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Published on: March 3, 2023
Controlling non small cell lung cancer progression by blocking focal adhesion kinase-c-Src active site with
Hyacinth N Highland1, Monica B Thakur2, Linz-Buoy George1
1Department of Zoology, Biomedical Technology and Human Genetics, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Background:
Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a global, fatal oncological malady to which conventional and targeted therapies proved less effective with consequent side effects; hence, phytocomponents from herbal sources may provide potent alternative and should be tested for cancer intervention. Activation and overexpression of proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase Src (c-Src) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) lead to cell proliferation and invasion. Hence, in the present investigation, in silico analysis was carried out to identify molecular intervention of phytocomponents in blocking the active site and thus inhibiting c-Src and FAK activation, which in turn could control progression of NSCLC.
Materials And Methods:
In silico analysis was carried out using Molegro Virtual Docker, Molegro Molecular Viewer, and ClusPro server for ligand-protein and protein-protein interaction study. Phytochemical analysis and assay for antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis L. were carried out using standard phytochemical tests, high-performance thin-layer chromatography, and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. Effectiveness of extract in arresting cell proliferation was confirmed using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on A549 cell line.
Results:
In silico analysis indicated effective binding of rosmarinic acid to the active site of target proteins FAK and c-Src, blocking their activity. MTT assay revealed potent antiproliferative activity of hydroalcoholic extract which acted in dose-dependent manner. Phytochemical analysis confirmed that the extract was rich in phytocomponents and had antioxidant activity of 94.9%, which could therefore effectively eliminate free radicals and inhibit cell progression.
Conclusion:
In silico and in vitro studies confirmed that phytocomponents present in hydroalcoholic extract of R. officinalis L. could effectively block the active site of target proteins and thus controlled cell proliferation on NSCLC cells, suggesting herb as an effective alternative medicine for the treatment of NSCLC.
Insights
Rosmarinus officinalis L. extract shows potential as an alternative therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its phytocomponents inhibit key proteins (c-Src, FAK) involved in cancer progression and exhibit significant antioxidant and antiproliferative effects.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents significant therapeutic challenges with conventional treatments.
- Proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase Src (c-Src) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) overexpression drives NSCLC proliferation and invasion.
- Phytocomponents offer a promising avenue for novel cancer interventions due to their potential efficacy and reduced side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in silico and in vitro efficacy of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) hydroalcoholic extract against NSCLC.
- To identify specific phytocomponents that can inhibit the activity of c-Src and FAK kinases.
- To evaluate the antiproliferative and antioxidant potential of rosemary extract in NSCLC models.
Main Methods:
- In silico molecular docking was performed to assess ligand-protein interactions with FAK and c-Src.
- Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity assays (DPPH) were conducted on the rosemary extract.
- In vitro antiproliferative effects were evaluated using MTT assays on A549 NSCLC cell lines.
Main Results:
- In silico analysis revealed rosmarinic acid effectively binds to and inhibits FAK and c-Src.
- The hydroalcoholic extract demonstrated potent, dose-dependent antiproliferative activity against NSCLC cells.
- The extract exhibited high antioxidant activity (94.9%), indicating free radical scavenging capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Phytocomponents in R. officinalis L. extract can inhibit FAK and c-Src, crucial targets in NSCLC.
- The extract possesses significant antiproliferative and antioxidant properties, making it a viable candidate for NSCLC treatment.
- Rosmarinus officinalis L. extract shows promise as an effective alternative or complementary therapy for NSCLC.
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