1,720,982 research outputs found
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Modulated by Genistein in Cancer
Genistein (4′,5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone) is a phytoestrogen belonging to a subclass of natural flavonoids that exhibits a wide range of pharmacological functions, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics make genistein a valuable phytochemical compound for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer. Genistein effectively inhibits tumor growth and dissemination by modulating key cellular mechanisms. This includes the suppression of angiogenesis, the inhibition of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and the regulation of cancer stem cell proliferation. These effects are mediated through pivotal signaling pathways such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin. Moreover, genistein interferes with the function of specific cyclin/CDK complexes and modulates the activation of Bcl-2/Bax and caspases, playing a critical role in halting tumor cell division and promoting apoptosis. The aim of this review is to discuss in detail the key cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pleiotropic anticancer effects of this flavonoid
Apigenin: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential against Cancer Spreading
Due to its propensity to metastasize, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Thanks in part to their intrinsic low cytotoxicity, the effects of the flavonoid family in the prevention and treatment of various human cancers, both in vitro and in vivo, have received increasing attention in recent years. It is well documented that Apigenin (4 ',5,7-trihydroxyflavone), among other flavonoids, is able to modulate key signaling molecules involved in the initiation of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, including JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, NF-kappa B, and Wnt/beta-catenin pathways, as well as the oncogenic non-coding RNA network. Based on these premises, the aim of this review is to emphasize some of the key events through which Apigenin suppresses cancer proliferation, focusing specifically on its ability to target key molecular pathways involved in angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs), cell cycle arrest, and cancer cell death
Catechins and Human Health: Breakthroughs from Clinical Trials
Green tea, derived from the unoxidized leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, is one of the least processed types of tea and is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Among these, catechins—particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—play a key role in regulating cell signaling pathways associated with various chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, and cancer. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent clinical studies focused on the therapeutic benefits and potential risks of interventions involving green tea extracts or EGCG. A systematic literature survey identified 17 relevant studies, classified into five key areas related to catechin interventions: toxicity and detoxification, drug pharmacokinetics, cognitive functions, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and obesity and metabolism. Findings from these clinical studies suggest that the health benefits of green tea catechins outweigh the potential risks. The review highlights the importance of subject genotyping for enzymes involved in catechin metabolism to aid in interpreting liver injury biomarkers, the necessity of assessing drug–catechin interactions in clinical contexts, and the promising effects of topical EGCG in reducing inflammation. This analysis underscores the need for further research to refine therapeutic applications while ensuring the safe and effective use of green tea catechins
Lemur tyrosine kinases and prostate cancer: A literature review
The members of the Lemur Tyrosine Kinases (LMTK1-3) subfamily constitute a group of three membrane-anchored kinases. They are known to influence a wide variety of key cellular events, often affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis. They have been discovered to be involved in cancer, in that they impact various signalling pathways that influence cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness. Notably, in the context of genome-wide association studies, one member of the LMTK family has been identified as a candidate gene which could contribute to the development of prostate cancer. In this review, of published literature, we present evidence on the role of LMTKs in human prostate cancer and model systems, focusing on the complex network of interacting partners involved in signalling cascades that are frequently activated in prostate cancer malignancy. We speculate that the modulators of LMTK enzyme expression and activity would be of high clinical relevance for the design of innovative prostate cancer treatment
Evidence for essential catalytic determinants for human erythrocyte pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase
Human erythrocyte pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase, PN-I, catalyzes the dephosphorylation of pyrimidine nucleoside monophosphates. The enzyme also possesses phosphotransferase activity, transferring phosphate groups between pyrimidine nucleoside monophosphates and various pyrimidine nucleosides. Deficiency of the enzyme activity is associated with a hemolytic anemia. PN-I cDNA has been expressed in Escherichia coli, yielding a fully active recombinant enzyme, which was purified to homogeneity and extensively characterized. Multiple sequence alignment of PN-I and homologues proteins revealed the existence of conserved regions, whose importance in catalysis was examined by performing experiments designed to intercept covalent intermediates as strongly suggested by our previous kinetic studies. Furthermore, a functional analysis of the enzyme was carried out through site-directed mutagenesis designed on the basis of the sequence of the identified conserved regions as well as mutations observed in PN-I-deficient patients. © Birkhäuser Verlag, 2005
Purificazione, microsequenziamento, clonaggio ed espressione della pirimidina 5’-nucleotidasi (PN-I) da eritrocita umano e sua identificazione come p36, una proteina indotta dall’interferone.
Purification, microsequencing, cloning and expression of human erythrocytes pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase (PNI) and its identification as p36 interferon-induced protein.
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