An Update on Phytochemicals in Molecular Target Therapy of Cancer: Potential Inhibitory Effect on Telomerase Activity

Abstract

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme, which has a significant role in synthesizing DNA telomeric in eukaryotes. Telomere maintenance can cause to immortalization and malignant transformation of human cells and thereby telomerase activity must be scrutinized as an important factor in most tumor cells. The proliferation of cancer cells or apoptosis induction can be suppressed by telomerase inhibition using different therapeutic agents without any side effects upon normal cells. Natural substances, with anti-tumor effects, such as those derived from plants can be suitable candidates due to their capabilities in preventing some side effects and resistance of tumors with respect to most chemotherapeutic drugs. In this regards, many studies have shown that natural phytochemicals have inhibitory effects on telomerase activity through affecting its subunits and components. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review the recent studies on these kinds of phytochemicals in terms of property and mechanism. Moreover, strategies for improving the therapeutic efficacy of plant-derived substances such as combination therapy and nanoformulation based approaches are included.

Synergistic Anti-proliferative Effects of Metformin and Silibinin Combination on T47D Breast Cancer Cells via hTERT and Cyclin D1 Inhibition

“…Nowadays, numerous natural bioactive compounds or phytochemicals have been isolated, described, and their potential anticancer effects have been evaluated [6][7][8][9]. Although, efficiency of interactions between various dietary compounds needs further investigation.…”

Curcumin Affects Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Aging Through TERT Gene Expression

“…Recent studies have shown the scavenging potential of a variety of reactive oxygen species including hydroxyl radicals [13]. Cui et al showed that curcumin could suppress telomerase activity and reduce the telomerase expression followed by induction of apoptosis in the cancer cell lines [14]. It has been reported that the induction of apoptosis by curcumin is responsible for such an anti-proliferating effect [15].…”

Emerging Importance of Phytochemicals in Regulation of Stem Cells Fate via Signaling Pathways

“…The interesting anticancer properties of curcumin has been widely studied in our laboratory (Nasiri et al ., ; Montazeri et al ., ; Mollazade et al ., ; Tabatabaei Mirakabad et al ., ; Kazemi‐Lomedasht et al ., ; Alibakhshi et al ., ; Montazeri et al ., ; Ranjbari et al ., ; Badrzadeh et al ., ; Anganeh et al ., ) and other research groups (Safe and Kasiappan, ; Arumuggam et al ., ). The potential of curcumin to modulate stem cell fate has been reported by several studies.…”