The Targeting of Noncoding RNAs by Quercetin in Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Abstract

The dietary flavonoid quercetin is ubiquitously distributed in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. Quercetin has been a focal point in recent years due to its versatile health-promoting benefits and high pharmacological values. It has well documented that quercetin exerts anticancer actions by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and retarding the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism of quercetin-mediated cancer chemoprevention is still not fully understood. With the advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies, the intricate oncogenic signaling networks have been gradually characterized. Increasing evidence on the close association between noncoding RNA (ncRNAs) and cancer etiopathogenesis emphasizes the potential of ncRNAs as promising molecular targets for cancer treatment. Available experimental studies indicate that quercetin can dominate multiple cancer-associated ncRNAs, hence repressing carcinogenesis and cancer development. Thus, modulation of ncRNAs serves as a key mechanism responsible for the anticancer effects of quercetin. In this review, we focus on the chemopreventive effects of quercetin on cancer pathogenesis by targeting cancer-relevant ncRNAs, supporting the viewpoint that quercetin holds promise as a drug candidate for cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy. An in-depth comprehension of the interplay between quercetin and ncRNAs in the inhibition of cancer development and progression will raise the possibility of developing this bioactive compound as an anticancer agent that could be highly efficacious and safe in clinical practice.

Identifying the Main Components and Mechanisms of Action of Artemisia annua L. in the Treatment of Endometrial Cancer Using Network Pharmacology

“… 54 Additionally, the active components of A. annua have been found to regulate the expression of tumor-related proteins through modulation of various noncoding RNAs. 55 Therefore, we are interested in investigating whether the active components of A. annua regulate the occurrence and development of endometrial cancer through these specific mechanisms.…”

Phytochemicals targeting glycolysis in colorectal cancer therapy: effects and mechanisms of action

“…Quercetin is a flavonoid extract that is common in fruits and vegetables and which exerts anticancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing cell apoptosis, and delaying the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells ( Wang et al, 2022 ; Xia et al, 2022 ). Quercetin can induce apoptosis of HCT116 cells by inhibiting the activity of AMPK under hypoxia, down-regulating the expression of HIF-1α and its downstream vascular endothelial growth factor and GLUT1 ( Kim et al, 2012 ).…”

Functional Perspective of Leeks: Active Components, Health Benefits and Action Mechanisms

“…At present, quercetin and isoquercitrin are mainly studied for the phenolic compounds contained in leeks. In terms of the molecular mechanism, phenolic compounds, especially quercetin, induce apoptosis mainly by reducing the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl and increasing the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, so as to achieve the anti-cancer effect [41]. Quercetin is the main representative of the flavonoid subclass of flavanols, which mainly exists in the form of glycosides in food.…”