Targeting cancer hallmarks natural products and micro RNAs as anti cancer Therapeutics

Abstract

Cancer has long been considered a disease of the richer, industrialized and highincome newlinenations, but is now the second leading cause of mortality in many lowerincome newlinecountries [1]. More than half of the world s cancers, in terms of both the number of cases and deaths, occur in developing countries, including India, and the incidents are rising [2]. A better understanding of the misregulation of molecular mechanisms leading to cancer has been the primary means of discovering new drug targets. Metastasis, one of the primary reasons for cancer-related mortality, is a coordinated and sequential process involving the detachment of cells from the primary tumor, invasion through the basement membrane, followed by entry into newlinethe bloodstream to reach distant sites and establish secondary tumors, making the newlinetreatment of cancer extremely difficult and ineffective [3]. Even though several newlinefactors affect metastasis, there are key regulators, which play a vital role in this newlineprocess. Of the numerous matrix-remodeling enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), plasmin, and cathepsin G that facilitate invasion, MMPs are pivotal for the breakdown of extracellular matrix and progression of cancer by promoting metastasis. Since metastasis is the reason for approximately 90% of deaths due to cancer, and the fact that there are very few drugs targeting cancer metastasis, more powerful interventional strategies are necessary to overcome the challenges posed by cancer metastasis [3]. Compounds isolated from natural products could be exploited for identification of new chemotherapeutic newlineagents. Additionally, regulatory RNAs such as miRNAs could be explored for the identification of new treatment strategies. newlineAnti-metastatic agents from natural products newlineNatural products serve as an inspiration for the discovery of many novel drug newlinemolecules for anti-cancer therapy. Many natural products have been identified with newlinepotential therapeutic effects. Vincristine, Etoposide, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel,Topotecan, and Irinotecan are examples of..