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Biomolecules
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Natural Products and Bionanotechnology for Cancer and Disease Treatment
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Natural Products and Bionanotechnology for Cancer and Disease Treatment

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 August 2019) | Viewed by 37571

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xingcai Zhang

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Guest Editor
John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Interests: natural products; anti-cancer drugs; bionanotechnology; drug delivery systems; controlled release; materials chemistry; nanomedicine
Dr. Feng Liang

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Guest Editor
Rowland Institute at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
Prof. Dr. Wei Zhang

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Guest Editor
Center for Green Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125, USA
Interests: green chemistry; organofluorine chemistry; free-radical chemistry; organocatalysis; medicinal chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This special issue of Biomolecules, “Natural Products and Bionanotechnology for Cancer and Disease Treatment” focuses on the novel studies on natural products and bionanotechnology for cancer and disease prevention and treatment. It covers natural products and bionanotechnology studies on drug discovery, functionality development, synthesis, diagnosis, delivery, therapy, and natural product genomics etc.

Natural products continuously play important roles in biomedical fields such as drug discovery and delivery for cancer and disease treatment. The development of novel bionanotechnologies can significantly improve the biomedical efficiency of natural product-based medicine. This Special Issue focuses on the development of natural products-related (but not limited to) bionanotechnologies and their applications in cancer drug discovery, diagnosis (e.g., lab-on-chip, biosensors), therapy (e.g., anti-cancer, anti-obesity, antibacterial studies), compound synthesis and separation, metabolism and genomic/proteomics expression, functional assays and screening, and natural product genomics.

Dr. Xingcai Zhang
Dr. Feng Liang
Prof. Dr. Wei Zhang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomolecules is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Natural Products
  • Anti-cancer Drugs
  • Bionanotechnology
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Nanomedicine
  • Lab-on-Chip
  • Biosensors
  • Drug Discovery
  • Diagnosis
  • Therapy

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 7228 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Multi-Target Pharmacological Mechanism of Hedyotis diffusa Willd Acting on Prostate Cancer: A Network Pharmacology Approach
by Yanan Song, Haiyan Wang, Yajing Pan and Tonghua Liu
Biomolecules 2019, 9(10), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom9100591 - 09 Oct 2019
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 4950
Abstract
Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) is one of the most well-known herbs used in the treatment of prostate cancer. However, the potential mechanisms of its anti-tumor effects have not been fully explored. Here, we applied a network pharmacology approach to explore the potential mechanisms [...] Read more.
Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) is one of the most well-known herbs used in the treatment of prostate cancer. However, the potential mechanisms of its anti-tumor effects have not been fully explored. Here, we applied a network pharmacology approach to explore the potential mechanisms of HDW against prostate cancer (PCa). We obtained 14 active compounds from HDW and 295 potential PCa related targets in total to construct a network, which indicated that quercetin and ursolic acid served as the main ingredients in HDW. Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase 8 (MAPK8), Interleukin 6 (IL6), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA), Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), Jun Proto-Oncogene (JUN), C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8), Interleukin-1 Beta (IL1B), Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2), RELA Proto-Oncogene (RELA), and CAMP Responsive Element Binding Protein 1 (CREB1) were identified as key targets of HDW in the treatment of PCa. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) cluster demonstrated that CREB1 was the seed in this cluster, indicating that CREB1 plays an important role in connecting other nodes in the PPI network. This enrichment demonstrated that HDW was highly related to translesion synthesis, unfolded protein binding, regulation of mitotic recombination, phosphatidylinositol and its kinase-mediated signaling, nucleotide excision repair, regulation of DNA recombination, and DNA topological change. The enrichment results also showed that the underlying mechanism of HDW against PCa may be due to its coordinated regulation of several cancer-related pathways, such as angiogenesis, cell differentiation, migration, apoptosis, invasion, and proliferation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Bionanotechnology for Cancer and Disease Treatment)
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14 pages, 3274 KiB  
Article
The Inhibitory Effect of Cordycepin on the Proliferation of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells, and Its Mechanism: An Investigation Using Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis
by Dahae Lee, Won-Yung Lee, Kiwon Jung, Yong Sam Kwon, Daeyoung Kim, Gwi Seo Hwang, Chang-Eop Kim, Sullim Lee and Ki Sung Kang
Biomolecules 2019, 9(9), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom9090414 - 26 Aug 2019
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7965
Abstract
Cordyceps militaris is a well-known medicinal mushroom. It is non-toxic and has clinical health benefits including cancer inhibition. However, the anticancer effects of C. militaris cultured in brown rice on breast cancer have not yet been reported. In this study, we simultaneously investigated [...] Read more.
Cordyceps militaris is a well-known medicinal mushroom. It is non-toxic and has clinical health benefits including cancer inhibition. However, the anticancer effects of C. militaris cultured in brown rice on breast cancer have not yet been reported. In this study, we simultaneously investigated the anticancer effects of cordycepin and an extract of C. militaris cultured in brown rice on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells using a cell viability assay, cell staining with Hoechst 33342, and an image-based cytometric assay. The C. militaris concentrate exhibited significant MCF-7 cell inhibitory effects, and its IC50 value was 73.48 µg/mL. Cordycepin also exhibited significant MCF-7 cell inhibitory effects, and its IC50 value was 9.58 µM. We applied network pharmacological analysis to predict potential targets and pathways of cordycepin. The gene set enrichment analysis showed that the targets of cordycepin are mainly associated with the hedgehog signaling, apoptosis, p53 signaling, and estrogen signaling pathways. We further verified the predicted targets related to the apoptosis pathway using western blot analysis. The C. militaris concentrate and cordycepin exhibited the ability to induce apoptotic cell death by increasing the cleavage of caspase-7 -8, and -9, increasing the Bcl-2-associated X protein/ B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bax/Bcl-2) protein expression ratio, and decreasing the protein expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in MCF-7 cells. Consequently, the C. militaris concentrate and cordycepin exhibited significant anticancer effects through their ability to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Bionanotechnology for Cancer and Disease Treatment)
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16 pages, 5233 KiB  
Article
Surface-Degradable Drug-Eluting Stent with Anticoagulation, Antiproliferation, and Endothelialization Functions
by Ruixia Hou, Leigang Wu, Jin Wang, Zhilu Yang, Qiufen Tu, Xingcai Zhang and Nan Huang
Biomolecules 2019, 9(2), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom9020069 - 18 Feb 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6067
Abstract
Drug-eluting stents (DES) have been widely applied for saving the life of patients with coronary artery diseases (CADs). However, conventional polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), which are widely applied for drug-eluting stents studies, have serious bulk erosion [...] Read more.
Drug-eluting stents (DES) have been widely applied for saving the life of patients with coronary artery diseases (CADs). However, conventional polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), which are widely applied for drug-eluting stents studies, have serious bulk erosion problems, like high local acidity and poor mechanical properties. Instead, we chose surface erosion polymer poly (1, 3-trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) as a drug carrier in this study. Here, we fabricated and characterized a novel durable-polymer drug-eluting 316 L stainless steel (SS) stent, in which the inner surface was coated with a Ti–O film using the magnetron sputtering method to promote the growth of endothelial cells (ECs). On the outer layer of the stent, first, a Ti–O film was deposited and, then, on top of it a rapamycin-loaded PTMC coat was deposited using the ultrasonic atomization spray method. This dual coating inhibited the migration and expansion of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The drug coating also inhibited the adhesion/activation of platelets. In tests on dogs, it was found the novel stent promoted re-endothelialization and reduced restenosis, in contrast to the plain SS stent. Thus, the novel stent may have promise for use in treating patients with CAD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Bionanotechnology for Cancer and Disease Treatment)
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11 pages, 1736 KiB  
Article
Dual Specificity Phosphatase 6 Protects Neural Stem Cells from β-Amyloid-Induced Cytotoxicity through ERK1/2 Inactivation
by Wang Liao, Yuqiu Zheng, Wenli Fang, Shaowei Liao, Ying Xiong, Yi Li, Songhua Xiao, Xingcai Zhang and Jun Liu
Biomolecules 2018, 8(4), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom8040181 - 19 Dec 2018
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4360
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options and no cure. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) is a hallmark of AD that has potent neurotoxicity in neural stem cells (NSCs). Dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options and no cure. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) is a hallmark of AD that has potent neurotoxicity in neural stem cells (NSCs). Dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which is involved in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Whether DUSP6 has a protective effect on Aβ-induced NSC injury remains to be explored. C17.2 neural stem cells were transfected with DUSP6-overexpressed plasmid. NSCs with or without DUSP6 overexpression were administrated with Aβ25–35 at various concentrations (i.e., 0, 2.5, 5 μM). DUSP6 expression after Aβ treatment was detected by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot and cell vitality was examined by the CCK8 assay. The oxidative stress (intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER calcium level) and mitochondrial dysfunction (cytochrome c homeostasis) were tested. The expression of p-ERK1/2 and ERK1/2 were assayed by Western blot. Our results showed that Aβ decreased the expression of DUSP6 in a dose-dependent manner. The overexpression of DUSP6 increased the cell vitality of NSCs after Aβ treatment. Oxidative stress, ER stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by Aβ could be restored by DUSP6 overexpression. Additionally, the Aβ-induced ERK1/2 activation was reversed. In summary, DUSP6 might have a neuroprotective effect on Aβ-induced cytotoxicity, probably via ERK1/2 activation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Bionanotechnology for Cancer and Disease Treatment)
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11 pages, 1809 KiB  
Article
Anticancer Activity of Polysaccharides Produced from Glycerol and Crude Glycerol by an Endophytic Fungus Chaetomium globosum CGMCC 6882 on Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells
by Zichao Wang, Peizhang Chen, Ning Tao, Huiru Zhang, Ruifang Li, Xiaobei Zhan, Fuzhuan Wang and Yingben Shen
Biomolecules 2018, 8(4), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom8040171 - 11 Dec 2018
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3632
Abstract
Two polysaccharides were produced by Chaetomium globosum CGMCC 6882 from glycerol (GCP-1) and crude glycerol (GCP-2). Chemical characteristics results showed GCP-1 and GCP-2 were similar polysaccharides, but the molecular weights of GCP-1 and GCP-2 were 5.340 × 104 Da and 3.105 × [...] Read more.
Two polysaccharides were produced by Chaetomium globosum CGMCC 6882 from glycerol (GCP-1) and crude glycerol (GCP-2). Chemical characteristics results showed GCP-1 and GCP-2 were similar polysaccharides, but the molecular weights of GCP-1 and GCP-2 were 5.340 × 104 Da and 3.105 × 104 Da, respectively. Viabilities of A549 cells after treatment with GCP-1 and GCP-2 were 49% and 39% compared to the control group. Meanwhile, flow cytometry results indicated that GCP-1 and GCP-2 could induce 17.79% and 24.28% of A549 cells to apoptosis with 200 μg/mL concentration treated for 24 h. RT-PCR results suggested that GCP-1 and GCP-2 could be used as potential and effective apoptosis inducers on A549 cells by increasing BAX, CASPASE-3, CASPASE-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 expression and decreasing BCL-2 expression. This research provided an innovative approach to using a byproduct of biodiesel production (crude glycerol) to produce polysaccharides of potential medicinal benefit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Bionanotechnology for Cancer and Disease Treatment)
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Graphical abstract

8 pages, 590 KiB  
Article
Effect of Different Proteases on the Degree of Hydrolysis and Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme-Inhibitory Activity in Goat and Cow Milk
by Guowei Shu, Jie Huang, Chunju Bao, Jiangpeng Meng, He Chen and Jili Cao
Biomolecules 2018, 8(4), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom8040101 - 27 Sep 2018
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 4809
Abstract
Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) peptides are bioactive peptides that have important value in terms of research and application in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. While widespread literature is concentrated on casein or whey protein for production of ACE-inhibitory peptides, relatively little information [...] Read more.
Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) peptides are bioactive peptides that have important value in terms of research and application in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. While widespread literature is concentrated on casein or whey protein for production of ACE-inhibitory peptides, relatively little information is available on selecting the proper proteases to hydrolyze the protein. In this study, skimmed cow and goat milk were hydrolyzed by four commercial proteases, including alkaline protease, trypsin, bromelain, and papain. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme-inhibitory peptides and degree of hydrolysis (DH) of hydrolysates were measured. Moreover, we compared the difference in ACE-inhibitory activity between cow and goat milk. The results indicated that the DH increased with the increase in hydrolysis time. The alkaline protease-treated hydrolysates exhibited the highest DH value and ACE-inhibitory activity. Additionally, the ACE-inhibitory activity of hydrolysates from goat milk was higher than that of cow milk-derived hydrolysates. Therefore, goat milk is a good source to obtain bioactive peptides with ACE-inhibitory activity, as compared with cow milk. A proper enzyme to produce ACE-inhibitory peptides is important for the development of functional milk products and will provide the theoretical basis for industrial production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Bionanotechnology for Cancer and Disease Treatment)
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9 pages, 1776 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Anti-Obesity Activity, Acute Toxicity, and Subacute Toxicity of Probiotic Dark Tea
by Wang Ling, Shungeng Li, Xingcai Zhang, Yongquan Xu, Ying Gao, Qizhen Du, Guangguang Wang, Wentong Fan, Kai Sun and Jianchun Bian
Biomolecules 2018, 8(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom8040099 - 25 Sep 2018
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4732 | Retraction
Abstract
Probiotic dark tea (PDT) is a novel kind of dark tea produced by fresh albino tea leaves and fermented with specific probiotics. Our study demonstrates that PDT can ameliorate high-fat diet-induced overweight and lipid metabolic disorders and shows no acute or subacute toxicity [...] Read more.
Probiotic dark tea (PDT) is a novel kind of dark tea produced by fresh albino tea leaves and fermented with specific probiotics. Our study demonstrates that PDT can ameliorate high-fat diet-induced overweight and lipid metabolic disorders and shows no acute or subacute toxicity in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Daily intragastric administration of 5% PDT infusion for 14 days caused no obvious effect on general physiological features and behaviors of rats. Oral administration of 1%, 2%, and 3% of PDT infusion for six weeks had no influence on the biochemistry and histopathology of rats’ organs and blood, as well as the body weight and ratios of organ/body weight. To investigate its anti-obesity activity, SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, treated with normal diet + water (Group I), high-fat diet + water (Group II), high-fat diet + 3% traditional dark tea infusion (Group III), high-fat diet + 3% PDT infusion (Group IV). After six weeks, the body weight, serum total triacylglycerol (TG) and serum total cholesterol (TC) levels of rats in Group II were significantly increased and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels were significantly decreased compared with those in the other three groups. Both traditional dark tea and PDT treatment effectively counteracted the adverse effect of a high-fat diet in SD rats. These results suggest that PDT could be applied for the prevention of obesity, which ameliorates overweight and lipid metabolic disorders and which shows no acute or subacute toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Bionanotechnology for Cancer and Disease Treatment)
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