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Natural Compounds As Modulators of Non-apoptotic Cell Death in Cancer Cells
Luis Miguel Guamán-Ortiz1, Maria Isabel Ramirez Orellana1, Edward A Ratovitski1
11 Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja, Ecuador ; 2 Head and Neck Cancer Research Division, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Current Genomics
|April 4, 2017
Summary
Natural compounds can induce non-apoptotic cell death, like autophagy and necroptosis, in tumor cells. These compounds offer a promising alternative to synthetic drugs for cancer treatment, with better safety and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cell death, including apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis, is crucial for removing damaged cells.
- Cancer treatment strategies aim to induce tumor-specific cell death, but drug resistance is a major challenge.
- Natural compounds are increasingly explored for anticancer properties due to their potential for improved safety and efficacy compared to synthetic drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of natural compounds in inducing non-apoptotic cell death pathways in cancer cells.
- To highlight natural compounds that trigger autophagy and necroptosis as therapeutic strategies.
- To explore the potential of natural products as alternatives to conventional cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on natural compounds and their effects on cell death pathways.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo research demonstrating anticancer activities of natural compounds.
- Focus on mechanisms of autophagy and necroptosis induction by natural products.
Main Results:
- Several natural compounds from plants, microorganisms, and marine life exhibit potent anticancer activities.
- These natural compounds can effectively induce non-apoptotic cell death mechanisms, specifically autophagy and necroptosis, in tumor cells.
- Natural compounds show promising anticancer potential with potentially fewer toxic side effects than some synthetic drugs.
Conclusions:
- Natural compounds represent a promising source for developing novel anticancer therapeutics.
- Induction of autophagy and necroptosis by natural compounds offers alternative strategies to overcome drug resistance.
- Further research into natural compounds could lead to more effective and safer cancer treatments.