Showing papers by "Wen-Cai Ye published in 2022"
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors describe and summarize the cellular and molecular mechanisms conferring tumor drug resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy, which was predominantly associated with redundancy in angiogenic signaling molecules.
16 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that the dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from P. notoginseng may be developed as potential functional foods to treat inflammation, angiogenesis or dengue-related diseases.
Abstract: Panax notoginseng has been used both as a traditional medicine and as a functional food for hundreds of years in Asia. However, the active constituents from P. notoginseng and their pharmacologic properties still need to be further explored. In this study, one new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponin (1), along with fourteen known analogs (2-15) were isolated and identified from the roots of P. notoginseng. The anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenetic and anti-dengue virus effects of these isolated compounds were further evaluated. Compounds 1, 3, 5-7 and 10-12 exerted anti-inflammatory effects in two different zebrafish inflammatory models. Among them, 11, with the most significant activities, alleviated the inflammatory response by blocking the MyD88/NF-κB and STAT3 pathways. Moreover, compound 15 showed anti-angiogenetic activities in Tg(fli1:EGFP) and Tg(flk1:GFP) zebrafish, while 3 and 5 only inhibited angiogenesis in Tg(fli1:EGFP) zebrafish. Additionally, compounds 1, 3, 6, 8, 9 and 12 suppressed the replication of dengue virus either at the viral adsorption and entry stages or at the intracellular replication step. In conclusion, these findings enrich knowledge of the diversity of saponins in P. notoginseng and suggest that the dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from P. notoginseng may be developed as potential functional foods to treat inflammation, angiogenesis or dengue-related diseases.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the role of tumor perivascular cell-derived extracellular vesicles (TPC-EVs) in angiogenesis is investigated using genetic mouse models and pharmacological inhibitors.
8 citations
8 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of tumor perivascular cell-derived extracellular vesicles (TPC-EVs) in angiogenesis is investigated using genetic mouse models and pharmacological inhibitors.
8 citations
TL;DR: Zhang et al. as discussed by the authors reported that the FAPα-activated vinblastine prodrug Z-GP-DAVLBH exhibited potent antitumor activities against FAP-positive osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo.
8 citations
TL;DR: It is found that the occurrence of vessel co-option in bevacizumab-resistant CRCLM xenografts was associated with increased expression of fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) in the co-opted hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which was dramatically attenuated in HSC-specific conditional Fap-knockout mice bearingCRCLM allografteds.
Abstract: Vessel co-option has been demonstrated to mediate colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) resistance to antiangiogenic therapy. The current mechanisms underlying vessel co-option have mainly focused on “hijacker” tumor cells, whereas the function of the “hijackee” sinusoidal blood vessels has not been explored. Here, we found that the occurrence of vessel co-option in bevacizumab-resistant CRCLM xenografts was associated with increased expression of fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) in the co-opted hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which was dramatically attenuated in HSC-specific conditional Fap-knockout mice bearing CRCLM allografts. Mechanistically, bevacizumab treatment induced hypoxia to upregulate the expression of fibroblast growth factor–binding protein 1 (FGFBP1) in tumor cells. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments revealed that the bevacizumab-resistant tumor cell–derived FGFBP1 induced FAPα expression by enhancing the paracrine FGF2/FGFR1/ERK1/-2/EGR1 signaling pathway in HSCs. FAPα promoted CXCL5 secretion in HSCs, which activated CXCR2 to promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tumor cells and the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. These findings were further validated in tumor tissues derived from patients with CRCLM. Targeting FAPα+ HSCs effectively disrupted the co-opted sinusoidal blood vessels and overcame bevacizumab resistance. Our study highlights the role of FAPα+ HSCs in vessel co-option and provides an effective strategy to overcome the vessel co-option–mediated bevacizumab resistance.
7 citations
6 citations
TL;DR: This paper found that vessel co-option in bevacizumab-resistant colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) resistance to antiangiogenic therapy was associated with increased expression of fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) in the co-opted hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which was dramatically attenuated in HSC-specific conditional Fap-knockout mice bearing CRCLM allografts.
Abstract: Vessel co-option has been demonstrated to mediate colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) resistance to antiangiogenic therapy. The current mechanisms underlying vessel co-option have mainly focused on “hijacker” tumor cells, whereas the function of the “hijackee” sinusoidal blood vessels has not been explored. Here, we found that the occurrence of vessel co-option in bevacizumab-resistant CRCLM xenografts was associated with increased expression of fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) in the co-opted hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which was dramatically attenuated in HSC-specific conditional Fap-knockout mice bearing CRCLM allografts. Mechanistically, bevacizumab treatment induced hypoxia to upregulate the expression of fibroblast growth factor–binding protein 1 (FGFBP1) in tumor cells. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments revealed that the bevacizumab-resistant tumor cell–derived FGFBP1 induced FAPα expression by enhancing the paracrine FGF2/FGFR1/ERK1/-2/EGR1 signaling pathway in HSCs. FAPα promoted CXCL5 secretion in HSCs, which activated CXCR2 to promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tumor cells and the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. These findings were further validated in tumor tissues derived from patients with CRCLM. Targeting FAPα+ HSCs effectively disrupted the co-opted sinusoidal blood vessels and overcame bevacizumab resistance. Our study highlights the role of FAPα+ HSCs in vessel co-option and provides an effective strategy to overcome the vessel co-option–mediated bevacizumab resistance.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors provide a rigorous and up-to-date overview of the cardiovascular protection properties and potential molecular targets of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), and highlight the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic potential of the main pharmacologically active components of CRP to treat CVDs.
5 citations
TL;DR: A novel role for eEF2 is identified in promoting prefrontal AMPAR‐mediated synaptic transmission underlying social novelty behavior in HET mice.
Abstract: Regulation of mRNA translation is essential for brain development and function. Translation elongation factor eEF2 acts as a molecular hub orchestrating various synaptic signals to protein synthesis control and participates in hippocampus‐dependent cognitive functions. However, whether eEF2 regulates other behaviors in different brain regions has been unknown. Here, we construct a line of Eef2 heterozygous (HET) mice, which show a reduction in eEF2 and protein synthesis mainly in excitatory neurons of the prefrontal cortex. The mice also show lower spine density, reduced excitability, and AMPAR‐mediated synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). While HET mice exhibit normal learning and memory, they show defective social behavior and elevated anxiety. Knockdown of Eef2 in excitatory neurons of the mPFC specifically is sufficient to impair social novelty preference. Either chemogenetic activation of excitatory neurons in the mPFC or mPFC local infusion of the AMPAR potentiator PF‐4778574 corrects the social novelty deficit of HET mice. Collectively, we identify a novel role for eEF2 in promoting prefrontal AMPAR‐mediated synaptic transmission underlying social novelty behavior.
TL;DR: A previously unidentified role of TPCs in haematogenous metastasis is uncovers and provides a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC metastasis.
Abstract: Objective Haematogenous dissemination is a prevalent route of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. However, as the gatekeeper of vessels, the role of tumour pericytes (TPCs) in haematogenous metastasis remains largely unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of TPCs and their effects on CRC metastasis. Design TPCs were isolated from patients with CRC with or without liver metastases and analysed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Clinical CRC specimens were collected to analyse the association between the molecular profiling of TPCs and CRC metastasis. RNA-sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing and bisulfite-sequencing were performed to investigate the TCF21-regulated genes and mechanisms underlying integrin α5 on TCF21 DNA hypermethylation. Pericyte-conditional Tcf21-knockout mice were constructed to investigate the effects of TCF21 in TPCs on CRC metastasis. Masson staining, atomic force microscopy, second-harmonic generation and two-photon fluorescence microscopy were employed to observe perivascular extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. Results Thirteen TPC subpopulations were identified by scRNA-seq. A novel subset of TCF21high TPCs, termed ‘matrix–pericytes’, was associated with liver metastasis in patients with CRC. TCF21 in TPCs increased perivascular ECM stiffness, collagen rearrangement and basement membrane degradation, establishing a perivascular metastatic microenvironment to instigate colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM). Tcf21 depletion in TPCs mitigated perivascular ECM remodelling and CRCLM, whereas the coinjection of TCF21high TPCs and CRC cells markedly promoted CRCLM. Mechanistically, loss of integrin α5 inhibited the FAK/PI3K/AKT/DNMT1 axis to impair TCF21 DNA hypermethylation in TCF21high TPCs. Conclusion This study uncovers a previously unidentified role of TPCs in haematogenous metastasis and provides a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC metastasis.
TL;DR: In this paper , rearranged sesquiterpenoid dimers and monomers with four kinds of new skeletons, meso-eugenunilone A (meso-1), (+)- and (-)-eugen unilones B-F [(+)-and (-)-2-6], along with two new biogenetically related members (+- and...
Abstract: Six rearranged sesquiterpenoid dimers and monomers with four kinds of new skeletons, meso-eugenunilone A (meso-1), (+)- and (-)-eugenunilones B-F [(+)-and (-)-2-6], along with two new biogenetically related members (+)- and...
TL;DR: In this article , eight 2,6-disubstituted piperidin-3-ol alkaloids (1-8), featuring a C10 unsaturated alkyl side chain, together with three previously reported analogues (9-11) were isolated from the leaves of medicinal plant Microcos paniculata, and their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated unambiguously by means of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data analysis.
Abstract: Eight new 2,6-disubstituted piperidin-3-ol alkaloids (1-8), featuring a C10 unsaturated alkyl side chain, together with three previously reported analogues (9-11) were isolated from the leaves of medicinal plant Microcos paniculata. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated unambiguously by means of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data analysis, modified Mosher's method, Snatzke's method, and quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, as well as single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The isolates were evaluated for their antiangiogenic effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Compound 2 displayed an inhibitory effect on tube formation of HUVECs in a concentration-dependent manner.
TL;DR: Two distinct and concise syntheses of zephycandidine A (1) from readily available starting materials are reported in this paper , where the imidazole derived from piperonal (7 a) was subjected to reaction with o-bromoiodobenzene or the corresponding di-iodide in the presence of Pd[0] and thereby forming, via Buchwald-Hartwig and Heck reactions, a mixture of target 1 and regio-isomer 10.
TL;DR: In this paper , 18 stilbenes (1-18) with diverse modification patterns were isolated from the leaves of Cajanus cajan, including six previously undescribed ones.
TL;DR: Results demonstrated GPs administration reduced the serum concentrations of TC and LDL-C, upregulated the plasma HDL-C content, inhibited the secretion of ICAM-1, VCAM- 1, and MCP-1 and alleviated vascular lesions in VitD3 plus high cholesterol diet-induced AS rats as well as reduced adhesion factors levels in ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs.
Abstract: Dietary saponins have the potential to ameliorate atherosclerosis (AS). Gypenosides of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GPs) have been used as functional foods to exhibit antiatherosclerotic activity. The present study aimed to explore the protective effect, underlying mechanism and active substances of GPs on AS in vivo and in vitro. Results demonstrated GPs administration reduced the serum concentrations of TC and LDL-C, upregulated the plasma HDL-C content, inhibited the secretion of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MCP-1, and alleviated vascular lesions in VitD3 plus high cholesterol diet-induced AS rats as well as reduced adhesion factors levels in ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs, which was potentially associated with suppressing PCSK9/LOX-1 pathway. Further activity-guided phytochemical investigation of GPs led to the identification of five new dammarane-type glycosides (1-5) and ten known analogs (6-15). Bioassay evaluation showed compounds 1, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 observably reduced the expressions of PCSK9 and LOX-1, as well as the secretion of adhesion factors in injured HUVECs. Molecular docking experiments suggested that the active saponins of GPs might bind to the allosteric pocket of PCSK9 located at the catalytic and C-terminal domains, and 2α-OH-protopanaxadiol-type gypenosides might exert a higher affinity for an allosteric binding site on PCSK9 by hydrogen-bond interaction with ARG-458. These findings provide new insights into the potential nutraceutical application of GPs and their bioactive compounds in the prevention and discovery of novel therapeutic strategies for AS.
TL;DR: In this paper , a series of NQO1 selectively activated prodrugs were designed and synthesized by introducing indolequinone moiety to the C-3, C-23 or C-28 position of 23-hydroxybetulinic acid and its analogues.
Abstract: A series of NQO1 selectively activated prodrugs were designed and synthesized by introducing indolequinone moiety to the C-3, C-23 or C-28 position of 23-hydroxybetulinic acid (23-HBA) and its analogues. Among them, the representative compound 32j exhibited significant antiproliferative activities against NQO1-overexpressing HT-29 cells and A549 cells, with IC50 values of 1.87 and 2.36 μM, respectively, which were 20–30-fold more potent than those of parent compound 23-HBA. More importantly, it was demonstrated in the in vivo antitumor experiment that 32j effectively suppressed the tumor volume and largely reduced tumor weight by 72.69% with no apparent toxicity, which was more potent than the positive control 5-fluorouracil. This is the first breakthrough in the improvement of in vivo antitumor activities of 23-HBA derivatives. The further molecular mechanism study revealed that 32j blocked cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, induced cell apoptosis, depolarized mitochondria and elevated the intracellular ROS levels in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis indicated that 32j induced cell apoptosis by interfering with the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. These findings suggest that compound 32j could be considered as a potent antitumor prodrug candidate which deserves to be further investigated for personalized cancer therapy.
TL;DR: Guanidinium−naphthalenedisulfonic acid (GNPS) was used as a molecular catcher because it contains cavity and channel in the network; NH2+ can be used as the hydrogen bond donor as mentioned in this paper .
Abstract: Guanidinium−naphthalenedisulfonic acid (GNPS) was used as a molecular catcher because (i) it contains cavity and channel in the network; (ii) the NH2+ can be used as the hydrogen bond donor,...
TL;DR: In this paper , four pairs of cinnamoyl-β-triketone derivative enantiomers, (+)‐ and (−)‐xanthostones A-D ((+)− and (−)-1−4), were isolated from Xanthostemon chrysanthus.
Abstract: Four pairs of cinnamoyl‐β‐triketone derivative enantiomers, (+)‐ and (−)‐xanthostones A–D ((+)‐ and (−)‐1–4), were isolated from Xanthostemon chrysanthus. Compounds 1 and 2 feature a new rearranged cinnamoyl‐phloroglucinol scaffold fused with a cinnamyl‐β‐triketone framework. Compounds 1, 3, and 4 are the first examples of natural products with a peculiar phenethyl‐pyranone acid unit. Their structures with absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic data, X‐ray diffraction analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. Interestingly, these novel compounds showed a tautomeric behavior in solution, which was revealed by NMR spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation. A plausible biosynthetic pathway toward xanthostones A–D was proposed. Additionally, the anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial activities of xanthostones A–D were evaluated.
TL;DR: In this article , eleven undescribed tetracyclic triterpenoids, meliazedarachins A-K, along with twenty-six known compounds were isolated from the fruits of Melia azedaraach L. Their structures were determined by HRESIMS, UV, IR, NMR, X-ray diffraction, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, and the modified Mosher's method.
TL;DR: In this article , 11 pyranochromones, calomembranone A-K (1-11), two new pyrano-marins, calopolyanolide E and F (12 and 13), together with six known analogues (14-19) were isolated from the leaves of Calophyllum membranaceum.
Abstract: Eleven new pyranochromones, calomembranone A-K (1-11), two new pyranocoumarins, calopolyanolide E and F (12 and 13), together with six known analogues (14-19) were isolated from the leaves of Calophyllum membranaceum. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data, computational calculations, as well as X-ray crystallography of 4 and 9. The anti-inflammatory activities of all the isolates were evaluated by measuring their NO inhibitory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Structure-activity relationships are also discussed. Compound 7 showed the strongest NO inhibition (IC50 = 0.92 μM). Oral administration of 7 dose-dependently reduced the paw swelling and downregulated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the carrageenan-induced acute arthritis mice model. Molecular dynamics simulation and cellular thermal shift assay results indicated that 7 participated in a robust and stable interaction with the active site of TLR4. Compound 7 also suppressed the inflammation in arthritis through the regulation of TLR4 mediated signal transduction via IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway and the consequent reduction of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-5.
TL;DR: In this paper , the photoactive total alkaloids of the herbal medicine Coptidis rhizome were firstly separated by HPLC, and the individual peaks were collected.
Abstract: Natural products continue to be a valuable source of active metabolites; however, researchers of natural products are mostly focused on the biological effects, and their chemical utility has been less explored. Furthermore, low throughput is a bottleneck for classical natural product research. In this work, a new offline HPLC/CC/SCD (high performance liquid chromatography followed by co-crystallization and single crystal diffraction) workflow was developed that greatly expedites the discovery of active compounds from crude natural product extracts. The photoactive total alkaloids of the herbal medicine Coptidis rhizome were firstly separated by HPLC, and the individual peaks were collected. A suitable coformer was screened by adding it to the individual peak solution and observing the precipitation, which was then redissolved and used for co-crystallization. Seven new co-crystals were obtained, and all the single crystals were subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis. The molecular structures of seven alkaloids from milligrams of crude extract were resolved within three days. NDS greatly decreases the required crystallization amounts of alkaloids to the nanoscale and enables rapid stoichiometric inclusion of all the major alkaloids with full occupancy, typically without disorder, affording well-refined structures. It is noteworthy that anomalous scattering by the coformer sulfur atoms enables reliable assignment of absolute configuration of stereogenic centers. Moreover, the identified alkaloids were firstly found to be photocatalysts for the green synthesis of benzimidazoles. This study demonstrates a new and green phytochemical workflow that can greatly accelerate natural product discovery from complex samples.
TL;DR: Inspired by a previously reported biomimetic synthesis study, four new naturally occurring phloroglucinol trimers 1-4 with unusual 6/5/ 5/6/6-fused hexacyclic ring systems exhibited significant in vitro antiviral activity against the respiratory syncytial virus.
Abstract: Inspired by a previously reported biomimetic synthesis study, four new naturally occurring phloroglucinol trimers 1-4 with unusual 6/5/5/6/6/6-fused hexacyclic ring systems, along with two known analogues (5 and 6) and two known biogenetically related dimers (10 and 11), were isolated from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. Their structures and absolute configurations were unambiguously elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism calculation. By mimicking two potentially alternative biosynthetic pathways, the first asymmetric syntheses of 1-4 and the racemic syntheses of 5 and 6 were achieved in only five to six steps without the need for protecting groups. Furthermore, phloroglucinol dimers 10 and 11 exhibited significant in vitro antiviral activity against the respiratory syncytial virus.
TL;DR: The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) showed that the mRNA expression level of TDRD7 was positively related to tumor immune infiltrating cells (TICs) in ccRCC.
Abstract: Background Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies in the urinary system, yet effective diagnostic and prognostic markers are lacking. Recently, several of piRNA pathway genes have been reported to be associated with cancer diagnosis and prognosis, but their role in ccRCC is still unclear. Methods We analysed the expression of 27 piRNA pathway genes in 539 kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) and 72 nontumor tissue samples (data from TCGA), and 12 mRNAs were significantly different. The aim was to sift the piRNA pathway genes that are correlated with ccRCC patient survival and to construct a piRNA pathway gene risk prognostic model using Kaplan-Meier survival curve and ROC curve, respectively. Results 5 piRNA pathway genes (TDRD7, GPAT2, PLD6, SUV39H1, and DOM3Z) were picked out and used to construct the piRNA pathway gene risk model. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that compared with that of the low-risk group of ccRCC patients, the OS of the high-risk group of ccRCC patients was significantly reduced. The predictive performance of the prognostic risk model was measured using a ROC curve, which individually showed AUC values for 1 year of 0.707, for 3 years of 0.713, and for 5 years of 0.701. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TDRD7 were overexpressed in the ccRCC datasets (data from our cohort, TCGA, GEO, and CPTAC) and ccRCC cell lines, and the expression levels correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics in ccRCC. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) showed that the mRNA expression level of TDRD7 was positively related to tumor immune infiltrating cells (TICs) in ccRCC. Mechanistically, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to uncover the mechanism of TDRD7 in ccRCC. In summary, the piRNA pathway genes,especially TDRD7, may be potential cancer diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of ccRCC.