1.Mebendazole effectively overcomes imatinib resistance by dualtargeting BCR/ABL oncoprotein and ββ-tubulin in chronic myeloid leukemia cells
Li YANG ; Zhuanyun DU ; Yuhang PENG ; Wenyao ZHANG ; Wenli FENG ; Ying YUAN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):67-81
To target the pivotal BCR/ABL oncoprotein in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are utilized as landmark achievements in CML therapy. However, TKI resistance and intolerance remain principal obstacles in the treatment of CML patients. In recent years, drug repositioning provided alternative and promising perspectives apart from the classical cancer therapies, and promoted anthelmintic mebendazole (MBZ) as an effective anti-cancer drug in various cancers. Here, we investigated the role of MBZ in CML treatment including imatinib-resistant CML cells. Our results proved that MBZ inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis in CML cells. We found that MBZ effectively suppressed BCR/ABL kinase activity and MEK/ERK signaling pathway by reducing p-BCR/ABL and p-ERK levels with ABL1 targeting ability. Meanwhile, MBZ directly targeted the colchicine-binding site of β-tubulin protein, hampered microtubule polymerization and induced mitosis arrest and mitotic catastrophe. In addition, MBZ increased DNA damage levels and hampered the accumulation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and DNA-dependent protein kinase into the nucleus. This work discovered that anthelmintic MBZ exerts remarkable anticancer effects in both imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant CML cells in vitro and revealed mechanisms underlying. From the perspective of drug repositioning and multi‐target therapeutic strategy, this study provides a promising option for CML treatment, especially in TKI-resistant or intolerant individuals.
2.Visualization Analysis of Research Hotspots and Trends in Field of Tumor Therapy Based on CiteSpace and VOSviewer
Yuhang FANG ; Chuchu ZHANG ; Bailu SUI ; Yan WANG ; Runxi WANG ; Yu CHEN ; Xinhe YUAN ; Hongjun YANG ; Ying ZHANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(4):297-304
Objective To explore the research hotspots and development trends in the field of cancer treatment in the past decade. Methods The CNKI and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched for Chinese and English articles related to cancer treatment published over the last 10 years. Bibliometric research methods were employed, including keyword cluster analysis of published literature. Results A total of 45 455 Chinese articles and 866 958 English articles were retrieved. Combining the visualization analysis results and the current research dilemma of tumor treatment revealed that the current research hotspots of tumor treatment domestically and internationally can primarily focus on four key areas. In the realm of targeted therapy, efforts are directed towards the discovery of new drug targets, overcoming resistance to targeted therapy, and the development of monoclonal antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates. In the field of immunotherapy, the emphasis lies in enhancing the response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors, determining the mechanisms behind resistance to immunotherapy, and improving the safety of treatment. The research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) covers evidence-based evaluation studies on TCM treatment, the identification of populations that can gain the most benefit from TCM, and strategies for improving the quality of life. In the area of novel drug development, cutting-edge technologies, such as organoid-based screening for anticancer drugs, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence, are under investigation. Conclusion New targeted drugs, immune efficacy improvement, multidisciplinary integration, nano-delivery, and TCM innovation are the key research directions in the field of tumor therapy in the future.
3.Mebendazole effectively overcomes imatinib resistance by dualtargeting BCR/ABL oncoprotein and ββ-tubulin in chronic myeloid leukemia cells
Li YANG ; Zhuanyun DU ; Yuhang PENG ; Wenyao ZHANG ; Wenli FENG ; Ying YUAN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):67-81
To target the pivotal BCR/ABL oncoprotein in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are utilized as landmark achievements in CML therapy. However, TKI resistance and intolerance remain principal obstacles in the treatment of CML patients. In recent years, drug repositioning provided alternative and promising perspectives apart from the classical cancer therapies, and promoted anthelmintic mebendazole (MBZ) as an effective anti-cancer drug in various cancers. Here, we investigated the role of MBZ in CML treatment including imatinib-resistant CML cells. Our results proved that MBZ inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis in CML cells. We found that MBZ effectively suppressed BCR/ABL kinase activity and MEK/ERK signaling pathway by reducing p-BCR/ABL and p-ERK levels with ABL1 targeting ability. Meanwhile, MBZ directly targeted the colchicine-binding site of β-tubulin protein, hampered microtubule polymerization and induced mitosis arrest and mitotic catastrophe. In addition, MBZ increased DNA damage levels and hampered the accumulation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and DNA-dependent protein kinase into the nucleus. This work discovered that anthelmintic MBZ exerts remarkable anticancer effects in both imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant CML cells in vitro and revealed mechanisms underlying. From the perspective of drug repositioning and multi‐target therapeutic strategy, this study provides a promising option for CML treatment, especially in TKI-resistant or intolerant individuals.
4.Mebendazole effectively overcomes imatinib resistance by dualtargeting BCR/ABL oncoprotein and ββ-tubulin in chronic myeloid leukemia cells
Li YANG ; Zhuanyun DU ; Yuhang PENG ; Wenyao ZHANG ; Wenli FENG ; Ying YUAN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):67-81
To target the pivotal BCR/ABL oncoprotein in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are utilized as landmark achievements in CML therapy. However, TKI resistance and intolerance remain principal obstacles in the treatment of CML patients. In recent years, drug repositioning provided alternative and promising perspectives apart from the classical cancer therapies, and promoted anthelmintic mebendazole (MBZ) as an effective anti-cancer drug in various cancers. Here, we investigated the role of MBZ in CML treatment including imatinib-resistant CML cells. Our results proved that MBZ inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis in CML cells. We found that MBZ effectively suppressed BCR/ABL kinase activity and MEK/ERK signaling pathway by reducing p-BCR/ABL and p-ERK levels with ABL1 targeting ability. Meanwhile, MBZ directly targeted the colchicine-binding site of β-tubulin protein, hampered microtubule polymerization and induced mitosis arrest and mitotic catastrophe. In addition, MBZ increased DNA damage levels and hampered the accumulation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and DNA-dependent protein kinase into the nucleus. This work discovered that anthelmintic MBZ exerts remarkable anticancer effects in both imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant CML cells in vitro and revealed mechanisms underlying. From the perspective of drug repositioning and multi‐target therapeutic strategy, this study provides a promising option for CML treatment, especially in TKI-resistant or intolerant individuals.
5.Mebendazole effectively overcomes imatinib resistance by dualtargeting BCR/ABL oncoprotein and ββ-tubulin in chronic myeloid leukemia cells
Li YANG ; Zhuanyun DU ; Yuhang PENG ; Wenyao ZHANG ; Wenli FENG ; Ying YUAN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):67-81
To target the pivotal BCR/ABL oncoprotein in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are utilized as landmark achievements in CML therapy. However, TKI resistance and intolerance remain principal obstacles in the treatment of CML patients. In recent years, drug repositioning provided alternative and promising perspectives apart from the classical cancer therapies, and promoted anthelmintic mebendazole (MBZ) as an effective anti-cancer drug in various cancers. Here, we investigated the role of MBZ in CML treatment including imatinib-resistant CML cells. Our results proved that MBZ inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis in CML cells. We found that MBZ effectively suppressed BCR/ABL kinase activity and MEK/ERK signaling pathway by reducing p-BCR/ABL and p-ERK levels with ABL1 targeting ability. Meanwhile, MBZ directly targeted the colchicine-binding site of β-tubulin protein, hampered microtubule polymerization and induced mitosis arrest and mitotic catastrophe. In addition, MBZ increased DNA damage levels and hampered the accumulation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and DNA-dependent protein kinase into the nucleus. This work discovered that anthelmintic MBZ exerts remarkable anticancer effects in both imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant CML cells in vitro and revealed mechanisms underlying. From the perspective of drug repositioning and multi‐target therapeutic strategy, this study provides a promising option for CML treatment, especially in TKI-resistant or intolerant individuals.
6.Mebendazole effectively overcomes imatinib resistance by dualtargeting BCR/ABL oncoprotein and ββ-tubulin in chronic myeloid leukemia cells
Li YANG ; Zhuanyun DU ; Yuhang PENG ; Wenyao ZHANG ; Wenli FENG ; Ying YUAN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):67-81
To target the pivotal BCR/ABL oncoprotein in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are utilized as landmark achievements in CML therapy. However, TKI resistance and intolerance remain principal obstacles in the treatment of CML patients. In recent years, drug repositioning provided alternative and promising perspectives apart from the classical cancer therapies, and promoted anthelmintic mebendazole (MBZ) as an effective anti-cancer drug in various cancers. Here, we investigated the role of MBZ in CML treatment including imatinib-resistant CML cells. Our results proved that MBZ inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis in CML cells. We found that MBZ effectively suppressed BCR/ABL kinase activity and MEK/ERK signaling pathway by reducing p-BCR/ABL and p-ERK levels with ABL1 targeting ability. Meanwhile, MBZ directly targeted the colchicine-binding site of β-tubulin protein, hampered microtubule polymerization and induced mitosis arrest and mitotic catastrophe. In addition, MBZ increased DNA damage levels and hampered the accumulation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and DNA-dependent protein kinase into the nucleus. This work discovered that anthelmintic MBZ exerts remarkable anticancer effects in both imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant CML cells in vitro and revealed mechanisms underlying. From the perspective of drug repositioning and multi‐target therapeutic strategy, this study provides a promising option for CML treatment, especially in TKI-resistant or intolerant individuals.
7.Activation of Centromedial Amygdala GABAergic Neurons Produces Hypotension in Mice.
Xiaoyi WANG ; Ziteng YUE ; Luo SHI ; Wei HE ; Liuqi SHAO ; Yuhang LIU ; Jinye ZHANG ; Shangyu BI ; Tianjiao DENG ; Fang YUAN ; Sheng WANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(5):759-774
The central amygdala (CeA) is a crucial modulator of emotional, behavioral, and autonomic functions, including cardiovascular responses. Despite its importance, the specific circuit by which the CeA modulates blood pressure remains insufficiently explored. Our investigations demonstrate that photostimulation of GABAergic neurons in the centromedial amygdala (CeMGABA), as opposed to those in the centrolateral amygdala (CeL), produces a depressor response in both anesthetized and freely-moving mice. In addition, activation of CeMGABA axonal terminals projecting to the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) significantly reduces blood pressure. These CeMGABA neurons form synaptic connections with NTS neurons, allowing for the modulation of cardiovascular responses by influencing the caudal or rostral ventrolateral medulla. Furthermore, CeMGABA neurons targeting the NTS receive dense inputs from the CeL. Consequently, stimulation of CeMGABA neurons elicits hypotension through the CeM-NTS circuit, offering deeper insights into the cardiovascular responses associated with emotions and behaviors.
Animals
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GABAergic Neurons/physiology*
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Male
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Central Amygdaloid Nucleus/physiopathology*
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Hypotension/physiopathology*
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Mice
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Blood Pressure/physiology*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Solitary Nucleus/physiology*
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Photic Stimulation
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Neural Pathways/physiology*
8.Effect of Liangxue Tuizi Formula (凉血退紫方) on RAF/MEK/ERK Pathway in Skin Tissue and Serum NETs Biomarkers in Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Model Rats with Blood Heat Syndrome
Yingying JIANG ; Manxiang YANG ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Leying XI ; Mingyang CAI ; Diya MA ; Yifan LI ; Yuhang NIU ; Runze LIU ; Jiawen CAO ; Xilin CHEN ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2475-2483
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Liangxue Tuizi Formula (凉血退紫方, LXTZF) in treating Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) by examining its regulatory effect on neutrophil extracellular trap (NETs) dysregulation via the rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase (RAF)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy Wistar rats were randomly allocated into a blank control group (n=14) and a modeling group (n=56). Rats in the modelling group underwent an eight-week modelling period to establish HSP rat models with blood-heat syndrome via modified ovalbumin (OVA) induction method combined with oral administration of heat-property Chinese herbal medicine. Fifty successfully modeled rats were subsequently randomly divided into five groups (n=10 per group), model group, compound glycyrrhizin group, LXTZF group, RAF inhibitor group, and LXTZF + RAF agonist group. Additionally, 10 rats were selected from the original blank control group for the final experiment. From the 11th week of modelling, rats in the blank control group and the model group received 1 ml/(100 g·d) ultrapure water via oral administration, in addition to 0.5 ml/(kg·d) 0.9% sodium chloride solution via intraperitoneal injection. The LXTZF group and the compound glycyrrhizin group received 7.5 g/(kg·d) LXTZF granule suspension via gavage, 13.5 mg/(kg·d) compound glycyrrhizin suspension via gavage, respectively. The RAF inhibitor group received 1 mg/(kg·d) GW5074 suspension via intraperitoneal injection and ultrapure water via oral administration; the LXTZF + RAF agonist group received 7.5 g/(kg·d) LXTZF granule suspension via gavage and 1 mg/(kg·d) paclitaxel suspension via intraperitoneal injection. All administrations were performed once daily for 4 weeks. After intervention, skin tissue histopathology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposition was assessed via immunofluorescence, serum levels of neutrophil elastase (NE), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) level was determined by a colorimetric assay; the mRNA expression levels of RAF, MEK, and ERK in skin tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); and the protein expression of RAF, MEK, ERK, as well as phosphorylated MEK (p-MEK) and phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK), were analyzed by Western Blot. ResultsSkin tissue in the blank control group rats remained normal, whereas the model group exhibited neutrophil infiltration and haemorrhage with red blood cell rupture. In all drug intervention groups, neutrophil infiltration and haemorrhagic exudation reduced markedly, with LXTZF group demonstrating the most pronounced improvement. Compared with the blank control group, rats in the model group exhibited enhanced IgA fluorescence intensity in skin tissue, elevated serum levels of NE, MPO, TNF-α and VCAM-1, increased mRNA expression of RAF, MEK, ERK1 and ERK2, as well as heightened RAF protein levels and p-MEK/MEK and p-ERK/ERK ratios (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the drug intervention groups exhibited reduced IgA fluorescence intensity in skin tissue, along with decreased serum levels of NE, MPO, TNF-α, and VCAM-1 (P<0.05). In LXTZF group and RAF inhibition groups, reduced mRNA expression of RAF, MEK, ERK1, and ERK2 was observed in rat skin tissue, alongside decreased RAF protein levels and reduced p-MEK/MEK and p-ERK/ERK ratios (P<0.05). Compared with LXTZF + RAF agonist group, the compound glycyrrhizin group, LXTZF group, and RAF inhibitior group exhibited reduced IgA fluorescence intensity in skin tissue, decreased serum NE, MPO, TNF-α, and VCAM-1 levels, and decreased MEK mRNA expression and p-MEK/MEK ratio (P<0.05). ConclusionThe potential mechanism by which LXTZF treats Henoch-Schönlein purpura with blood heat syndrome may involve blocking the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway in skin tissue, and suppressing excessive formation of NETs, thereby reducing IgA deposition in dermal microvessels and attenuating systemic inflammatory responses.
9.Mechanism of airway epithelial barrier injury in a mouse model of COPD induced by cigarette smoke exposure combined with Poly I:C
Yuan XIE ; Xiaofeng MEI ; Liuying TAO ; Yuhang JIANG ; Jiansheng LI ; Peng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(7):1222-1229
AIM:To establish a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)induced by cigarette smoke(CS)exposure combined with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid(Poly I:C)nasal drip,and to investigate the mechanism of airway epithelial barrier injury in COPD.METHODS:(1)Ninety-six male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group,CS group,Poly I:C group,and CS+Poly I:C group(n=24).The model was established from week 1 to week 8,with pulmonary function tested every 4 weeks.Six mice from each group were sacrificed at the end of weeks 4,8,16,and 24.Changes in minute volume(MV),enhanced pause(Penh),mean linear intercept(MLI)and bronchial wall thickness(BWT)were observed.The protein levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and E-cadherin(E-Cad)in the lung were detected.(2)Human bronchial epithe-lial BEAS-2B cells were stimulated with CS extract(CSE)combined with Poly I:C for 24 h,and then the protein levels of occludin(Occ),ZO-1,and phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),P38 and extracellular signal-regu-lated kinase(ERK)1/2 were analyzed.RESULTS:(1)Compared with control group,at the 8th week,the mice in CS and CS+Poly I:C groups showed typical pathological changes in lung tissues,including significant inflammatory cell infil-tration,alveolar cavity expansion,alveolar wall rupture and fusion,and airway wall thickening.The Penh,BWT,MLI,and lung IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while MV and lung ZO-1 and E-Cad levels were remarkably decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).By the 24th week,these pathological changes remained relative-ly stable in CS+Poly I:C group.(2)Compared with control group,CSE and its combination with Poly I:C dramatically in-duced a reduction in ZO-1 and Occ protein expression in BEAS-2B cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and increased the levels of phosphorylated EGFR,P38 and ERK1/2(P<0.01).The effects in CSE combined with Poly I:C group were considerably superior to those in CSE or Poly I:C group alone.CONCLUSION:Poly I:C can enhance the pathological changes and airway epithelial barrier damage induced by CS in a mouse model of COPD,which may be related to the activation of EGFR/ERK/P38 signaling pathway.
10.Construction of self-assembled nanoparticle tumor vaccine OVA257-264-mi3 and evaluation of its protective efficacy
Yuan CHEN ; Chen GAO ; Yuhang LI ; Zhiyuan CUI ; Xin CHENG ; Yi ZHANG ; Bo YU ; Jiang GU ; Xian YANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(12):1361-1368
Objective To construct SpyCatcher-mi3 nanoparticle vaccine delivery vectors,evaluate their role in enhancing the immunogenicity of the ovalbumin CD8+T-cell epitope peptide,OVA257-264,and determine its protective effect in a model which mice were immunized and subcutaneously challenged with E.G7-OVA tumor cells.Methods SpyCatcher-mi3 proteins were expressed by E.coli and purified by affinity chromatography and anion exchange chromatography sequentially.OVA257-264-SpyTag peptide was obtained by synthesis.The OVA257-264-mi3 nanoparticles were produced by the SpyTag/SpyCatcher system.The toxicity of OVA257-264-mi3 was evaluated using hemolysis assay,CCK-8 assay and mouse experiment.A total of 42 female SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice(6~8 weeks old,18~20 g)were randomly divided into OVA257-264-mi3,OVA257-264,and control groups,with 14 mice in each group.Then the mice in each group were immunized on days 0,14 and 28.In 14 d after the last immunization,the amounts of spot-forming cells(SFCs,indicating IFN-γ secreting cells in splenic lymphocytes)were determined using ELISpot assay to evaluate their immunogenicity.After the immunized mice were subcutaneously implanted with E.G7-OVA tumor cells,the antitumor effect of the vaccine in prophylactic xenograft tumor model was evaluate by observing tumor volumes with a caliper and tumor growth with MRI.Results Both SpyCatcher-mi3 and OVA257-264-mi3 could be self-assembled to form homogeneous and stable nanoparticles,with an average particle size of about 43.8 and 91.3 nm,respectively.The OVA257-264-mi3 was safe for in vitro and in vivo toxicity evaluation.The number of IFN--y secreting cells per 1 × 106 splenic lymphocytes reached 253 in the OVA257-264-mi3 group of mice,significantly higher than that in the OVA257-264 group and the Control group(P<0.05).The tumor volume of mice in the OVA257-264-mi3 group was about 151.1 mm3 on day 22,which was significantly smaller than that of the OVA257-264 group and the Control group(P<0.05),and the survival rate during the observation period reached 60%,which was significantly higher than that of the OVA257-264 groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Nanoparticle vaccine OVA257-264-mi3 is successfully constructed,and it shows enhancing effect on the immunogenicity of the antigen epitope peptide,and exerts protective effect on prophylactic xenograft tumor model,providing a theoretical basis for the research of tumor neoantigen vaccines.

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