 50 mg / mL. Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) results for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are 50 mg/mL and 70 mg/mL. Based on the Simple Linear Regression test, the R2 value of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli is 0.545 and 0.785, so it can be concluded that there is an effect of garlic extract powder on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by 54.5% and 78.5%. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) extract powder has potential as herbal medicine against bacterial infections but requires further research to determine its effect in vivo.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Efficacy of Docetaxel and Sorafenib Combination in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells

2010 ◽  
Vol 999 (999) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
P. Ulivi ◽  
C. Arienti ◽  
W. Zoli ◽  
M. Scarsella ◽  
S. Carloni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Antitumor Efficacy ◽  
Human Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer Cells

A Novel Triazole Derivative Drug Presenting In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Properties

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 1483-1493
Author(s):  
Ricardo Imbroisi Filho ◽  
Daniel T.G. Gonzaga ◽  
Thainá M. Demaria ◽  
João G.B. Leandro ◽  
Dora C.S. Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Cancer Cell Line ◽  
Hepatic Function ◽  
Anticancer Properties ◽  
Mcf 7

Background: Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide, despite many different drugs available to treat the disease. This high mortality rate is largely due to the complexity of the disease, which results from several genetic and epigenetic changes. Therefore, researchers are constantly searching for novel drugs that can target different and multiple aspects of cancer. Experimental: After a screening, we selected one novel molecule, out of ninety-four triazole derivatives, that strongly affects the viability and proliferation of the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, with minimal effects on non-cancer cells. The drug, named DAN94, induced a dose-dependent decrease in MCF-7 cells viability, with an IC50 of 3.2 ± 0.2 µM. Additionally, DAN94 interfered with mitochondria metabolism promoting reactive oxygen species production, triggering apoptosis and arresting the cancer cells on G1/G0 phase of cell cycle, inhibiting cell proliferation. These effects are not observed when the drug was tested in the non-cancer cell line MCF10A. Using a mouse model with xenograft tumor implants, the drug preventing tumor growth presented no toxicity for the animal and without altering biochemical markers of hepatic function. Results and Conclusion: The novel drug DAN94 is selective for cancer cells, targeting the mitochondrial metabolism, which culminates in the cancer cell death. In the end, DAN94 has been shown to be a promising drug for controlling breast cancer with minimal undesirable effects.

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