Wu Yin

Toosendanin (TSN) is a highly potent natural anticancer compound derived from the fruit of Fructus Meliae Toosendan. In this study, TSN inhibited melanoma cell proliferation and cell‐cycle progression, induced apoptosis, and suppressed metastasis in both in vitro and in vivo models. TSN is a potent PI3K inhibitor; here, we identify basonuclin 2 (BNC2) as a transcription factor critically involved in TSN's suppression of PIK3CA transcription in melanoma cells. In clinical samples and melanoma datasets, BNC2 expression is substantially elevated in skin cutaneous melanoma and correlates with poor patient metastasis. Functional studies demonstrate that BNC2 promotes melanoma cell proliferation and migration. TSN directly binds to BNC2 and CRBN, the substrate receptor subunit of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, acting as a molecular glue to induce ubiquitin‐dependent degradation of BNC2 and subsequent downregulation of PIK3CA transcription. TSN nanoliposome encapsulation improves cellular uptake, tumor targeting, and anti‐metastatic efficacy of TSN in vivo. These findings reveal a context‐dependent oncogenic function of BNC2 in melanoma, contrasting with its previously described tumor‐suppressive roles in other cancers, and establish TSN as a small‐molecule degrader of BNC2 with therapeutic potential for melanoma.

Background Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. While EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have improved survival, acquired resistance mediated by tumor hypoxia and HIF-1α stabilization often leads to treatment failure. This study investigated the regulatory role of HIF-1α in NSCLC drug resistance and evaluated a combined therapeutic strategy to overcome EGFR-TKI resistance. Methods HIF-1α expression and downstream targets were assessed in H1975 and A549 cell lines using RT-qPCR and Western blot. Functional assays, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, lactate production, and ROS measurements, were performed following HIF-1α siRNA transfection and/or erlotinib treatment. Bioinformatics analyses of public datasets evaluated clinical relevance and pathway enrichment. Results HIF-1α knockdown inhibited glycolysis, reduced lactate production, and alleviated hypoxia-induced oxidative stress. Combined treatment with HIF-1α siRNA and erlotinib synergistically suppressed cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and inhibited invasion more effectively than single-agent treatments. Mechanistically, EGFR signaling positively regulated HIF-1α stability via the PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways. Bioinformatics confirmed that high HIF-1α expression correlates with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. Conclusion Targeting HIF-1α disrupts metabolic reprogramming and hypoxia adaptation, thereby enhancing erlotinib efficacy. This combined approach highlights the therapeutic potential of HIF-1α inhibition as a novel strategy to overcome EGFR-TKI resistance in NSCLC.

Background: Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a key mitochondrial regulator that functions as an oncogene in breast cancer, where its overexpression drives chemoresistance. Targeting SIRT3 offers a strategy to overcome resistance mechanisms and improve chemotherapy efficacy. Methods: We utilized molecular docking-based virtual screening to identify SIRT3 inhibitors from a natural product library. Candidates were validated via molecular dynamics simulations and binding assays. Efficacy was tested in breast cancer cells and an orthotopic mouse model by assessing cell viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and tumor growth during cisplatin treatment. Results: Jionoside B1 was identified as a potent SIRT3 inhibitor that suppresses enzymatic activity, leading to increased SOD2 acetylation. In breast cancer cells, Jionoside B1 significantly enhanced cisplatin sensitivity by promoting ROS accumulation, disrupting mitochondrial potential, and triggering apoptosis. In vivo, the combination of Jionoside B1 and cisplatin inhibited tumor growth more effectively than cisplatin alone. Conclusions: Jionoside B1 sensitizes breast cancer cells to cisplatin by inhibiting SIRT3-mediated oxidative stress defense. These findings highlight Jionoside B1 as a promising therapeutic candidate for combination chemotherapy to enhance cisplatin responsiveness in breast cancer.

Background: The TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4)/MD2 (Myeloid differentiation protein-2) is a crucial target for developing novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Nevertheless, current inhibitors often have significant adverse effects, necessitating the discovery of safer alternatives. Objective: The investigation aims to identify novel TLR4/MD2 inhibitors with potential antiinflammatory activity using machine learning and virtual screening technology. Methods: A machine-learning model was created using the MACCS (Molecular ACCess Systems) key fingerprint. Subsequently, virtual screening and molecular docking were used to evaluate candidate compounds' binding free energy to the TLR4/MD2 complex. Furthermore, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) prediction was used to assess the druggable properties of compounds. The most promising compound, T19093, was considered for molecular dynamic simulation. Finally, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of T19093 was further validated using LPS-treated THP-1 cells. Results: T19093, a polyphenolic compound isolated from the Gnaphalium plant genus, showed strong binding to key residues of the TLR4/MD2 complex, with a docking score of -11.29 kcal/mol. Furthermore, ADMET predicted that T19093 has good pharmacokinetic properties and balanced physicochemical properties. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulation confirmed stable binding between T19093 and TLR4/MD2 complex. Finally, it was found that T19093 alleviated LPSinduced inflammatory response by inhibiting the activation of TLR4/MD2 downstream signaling pathways and disrupting the TLR4/MD2 interaction. Conclusion: T19093 was discovered as a potential novel TLR4/MD2 inhibitor using machine learning and virtual screening techniques and showed potent anti-inflammatory activity, which could provide a new therapeutic alternative for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases.