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Updated: Mar 3, 2026
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 6, 2015
Molecular Targets of Ascochlorin and Its Derivatives for Cancer Therapy
Jason Chua Min-Wen1, Benjamin Chua Yan-Jiang1, Srishti Mishra2
1NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract:
Cancer is an extremely complex disease comprising of a multitude of characteristic hallmarks that continue to evolve with time. At the genomic level, random mutations leading to deregulation of diverse oncogenic signal transduction cascades and polymorphisms coupled with environmental as well as life style-related factors are major causative agent contributing to chemoresistance and the failure of conventional therapies as well as molecular targeted agents. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify novel alternative therapies based on alternative medicines to combat this dreaded disease. Ascochlorin (ASC), an isoprenoid antibiotic isolated initially from the fermented broth of Ascochyta viciae, and its synthetic derivatives have recently demonstrated substantial antineoplastic effects in a variety of tumor cell lines and mouse models. The major focus of this review article is to briefly analyze the chemopreventive as well as therapeutic properties of ASC and its derivatives and to identify the multiple molecular targets modulated by this novel class of anticancer agent.
Insights
Ascochlorin (ASC) and its derivatives show promise as novel anticancer agents, offering potential alternative therapies against chemoresistant cancers. This review explores their chemopreventive and therapeutic effects and molecular targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Cancer complexity involves genomic mutations, polymorphisms, and environmental factors, leading to treatment resistance.
- Conventional and targeted therapies often fail due to chemoresistance, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Alternative medicines offer potential for developing new anticancer treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the chemopreventive and therapeutic properties of Ascochlorin (ASC) and its synthetic derivatives.
- To identify the molecular targets modulated by ASC and its derivatives as anticancer agents.
- To highlight ASC as a potential alternative therapy for combating cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Ascochlorin (ASC) and its derivatives.
- Analysis of preclinical data from tumor cell lines and mouse models.
- Identification of molecular pathways targeted by ASC.
Main Results:
- Ascochlorin (ASC) and its derivatives exhibit significant antineoplastic effects.
- These compounds demonstrate efficacy across various tumor cell lines and in vivo models.
- Multiple molecular targets are modulated by ASC, contributing to its anticancer activity.
Conclusions:
- Ascochlorin (ASC) and its derivatives represent a promising class of novel anticancer agents.
- They offer potential as alternative therapies, particularly for chemoresistant cancers.
- Further research into their molecular mechanisms and clinical applications is warranted.
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