Targeting regulated cell death (RCD) with naturally derived sesquiterpene lactones in cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Oncology

Background:

• Regulated cell death (RCD) involves specific signal transduction pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, cuproptosis, pyroptosis, and NETosis.
• Cancer cell mutations can evade RCD, making RCD pathways a target for novel cancer therapies.
• Sesquiterpene lactones, plant-derived compounds, are recognized for their potential therapeutic applications, particularly in oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the antitumor potential of sesquiterpene lactones.
• To highlight the role of sesquiterpene lactones in modulating various RCD pathways.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which sesquiterpene lactones regulate RCD in different cancer types.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on sesquiterpene lactones and RCD.
• Systematic summary of research on sesquiterpene lactones as antitumor agents.
• Analysis of sesquiterpene lactones' effects on apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and cuproptosis.

Main Results:

• Sesquiterpene lactones demonstrate significant potential as anticancer agents.
• These compounds effectively target multiple RCD pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and cuproptosis.
• Evidence suggests sesquiterpene lactones can overcome cancer-related mutations that disrupt RCD.

Conclusions:

• Sesquiterpene lactones represent a promising class of natural compounds for cancer therapy.
• Targeting RCD pathways with sesquiterpene lactones offers a viable strategy for developing new cancer treatments.
• Further research into sesquiterpene lactones' RCD-modulating effects will facilitate novel therapeutic development.