Title:Curcumin Sensitizes Cancers Towards TRAIL-induced Apoptosis via Extrinsic and Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathways
Volume: 21
Issue: 9
Author(s): Siew Ching Ngai*
Affiliation:
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Selangor,Malaysia
Keywords:
Curcumin, TRAIL, sensitization, cancers, extrinsic apoptotic pathway, intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
Abstract: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a natural protein
expressed in a wide range of tissues in our body. It is a promising anti-cancer agent due to its selective
killing of cancer cells, rendering normal cells unharmed. However, resistance occurs either intrinsically
or develops over the course of TRAIL treatment. In view of its specificity to cancer cells,
there is a pushing need to overcome TRAIL resistance. Curcumin (Cur), a natural active constituent of
turmeric, has been evidenced to have anti-cancer properties. However, it is limited by its sparing solubility
and low bioavailability. Combinational therapy is one of the most frequently used strategies to
overcome these limitations, which has been proved to be more effective than monotherapy by achieving
synergistic effects and reducing toxicity. This review aims to discuss TRAIL and its underlying
apoptotic mechanisms, the combinational treatment of Cur and TRAIL in view of their respective limitations,
and the underlying apoptotic mechanisms activated by the sensitization of cancers by Cur towards
TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Finally, this review discusses the research gap and the author’s insight
into this research area in bridging the research gap from bench to bedside.