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The bounty of nature for changing the cancer landscape
Aamir Ahmad1, Yiwei Li1, Fazlul H Sarkar1,2
1Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA.
Abstract:
The landscape of cancer has changed considerably in past several years, due mainly to aggressive screening, accumulation of data from basic and epidemiological studies, and the advances in translational research. Natural anticancer agents have always been a part and parcel of cancer research. The initial focus on natural anticancer agents was in context of their cancer chemopreventive properties but their ability to selectively target oncogenic signaling pathways has also been recognized. In light of the rapid advancements in our understanding of the role of microRNAs, cancer stem cells, and epigenetic events in cancer initiation and progression, a number of natural anticancer agents are showing promise in vitro, in vivo as well as in preclinical studies. Moreover, parent structures of natural agents are being extensively modified with the hope of improving efficacy, specificity, and bioavailability. In this article, we focus on two natural agents, 3,3'-diindolylmethane and garcinol, along with 3,4-difluorobenzo curcumin, a synthetic analog of natural agent curcumin. We showcase how these anticancer agents are changing cancer landscape by modulating novel microRNAs, epigenetic factors, and cancer stem cell markers. These activities are relevant and being appreciated for overcoming drug resistance and inhibition of metastases, the two overarching clinical challenges in modern medicine.
Insights
Natural compounds like 3,3'-diindolylmethane and garcinol, and synthetic curcumin analogs, show promise in cancer treatment by targeting microRNAs, epigenetics, and cancer stem cells.
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Natural Product Chemistry
- Molecular Biology and Epigenetics
Background:
- Cancer research has advanced significantly due to screening, data accumulation, and translational research.
- Natural anticancer agents are increasingly recognized for their ability to target oncogenic pathways.
- Understanding of microRNAs, cancer stem cells, and epigenetics is crucial for novel cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of natural anticancer agents and their analogs in modulating key cancer pathways.
- To highlight the roles of 3,3 -diindolylmethane, garcinol, and 3,4-difluorobenzo curcumin in cancer treatment.
- To demonstrate how these agents can overcome drug resistance and inhibit metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Focus on in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical studies of selected natural and synthetic agents.
- Analysis of the modulation of microRNAs, epigenetic factors, and cancer stem cell markers.
- Exploration of structural modifications to enhance efficacy, specificity, and bioavailability.
Main Results:
- 3,3 -diindolylmethane and garcinol, along with a synthetic curcumin analog, demonstrate significant anticancer activities.
- These agents effectively modulate novel microRNAs, epigenetic factors, and cancer stem cell markers.
- Observed activities are crucial for overcoming drug resistance and inhibiting cancer metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Natural and synthetic agents targeting microRNAs, epigenetics, and cancer stem cells offer new therapeutic strategies.
- These compounds hold promise for addressing critical clinical challenges in cancer treatment, including drug resistance and metastasis.
- Further research and development of these agents could significantly impact the future of cancer therapy.
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