Can Natural Products Targeting EMT Serve as the Future Anticancer Therapeutics?

Sirajudheen Anwar1,2, Jonaid Ahmad Malik3,4, Sakeel Ahmed5

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81422, Saudi Arabia.

Insights

Natural compounds from plants and marine sources show promise as alternative cancer treatments, potentially overcoming drug resistance by targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology and Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

  • Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, with drug resistance posing a significant treatment challenge.
  • Dysregulation of cellular metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, and epigenetic alterations are hallmarks of cancer.
  • Natural products have garnered interest for their therapeutic potential in various diseases, including cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and consolidate information on natural compounds from plant and marine sources.
  • To explore the anti-cancer potential of these natural compounds, focusing on their mechanisms related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical studies on natural compounds and their anti-cancer activities.
  • Analysis of research focusing on the role of natural products in modulating EMT pathways in cancer.

Main Results:

  • Natural substances derived from plants and marine environments exhibit significant anti-cancer activity in preclinical models.
  • These compounds may offer alternative therapeutic strategies to combat cancer, potentially by influencing EMT.

Conclusions:

  • Natural products represent a promising avenue for developing novel cancer therapeutics.
  • Further research into plant and marine-derived compounds targeting EMT mechanisms could lead to improved cancer treatments and overcome drug resistance.

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