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Search Results (523)

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Keywords = H1299 human lung cancer cells

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22 pages, 1479 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of β-Phenylalanine Derivatives Containing Sulphonamide and Azole Moieties as Antiproliferative Candidates in Lung Cancer Models
by Vytautas Mickevičius, Kazimieras Anusevičius, Birutė Sapijanskaitė-Banevič, Ilona Jonuškienė, Linas Kapočius, Birutė Grybaitė, Ramunė Grigalevičiūtė and Povilas Kavaliauskas
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3303; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153303 - 7 Aug 2025
Abstract
In this study, a series of novel β-phenylalanine derivatives were synthesised and evaluated for their anticancer activity. The 3-(4-methylbenzene-1-sulfonamido)-3-phenylpropanoic acid (2) was prepared using β-phenylalanine as a core scaffold. The β-amino acid derivative 2 was converted to the [...] Read more.
In this study, a series of novel β-phenylalanine derivatives were synthesised and evaluated for their anticancer activity. The 3-(4-methylbenzene-1-sulfonamido)-3-phenylpropanoic acid (2) was prepared using β-phenylalanine as a core scaffold. The β-amino acid derivative 2 was converted to the corresponding hydrazide 4, which enabled the development of structurally diverse heterocyclic derivatives including pyrrole 5, pyrazole 6, thiadiazole 8, oxadiazole 11, triazoles 9 and 12 with Schiff base analogues 13 and series1,2,4-triazolo [3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazines 14. These modifications were designed to enhance chemical stability, solubility, and biological activity. All compounds were initially screened for cytotoxicity against the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, identifying N-[3-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-oxo-1-phenylpropyl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (5) and (E)-N-{2-[4-[(4-chlorobenzylidene)amino]-5-thioxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]-1-phenylethyl}-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (13b) as the most active. The two lead candidates were further evaluated in H69 and H69AR small cell lung cancer lines to assess activity in drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant models. Schiff base 13b containing a 4-chlorophenyl moiety, retained potent antiproliferative activity in both H69 and H69AR cells, comparable to cisplatin, while compound 5 lost efficacy in the resistant phenotype. These findings suggest Schiff base derivative 13b may overcome drug resistance mechanisms, a limitation commonly encountered with standard chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin. These results demonstrate the potential role of β-phenylalanine derivatives, azole-containing sulphonamides, as promising scaffolds for the development of novel anticancer agents, particularly in the context of lung cancer and drug-resistant tumours. Full article
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21 pages, 2352 KiB  
Article
Saponins from Oxybasis rubra (L.) S.Fuentes, Uotila & Borsh: Comparative Assessment of Cytotoxic Potential Against a Wide Panel of Cancer Cell Lines
by Karolina Grabowska, Adam Mynarski, Agnieszka Galanty, Dagmara Wróbel-Biedrawa, Paweł Żmudzki and Irma Podolak
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3126; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153126 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 158
Abstract
Two triterpene saponins, hederagenin glucosides, including a novel monodesmoside: 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] hederagenin (compound 1), were isolated from the fruits of Oxybasis rubra (L.) S.Fuentes, Uotila & Borsh (Amaranthaceae). These compounds, together with hederagenin itself (compound 4) and a commercially available [...] Read more.
Two triterpene saponins, hederagenin glucosides, including a novel monodesmoside: 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] hederagenin (compound 1), were isolated from the fruits of Oxybasis rubra (L.) S.Fuentes, Uotila & Borsh (Amaranthaceae). These compounds, together with hederagenin itself (compound 4) and a commercially available 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl hederagenin ester (compound 3), were evaluated for cytotoxicity and selectivity across a wide panel of human cancer cell lines (skin, prostate, gastrointestinal, thyroid, and lung). All four compounds exhibited dose- and time-dependent effects, with varying potency depending on the specific cancer type. The isolated bidesmosidic saponin (3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] hederagenin 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester—compound 2) showed the strongest activity and selectivity, with an IC50 = 6.52 μg/mL after 48 h incubation against WM793 melanoma, and almost no effect on normal HaCaT skin cells (IC50 = 39.94 μg/mL). Multivariate analysis of the obtained data using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) supported the assumption that cytotoxicity is influenced by the type of compound, its concentration, and the intrinsic sensitivity of the cell line. Structure-activity observations between closely related hederagenin derivatives are also briefly presented. Full article
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15 pages, 2992 KiB  
Article
Radiotherapy Upregulates the Expression of Membrane-Bound Negative Complement Regulator Proteins on Tumor Cells and Limits Complement-Mediated Tumor Cell Lysis
by Yingying Liang, Lixin Mai, Jonathan M. Schneeweiss, Ramon Lopez Perez, Michael Kirschfink and Peter E. Huber
Cancers 2025, 17(14), 2383; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17142383 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 414
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Radiotherapy (RT) is a mainstay of clinical cancer therapy that causes broad immune responses. The complement system is a pivotal effector mechanism in the innate immune response, but the impact of RT is less well understood. This study investigates the interaction [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Radiotherapy (RT) is a mainstay of clinical cancer therapy that causes broad immune responses. The complement system is a pivotal effector mechanism in the innate immune response, but the impact of RT is less well understood. This study investigates the interaction between RT and the complement system as a possible approach to improve immune responses in cancer treatment. Methods: Human solid cancer (lung, prostate, liver, breast cancer), lymphoma, and leukemia cells were irradiated using X-rays and treated with polyclonal antibodies or anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, respectively. Chromium release assay was applied to measure cell lysis after radiation with or without complement-activating antibody treatment. The expression of membrane-bound complement regulatory proteins (mCRPs; CD46, CD55, CD59), which confer resistance against complement activation, CD20 expression, apoptosis, and radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (γH2AX), was measured by flow cytometry. The radiosensitivity of tumor cells was assessed by colony-forming assay. Results: We demonstrate that RT profoundly impacts complement function by upregulating the expression of membrane-bound complement regulatory proteins (mCRPs) on tumor cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Impaired complement-mediated tumor cell lysis could thus potentially contribute to radiotherapeutic resistance. We also observed RT-induced upregulation of CD20 expression on lymphoma and leukemic cells. Notably, complement activation prior to RT proved more effective in inducing RT-dependent early apoptosis compared to post-irradiation treatment. While complement modulation does not significantly alter RT-induced DNA-damage repair mechanisms or intrinsic radiosensitivity in cancer cells, our results suggest that combining RT with complement-based anti-cancer therapy may enhance complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and apoptosis in tumor cells. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the complex interplay between RT and the complement system, offering insights into potential novel combinatorial therapeutic strategies and a potential sequential structure for certain tumor types. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combination Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment)
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17 pages, 3073 KiB  
Article
Synthesis, Characterization, and Anticancer Activity of 3-Chlorothiophene-2-carboxylic Acid Transition Metal Complexes
by Baiquan Hu, Qianqian Kang, Xianggao Meng, Hao Yin, Xingzhi Yang, Yanting Yang and Mei Luo
Inorganics 2025, 13(7), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13070238 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 548
Abstract
In this study, 3-chlorothiophene-2-carboxylic acid (HL) was used as a main ligand to successfully synthesize four novel complexes: [Cu(L)2(Py)2(OH2)2] (1), [Co(L)2(Py)2(OH2)2] (2) (Py [...] Read more.
In this study, 3-chlorothiophene-2-carboxylic acid (HL) was used as a main ligand to successfully synthesize four novel complexes: [Cu(L)2(Py)2(OH2)2] (1), [Co(L)2(Py)2(OH2)2] (2) (Py = pyridine), [{Ni(L)2(OH2)4}2{Ni(L)(OH2)5}]L•5H2O (3), and [{Co(L)2(OH2)4}2{Co(L)(OH2)5}]L•5H2O (4). All four compounds were identified by elemental analysis and ESI mass spectrometry, and subsequently characterized by IR spectroscopy, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and cyclic voltammetry. X-ray analyses revealed that complexes 1 and 2 exhibit a centrosymmetric pseudo-octahedral coordination geometry; the copper (II) and cobalt (II) metal ions, respectively, are located at the crystallographic center of inversion. The coordination sphere of the copper (II) complex is axially elongated in accordance with the Jahn–Teller effect. Intriguingly, for charge neutrality, compounds 3 and 4 crystallized as three independent mononuclear octahedrally coordinated metal centers, which are two [ML2(OH2)4] complex molecules and one [ML(OH2)5]+ complex cation (M = NiII and CoII, respectively), with the ligand anion L serving as the counter ion. The anticancer activities of these complexes were systematically assessed on human leukemia K562 cells, lung cancer A549 cells, liver cancer HepG2 cells, breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells, and colon cancer SW480 cells. Among them, complex 4 shows significant inhibitory effects on leukemia K562 cells and colon cancer SW480 cells. Full article
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14 pages, 631 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Profile and Selective Anticancer Activity of Parietaria judaica L. Extracts
by Izabela Bielecka, Dorota Natorska-Chomicka, Wioleta Dołomisiewicz, Arlindo Rodrigues Fortes and Katarzyna Dos Santos Szewczyk
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2739; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132739 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 395
Abstract
Parietaria judaica L. (alfavaca-de-cobra) was investigated as a potential source of anticancer compounds. Leaf extracts obtained using solvents of different polarities were evaluated for their phytochemical profiles and cytotoxic activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines (glioblastoma LN-229, lung NCI-H1563, breast [...] Read more.
Parietaria judaica L. (alfavaca-de-cobra) was investigated as a potential source of anticancer compounds. Leaf extracts obtained using solvents of different polarities were evaluated for their phytochemical profiles and cytotoxic activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines (glioblastoma LN-229, lung NCI-H1563, breast MDA-MB-231, liver HepG2, renal 769-P, cervical HeLa, and melanoma A-375) and a noncancerous HEK-293 cell line. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis confirmed that the extracts are rich in polyphenols, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Cytotoxicity was assessed via MTT and SRB assays, demonstrating dose-dependent antiproliferative effects. Among the extracts, the ethanolic fraction (PJ-E) exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity, with an IC50 of 11.82 µg/mL against HeLa cells, while displaying a significantly higher IC50 (139.42 µg/mL) against HEK-293, indicating tumor selectivity. The water extract (PJ-W) showed selective activity against lung cancer cells (IC50 = 87.69 µg/mL), with minimal toxicity toward normal cells. The methanol/acetone extract (PJ-M) displayed intermediate activity, whereas the hexane extract (PJ-H) was the least effective. These findings highlight P. judaica, particularly its ethanolic extract, as a promising source of natural anticancer agents. Further research focusing on the isolation of active constituents, formulation development, and in vivo validation is warranted to support its therapeutic potential. Full article
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21 pages, 5231 KiB  
Article
Clarithromycin-Loaded Albumin-Based Nanoparticles for Improved Antibacterial and Anticancer Performance
by Walhan Alshaer, Shrouq Alsotari, Nour Aladaileh, Alaa Rifai, Aya Khalaf, Baidaa AlQuaissi, Bushra Sabbah, Hamdi Nsairat and Fadwa Odeh
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(6), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17060729 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 1523
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Clarithromycin (CLA) is a widely used antibiotic effective against a variety of bacterial strains, making it a common treatment for respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections. Moreover, extensive studies have confirmed the anticancer activity of CLA against different cancers, particularly when combined [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Clarithromycin (CLA) is a widely used antibiotic effective against a variety of bacterial strains, making it a common treatment for respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections. Moreover, extensive studies have confirmed the anticancer activity of CLA against different cancers, particularly when combined with conventional therapies. This study investigates the potential anticancer and antibacterial activities of developed CLA-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (CLA-BSA NPs), designed with optimized physicochemical properties to enhance drug delivery. Methods: The CLA-BSA NPs were synthesized using the desolvation method, followed by drug loading. Characterization techniques, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Results: The results confirmed that CLA interacts with BSA NPs through van der Waals forces. The performance of drug–nanocarrier interaction was further assessed through in vitro drug release studies. The release studies demonstrated that CLA had a robust release profile in reductive media, with a cumulative release of 50.9% in acetate buffer (pH 5.0) supplemented with 10 mM glutathione (GSH). Further biological activity assays were also conducted, including cell viability assays (MTT) and antibacterial activity tests. CLA-BSA NPs demonstrated anticancer activity against the lung cancer (A549) cell line, while showing minimal cytotoxicity on normal human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. The antibacterial activity was assessed against Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Among the tested strains, Bacillus cereus exhibited the highest sensitivity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.032 µg/mL, compared to 0.12 µg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and >32 µg/mL for Streptococcus pyogenes. Conclusions: In conclusion, these findings highlight CLA-BSA NPs as a promising drug delivery system that enhances the anticancer and antibacterial efficacy of CLA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems)
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20 pages, 2006 KiB  
Article
99mTc-Labeled Diarylpyrazoles for Single-Emission Computer Tomography Imaging of Neurotensin Receptor-Positive Tumors: A Comparative Preclinical Study
by Roman Potemkin, Simone Maschauer, Harald Hübner, Torsten Kuwert, Tobias Bäuerle, Peter Gmeiner and Olaf Prante
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(6), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17060700 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 622
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Neurotensin receptors (NTSRs), members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, have been found to be overexpressed in several types of human cancers, including breast, colon, lung, liver, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. In particular, NTSR1 is overexpressed in at least 75% of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Neurotensin receptors (NTSRs), members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, have been found to be overexpressed in several types of human cancers, including breast, colon, lung, liver, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. In particular, NTSR1 is overexpressed in at least 75% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. The aim of the present study was the development and evaluation of new 99mTc-labeled nonpeptide NTSR1-antagonists for SPECT imaging of NTSR-positive tumors. Methods: Multistep syntheses of NTSR1 antagonist derivatives were performed following our previously described procedure. Two different chelating strategies were applied for 99mTc radiolabeling to provide the [99mTc]Tc-HYNIC complex [99mTc]1 and the [99mTc]Tc-tricarbonyl complex [99mTc]2. Receptor binding assays were performed using hNTSR1-expressing CHO cells. Radiochemical yields (RCYs) were determined by radio-HPLC. For [99mTc]1 and [99mTc]2, log D7.4, plasma protein binding, stability in human plasma and serum, and cellular uptake in HT-29 cells were determined. Biodistribution studies and small animal SPECT studies were performed in HT-29 tumor-bearing nude mice. Results: The radiosynthesis of [99mTc]1 (log D7.4 = −0.27) and [99mTc]2 (log D7.4 = 1.00) was successfully performed with RCYs of 94–96% (decay-corrected). Both radioligands were stable in human serum and plasma, showed plasma protein binding of 72% ([99mTc]1) and 82% ([99mTc]2), and exhibited high and specific uptake in HT-29 cells. Biodistribution studies in HT-29 tumor-bearing mice showed a higher tumor accumulation of [99mTc]1 compared to [99mTc]2 (8.8 ± 3.4 %ID/g vs. 2.7 ± 0.2 %ID/g at 2 h p.i.). [99mTc]2 showed exceptionally high intestinal accumulation (49 ± 22 %ID/g at 1 h p.i.) and was therefore considered unfavorable. In the SPECT/CT imaging of HT-29 tumor xenografts, [99mTc]1 showed a higher NTSR1-specific tumor uptake than [99mTc]2 at all time points after tracer injection, with 12 ± 2.8 %ID/g for [99mTc]1 vs. 3.1 ± 1.1 %ID/g for [99mTc]2 at 4 h p.i. and adequate tumor-to-background ratios. Conclusions: In particular, the [99mTc]Tc-HYNIC ligand ([99mTc]1) showed promising preclinical results, being a potential candidate for SPECT imaging and, therefore, appropriate for translation into the clinic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmaceutical Applications of Metal Complexes and Derived Materials)
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14 pages, 3291 KiB  
Article
ADAM32 Oncogene in Hepatoblastoma Is Regulated by IGF2BP2
by Takahiro Fukazawa, Keiji Tanimoto, Masato Kojima, Masami Kanawa, Nobuyuki Hirohashi and Eiso Hiyama
Cancers 2025, 17(11), 1772; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17111772 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 726
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The membrane protein a disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs) are highly expressed in various human carcinomas and play an important role in cancer characteristics. And among these, ADAM32 is highly expressed in hepatoblastoma (HBL) and plays an important role in oncogenic properties. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The membrane protein a disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs) are highly expressed in various human carcinomas and play an important role in cancer characteristics. And among these, ADAM32 is highly expressed in hepatoblastoma (HBL) and plays an important role in oncogenic properties. However, the regulatory mechanism has not been determined. Recently, it has been reported that some ADAMs are regulated by HIF, which is an important transcription factor in response to hypoxia. Therefore, we decided to study the regulatory mechanisms of ADAM32 under hypoxic conditions by using HBL, breast, and lung cancer cell lines. Methods/Results: When these cells were exposed to 1% O2 (hypoxia), it was found that the levels of ADAM32 increased at 48 h in HepG2, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 but not in HUH-6 or lung cancer lines. However, the promoter activity of the ADAM32 gene in HepG2 remained unchanged under hypoxic conditions, suggesting that the level of ADAM32 in HBL is regulated by factors other than the promoter activity. From the microarray data, we found that the level of IGF2BP2, which is an m6A-related molecule, correlated with that of ADAM32, and these levels were decreased by HIF1A knockdown. And IGF2BP2 knockdown decreased the expression of ADAM32 and attenuated the increased expression of ADAM32 under hypoxic conditions. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the oncogenic gene ADAM32 is regulated by IGF2BP2 and that IGF2BP2 could be a molecular target for HBL anticancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeted Therapies for Pediatric Solid Tumors (2nd Edition))
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28 pages, 3873 KiB  
Article
Identification of 3-[(4-Acetylphenyl)(4-Phenylthiazol-2-Yl)Amino]Propanoic Acid Derivatives as Promising Scaffolds for the Development of Novel Anticancer Candidates Targeting SIRT2 and EGFR
by Božena Golcienė, Povilas Kavaliauskas, Waldo Acevedo, Birutė Sapijanskaitė-Banevič, Birutė Grybaitė, Ramunė Grigalevičiūtė, Rūta Petraitienė, Vidmantas Petraitis and Vytautas Mickevičius
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(5), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050733 - 16 May 2025
Viewed by 1756
Abstract
Background: A series of novel polysubstituted thiazole derivatives were synthesized, and their antiproliferative properties were evaluated using both 2D and 3D lung cancer models. Methods: The compounds were obtained via esterification, oximation, hydrazinolysis, and condensation reactions. Results: Structure–activity relationship analysis revealed that the [...] Read more.
Background: A series of novel polysubstituted thiazole derivatives were synthesized, and their antiproliferative properties were evaluated using both 2D and 3D lung cancer models. Methods: The compounds were obtained via esterification, oximation, hydrazinolysis, and condensation reactions. Results: Structure–activity relationship analysis revealed that the antiproliferative activity was structure-dependent. Notably, oxime derivatives 21 and 22, along with carbohydrazides 25 and 26, exhibited low micromolar activity that was significantly greater than that of cisplatin (p < 0.005), a standard chemotherapeutic agent. These compounds demonstrated potent, antiproliferative activity against H69 small-cell lung carcinoma cells, as well as anthracycline-resistant H69AR cells. Moreover, compounds 21, 22, 25, and 26 effectively induced cell death in A549 agarose-based 3D spheroids, further supporting their potential therapeutic application. The in silico studies proposed that compound 22 is able to interact with human SIRT2 and EGFR via conserved amino acid residues. Conclusions: The ability of these thiazole derivatives to target both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant lung cancer models highlights their promise as scaffolds for further optimization and preclinical development. Future studies will focus on structural modifications to enhance potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties, paving the way for the development of novel thiazole-based antiproliferative agents. Full article
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13 pages, 2189 KiB  
Article
Ionizing Radiation Increases Death Receptor 5 (DR5)-Mediated Cell Death, but Not Death Receptor 4 (DR4)-Mediated Cell Death in 3D Tumor Spheroids
by Fengzhi Suo, Xinyu Zhou, Abel Soto-Gamez, Fleur B. Nijdam, Rita Setroikromo and Wim J. Quax
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(10), 4635; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26104635 - 13 May 2025
Viewed by 543
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potential therapeutic for cancer patients due to its tumor specificity. However, TRAIL resistance in cancer cells limits its development in clinical trials. Given that ionizing radiation (IR) is an established method of inducing DNA [...] Read more.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potential therapeutic for cancer patients due to its tumor specificity. However, TRAIL resistance in cancer cells limits its development in clinical trials. Given that ionizing radiation (IR) is an established method of inducing DNA damage for cancer during radiotherapy, we applied a combined treatment of IR and TRAIL. Our study shows that the combination treatment of IR and TRAIL promoted cell death due to IR upregulating both DR4/DR5 receptors on the surface of human lung carcinoma cell line H460 and human colon cancer cell line DLD-1 2D cells. However, when cultured as 3D spheroids, we observed that IR enhanced DR5-specific TRAIL-induced cell death but attenuated DR4-specific TRAIL-induced cell death. The immunohistochemical analysis of 3D cell spheroid sections indicates that it is due to a lack of DR4 overexpression by IR. Our findings elucidate a potential explanation for the failure of the combination treatment of radiotherapy with TRAIL in clinical trials. Additionally, our findings advocate the potential efficacy of employing DR5-specific TRAIL in combination with radiation as a promising therapeutic strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in “Molecular Biology”)
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24 pages, 8214 KiB  
Article
Inhibition of RPA32 and Cytotoxic Effects of the Carnivorous Plant Sarracenia purpurea Root Extract in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells
by Kuo-Ting Chang, Yu-Cheng Chen, Yi Lien, Yen-Hua Huang and Cheng-Yang Huang
Plants 2025, 14(10), 1426; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14101426 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 905
Abstract
The carnivorous plant Sarracenia purpurea has been traditionally used in various ethnobotanical applications, including treatments for type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis-like symptoms. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of S. purpurea root extract (Sp-R) on human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, including [...] Read more.
The carnivorous plant Sarracenia purpurea has been traditionally used in various ethnobotanical applications, including treatments for type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis-like symptoms. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of S. purpurea root extract (Sp-R) on human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, including H1975, H838, and A549, focusing on its impact on cell survival, apoptosis, proliferation, and migration. Additionally, its ability to inhibit the single-stranded DNA-binding activity of human RPA32 (huRPA32), a key protein in DNA replication, was evaluated. Extracts from different plant parts (leaf, stem, and root) were prepared using various solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, and acetone) and screened for apoptosis-inducing potential using the chromatin condensation assay. Among these, the acetone-extracted root fraction (Sp-R-A) exhibited the most potent pro-apoptotic effects. The MTT assay demonstrated a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on NSCLC cells, with IC50 values of 33.74 μg/mL for H1975, 60.79 μg/mL for H838, and 66.52 μg/mL for A549. Migration and clonogenic assays further revealed that Sp-R-A significantly inhibited cancer cell migration and colony formation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Sp-R-A enhanced apoptosis when combined with the EGFR inhibitor afatinib, suggesting a potential synergistic effect. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay confirmed that Sp-R-A significantly inhibited the DNA-binding activity of huRPA32, with an IC50 of 13.6 μg/mL. AlphaFold structural prediction and molecular docking studies indicated that major bioactive compounds in S. purpurea, including α-amyrin, ursolic acid, and betulinaldehyde, strongly interact with the DNA-binding domain of huRPA32, potentially contributing to its inhibitory effect. Overall, these findings suggest that huRPA32 is a potential molecular target of Sp-R-A and the anticancer potential of S. purpurea root extract against NSCLC is highlighted, supporting further investigation into its therapeutic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts, 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 781 KiB  
Article
Synthesis, Structure, and Anticancer Activity of a Dinuclear Organoplatinum(IV) Complex Stabilized by Adenine
by Alisha M. O’Brien, Kraig A. Wheeler and William A. Howard
Compounds 2025, 5(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds5020016 - 1 May 2025
Viewed by 566
Abstract
The dinuclear platinum(IV) compound {Pt(CH3)3}2(μ-I)2(μ-adenine) (abbreviated Pt2ad), obtained by treating cubic [PtIV(CH3)33-I)]4 with two equivalents of adenine, was isolated and structurally characterized by single [...] Read more.
The dinuclear platinum(IV) compound {Pt(CH3)3}2(μ-I)2(μ-adenine) (abbreviated Pt2ad), obtained by treating cubic [PtIV(CH3)33-I)]4 with two equivalents of adenine, was isolated and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The National Cancer Institute Developmental Therapeutics Program’s in vitro sulforhodamine B assays showed Pt2ad to be particularly cytotoxic against the central nervous system cancer cell line SF-539, and the human renal carcinoma cell line RXF-393. Furthermore, Pt2ad displayed some degree of cytotoxicity against non-small cell lung cancer (NCI-H522), colon cancer (HCC-2998, HCT-116, HT29, and SW-620), melanoma (LOX-IMVI, Malme-3M, M14, MDA-MB-435, SK-MEL-28, and UACC-62), ovarian cancer (OVCAR-5), renal carcinoma (A498), and triple negative breast cancer (BT-549, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468) cells. Although anticancer studies involving some adenine platinum(II) compounds have been reported, this study marks the first assessment of the anticancer activity of an adenine platinum(IV) complex. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Compounds with Biological Activity)
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15 pages, 4463 KiB  
Article
Norfloxacin Derivative with Carbazole at C-7 FQB-1 Induces Cytotoxic, Antiproliferative, and Antitumor Effects in an Experimental Lung Carcinoma Model
by Alondra Bocanegra-Zapata, Hiram Hernández-López, Socorro Leyva-Ramos, Rodolfo Daniel Cervantes-Villagrana, Marisol Galván-Valencia, L. Angel Veyna-Hurtado, Norma Guadalupe Ramírez Tovar, Damaris Albores-García, Juan Armando Flores de la Torre and Alberto Rafael Cervantes-Villagrana
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(5), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050664 - 30 Apr 2025
Viewed by 4257
Abstract
Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among both men and women. Despite the various pharmacological and biological treatments available for lung cancer, [...] Read more.
Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among both men and women. Despite the various pharmacological and biological treatments available for lung cancer, their effectiveness has often fallen short, and the side effects can be severe. Therefore, there is an ongoing need to identify and develop novel compounds with enhanced anti-tumor efficacy and improved safety profiles. Research has shown that fluoroquinolone derivatives exhibit a broad cytotoxic spectrum comparable to other drugs used in clinical chemotherapy. Objective: The aim of this work was to synthesize and evaluate the cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and anti-tumor effects of FQB-1, a novel fluoroquinolone derivative. Results: In silico molecular docking analysis demonstrated a strong interaction between FQB-1 and human topoisomerase, with a binding affinity score of –9.8 kcal/mol. In vitro cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative assays were conducted using the Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) cell line. FQB-1 was tested at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 25.0, 50.0, 100.0, and 150.0 µg/mL. Significant cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects were observed at concentrations of 50–150 µg/mL after 24 h of treatment. To evaluate FQB-1′s efficacy in vivo, a syngeneic tumor model was established in C57BL/6 mice. Treatment with FQB-1 (100 mg/kg) resulted in a marked reduction in tumor volume compared to the untreated control group. Histopathological analysis of tumor tissues from treated animals revealed a decrease in mitotic index and an increase in necrotic regions, indicating compromised tumor viability. Conclusions: FQB-1 exhibits cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects and can reduce tumor growth while compromising tumor viability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fluoroquinolones)
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27 pages, 1919 KiB  
Article
A Sustainable Synthesis of Novel 2-(3,4-Disubstituted phenyl)benzoxazole Derivatives and Their Antiproliferative and Antibacterial Evaluation
by Anja Rakas, Leentje Persoons, Dirk Daelemans, Dajana Kučić Grgić and Tatjana Gazivoda Kraljević
Molecules 2025, 30(8), 1767; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30081767 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1926
Abstract
This study describes the synthesis of O-alkylated benzaldehydes 18, Schiff bases 928, and benzoxazole derivatives 2948 using microwave, ultrasound, and mechanochemical reactions, as well as reactions in deep eutectic solvents in excellent yields, and [...] Read more.
This study describes the synthesis of O-alkylated benzaldehydes 18, Schiff bases 928, and benzoxazole derivatives 2948 using microwave, ultrasound, and mechanochemical reactions, as well as reactions in deep eutectic solvents in excellent yields, and their antiproliferative and antibacterial activities. The in vitro evaluation of antiproliferative activity for the newly synthesised benzoxazole derivatives 2948 against a diverse panel of human cancer cell lines, such as LN-229, Capan-1, HCT-116, NCI-H460, DND-41, HL-60, K-562, and Z-138 demonstrated that the majority of these benzoxazole derivatives displayed promising anticancer activity, particularly against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells (NCI-H460). Notably, several derivatives showed enhanced activity compared to the included reference drug, etoposide. Considering the influence of substituents at position 5 of the benzoxazole ring and positions 3 and 4 of the phenyl ring on the antiproliferative activity, it is evident that derivatives 4148 bearing a methoxy group at position 3 generally exhibit higher activity compared to compounds 2940, which lack substitution at position 3. Furthermore, derivatives substituted at position 4 with a morpholine substituent, as well as those with an N,N-diethyl group, exhibited higher activity compared to other evaluated benzoxazole derivatives. The in vitro antibacterial evaluation against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria revealed that benzoxazole derivative 47 exhibited notable activity, against the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 0.25 μg/mL) and the Gram-positive bacterium Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 0.5 μg/mL). The results point out that this class of benzoxazoles can be efficiently synthesized using eco-friendly methods and represent promising candidates for further design and optimization aimed at developing potent antiproliferative agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fused-Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles (Second Edition))
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18 pages, 8249 KiB  
Article
Extracts from Allium pseudojaponicum Makino Target STAT3 Signaling Pathway to Overcome Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Cancer
by Soo-Bin Nam, Jung Hoon Choi, Ga-Eun Lee, Jin Young Kim, Mee-Hyun Lee, Gabsik Yang, Yong-Yeon Cho, Hye Gwang Jeong, Geul Bang and Cheol-Jung Lee
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(4), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23040167 - 14 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 789
Abstract
Lung cancer, particularly non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with cisplatin-based chemotherapy being a standard treatment. However, the development of chemoresistance significantly limits its efficacy, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. Here, we demonstrate the anticancer effects of the extracts [...] Read more.
Lung cancer, particularly non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with cisplatin-based chemotherapy being a standard treatment. However, the development of chemoresistance significantly limits its efficacy, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. Here, we demonstrate the anticancer effects of the extracts of Allium pseudojaponicum Makino (APE), a salt-tolerant plant, in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC. Metabolite profiling using UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE identified 13 major compounds, predominantly alkaloids (71.65%) and flavonoids (8.81%), with key bioactive constituents such as lycorine (29.81%), tazettine (17.22%), and tricetin (8.19%). APE significantly inhibited cell viability in A549 and H460 cells, reducing viability to 38.6% (A549-Ctr), 37.2% (A549-CR), 28.4% (H460-Ctr), and 30.4% (H460-CR) at 40 µg/mL after 48 h. APE also suppressed colony formation by over 90% in both 2D and soft agar assays, while showing no cytotoxicity in normal human keratinocytes up to 80 µg/mL. Flow cytometry analysis revealed APE-induced G1 phase arrest, with the G1 population increasing from 50.4% to 56.6% (A549-Ctr) and 47.5% to 58.4% (A549-CR), accompanied by reduced S phase populations. This effect was associated with the downregulation of G1/S transition regulators, including cyclin D1, CDK4, cyclin E, and CDK2. Furthermore, proteomic analysis identified STAT3 signaling as a major target of APE; APE decreased phosphorylated STAT3 and c-Myc expression, and STAT3 knockdown phenocopied the effects of APE. These findings highlight the potential of APE as a natural product-based therapeutic strategy for overcoming cisplatin resistance in NSCLC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Natural Products as Anticancer Agents, 4th Edition)
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