Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring Photodynamic Therapy with Curcumin in a Murine Model for Oral Candidiasis
06:39

Author Spotlight: Exploring Photodynamic Therapy with Curcumin in a Murine Model for Oral Candidiasis

Published on: October 27, 2023

974

The Potential Mechanism of Curcumin in Treating Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Integrated Bioinformatic

Wu Siyuan1, Lv Xiaozhi2, Wu Jialin1

  • 1Foshan Stomatological Hospital, School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, China.

International Journal of Genomics
|October 23, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Curcumin shows potential therapeutic effects against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study identified key genes and pathways involved in curcumin

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Bioinformatics

Background:

  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a significant global health concern.
  • Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has demonstrated potential anti-cancer properties.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of curcumin's action against OSCC is crucial for therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the therapeutic potential of curcumin against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
  • To identify key genes and pathways involved in the interaction between curcumin and OSCC.
  • To investigate the expression levels of potential therapeutic target genes in OSCC.

Main Methods:

  • Curcumin targets were identified from multiple databases (CTD, STITCH, SwissTargetPrediction).
  • OSCC-related genes were identified using gene expression profiles (GSE23558) and disease databases (GeneCards, OMIM).
  • Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction network analysis were performed to identify hub genes.

Main Results:

  • 70 candidate drug-disease interaction genes were identified, with enrichment analysis suggesting roles in oxidative stress and epithelial cell proliferation.
  • Ten hub genes were identified, including VEGFA, AKT1, TNF, HIF1A, EGFR, JUN, STAT3, MMP9, EGF, and MAPK3.
  • Significant differential expression of VEGFA, AKT1, TNF, HIF1A, EGFR, MMP9, EGF, and MAPK3 was observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides a molecular basis for curcumin's potential as an anti-OSCC therapeutic agent.
  • Key genes such as VEGFA, AKT1, and EGFR are implicated in curcumin's effects on OSCC.
  • Further experimental validation is necessary to confirm curcumin's efficacy and safety in OSCC treatment.

More Related Videos

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment07:29

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment

Published on: April 22, 2019

11.5K
Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma03:36

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: April 12, 2024

465

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.7K
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
4.8K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
4.9K
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
4.8K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
3.8K