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Mimicking the Function of Signaling Proteins: Toward Artificial Signal Transduction Therapy
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Modulation of signal transduction pathways by natural compounds in cancer

Alok Ranjan1, Neel M Fofaria1, Sung-Hoon Kim2

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Cancer Biology Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.

Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines
|October 21, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Natural compounds show significant promise in fighting cancer by inhibiting cell growth and metastasis. These agents are being explored in clinical trials for enhanced cancer therapy and improved chemotherapy efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

  • Cancer is a leading global cause of mortality, characterized by abnormal cell growth.
  • Nature offers a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications.
  • Phytochemicals are increasingly investigated for their anticancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review natural compounds demonstrating anticancer activity.
  • To explore the mechanisms by which natural compounds inhibit cancer progression.
  • To highlight the potential of natural compounds in combination cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical studies and clinical trial data on natural compounds.
  • Analysis of mechanisms including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and ROS generation.
  • Evaluation of natural compounds' role in overcoming chemotherapy resistance.

Main Results:

  • Natural compounds exhibit anticancer effects by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
  • These agents can generate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and down-regulate cancer-promoting signaling pathways.
  • Preclinical data suggest natural compounds enhance sensitivity to chemotherapy and improve efficacy when combined with FDA-approved drugs.

Conclusions:

  • Natural compounds display promising anticancer efficacy based on preclinical and clinical outcomes.
  • Several natural agents have advanced to clinical trials, indicating therapeutic potential.
  • Nature-derived compounds represent a valuable resource for novel cancer treatments.
Keywords:
CancerCapsaicinCucurbitacin BCurcuminDeguelinDiindolylmethane (DIM)IsothiocyanateNatural compoundsPiperine

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