Multi-target drug with potential applications: violacein in the spotlight

Abstract

The aim of the current review is to address updated research on a natural pigment called violacein, with emphasis on its production, biological activity and applications. New information about violacein's action mechanisms as antitumor agent and about its synergistic action in drug delivery systems has brought new alternatives for anticancer therapy. Thus, violacein is introduced as reliable drug capable of overcoming at least three cancer hallmarks, namely: proliferative signaling, cell death resistance and metastasis. In addition, antimicrobial effects on several microorganisms affecting humans and other animals turn violacein into an attractive drug to combat resistant pathogens. Emphasis is given to effects of violacein combined with different agents, such as antibiotics, anticancer agents and nanoparticles. Although violacein is well-known for many decades, it remains an attractive compound. Thus, research groups have been making continuous effort to help improving its production in recent years, which can surely enable its pharmaceutical and chemical application as multi-task compound, even in the cosmetics and food industries.

Violacein negatively modulates the colorectal cancer survival and epithelial–mesenchymal transition

“…Violacein [3-(1,2-dihydro-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-2oxo-3H-pyrrol-3-ilydene)-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one], is a natural purple-colored pigment that displays remarkable anticancer properties. 13 Here, we demonstrate that violacein promoted a strong reduction of AXL and EGFR protein amounts in HT29 cells, and in turn, caused a negative modulation of their downstream mediators (AKT, ERK, and PKCδ). Moreover, violacein downregulated N-cadherin, a marker of EMT.…”

“…In the present study, we explored the capacity of violacein in interfering with mediators of signaling pathways associated with CRC survival and EMT. Violacein [3‐(1,2‐dihydro‐5‐(5‐hydroxy‐1 H ‐indol‐3‐yl)‐2‐oxo‐3 H ‐pyrrol‐3‐ilydene)‐1,3‐dihydro‐2 H ‐indol‐2‐one], is a natural purple‐colored pigment that displays remarkable anticancer properties 13 . Here, we demonstrate that violacein promoted a strong reduction of AXL and EGFR protein amounts in HT29 cells, and in turn, caused a negative modulation of their downstream mediators (AKT, ERK, and PKCδ).…”

Enzymatic Active Release of Violacein Present in Nanostructured Lipid Carrier by Lipase Encapsulated in 3D-Bioprinted Chitosan-Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Matrix With Anticancer Activity

“…Additionally, 80% of new cases occur in individuals over 50 years of age, so as the world population ages, the prevalence of these diseases grows accordingly ( Ferlay et al, 2020 ). Violacein (Viol) is a violet-purple pigment synthesized by numerous Gram-negative bacterial strains that have demonstrated beneficial antibacterial, antifungal, trypanocide, antiviral, and antitumoral activities, among others ( Durán et al, 2021 ). Particularly, Viol inhibits the expression of some cell markers associated with proliferation (e.g., cyclin-dependent, mitogen-activated kinases, etc.…”

Characterization of Anti-Cancer Activities of Violacein: Actions on Tumor Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment

“…In the past, natural products have played a key role in the discovery of new cancer drugs ( 1 ). The natural compound violacein was initially isolated from Chromobacterium violaceum before metabolic engineering offered the possibility for more productive isolation, e.g., using Escherichia coli as a platform ( 2 , 3 ). The anti-cancer activity of the purple compound was first described in the early 2000s.…”

“…The anti-cancer activity of the purple compound was first described in the early 2000s. Besides that, various actions have been supposed, among them antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities ( 3 , 4 ). Being equipped with this broad spectrum of potential applications, violacein has attracted interest in understanding its mechanism of action.…”