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Jing-Ru Weng
Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan

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Journal article
Published: 26 April 2021 in Marine Drugs
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In this study, the anti-proliferative effect of ilimaquinone, a sesquiterpene derivative from the marine sponge, in breast cancer cells was investigated. Ilimaquinone inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with IC50 values of 10.6 μM and 13.5 μM, respectively. Non-tumorigenic human breast epithelial cells were less sensitive to ilimaquinone than breast cancer cells. Flow cytometric and Western blot analysis showed that ilimaquinone induced S-phase arrest by modulating the expression of p-CDC-2 and p21. Ilimaquinone induces apoptosis, which is accompanied by multiple biological biomarkers, including the downregulation of Akt, ERK, and Bax, upregulation of p38, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, increased reactive oxygen species generation, and induced autophagy. Collectively, these findings suggest that ilimaquinone causes cell cycle arrest as well as induces apoptosis and autophagy in breast cancer cells.

ACS Style

Li-Yuan Bai; Jui-Hsin Su; Chang-Fang Chiu; Wei-Yu Lin; Jing-Lan Hu; Chia-Hsien Feng; Chih-Wen Shu; Jing-Ru Weng. Antitumor Effects of a Sesquiterpene Derivative from Marine Sponge in Human Breast Cancer Cells. Marine Drugs 2021, 19, 244 .

AMA Style

Li-Yuan Bai, Jui-Hsin Su, Chang-Fang Chiu, Wei-Yu Lin, Jing-Lan Hu, Chia-Hsien Feng, Chih-Wen Shu, Jing-Ru Weng. Antitumor Effects of a Sesquiterpene Derivative from Marine Sponge in Human Breast Cancer Cells. Marine Drugs. 2021; 19 (5):244.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Li-Yuan Bai; Jui-Hsin Su; Chang-Fang Chiu; Wei-Yu Lin; Jing-Lan Hu; Chia-Hsien Feng; Chih-Wen Shu; Jing-Ru Weng. 2021. "Antitumor Effects of a Sesquiterpene Derivative from Marine Sponge in Human Breast Cancer Cells." Marine Drugs 19, no. 5: 244.

Research article
Published: 13 March 2021 in Environmental Toxicology
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Secondary metabolites in marine organisms exhibit various pharmacological activities against diseases, such as cancer. In this study, the anti‐proliferative effect of JBIR‐100, a macrolide isolated from Streptomyces sp., was investigated in breast cancer cells. Cell growth was inhibited in response to JBIR‐100 treatment concentration‐ and time‐dependently in both MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. JBIR‐100 caused apoptosis, as verified by caspase activation and the cleavage of PARP. Western blotting revealed that JBIR‐100 modulated the expression of Akt/NF‐κB signaling components and Bcl‐2 family members. Overexpression of Mcl‐1 partially rescued MCF‐7 cells from JBIR‐100‐induced cytotoxicity. In addition, transmission electron microscopy analyses, confocal analysis, and western blot assay indicated that JBIR‐100 inhibited autophagy in MCF‐7 cells. Exposure to the autophagy inhibitor did not synergize JBIR‐100‐induced apoptosis. In summary, our results suggested that JBIR‐100 may be potentially used for breast cancer therapy.

ACS Style

Chang‐Fang Chiu; Shih‐Jiuan Chiu; Li‐Yuan Bai; Chia‐Hsien Feng; Jing‐Lan Hu; Wei‐Yu Lin; Hao‐Yu Huang; Jing‐Ru Weng. A macrolide from Streptomyces sp. modulates apoptosis and autophagy through Mcl‐1 downregulation in human breast cancer cells. Environmental Toxicology 2021, 36, 1316 -1325.

AMA Style

Chang‐Fang Chiu, Shih‐Jiuan Chiu, Li‐Yuan Bai, Chia‐Hsien Feng, Jing‐Lan Hu, Wei‐Yu Lin, Hao‐Yu Huang, Jing‐Ru Weng. A macrolide from Streptomyces sp. modulates apoptosis and autophagy through Mcl‐1 downregulation in human breast cancer cells. Environmental Toxicology. 2021; 36 (7):1316-1325.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chang‐Fang Chiu; Shih‐Jiuan Chiu; Li‐Yuan Bai; Chia‐Hsien Feng; Jing‐Lan Hu; Wei‐Yu Lin; Hao‐Yu Huang; Jing‐Ru Weng. 2021. "A macrolide from Streptomyces sp. modulates apoptosis and autophagy through Mcl‐1 downregulation in human breast cancer cells." Environmental Toxicology 36, no. 7: 1316-1325.

Journal article
Published: 27 December 2020 in Marine Drugs
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Chemical investigation of the marine soft coral Sarcophyton tenuispiculatum resulted in the isolation of a 1,4-dihydrobenzoquinone, sarcotenuhydroquinone (1), three new cembranoids, sarcotenusenes A‒C (2‒4), and ten previously reported metabolites 5–14. The chemical structures of all isolated metabolites were determined by detailed spectroscopic analyses. In biological assays, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) transcription factor assays of all compounds were performed. None of the isolated compounds were found to exhibit activity in the PPAR-γ transcription factor assay. The anti-inflammatory assays showed that (+)-7α,8β-dihydroxydeepoxysarcophine (13) inhibited the production of IL-1β to 56 ± 1% at a concentration of 30 µM in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated J774A.1 macrophage cells. In addition, 1 and 2 were found to exhibit cytotoxicity towards a panel of cancer cell lines.

ACS Style

Tzu-Yin Huang; Chiung-Yao Huang; Shu-Rong Chen; Jing-Ru Weng; Tzu-Hsuan Tu; Yuan-Bin Cheng; Shih-Hsiung Wu; Jyh-Horng Sheu. New Hydroquinone Monoterpenoid and Cembranoid-Related Metabolites from the Soft Coral Sarcophyton tenuispiculatum. Marine Drugs 2020, 19, 8 .

AMA Style

Tzu-Yin Huang, Chiung-Yao Huang, Shu-Rong Chen, Jing-Ru Weng, Tzu-Hsuan Tu, Yuan-Bin Cheng, Shih-Hsiung Wu, Jyh-Horng Sheu. New Hydroquinone Monoterpenoid and Cembranoid-Related Metabolites from the Soft Coral Sarcophyton tenuispiculatum. Marine Drugs. 2020; 19 (1):8.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tzu-Yin Huang; Chiung-Yao Huang; Shu-Rong Chen; Jing-Ru Weng; Tzu-Hsuan Tu; Yuan-Bin Cheng; Shih-Hsiung Wu; Jyh-Horng Sheu. 2020. "New Hydroquinone Monoterpenoid and Cembranoid-Related Metabolites from the Soft Coral Sarcophyton tenuispiculatum." Marine Drugs 19, no. 1: 8.

Journal article
Published: 26 October 2020 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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We recently isolated a cardiac glycoside (CG), α-L-diginoside, from an indigenous plant in Taiwan, which exhibits potent tumor-suppressive efficacy in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines (SCC2095 and SCC4, IC50 < 0.2 µM; 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays). Here, we report that α-L-diginoside caused Sphase arrest and apoptosis, through the inhibition of a series of signaling pathways, including those mediated by cyclin E, phospho-CDC25C (p-CDC25C), and janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT)3. α-L-diginoside induced apoptosis, as indicated by caspase activation and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Equally important, α-L-diginoside reduced Mcl-1 expression through protein degradation, and overexpression of Mcl-1 partially protected SCC2095 cells from α-L-diginoside’s cytotoxicity. Taken together, these data suggest the translational potential of α-L-diginoside to foster new therapeutic strategies for OSCC treatment.

ACS Style

Jing-Ru Weng; Wei-Yu Lin; Li-Yuan Bai; Jing-Lan Hu; Chia-Hsien Feng. Antitumor Activity of the Cardiac Glycoside α-L-Diginoside by Modulating Mcl-1 in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2020, 21, 7947 .

AMA Style

Jing-Ru Weng, Wei-Yu Lin, Li-Yuan Bai, Jing-Lan Hu, Chia-Hsien Feng. Antitumor Activity of the Cardiac Glycoside α-L-Diginoside by Modulating Mcl-1 in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020; 21 (21):7947.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jing-Ru Weng; Wei-Yu Lin; Li-Yuan Bai; Jing-Lan Hu; Chia-Hsien Feng. 2020. "Antitumor Activity of the Cardiac Glycoside α-L-Diginoside by Modulating Mcl-1 in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21, no. 21: 7947.

Journal article
Published: 12 October 2020 in Molecules
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This study explores the amounts of common chemical ultraviolet (UV) filters (i.e., avobenzone, bemotrizinol, ethylhexyl triazone, octocrylene, and octyl methoxycinnamate) in cosmetics and the human stratum corneum. An ultrasound–vortex-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (US–VA–DLLME) method with a high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector was used to analyze UV filters. A bio-derived solvent (i.e., anisole) was used as the extractant in the US–VA–DLLME procedure, along with methanol as the dispersant, a vortexing time of 4 min, and ultrasonication for 3 min. The mass-transfer rate of the extraction process was enhanced due to vortex-ultrasound combination. Various C18 end-capped columns were used to investigate the separation characteristics of the UV filters, with XBridge BEH or CORTECS selected as the separation column. Calibration curves were constructed in the 0.05–5 μg/mL (all filters except octocrylene) and 0.1–10 μg/mL (octocrylene) ranges, and excellent analytical linearities with coefficients of determination (r2) above 0.998. The developed method was successfully used to analyze sunscreen. Moreover, experiments were designed to simulate the sunscreen-usage habits of consumers, and the cup method was used to extract UV filters from the human stratum corneum. The results suggest that a makeup remover should be employed to remove water-in-oil sunscreens from skin.

ACS Style

Fang-Yi Liao; Yu-Lin Su; Jing-Ru Weng; Laura Mercolini; Chia-Hsien Feng. Ultrasound–Vortex-Assisted Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Combined with High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detection for Determining UV Filters in Cosmetics and the Human Stratum Corneum. Molecules 2020, 25, 4642 .

AMA Style

Fang-Yi Liao, Yu-Lin Su, Jing-Ru Weng, Laura Mercolini, Chia-Hsien Feng. Ultrasound–Vortex-Assisted Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Combined with High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detection for Determining UV Filters in Cosmetics and the Human Stratum Corneum. Molecules. 2020; 25 (20):4642.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fang-Yi Liao; Yu-Lin Su; Jing-Ru Weng; Laura Mercolini; Chia-Hsien Feng. 2020. "Ultrasound–Vortex-Assisted Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Combined with High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detection for Determining UV Filters in Cosmetics and the Human Stratum Corneum." Molecules 25, no. 20: 4642.

Journal article
Published: 20 August 2020 in Biomedicines
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In this study, the anti-tumor activity of ilimaquinone (IQ), a sesquiterpene quinone isolated from marine sponge Halichondria sp., in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells, was investigated. IQ suppressed the viability of the OSCC cell lines SCC4 and SCC2095 with IC50 values of 7.5 and 8.5 mM, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that IQ induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in SCC4 cells and modulated the expression of several cell growth-related gene products, including Akt, p38, Mcl-1, and p53. Notably, p53 knockdown caused higher resistance to IQ’s anti-tumor activity. In addition, IQ increased reactive oxygen species generation, which was partially reversed by the addition of antioxidants. Furthermore, it triggered autophagy, as evidenced by acidic organelle formation and LC3B-II and Atg5 expression in SCC4 cells. Pretreatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine or chloroquine partially decreased IQ-induced apoptosis, suggesting that IQ induced protective autophagy. In summary, IQ has potential to be used in OSCC therapy.

ACS Style

Cheng-Wen Lin; Li-Yuan Bai; Jui-Hsin Su; Chang-Fang Chiu; Wei-Yu Lin; Wei-Ting Huang; Ming-Cheng Shih; Yu-Ting Huang; Jing-Lan Hu; Jing-Ru Weng. Ilimaquinone Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Biomedicines 2020, 8, 296 .

AMA Style

Cheng-Wen Lin, Li-Yuan Bai, Jui-Hsin Su, Chang-Fang Chiu, Wei-Yu Lin, Wei-Ting Huang, Ming-Cheng Shih, Yu-Ting Huang, Jing-Lan Hu, Jing-Ru Weng. Ilimaquinone Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Biomedicines. 2020; 8 (9):296.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Cheng-Wen Lin; Li-Yuan Bai; Jui-Hsin Su; Chang-Fang Chiu; Wei-Yu Lin; Wei-Ting Huang; Ming-Cheng Shih; Yu-Ting Huang; Jing-Lan Hu; Jing-Ru Weng. 2020. "Ilimaquinone Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells." Biomedicines 8, no. 9: 296.

Author correction
Published: 19 February 2020 in Scientific Reports
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An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

ACS Style

Li-Yuan Bai; Chang-Fang Chiu; Shih-Jiuan Chiu; Po-Chen Chu; Jing-Ru Weng. Author Correction: FTY720 Induces Autophagy-Associated Apoptosis in Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells, in Part, through a Reactive Oxygen Species/Mcl-1-Dependent Mechanism. Scientific Reports 2020, 10, 1 -1.

AMA Style

Li-Yuan Bai, Chang-Fang Chiu, Shih-Jiuan Chiu, Po-Chen Chu, Jing-Ru Weng. Author Correction: FTY720 Induces Autophagy-Associated Apoptosis in Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells, in Part, through a Reactive Oxygen Species/Mcl-1-Dependent Mechanism. Scientific Reports. 2020; 10 (1):1-1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Li-Yuan Bai; Chang-Fang Chiu; Shih-Jiuan Chiu; Po-Chen Chu; Jing-Ru Weng. 2020. "Author Correction: FTY720 Induces Autophagy-Associated Apoptosis in Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells, in Part, through a Reactive Oxygen Species/Mcl-1-Dependent Mechanism." Scientific Reports 10, no. 1: 1-1.

Journal article
Published: 04 December 2019 in Biomolecules
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Epigenetic therapy has been demonstrated to be a viable strategy for breast cancer treatment. In this study, we report the anti-tumor activity of a hydroxamate-based histone deacetylase (HDAC)8-selective inhibitor, HMC, in breast cancer cells. MTT assays showed that HMC inhibited cell viability of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 values of 7.7 μM and 9.5 μM, respectively. HMC induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, which was associated with its ability to modulate a series of cell survival-related signaling effectors, including Akt, mTOR, Bax, Mcl-1, and Bcl-2. Additionally, HMC was capable of activating PPARγ, which was accompanied by reduced expression of PPARγ target gene products, such as cyclin D1 and CDK6. HMC increased the production of ROS in MCF-7 cells, which could be partially reversed by the cotreatment with a ROS scavenger (N-acetylcysteine or glutathione). Furthermore, HMC induced autophagy, as characterized by the formation of acidic vesicular organelles and autophagic biomarkers including LC3B-II and Atg5. Notably, pharmacological blockade of autophagy by 3-MA or CQ could attenuate HMC-induced apoptosis, suggesting that autophagy played a self-protective role in HMC-induced cell death. Together, these data suggest the translational potential of HMC to be developed into a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer therapy.

ACS Style

Chang-Fang Chiu; Hsien-Kuo Chin; Wei-Jan Huang; Li-Yuan Bai; Hao-Yu Huang; Jing-Ru Weng. Induction of Apoptosis and Autophagy in Breast Cancer Cells by a Novel HDAC8 Inhibitor. Biomolecules 2019, 9, 824 .

AMA Style

Chang-Fang Chiu, Hsien-Kuo Chin, Wei-Jan Huang, Li-Yuan Bai, Hao-Yu Huang, Jing-Ru Weng. Induction of Apoptosis and Autophagy in Breast Cancer Cells by a Novel HDAC8 Inhibitor. Biomolecules. 2019; 9 (12):824.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chang-Fang Chiu; Hsien-Kuo Chin; Wei-Jan Huang; Li-Yuan Bai; Hao-Yu Huang; Jing-Ru Weng. 2019. "Induction of Apoptosis and Autophagy in Breast Cancer Cells by a Novel HDAC8 Inhibitor." Biomolecules 9, no. 12: 824.

Journal article
Published: 02 June 2019 in Toxins
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Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved pathway to degrade damaged proteins and organelles for subsequent recycling in cells during times of nutrient deprivation. This process plays an important role in tumor development and progression, allowing cancer cells to survive in nutrient-poor environments. The plant kingdom provides a powerful source for new drug development to treat cancer. Several plant extracts induce autophagy in cancer cells. However, little is known about the role of plant extracts in autophagy inhibition, particularly autophagy-related (ATG) proteins. In this study, we employed S-tagged gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor associated protein like 2 (GABARAPL2) as a reporter to screen 48 plant extracts for their effects on the activity of autophagy protease ATG4B. Xanthium strumarium and Tribulus terrestris fruit extracts were validated as potential ATG4B inhibitors by another reporter substrate MAP1LC3B-PLA2. The inhibitory effects of the extracts on cellular ATG4B and autophagic flux were further confirmed. Moreover, the plant extracts significantly reduced colorectal cancer cell viability and sensitized cancer cells to starvation conditions. The fruit extract of X. strumarium consistently diminished cancer cell migration and invasion. Taken together, the results showed that the fruit of X. strumarium may have an active ingredient to inhibit ATG4B and suppress the proliferation and metastatic characteristics of colorectal cancer cells.

ACS Style

Hsueh-Wei Chang; Pei-Feng Liu; Wei-Lun Tsai; Wan-Hsiang Hu; Yu-Chang Hu; Hsiu-Chen Yang; Wei-Yu Lin; Jing-Ru Weng; Chih-Wen Shu. Xanthium strumarium Fruit Extract Inhibits ATG4B and Diminishes the Proliferation and Metastatic Characteristics of Colorectal Cancer Cells. Toxins 2019, 11, 313 .

AMA Style

Hsueh-Wei Chang, Pei-Feng Liu, Wei-Lun Tsai, Wan-Hsiang Hu, Yu-Chang Hu, Hsiu-Chen Yang, Wei-Yu Lin, Jing-Ru Weng, Chih-Wen Shu. Xanthium strumarium Fruit Extract Inhibits ATG4B and Diminishes the Proliferation and Metastatic Characteristics of Colorectal Cancer Cells. Toxins. 2019; 11 (6):313.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Hsueh-Wei Chang; Pei-Feng Liu; Wei-Lun Tsai; Wan-Hsiang Hu; Yu-Chang Hu; Hsiu-Chen Yang; Wei-Yu Lin; Jing-Ru Weng; Chih-Wen Shu. 2019. "Xanthium strumarium Fruit Extract Inhibits ATG4B and Diminishes the Proliferation and Metastatic Characteristics of Colorectal Cancer Cells." Toxins 11, no. 6: 313.

Research article
Published: 07 May 2019 in Environmental Toxicology
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Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the fifth common cause of cancer mortality in Taiwan with high incidence and recurrence and needs new therapeutic strategies. In this study, ursolic acid (UA), a triterpenoid, was examined the antitumor potency in OSCC cells. Our results showed that UA inhibited the proliferation of OSCC cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner in both Ca922 and SCC2095 oral cancer cells. UA induced caspase‐dependent apoptosis accompanied with the modulation of various biological biomarkers including downregulating Akt/mTOR/NF‐κB signaling, ERK, and p38. In addition, UA inhibited angiogenesis as evidenced by abrogation of migration/invasion and blocking MMP‐2 secretion in Ca922 cells. Interestingly, UA induced autophagy in OSCC cells, as manifested by LC3B‐II conversion and increased p62 expression and accumulation of autophagosomes. Inhibition by autophagy inhibitor enhanced UA‐mediated apoptosis in Ca922 cells. The experiment provides a rationale for using triterpenoid in the treatment of OSCC.

ACS Style

Cheng‐Wen Lin; Hsien‐Kuo Chin; Shou‐Lun Lee; Chang‐Fang Chiu; Jing‐Gung Chung; Zi‐Yin Lin; Chia‐Yung Wu; Ying‐Chen Liu; Yung‐Ting Hsiao; Chia‐Hsien Feng; Li‐Yuan Bai; Jing‐Ru Weng. Ursolic acid induces apoptosis and autophagy in oral cancer cells. Environmental Toxicology 2019, 34, 983 -991.

AMA Style

Cheng‐Wen Lin, Hsien‐Kuo Chin, Shou‐Lun Lee, Chang‐Fang Chiu, Jing‐Gung Chung, Zi‐Yin Lin, Chia‐Yung Wu, Ying‐Chen Liu, Yung‐Ting Hsiao, Chia‐Hsien Feng, Li‐Yuan Bai, Jing‐Ru Weng. Ursolic acid induces apoptosis and autophagy in oral cancer cells. Environmental Toxicology. 2019; 34 (9):983-991.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Cheng‐Wen Lin; Hsien‐Kuo Chin; Shou‐Lun Lee; Chang‐Fang Chiu; Jing‐Gung Chung; Zi‐Yin Lin; Chia‐Yung Wu; Ying‐Chen Liu; Yung‐Ting Hsiao; Chia‐Hsien Feng; Li‐Yuan Bai; Jing‐Ru Weng. 2019. "Ursolic acid induces apoptosis and autophagy in oral cancer cells." Environmental Toxicology 34, no. 9: 983-991.

Journal article
Published: 26 January 2019 in Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal
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Cardiac glycosides (CGs), prescribed to treat congestive heart failure and arrhythmias, exert potent antitumor activity. In this study, divaricoside (DIV), a CG isolated from Strophanthus divaricatus was examined for its antitumor potency in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. Cell growth was inhibited by DIV in a dose- and time-dependent manner in SCC2095 and OECM-1 OSCC cells using MTT assays. DIV induced S and G2/M phase arrest accompanied by downregulation of phosphorylated CDC25C, CDC25C, and CDC2 in SCC2095 cells. In addition, DIV induced apoptosis by activating caspase-3 and downregulating the expression of Mcl-1. Furthermore, overexpression of Mcl-1 partially reversed DIV-induced death in SCC2095 cells. Additionally, western blot and transmission electron microscopy analyses also indicated that DIV induced autophagy in SCC2095 cells. However, the combination of autophagy inhibitor did not affect DIV-mediated apoptosis in SCC2095 cells. Together, these findings suggest that translational potential of DIV to be developed as a therapeutic agent for OSCC treatment.

ACS Style

Jing-Ru Weng; Li-Yuan Bai; Shih-Jiuan Chiu; Chang-Fang Chiu; Wei-Yu Lin; Jing-Lan Hu; Tzong-Ming Shieh. Divaricoside Exerts Antitumor Effects, in Part, by Modulating Mcl-1 in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal 2019, 17, 151 -159.

AMA Style

Jing-Ru Weng, Li-Yuan Bai, Shih-Jiuan Chiu, Chang-Fang Chiu, Wei-Yu Lin, Jing-Lan Hu, Tzong-Ming Shieh. Divaricoside Exerts Antitumor Effects, in Part, by Modulating Mcl-1 in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal. 2019; 17 ():151-159.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jing-Ru Weng; Li-Yuan Bai; Shih-Jiuan Chiu; Chang-Fang Chiu; Wei-Yu Lin; Jing-Lan Hu; Tzong-Ming Shieh. 2019. "Divaricoside Exerts Antitumor Effects, in Part, by Modulating Mcl-1 in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells." Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal 17, no. : 151-159.

Journal article
Published: 17 July 2018 in Marine Drugs
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The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a nuclear receptor that plays a key role in regulating cellular metabolism, and is a therapeutic target for cancer therapy. To search for potential PPARγ activators, a compound library comprising 11 marine compounds was examined. Among them, a sterol, 3β,11-dihydroxy-9,11-secogorgost-5-en-9-one (compound 1), showed the highest PPARγ activity with an IC50 value of 8.3 μM for inhibiting human breast adenocarcinoma cell (MCF-7) growth. Western blotting experiments showed that compound 1 induces caspase activation and PARP cleavage. In addition, compound 1 modulated the expression of various PPARγ-regulated downstream biomarkers including cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)6, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), p38, and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Moreover, compound 1 increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, upregulated the phosphorylation and expression of H2AX, and induced autophagy. Interestingly, pre-treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine rescued cells from compound 1-induced growth inhibition, which indicates that the cytotoxic effect of compound 1 is, in part, attributable to its ability to induce autophagy. In conclusion, these findings suggest the translational potential of compound 1 in breast cancer therapy.

ACS Style

Jing-Ru Weng; Chang-Fang Chiu; Jing-Lan Hu; Chia-Hsien Feng; Chiung-Yao Huang; Li-Yuan Bai; Jyh-Horng Sheu. A Sterol from Soft Coral Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Marine Drugs 2018, 16, 238 .

AMA Style

Jing-Ru Weng, Chang-Fang Chiu, Jing-Lan Hu, Chia-Hsien Feng, Chiung-Yao Huang, Li-Yuan Bai, Jyh-Horng Sheu. A Sterol from Soft Coral Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Marine Drugs. 2018; 16 (7):238.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jing-Ru Weng; Chang-Fang Chiu; Jing-Lan Hu; Chia-Hsien Feng; Chiung-Yao Huang; Li-Yuan Bai; Jyh-Horng Sheu. 2018. "A Sterol from Soft Coral Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells." Marine Drugs 16, no. 7: 238.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2018 in Phytomedicine
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CYC from breadfruit has translational value as a proapoptotic agent for OSCC.

ACS Style

Jing-Ru Weng; Li-Yuan Bai; Horng-Huey Ko; Yi-Tung Tsai. Cyclocommunol induces apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma partially through a Mcl-1-dependent mechanism. Phytomedicine 2018, 39, 25 -32.

AMA Style

Jing-Ru Weng, Li-Yuan Bai, Horng-Huey Ko, Yi-Tung Tsai. Cyclocommunol induces apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma partially through a Mcl-1-dependent mechanism. Phytomedicine. 2018; 39 ():25-32.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jing-Ru Weng; Li-Yuan Bai; Horng-Huey Ko; Yi-Tung Tsai. 2018. "Cyclocommunol induces apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma partially through a Mcl-1-dependent mechanism." Phytomedicine 39, no. : 25-32.

Research article
Published: 30 August 2017 in Phytotherapy Research
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Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ), one of the transcription factors that regulate lipid metabolism and energy use in tumor cells, is a viable target for cancer therapy. In our search for potential PPARγ activator, extracts from five Formosan plants were tested. Among them, Momordica charantia L. showed the highest ability to activate PPARγ, which led us to identify its potential constituents. Among the seven compounds isolated from M. charantia, a triterpenoid, 5β,19‐epoxy‐19‐methoxycucurbita‐6,23‐dien‐3β,25‐diol (compound 1), was identified as a PPARγ activator with an IC50 of 10 μM in breast cancer MCF‐7 cells. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that compound 1 induced G1 cell cycle arrest which might be attributable to the modulation of phosphorylation and expression of numerous key signaling effectors, including cyclin D1, CDK6, and p53. Notably, compound 1 downregulated the expression of histone deacetylase 1, leading to increased histone H3 acetylation. Taken together, these findings suggest that compound 1 may have therapeutic applications in cancer treatment through PPARγ activation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

ACS Style

Jing-Ru Weng; Li-Yuan Bai; Wei-Yu Lin. Identification of a Triterpenoid as a Novel PPARγ Activator Derived from Formosan Plants. Phytotherapy Research 2017, 31, 1722 -1730.

AMA Style

Jing-Ru Weng, Li-Yuan Bai, Wei-Yu Lin. Identification of a Triterpenoid as a Novel PPARγ Activator Derived from Formosan Plants. Phytotherapy Research. 2017; 31 (11):1722-1730.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jing-Ru Weng; Li-Yuan Bai; Wei-Yu Lin. 2017. "Identification of a Triterpenoid as a Novel PPARγ Activator Derived from Formosan Plants." Phytotherapy Research 31, no. 11: 1722-1730.

Journal article
Published: 17 July 2017 in Scientific Reports
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In this study, we interrogated the mechanism by which the immunosuppressant FTY720 mediates anticancer effects in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. FTY720 differentially suppressed the viability of the OSCC cell lines SCC4, SCC25, and SCC2095 with IC50 values of 6.1, 6.3, and 4.5 μM, respectively. This antiproliferative effect was attributable to the ability of FTY720 to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis. Mechanistic evidence suggests that FTY720-induced apoptosis was associated with its ability to inhibit Akt-NF-κB signaling, to facilitate the proteasomal degradation of the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1, and to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Both overexpression of Mcl-1 and inhibition of ROS partially protected cells from FTY720-induced caspase-9 activation, PARP cleavage and cytotoxicity. In addition, FTY720 induced autophagy in OSCC cells, as manifested by LC3B-II conversion, decreased p62 expression, and accumulation of autophagosomes. Inhibition of autophagy by bafilomycin A1 protected cells from FTY720-induced apoptosis. Together, these findings suggest an intricate interplay between autophagy and apoptosis in mediating the tumor-suppressive effect in OSCC cells, which underlies the translational potential of FTY720 in fostering new therapeutic strategies for OSCC.

ACS Style

Li-Yuan Bai; Chang-Fang Chiu; Shih-Jiuan Chiu; Po-Chen Chu; Jing-Ru Weng. FTY720 Induces Autophagy-Associated Apoptosis in Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells, in Part, through a Reactive Oxygen Species/Mcl-1-Dependent Mechanism. Scientific Reports 2017, 7, 1 -10.

AMA Style

Li-Yuan Bai, Chang-Fang Chiu, Shih-Jiuan Chiu, Po-Chen Chu, Jing-Ru Weng. FTY720 Induces Autophagy-Associated Apoptosis in Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells, in Part, through a Reactive Oxygen Species/Mcl-1-Dependent Mechanism. Scientific Reports. 2017; 7 (1):1-10.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Li-Yuan Bai; Chang-Fang Chiu; Shih-Jiuan Chiu; Po-Chen Chu; Jing-Ru Weng. 2017. "FTY720 Induces Autophagy-Associated Apoptosis in Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells, in Part, through a Reactive Oxygen Species/Mcl-1-Dependent Mechanism." Scientific Reports 7, no. 1: 1-10.

Journal article
Published: 08 June 2017 in PeerJ
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Dengue virus types 1-4 (DENV-1-4) are positive-strand RNA viruses with an envelope that belongs to theFlaviviridae. DENV infection threatens human health worldwide. However, other than supportive treatments, no specific therapy is available for the infection. In order to discover novel medicine against DENV, we tested 59 crude extracts, without cytotoxicity, from 23 plantsin vitro; immunofluorescence assay revealed that the methanol extracts of fruit, heartwood, leaves and stem fromFicus septicaBurm. f. had a promising anti-DENV-1 and DENV-2 effect. However, infection with the non-envelopepicornavirus, Aichi virus, was not inhibited by treatment withF. septicaextracts.F. septicamay be a candidate antiviral drug against an enveloped virus such as DENV.

ACS Style

Nan-Chieh Huang; Wan-Ting Hung; Wei-Lun Tsai; Feng-Yi Lai; You-Sheng Lin; Mei-Shu Huang; Jih-Jung Chen; Wei-Yu Lin; Jing-Ru Weng; Tsung-Hsien Chang. Ficus septicaplant extracts for treating Dengue virusin vitro. PeerJ 2017, 5, e3448 .

AMA Style

Nan-Chieh Huang, Wan-Ting Hung, Wei-Lun Tsai, Feng-Yi Lai, You-Sheng Lin, Mei-Shu Huang, Jih-Jung Chen, Wei-Yu Lin, Jing-Ru Weng, Tsung-Hsien Chang. Ficus septicaplant extracts for treating Dengue virusin vitro. PeerJ. 2017; 5 ():e3448.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nan-Chieh Huang; Wan-Ting Hung; Wei-Lun Tsai; Feng-Yi Lai; You-Sheng Lin; Mei-Shu Huang; Jih-Jung Chen; Wei-Yu Lin; Jing-Ru Weng; Tsung-Hsien Chang. 2017. "Ficus septicaplant extracts for treating Dengue virusin vitro." PeerJ 5, no. : e3448.

Journal article
Published: 15 March 2017 in Molecules
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Myoporum bontioides is a traditional medicinal plant in Asia with various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial characteristics. To identify the bioactive constituents from M. bontioides, a newly-identified flavone, 3,4′-dimethoxy-3′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (compound 1), along with eight known compounds, were investigated in human MCF-7 breast cancer, SCC4 oral cancer, and THP-1 monocytic leukemia cells. Among these compounds, compound 1 exhibited the strongest antiproliferative activity with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 3.3 μM (MCF-7) to 8.6 μM (SCC4). Flow cytometric analysis indicated that compound 1 induced G2/M cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cells. Mechanistic evidence suggests that the G2/M arrest could be attributable to compound 1’s modulatory effects on the phosphorylation and expression of numerous key signaling effectors, including cell division cycle 2 (CDC2), CDC25C, and p53. Notably, compound 1 downregulated the expression of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and HDAC4, leading to increased histone H3 acetylation and p21 upregulation. Together, these findings suggest the translational potential of compound 1 as a breast cancer treatment.

ACS Style

Jing-Ru Weng; Li-Yuan Bai; Wei-Yu Lin; Chang-Fang Chiu; Yu-Chang Chen; Shi-Wei Chao; Chia-Hsien Feng. A Flavone Constituent from Myoporum bontioides Induces M-Phase Cell Cycle Arrest of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Molecules 2017, 22, 472 .

AMA Style

Jing-Ru Weng, Li-Yuan Bai, Wei-Yu Lin, Chang-Fang Chiu, Yu-Chang Chen, Shi-Wei Chao, Chia-Hsien Feng. A Flavone Constituent from Myoporum bontioides Induces M-Phase Cell Cycle Arrest of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Molecules. 2017; 22 (3):472.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jing-Ru Weng; Li-Yuan Bai; Wei-Yu Lin; Chang-Fang Chiu; Yu-Chang Chen; Shi-Wei Chao; Chia-Hsien Feng. 2017. "A Flavone Constituent from Myoporum bontioides Induces M-Phase Cell Cycle Arrest of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells." Molecules 22, no. 3: 472.

Journal article
Published: 15 August 2016 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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T315, an integrin-linked kinase (ILK) inhibitor, has been shown to suppress the proliferation of breast cancer, stomach cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. Here we demonstrate that T315 decreases cell viability of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines (HL-60 and THP-1) and primary leukemia cells from AML patients in a dose-responsive manner. Normal human bone marrow cells are less sensitive than leukemia cells to T315. T315 down regulates protein kinase B (Akt) and p-Akt and induces caspase activation, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, apoptosis and autophagy through an ILK-independent manner. Interestingly, pretreatment with autophagy inhibitors rescues cells from apoptosis and concomitant PARP cleavage, which implicates a key role of autophagic cell death in T315-mediated cytotoxicity. T315 also demonstrates efficacy in vivo, suppressing the growth of THP-1 xenograft tumors in athymic nude mice when administered intraperitoneally. This study shows that autophagic cell death and apoptosis cooperatively contribute to the anticancer activity of T315 in AML cells. In conclusion, the complementary roles of apoptotic and autophagic cell death should be considered in the future assessment of the translational value of T315 in AML therapy.

ACS Style

Chang-Fang Chiu; Jing-Ru Weng; Appaso Jadhav; Chia-Yung Wu; Aaron M. Sargeant; Li-Yuan Bai. T315 Decreases Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Viability through a Combination of Apoptosis Induction and Autophagic Cell Death. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2016, 17, 1337 .

AMA Style

Chang-Fang Chiu, Jing-Ru Weng, Appaso Jadhav, Chia-Yung Wu, Aaron M. Sargeant, Li-Yuan Bai. T315 Decreases Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Viability through a Combination of Apoptosis Induction and Autophagic Cell Death. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016; 17 (8):1337.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chang-Fang Chiu; Jing-Ru Weng; Appaso Jadhav; Chia-Yung Wu; Aaron M. Sargeant; Li-Yuan Bai. 2016. "T315 Decreases Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Viability through a Combination of Apoptosis Induction and Autophagic Cell Death." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 17, no. 8: 1337.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2015 in European Journal of Pharmacology
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TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), a member of IκB Kinase (IKK)-related kinases, plays a role in regulating innate immunity, inflammation and oncogenic signaling. This study aims to investigate the role of BX795, an inhibitor of TBK1, in a panel of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines. The antitumor effects and mechanisms of BX795 were assessed by MTT assays, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and confocal microscopy. BX795 exhibited a dose-responsive antiproliferative effect on OSCC cells with relative sparing of normal human oral keratinocytes. The compound caused apoptosis as evidenced by PARP cleavage, the presence of pyknotic nuclei in the TUNEL assay, and fragmented DNA tails in the Comet assay. BX795 inhibits Akt and NF-κB signaling, arrests cells in the mitotic phase, and increases generation of autophagy in oral cancer cells. Interestingly, the antiproliferative activity of BX795 does not correlate with TBK1 protein expression level in OSCC cells. We propose that the TBK1-independet effect is related to mitotic phase arrest. Pleiotropic anticancer activity with relative sparing of normal oral keratinocytes underscores the potential value of BX795 and warrants its further study in oral squamous cell carcinoma therapy.

ACS Style

Li-Yuan Bai; Chang-Fang Chiu; Naval P. Kapuriya; Tzong-Ming Shieh; Yu-Chen Tsai; Chia-Yung Wu; Aaron M. Sargeant; Jing-Ru Weng. BX795, a TBK1 inhibitor, exhibits antitumor activity in human oral squamous cell carcinoma through apoptosis induction and mitotic phase arrest. European Journal of Pharmacology 2015, 769, 287 -296.

AMA Style

Li-Yuan Bai, Chang-Fang Chiu, Naval P. Kapuriya, Tzong-Ming Shieh, Yu-Chen Tsai, Chia-Yung Wu, Aaron M. Sargeant, Jing-Ru Weng. BX795, a TBK1 inhibitor, exhibits antitumor activity in human oral squamous cell carcinoma through apoptosis induction and mitotic phase arrest. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2015; 769 ():287-296.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Li-Yuan Bai; Chang-Fang Chiu; Naval P. Kapuriya; Tzong-Ming Shieh; Yu-Chen Tsai; Chia-Yung Wu; Aaron M. Sargeant; Jing-Ru Weng. 2015. "BX795, a TBK1 inhibitor, exhibits antitumor activity in human oral squamous cell carcinoma through apoptosis induction and mitotic phase arrest." European Journal of Pharmacology 769, no. : 287-296.

Journal article
Published: 16 November 2013 in Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
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Among the signaling pathways implicated in the tumorigenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the extracellular signal-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, a downstream target of which is a family of serine/threonine kinases known as the 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinases (RSKs). This study aims to investigate the role of BI-D1870, a specific inhibitor of p90 RSKs, in a panel of OSCC cell lines. The antitumor effects and mechanisms of BI-D1870 were assessed by MTT assays, flow cytometry, Western blotting, transfection, and confocal microscopy. BI-D1870 exhibited a dose-responsive antiproliferative effect on OSCC cells with relative sparing of normal human oral keratinocytes. The compound inhibited the downstream RSK target YB-1 and caused apoptosis as evidenced by PARP cleavage, activation of the caspase cascade, and the presence of pyknotic nuclei in the 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole assay. In addition, BI-D1870 also induced G2/M arrest by modulating the expression of p21 and other cell cycle regulators. Other newly discovered anticancer attributes of BI-D1870 included the generation of reactive oxygen species and increases in endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy. Together, these results suggest the translational value of BI-D1870 in oral squamous cell carcinoma therapy.

ACS Style

Chang-Fang Chiu; Li-Yuan Bai; Naval Kapuriya; Shih-Yuan Peng; Chia-Yung Wu; Aaron M. Sargeant; Michael Yuanchien Chen; Jing-Ru Weng. Antitumor effects of BI-D1870 on human oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology 2013, 73, 237 -247.

AMA Style

Chang-Fang Chiu, Li-Yuan Bai, Naval Kapuriya, Shih-Yuan Peng, Chia-Yung Wu, Aaron M. Sargeant, Michael Yuanchien Chen, Jing-Ru Weng. Antitumor effects of BI-D1870 on human oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. 2013; 73 (2):237-247.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chang-Fang Chiu; Li-Yuan Bai; Naval Kapuriya; Shih-Yuan Peng; Chia-Yung Wu; Aaron M. Sargeant; Michael Yuanchien Chen; Jing-Ru Weng. 2013. "Antitumor effects of BI-D1870 on human oral squamous cell carcinoma." Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology 73, no. 2: 237-247.