Background/Objectives: Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are plant-derived enzymes with potent cytotoxic activity, widely studied as anticancer agents, particularly as toxic payloads in immunoconjugates. Despite numerous encouraging results reported, their clinical application has been limited by their immunogenicity. RIPs from edible plants have been proposed as potentially more suitable candidates due to their possible improved tolerability. However, this aspect still requires validation in vivo in animal models. This study investigated the cytotoxic activity, mechanisms of action and translational potential of sodin 5 (a recently characterized type 1 RIP derived from the edible plant Salsola soda L.) in human colon cancer models, comparing it to the well-known type 1 RIP saporin-S6. Methods: The effects of sodin 5 and saporin-S6 on cell viability, cell death mechanisms and epithelial barrier integrity were assessed on HT29 and Caco-2 cell lines. Sodin 5 cross-reactivity with other anti-type 1 RIP sera was evaluated by ELISA. Finally, its structural characteristics were analyzed. Results: Sodin 5 showed a cytotoxic effect comparable to that of saporin-S6 in HT29 and Caco-2 colon cancer cells, with time- and concentration-dependent reductions in viability. Both type 1 RIPs disrupted the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier in mono- and co-culture models and predominantly activated the apoptotic pathway, without inducing necrosis. Sodin 5 exhibited limited immunological cross-reactivity and a conserved catalytic core, supporting its potential relevance as a therapeutic payload for intestinal cancer therapy. Conclusions: Our results indicate that sodin 5 possesses promising characteristics for anticancer applications, particularly in the treatment of intestinal malignancies, where local exposure and repeated administration are often required.

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor and remains difficult to treat because of its highly invasive behavior and resistance to conventional therapies despite surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Sodin 5, a novel type-1 ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP), inhibits protein synthesis and displays cytotoxic activity against several tumor cell types, making it a promising candidate for GBM therapy. Methods: The antitumor activity of sodin 5 was evaluated in the U87MG glioblastoma cell line and patient-derived primary GBM cell lines (CG, ZAR, and NULU). Cell viability, migration, and molecular changes were assessed after treatment. Biological activity was also investigated under different pH conditions. Vimentin and phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) expression were analyzed to investigate the mechanisms underlying sodin 5 activity. Results: Sodin 5 significantly reduced cell viability in all GBM cell lines. Treatment also inhibited cell migration, accompanied by decreased vimentin expression, suggesting cytoskeletal remodeling and reduced invasive potential. Furthermore, sodin 5 decreased p-ERK levels, indicating modulation of signaling pathways involved in proliferation and motility. The protein retained biological activity under different pH conditions, supporting its potential efficacy in the heterogeneous GBM microenvironment. Conclusions: These findings identify sodin 5 as a promising therapeutic candidate for GBM by targeting multiple processes involved in tumor growth and invasion.

Here, the proximate composition, total amino acid content and antioxidant activity of Agria, Désirée and Kennebec potato varieties cultivated on the Matese plateau (Campania region, Southern Italy) were evaluated. Significant differences were observed among varieties in terms of proteins (1.98–3.07 g/100 g FW), carbohydrates (12.05–15.78 g/100 g FW) and moisture (78.42–84.68 g/100 g FW), while lipids were consistently low (~0.1 g/100 g FW), ~2.6-fold lower than ‘gold’ potatoes, used as a reference. Ashes were relatively high (1.10–1.39 g/100 g FW), ~1.4-fold higher than ‘gold’ potatoes. Total amino acid profiles were similar, although statistically significant differences were observed for Glx (glutamic acid + glutamine) and Asx (aspartic acid + asparagine), which are the most abundant amino acids, followed by valine, arginine and lysine. The chemical score of essential amino acids highlights that Matese potato varieties have a high nutritional content of phenylalanine + tyrosine and threonine, with average chemical scores of ~99.8% and 91.6%, respectively, while leucine is the limiting amino acid. The free amino acid profile does not show statistically significant differences. The total phenolic content (TPC) of analysed varieties (57.85–123.27 mg GAE/100 g of FW) was higher than those reported in the literature and directly correlated with the evaluated antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH). Finally, Matese potatoes are rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, with minor minerals (~1.6%) and selenium traces (~0.53 µg/100 g FW). Overall, these findings highlight the potential of Matese potatoes to enhance local consumption, preserve culinary heritage and support gastronomic tourism growth.