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Anti-cancer Effects of Natural Products
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Anti-cancer Effects of Natural Products

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2024 | Viewed by 9194

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Moon Nyeo Park

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Guest Editor
Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Republic of Korea
Interests: cancer; endocrinology; herbal medicine; pathology; cancer stem cell; cancer reprogramming; miRNA; alternative splicing factor; drug resistance; drug development; drug delivery system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since the 1940s, when the first cancer treatment was developed, cancer has remained incurable. Even though complete recovery is only possible for a few early cancers, metastasis and the recurrence of cancer render treatment impossible and account for the vast majority of cancer-related fatalities. Since then, cancer-specific targeted anticancer medications have been developed to treat a wide range of cancers; however, limitations such as resistance mechanisms and adverse effects remain. Seventy-five percent of anti-cancer drugs are derived from herbal components. More than fifty percent of today's pharmaceuticals are derived from natural products. Presently, the most significant research emphasizes the need for multiple mechanism studies to identify novel biomarkers of the resistance mechanism using herbal ingredients in the prevention and treatment of various malignancies.

Dr. Moon Nyeo Park
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cancer
  • natural products
  • herbal medicine
  • anticancer therapies
  • metastasis
  • recurrence
  • resistance mechanism
  • novel biomarker

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 5096 KiB  
Article
Adunctin E from Conamomum rubidum Induces Apoptosis in Lung Cancer via HSP90AA1 Modulation: A Network Pharmacology and In Vitro Study
by Iksen Iksen, Natsaranyatron Singharajkomron, Hien Minh Nguyen, Hanh Nhu Thi Hoang, Duc Viet Ho and Varisa Pongrakhananon
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11368; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111368 - 22 Oct 2024
Viewed by 635
Abstract
Lung cancer stands out as a leading cause of death among various cancer types, highlighting the urgent need for effective anticancer drugs and the discovery of new compounds with potent therapeutic properties. Natural sources, such as the Conamomum genus, offer various bioactive compounds. [...] Read more.
Lung cancer stands out as a leading cause of death among various cancer types, highlighting the urgent need for effective anticancer drugs and the discovery of new compounds with potent therapeutic properties. Natural sources, such as the Conamomum genus, offer various bioactive compounds. Adunctin E (AE), a dihydrochalcone derived from Conamomum rubidum, exhibited several pharmacological activities, and its potential as an anticancer agent remains largely unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate its apoptotic-inducing effect and identify its molecular targets. The network pharmacology analysis led to the identification of 71 potential targets of AE against lung cancer. Subsequent gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Reactome pathway enrichment analyses revealed the involvement of these targets in cancer-associated signaling pathways. Notably, HSP90AA1, MAPK1, and PIK3CA emerged as key players in apoptosis. In silico molecular docking and dynamic simulations suggested a strong and stable interaction between AE and HSP90AA1. In vitro experiments further confirmed a significant apoptotic-inducing effect of AE on lung cancer cell lines A549 and H460. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis exhibited a substantial decrease in HSP90AA1 levels in response to AE treatment. These findings support the potential anticancer activity of AE through the HSP90AA1 mechanism, underscoring its promise as a novel compound worthy of further research and development for anti-lung cancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-cancer Effects of Natural Products)
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18 pages, 10103 KiB  
Article
Matrine Targets BTF3 to Inhibit the Growth of Canine Mammary Tumor Cells
by Zijian Feng, Na Sun, Fida Noor, Panpan Sun, Hua Zhang, Jia Zhong, Wei Yin, Kuohai Fan, Huizhen Yang, Zhenbiao Zhang, Yaogui Sun and Hongquan Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010540 - 30 Dec 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1789
Abstract
The canine mammary tumor model is more suitable for studying human breast cancer, and the safety concentrations of matrine and the biotin-labeled matrine probe were determined in canine primary mammary epithelial cells, and then selected canine mammary tumor cell lines CHMm and CHMp [...] Read more.
The canine mammary tumor model is more suitable for studying human breast cancer, and the safety concentrations of matrine and the biotin-labeled matrine probe were determined in canine primary mammary epithelial cells, and then selected canine mammary tumor cell lines CHMm and CHMp were incubated with matrine, and cell viability was detected by CCK-8. The biotin-labeled matrine probe was used to pull-down the targets of matrine in canine mammary tumor cells, and the targets were screened in combination with activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) and Genecards database, and verified by qPCR and western blot. The results showed that the maximum non-cytotoxic concentrations of matrine and biotin-labeled matrine probe in canine primary mammary epithelial cells were 250 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively. Matrine and biotin-labeled matrine probe had a proliferation inhibitory effect time-dependently on CHMm and CHMp cells within a safe concentration range, and induced autophagy in cells. Then BTF3 targets were obtained by applying ABPP and Genecards screening. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) findings indicated that matrine could increase the heat stability of BTF3 protein. Pull-down employing biotin-labeled matrine probe with CHMm and CHMp cell lysates revealed that BTF3 protein was detected in the biotin-labeled matrine probe group and that BTF3 protein was significantly decreased by the addition of matrine. The qPCR and western blot findings of CHMm and CHMp cells treated with matrine revealed that matrine decreased the expression of the BTF3 gene and protein with the extension of the action time, and the impact was more substantial at the protein level, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-cancer Effects of Natural Products)
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Review

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46 pages, 8010 KiB  
Review
Natural Products and Altered Metabolism in Cancer: Therapeutic Targets and Mechanisms of Action
by Wamidh H. Talib, Media Mohammad Baban, Mais Fuad Bulbul, Esraa Al-Zaidaneen, Aya Allan, Eiman Wasef Al-Rousan, Rahaf Hamed Yousef Ahmad, Heba K. Alshaeri, Moudi M. Alasmari and Douglas Law
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9593; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179593 - 4 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1416
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and the dysregulation of numerous biological functions, including metabolism. Because of the potential implications of targeted therapies, the metabolic alterations seen in cancer cells, such as the Warburg effect and disruptions in lipid and amino acid [...] Read more.
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and the dysregulation of numerous biological functions, including metabolism. Because of the potential implications of targeted therapies, the metabolic alterations seen in cancer cells, such as the Warburg effect and disruptions in lipid and amino acid metabolism, have gained attention in cancer research. In this review, we delve into recent research examining the influence of natural products on altered cancer metabolism. Natural products were selected based on their ability to target cancer’s altered metabolism. We identified the targets and explored the mechanisms of action of these natural products in influencing cellular energetics. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers to consider natural products in cancer treatment alone and in combination with conventional anticancer therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-cancer Effects of Natural Products)
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30 pages, 1404 KiB  
Review
Therapeutic Strategies for Pancreatic-Cancer-Related Type 2 Diabetes Centered around Natural Products
by Moon Nyeo Park
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15906; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115906 - 2 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2822
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly malignant neoplasm, is classified as one of the most severe and devastating types of cancer. PDAC is a notable malignancy that exhibits a discouraging prognosis and a rising occurrence. The interplay between diabetes and pancreatic cancer exhibits [...] Read more.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly malignant neoplasm, is classified as one of the most severe and devastating types of cancer. PDAC is a notable malignancy that exhibits a discouraging prognosis and a rising occurrence. The interplay between diabetes and pancreatic cancer exhibits a reciprocal causation. The identified metabolic disorder has been observed to possess noteworthy consequences on health outcomes, resulting in elevated rates of morbidity. The principal mechanisms involve the suppression of the immune system, the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and the onset of systemic metabolic disease caused by dysfunction of the islets. From this point forward, it is important to recognize that pancreatic-cancer-related diabetes (PCRD) has the ability to increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer. This highlights the complex relationship that exists between these two physiological states. Therefore, we investigated into the complex domain of PSCs, elucidating their intricate signaling pathways and the profound influence of chemokines on their behavior and final outcome. In order to surmount the obstacle of drug resistance and eliminate PDAC, researchers have undertaken extensive efforts to explore and cultivate novel natural compounds of the next generation. Additional investigation is necessary in order to comprehensively comprehend the effect of PCRD-mediated apoptosis on the progression and onset of PDAC through the utilization of natural compounds. This study aims to examine the potential anticancer properties of natural compounds in individuals with diabetes who are undergoing chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. It is anticipated that these compounds will exhibit increased potency and possess enhanced pharmacological benefits. According to our research findings, it is indicated that naturally derived chemical compounds hold potential in the development of PDAC therapies that are both safe and efficacious. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-cancer Effects of Natural Products)
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19 pages, 2453 KiB  
Review
Amphibian-Derived Natural Anticancer Peptides and Proteins: Mechanism of Action, Application Strategies, and Prospects
by Qian Chen, Jing Wu, Xiang Li, Ziyi Ye, Hailong Yang and Lixian Mu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 13985; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241813985 - 12 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1678
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major diseases that seriously threaten human life. Traditional anticancer therapies have achieved remarkable efficacy but have also some unavoidable side effects. Therefore, more and more research focuses on highly effective and less-toxic anticancer substances of natural origin. Amphibian [...] Read more.
Cancer is one of the major diseases that seriously threaten human life. Traditional anticancer therapies have achieved remarkable efficacy but have also some unavoidable side effects. Therefore, more and more research focuses on highly effective and less-toxic anticancer substances of natural origin. Amphibian skin is rich in active substances such as biogenic amines, alkaloids, alcohols, esters, peptides, and proteins, which play a role in various aspects such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer functions, and are one of the critical sources of anticancer substances. Currently, a range of natural anticancer substances are known from various amphibians. This paper aims to review the physicochemical properties, anticancer mechanisms, and potential applications of these peptides and proteins to advance the identification and therapeutic use of natural anticancer agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-cancer Effects of Natural Products)
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