Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a subset of cells that are responsible for cancer initiation and relapse. They are generally resistant to the current anticancer agents. Successful anticancer therapy must consist of approaches that can target not only the differentiated cancer cells, but also cancer stem cells. Emerging evidence suggested that the dietary agent curcumin exerted its anti-cancer activities via targeting cancer stem cells of various origins such as those of colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, and head and neck cancer. In order to enhance the therapeutic potential of curcumin, this agent has been modified or used in combination with other agents in the experimental therapy for many cancers. In this mini-review, we discussed the effect of curcumin and its derivatives in eliminating cancer stem cells and the possible underlying mechanisms.
Keywords: Cancer stem cells, combination, curcumin, microRNA, therapy.
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Curcumin: A Promising Agent Targeting Cancer Stem Cells
Volume: 14 Issue: 6
Author(s): Shufei Zang, Tao Liu, Junping Shi and Liang Qiao
Affiliation:
Keywords: Cancer stem cells, combination, curcumin, microRNA, therapy.
Abstract: Cancer stem cells are a subset of cells that are responsible for cancer initiation and relapse. They are generally resistant to the current anticancer agents. Successful anticancer therapy must consist of approaches that can target not only the differentiated cancer cells, but also cancer stem cells. Emerging evidence suggested that the dietary agent curcumin exerted its anti-cancer activities via targeting cancer stem cells of various origins such as those of colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, and head and neck cancer. In order to enhance the therapeutic potential of curcumin, this agent has been modified or used in combination with other agents in the experimental therapy for many cancers. In this mini-review, we discussed the effect of curcumin and its derivatives in eliminating cancer stem cells and the possible underlying mechanisms.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Zang Shufei, Liu Tao, Shi Junping and Qiao Liang, Curcumin: A Promising Agent Targeting Cancer Stem Cells, Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2014; 14 (6) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871520614666140521114735
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871520614666140521114735 |
Print ISSN 1871-5206 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5992 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Discovery of Lead compounds targeting transcriptional regulation
Transcriptional regulation plays key physiological functions in body growth and development. Transcriptional dysregulation is one of important biomarkers of tumor genesis and progression, which is involved in regulating tumor cell processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Additionally, it plays a pivotal role in angiogenesis and promotes tumor metastasis ...read more
Induction of cell death in cancer cells by modulating telomerase activity using small molecule drugs
Telomeres are distinctive but short stretches present at the corners of chromosomes and aid in stabilizing chromosomal makeup. Resynthesis of telomeres supported by the activity of reverse transcriptase ribonucleoprotein complex telomerase. There is no any telomerase activity in human somatic cells, but the stem cells and germ cells undergone telomerase ...read more
Innovative targets in medicinal chemistry
Medicinal chemistry continuously evolves in response to emerging healthcare needs and advancements in scientific understanding. This special issue explores the current landscape of innovative targets in medicinal chemistry, highlighting the quest for novel therapeutic avenues. From traditional drug targets such as enzymes and receptors to emerging targets like protein-protein interactions ...read more
Signaling and enzymatic modulators in cancer treatment
Cancer accounts for nearly 10 million deaths in 2022 and is considered the leading cause of worldwide mortality. Cancer outcome can be improved through an appropriate screening and early detection and through an efficient clinical treatment. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are the most important approach for the treatment of several ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
P-Glycoprotein and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Affect Disposition of Tandutinib, A Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
Drug Metabolism Letters Autophagy and Crohns Disease: At the Crossroads of Infection, Inflammation, Immunity, and Cancer
Current Molecular Medicine Electrochemically Driven Supramolecular Interaction of Quinones and Ferrocifens: An Example of Redox Activation of Bioactive Compounds
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Current and Future Trends in Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer: Molecular Targets and PET Probes
Current Medicinal Chemistry Repulsive Guidance Molecules (RGMs) and Their Potential Implication in Cancer as Co-receptor of BMPs
Current Signal Transduction Therapy ABC Transporters in the CNS – An Inventory
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Specific Targeting of Breast Cancer Cells with Antibodies Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles
Drug Delivery Letters Population Based Helicobacter pylori Screening and Eradication: Advances Versus Side Effects
Current Pharmaceutical Design Editorial [Hot Topic:Therapeutic Potential of Peptide Motifs - Part V (Executive Guest Editor: Jean-Claude Herve)]
Current Pharmaceutical Design New Strategies in the Chemotherapy of Leukemia: Eradicating Cancer Stem Cells in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Current Cancer Drug Targets Immunosuppressive Treatments in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Stroke
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Discovery of Potent Natural-Product-Derived SIRT2 Inhibitors Using Structure- Based Exploration of SIRT2 Pharmacophoric Space Coupled With QSAR Analyses
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Malignant Mesothelioma: Cell Survival Pathways and Radiation Therapy
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Microbial Metabolomics
Current Genomics Recent Patents on Radiotherapy Bed
Recent Patents on Mechanical Engineering Anti-Cancer Products from Marine Sponges: Progress and Promise
Recent Patents on Drug Delivery & Formulation Role of P-glycoprotein in the Transport of Tanshinone I, One Active Triterpenoid from Salvia miltiorrhiza
Drug Metabolism Letters Protein Kinases as Drug Targets in Cancer
Current Cancer Drug Targets MiR-147: Functions and Implications in Inflammation and Diseases
MicroRNA Regulation of Glycolytic and Mitochondrial Metabolism by Ras
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology