American Journal of Translational Research
·
2025
·Vol. 17
·期 10
·7749
·
IF 1.6
Xiaowen Li,Ruikang Guo,Lingling Liang,Hao Liang,Guangqi Zhou,Qinglan Lu,Yonghui Huang,Zhen Qi,Xiaojie Li
Objective: Periodontitis, a prevalent oral disease leading to alveolar bone defects, remains a primary cause of tooth loss in adults. The biologic mechanisms driving bone loss in periodontitis are still poorly understood, limiting the development of genetic treatment. This study investigates potential therapeutic targets for alveolar bone loss by analyzing transcriptomic data related to the osteogenic differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Methods: Using in vitro and in vivo models, we examined the role of neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 (NPY1R) and the PI3K-AKT-mTOR (PAM) signaling pathway in osteogenic differentiation and bone loss. A combination of bioinformatics, molecular biology, and histologic techniques was employed to pinpoint key signaling events that influence bone remodeling in periodontitis and to identify potential intervention points. Results: Transcriptomic profiling during iPSC osteogenic differentiation revealed significant upregulation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and NPY1R. Suppression of NPY1R reduced the osteogenic capacity of iPSCs. Activation of the PAM pathway was observed during osteogenesis, and treatment with LY294002, a PAM pathway inhibitor, led to decreased osteogenic activity. In vivo experiments using a rat periodontitis model confirmed increased expression of NPY1R and activation of the PAM pathway, suggesting a role in bone repair processes. Conclusion: The NPY/NPY1R axis and the PAM signaling pathway appear to regulate bone regeneration and may be involved in preventing alveolar bone loss in periodontitis. These findings provide a new direction for therapy targeting bone defects associated with periodontal disease.
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MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
·
2021
·
IF 4.407
Limei Ao,Han Gao,Lifen Jia,Shimin Liu,Jie Guo,Bingzhen Liu,Qiumei Dong
Matrine (Mat) is an alkaloid of tetracycline quinazine, and previous studies have demonstrated its specific effect on relieving rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the effect of Mat on joint synovial angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of RA has not been elucidated. In this study, body weight, joint swelling, arthritis index (AI) score, histopathological changes, immunohistochemical, and western blot- were used in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats to detect pro-inflammatory factors and, - expression levels of key cytokines and proteins along the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-angiopoietin (Ang) axis and VEGF-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) / protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. In vitro experiments were conducted to observe the effect of Mat on the proliferation, migration and lumen formation of RA-fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results showed that Mat reduced the degree of paw swelling and AI score in CIA rats, joint synovial tissue proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and neovascularization; moreover, it down-regulated the expression levels of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β, interferon-γ, and pro-angiogenic factors VEGF, placental growth factor, HIF-α, Ang-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, and phosphorylation-Akt in the ankle joint of CIA rats. In addition, the in vitro experiments showed that Mat inhibited the proliferation and migration of RA-FLS and inhibited the proliferation and lumen formation of HUVECs. Therefore, Mat exerts an anti-angiogenesis effect by regulating the HIF-VEGF-Ang axis and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This inhibits the pathogenesis and improve the symptoms of RA, and may be offered as a candidate drug for the treatment of RA.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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病理学
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分子生物学
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Materials Today Bio
·
2026
·
IF 10.2
Haohua Lai,Li Dong,Dongdong Jiang,Chen Shi,Wenbo Zhong,Chengxiang Sha,Junwei Yan,Xiao Wang,Jing Zhang,Ziyi Yu,Zhaowei Yin,Bin Liang
Osteochondral defects (OCDs) remain challenging to repair due to the complex structural and biological heterogeneity of the cartilage–bone interface. Here, we developed a bilayer microsphere–scaffolds composite by integrating melt electrowriting (MEW) scaffolds with two types of functionalized hydrogel microspheres (HMPs). The upper layer consisted of disulfide-containing poly ethylene glycol diacrylate (HB-PBHE)/thiolated hyaluronic acid (SH-HA) microspheres encapsulating kartogenin (KGN) liposomes (HM@PHK) to promote chondrogenesis, while the lower layer was formed by GelMA/nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) microspheres loaded with curcumin (Cur) liposomes (HM@GMAC) to provide osteoinductive, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory cues. This bilayer construct exhibited uniform architecture, favorable mechanics, and controlled drug release. In vitro, the system promoted bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) migration, chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation, and attenuated oxidative stress–induced apoptosis while modulating macrophage polarization. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that both layers activated the PI3K-AKT pathway, with the upper phase regulating the PI3K-AKT-SOX9 axis for chondrogenesis and the lower phase promoting osteogenesis and cytoprotection via PI3K-AKT-RUNX2/BAX signaling. In vivo implantation in rat femoral condyle defects demonstrated superior cartilage–bone reconstruction. Collectively, this multifunctional bilayer microsphere–scaffolds system provides stratified regulation of osteochondral repair through coordinated structural support, bioactive delivery, and immunomodulation, offering a clinically translatable approach to osteochondral defect regeneration.
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Journal of Ginseng Research
·
2026
·
IF 7.5
Qianru Yang,Xiaoxue Chen,Jintong Cai,Zhengwen Xie,Yuhan Nie,Jinghui Sun,He Li,Chunmei Wang
Background Ginseng - Schisandra herb pair is a classic representative one of the "combination of tonification and astringency" in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginseng tonifies lung Qi and benefits heart Qi, while Schisandra restrains the lung, nourishes the kidney, calms the mind, and soothes the spirit. When they are used in combination, one can play a tonifying role and another can serve as an astringency, with tonification but without stagnation and with astringency but without depression, so the combination can not only enhance the efficacy of replenishing Qi and nourishing Yin but also strengthen the effect of astringing and consolidating. However, the underlying mechanism and action of its combined use in the prevention and treatment of asthma remain unclear. Methods An asthma model in mice was established by using ovalbumin (OVA) combined with aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH) 3 ), so as to evaluate the anti-asthmatic effect of Ginseng - Schisandra herb pair and determine its optimal compatibility ratio. For further validation, an in vitro asthma model was developed by stimulating human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) with interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The chemical profile of the herb pair extract was comprehensively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Potential bioactive components and anti-asthma mechanisms were predicted through network pharmacology analysis and subsequently verified by Western blot and immunofluorescence assays. Results Ginseng - Schisandra herb pair could improve the behavior of asthmatic mice, alleviate the pathological damage of lung tissue, reduce the levels of inflammatory factors in the serum of asthmatic mice and the asthma model BEAS-2B cells, increase the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decrease the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). A total of 72 bioactive components were identified from the Ginseng - Schisandra herb pair extract, and the herb pair could inhibit the expression of PI3K-AKT pathway-related proteins in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice and BEAS-2B cells. Conclusion Ginseng - Schisandra herb pair can effectively alleviate the airway inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury by regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in mice to exert an anti-asthmatic effect. Among different compatibility ratios and compared with single herbs, the 2:1 ratio of the herb pair exhibits the optimal therapeutic efficacy.
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Materials Today Bio
·
2026
·
IF 11
Xin Sui,Ling-Feng Li,Bing-Wen Zhong,Zhan-Hua Cao,De-Feng Yang,Yuan Zhuang,Jia-Mu Ren,Tong-tong Yan,Bing Han,Zhi-Hui Liu
Mechanical tensile forces play a crucial role in modulating bone tissue behavior and the response of surrounding cells in vivo. During orthodontic tooth movement, tensile stresses within the periodontal ligament on the tension side stimulate bone deposition. Drawing inspiration from this biological process, our work introduces a strategy using mechanically active materials to enhance bone defect healing. We utilize liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), a class of soft active materials known for excellent actuation performance. LCEs apply stable mechanical forces to target bone tissue, mimicking the traction of the periodontal ligament and actively promoting bone regeneration. By employing a sequential thiol-Michael/thiol-ene click reaction, optimizing component ratios, and utilizing low-temperature crosslinking, the driving temperature of LCE was significantly reduced to 27.3°C. This advancement eliminates limitations on its medical applications in tissue regeneration. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirm that LCE-induced tensile forces enhance bone regeneration. The LAMB1-ITGB4 signaling axis mediates the process via the PI3K-AKT pathway. This mechanobiological approach opens new avenues for bone defect healing and provides mechanistic insights into how mechanical tensile forces promote bone regeneration.
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Chinese Medicine
·
2026
·Vol. 21
·期 1
·129
·
IF 7.4
Dong Jinwang,Cao Yang,Chen Xiujin,Xie Tao,Zhang Xiaobo,Zhao Qingpeng,Shi Cunhu,Miao Qiangqiang,Xu Zhengwei,Yan Liang,Dong Liang
Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces gut microbiota dysbiosis, which significantly affects recovery. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has shown therapeutic effects on SCI. Although BHD is known to modulate gut microbiota, whether its benefits are mediated through the gut–spinal cord axis remains unclear. Methods A rat SCI model was established. BHD was administered orally, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from BHD-treated rats (BHD-FMT) was performed to assess neuroprotective and gut-protective effects. Behavioral testing, histology, and immunofluorescence evaluated motor recovery, inflammation, and neuroregeneration. Gut microbiota profiling was performed using 16S rDNA sequencing and metagenomics, while targeted metabolomics quantified tryptophan metabolites. Transcriptomics validated key pathways, and a microbiota–metabolite–signaling network was constructed. Results BHD significantly improved motor function, reduced spinal inflammation, and promoted neuronal survival and axonal regeneration. It restored gut function, reduced colonic inflammation, and enhanced ZO-1 and Occludin expression, which were further confirmed by FMT. BHD-FMT reshaped the gut microbiota and enriched Lactobacillus johnsonii , which correlated positively with recovery. Metabolomics showed increased tryptophan metabolites, including indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) and indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), with ILA strongly associated with functional improvement. Transcriptomic analysis and Western blot validation demonstrated that BHD-FMT activated the AhR–PI3K/Akt pathway, which was suppressed by an AhR antagonist. Conclusion BHD promotes neuroregeneration after SCI by reshaping gut microbiota and enhancing tryptophan metabolism, potentially exerting its effects through the L. johnsonii –ILA–AhR–PI3K/Akt network. These findings reveal a gut–spinal cord axis–mediated mechanism of BHD and highlight microecological targets for SCI therapy. Graphical
The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.
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International Journal of Nanomedicine
·
2026
·
IF 8.7
Yan Yan,Ke Wang,Li Ren,Jun-jie Ma,Xing-chun Zhu,Hao-feng Ding,Jia-xin Chu,Zhi-gao Zhu,Jing-yi Xia,Yi Xia,Yuan Xu,Meng-han He,Wen-rui Wang,Cong-li Zhang
Purpose This study aims to address the issues that limit the clinical application of Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) due to its poor water solubility and low bioavailability, and to explore its therapeutic potential in renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. We attempted to utilize layered double hydroxide (LDH) to construct a novel nano-drug delivery system to enhance the stability and efficacy of NBP, and to deeply investigate its potential mechanism of action.Methods By loading NBP onto LDH, LDHs-NBP nanocomplexes were successfully constructed. Subsequently, the effects of LDHs-NBP on renal function, tissue pathology, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial function were systematically evaluated in rat renal ischemia-reperfusion injury models and HK-2 cell hypoxia/reoxygenation models. The molecular mechanism of the PI3K-AKT-Nrf2 signaling pathway was analyzed through immunohistochemistry and Western Blot.Results The experimental results show that the drug loading capacity of LDHs-NBP nanocomplexes is 24.26%. Compared with pure NBP, LDHs-NBP more effectively improve renal function in rats, reduces serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), decreases inflammatory infiltration and structural damage in renal tissues, and exhibits stronger antioxidant capacity—evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities. At the cellular level, LDHs-NBP significantly inhibits apoptosis and ROS production in HK-2 cells, alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction, and its protective effect is closely associated with activation of the PI3K-AKT-Nrf2 signaling pathway.Conclusion This study successfully constructed an NBP nano-complex based on LDH, and confirmed that LDHs-NBP has significant therapeutic advantages in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. The mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K-AKT-Nrf2 pathway. This study provides experimental evidence for the application of LDHs-NBP in the treatment of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, and shows a promising translational prospect and clinical value.
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高影响因子
MOLECULES
·
2026
·Vol. 31
·期 12
·2158
·
IF 5.1
Jingran Cui,Xuting Song,Heran Liu,Zhenhai Cui,Mengmeng Sun,Min He,Meiying Jin
Background: Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is marked by impaired osteogenesis and reduced bone formation. Isobavachin (IBA), a flavonoid from Psoralea corylifolia, shows multiple potentials in anti-inflammatory and bone metabolism regulations, but its effects against GIOP remain unclear. This study investigated the osteoprotective effects and potential mechanism of IBA using zebrafish GIOP model. Methods: osteoprotective effects of IBA was assessed by fluorescence imaging in a prednisolone-induced zebrafish model, following with osteogenic gene expressions measured by RT-qPCR. Potential targets and pathways of IBA was filtered and predicted by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and finally validated with a pharmacological rescue experiment using a PI3K-specific inhibitor. Results: IBA improved bone mineralization and upregulated osteogenesis-related genes. Network pharmacology identified the PI3K-Akt pathway as a key pathway, with ESR1, GSK3B, MTOR, and CCND1 as core targets. PI3K inhibition attenuated the osteoprotective effects of IBA and suppressed downstream osteogenic gene expression. Conclusions: IBA alleviates GIOP by modulating the ESR1-associated PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and may serve as a multi-target therapeutic candidate for osteoporosis.
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Stem Cell Research & Therapy
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2026
·
IF 7.8
Li Xiao-huan,Lian Fu-wei,Lv Feng,Luo Xiao-Ling,Hu Bang-li,Zhang Li-tu,Ning Shu-fang
Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes present great potential as nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. Moreover, the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes can be substantially enhanced through functional modifications and the incorporation of bioactive molecules. Methods In this study, the MSCs were cultured under two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell culture conditions. The culture supernatants were collected for isolating exosomes. The characteristics and yields of exosomes from 2D and 3D cultures were detected by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blot analysis, and bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay. Subsequently, 3D exosomes were loaded with miR-99b-5p and modified with iRGD peptide were formed into a new engineered exosome, designated as iRGD-Exo-miR-99b-5p. The effects of these engineered exosomes on the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) were assessed through a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments. Results The 3D-cultured MSCs exhibited a higher yield of exosomes and enhanced uptake by CRC cells. Further in vitro experiments demonstrated that 3D-exosomes loaded with miR-99b-5p effectively inhibit the proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CRC cells. Results from a xenograft tumor model indicate that iRGD-modified exosomes were significantly enriched at tumor sites. Furthermore, exosomes modified with iRGD and loaded with miR-99b-5p were employed for CRC treatment, resulting in substantial tumor growth inhibition and enhanced the chemotherapy efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in vivo, without inducing notable toxicity or side effects. Mechanistically, exosome-mediated delivery of miR-99b-5p downregulated FGFR3 expression, thereby inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKt signaling pathway and promoting ferroptosis, ultimately attenuating CRC progression. Conclusions Collectively, iRGD-modified 3D exosomes loaded with miR-99b-5p were able to specifically target tumor sites, thereby significantly suppressing CRC growth through the induction of ferroptosis via regulating the FGFR3/PI3K/AKt signaling pathway. These findings suggest that functional engineering and bioactive loading of 3D-exosomes derived from MSCs represent a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy. Graphical
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Nutrients
·
2025
·Vol. 17
·期 21
·3335
·
IF 5
Cuiping Xu,Hao Cui,Qionglian Fang,Pengfei Tu,Xiuming Cui
Background: Steamed Panax notoginseng saponins (SPNSs) can alleviate cyclophosphamide-induced anemia. However, the hepatointestinal effects of SPNSs and their role in ameliorating cyclophosphamide-induced anemia remain unexplored. Objective: To elucidate the hepatointestinal effects of SPNSs and their role in ameliorating cyclophosphamide-induced anemia. Methods: Blood samples were collected and analyzed on days 7 and 14. Liver tissues and small intestinal villi structures were observed via HE staining. Liver and colon content metabolites were detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Liver proteins were analyzed by using an Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer. Colon content microbiota composition was assessed via metagenomics. Signaling pathway protein expression was analyzed via Western blotting (WB). Results : SPNSs significantly increased the red blood cell (RBC) count and hemoglobin (HGB) level by day 14 and alleviated hepatointestinal damage. Hepatic metabolomics revealed: the most abundant metabolites were fatty acids and stachyose on day 7 and amino acid and arachidonic acid derivatives on day 14. KEGG analysis implicated cAMP signaling. Proteomics revealed upregulated immune-related proteins and enhanced PI3K pathway activity (WB-validated). Colon content metabolomics showed increased daidzein, 3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl) propanoic acid, γ-CEHC, and adenosine in SPNS groups on day 14. Metagenomics indicated differential abundances of Heminiphilus faecis , Phocaeicola sartorii , and s-bacterium_J10.2018 on day 14. Multiomics integration demonstrated significant correlations between hepatic metabolites, hematopoietic proteins, colon content metabolites, and probiotic bacteria. Conclusions: SPNS alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced hepato-intestinal injury in anemic mice by modulating the gut microbiota and enhancing hepato-intestinal immune defense. Additionally, SPNSs ameliorate anemia in cyclophosphamide-treated mice by activating the cAMP/PI3K/AKT pathway, promoting hepatocyte proliferation, and increasing hematopoietic protein expression.
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Frontiers in Nutrition
·
2022
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IF 6.59
Chen Lin,Jiang Qihong,Lu Hongling,Jiang Chenkai,Hu Wenjun,Yu Shaofang,Xiang Xingwei,Tan Chin Ping,Feng Yongcai,Zhang Jianfang,Li Mingqian,Shen Guoxin
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of sciadonic acid (SA) on disorders of glucolipid metabolism and intestinal flora imbalance and to further investigate its potential molecular mechanism of anti-diabetes. The experimental data indicated that SA could alleviate hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, the inflammatory response, repair liver function damage, and promote glycogen synthesis caused by T2DM. SA could also activate the PI3K/AKT/GLUT-2 signaling pathway, promote glucose metabolism gene expression, and maintain glucose homeostasis. Furthermore, 16S rRNA analysis revealed that SA could reduce the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio; promote norank_f__Muribaculaceae, Allobaculum, Akkermansia, and Eubacterium_siraeum_group proliferation; increase the levels of major short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid; and maintain the homeostasis of the intestinal flora. In conclusion, these results suggested that SA could reshape the structural composition of intestinal microbes, activate the PI3K/AKT/GLUT2 pathway, improve insulin resistance, and decrease blood glucose levels.
研究领域:
药理学
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内分泌学
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微生物学
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代谢学
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BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
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2021
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IF 5.275
Yingying Ma,Xiaorong Yang,Hongwei Han,Zhongling Wen,Minkai Yang,Yahan Zhang,Jiangyan Fu,Xuan Wang,Tongming Yin,Guihua Lu,Jinliang Qi,Hongyan Lin,Xiaoming Wang,Yonghua Yang
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has an unfavorable prognosis attribute to its low differentiation, rapid proliferation and high distant metastasis rate. PI3K/Akt/mTOR as an intracellular signaling pathway plays a key role in the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metabolism and regeneration. In this work, we designed and synthesized a series of anilide (dicarboxylic acid) shikonin esters targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and assessed their antitumor effects. Through three rounds of screening by computer-aided drug design method (CADD), we preliminarily obtained sixteen novel anilide (dicarboxylic acid) shikonin esters and identified them as excellent compounds. CCK-8 assay results demonstrated that compound M9 exhibited better antiproliferative activities against MDA-MB-231, A549 and HeLa cell lines than shikonin (SK), especially for MDA-MB-231 (M9: IC 50 = 4.52 ± 0.28 μM; SK: IC 50 = 7.62 ± 0.26 μM). Moreover, the antiproliferative activity of M9 was better than that of paclitaxel. Further pharmacological studies showed that M9 could induce apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells and arrest the cell cycle in G2/M phase. M9 also inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In addition, western blot results showed that M9 could inhibit cell proliferation and migration by down-regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Finally, a three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model was also constructed to provide a basis for further development of shikonin derivatives as potential antitumor drugs through structure–activity relationship analysis. To sum up, M9 could be a potential candidate for TNBC therapy.
研究领域:
药理学
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肿瘤学
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药物化学
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细胞生物学
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药物设计
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高影响因子
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