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An Update on Phytochemicals in Molecular Target Therapy of Cancer: Potential Inhibitory Effect on Telomerase Activity

Abbas Alibakhshi, Javad Ranjbari, Yones Pilehvar-Soltanahmadi

  • 1Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advance Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|April 26, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Natural phytochemicals can inhibit telomerase activity, a key factor in cancer cell immortalization. This review explores plant-derived compounds as potential anti-cancer agents, highlighting their mechanisms and therapeutic enhancement strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Telomerase is a crucial enzyme in telomere maintenance, implicated in cancer cell immortalization and malignant transformation.
  • Telomerase activity is a significant factor in tumor cells, making it a target for cancer therapy.
  • Inhibiting telomerase can suppress cancer cell proliferation or induce apoptosis without harming normal cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent studies on plant-derived phytochemicals that inhibit telomerase activity.
  • To explore the properties and mechanisms of these natural compounds.
  • To discuss strategies for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of plant-derived substances.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific studies on phytochemicals and telomerase inhibition.
  • Analysis of mechanisms by which phytochemicals affect telomerase subunits and components.
  • Examination of therapeutic strategies including combination therapy and nanoformulation.

Main Results:

  • Numerous natural phytochemicals demonstrate inhibitory effects on telomerase activity.
  • Phytochemicals target specific subunits and components of the telomerase enzyme.
  • Plant-derived compounds offer potential advantages over conventional chemotherapy, including fewer side effects and overcoming drug resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Natural phytochemicals represent a promising class of compounds for telomerase-targeted cancer therapy.
  • Understanding their mechanisms of action is crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • Combination therapy and nanoformulation can significantly improve the therapeutic potential of these natural agents.

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