Application and research progress of cordycepin in the treatment of tumours (Review)

Abstract

Cordycepin is a nucleoside molecule found in Cordyceps sinensis and can be obtained through chemical synthesis and biotransformation. Cordycepin has been extensively studied and has been shown to have antitumour activity. This activity includes effects on the autophagy process and inhibition of the MAPK/ERK and Hedgehog pathways. Ultimately, the inhibitory effect of cordycepin on tumour cells is due to the interplay of these effects. Cordycepin was shown to enhance the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy. There is increasing evidence indicating that cordycepin plays an anticancer role in the treatment of various cancers. The present review aims to provide a clear understanding of the antitumour mechanisms of cordycepin and discuss its present application in the treatment of tumours. This information can be an important theoretical basis and provide clinical guidance for the further development of cordycepin as an antitumour drug.

Keywords: apoptosis; cell cycle; chemotherapy; cordycepin; tumour.

Figure 1.

Schematic diagram of the antitumour mechanism of cordyceps. Cordycepin affects tumour growth and proliferation through various signalling pathways such as ERK, PI3K, AMPK, Hedgehog, ROS and autophagy, and exerts antitumour effects in cancer. ERO1A, endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase 1α; CCNA2, cyclin A2; CDK2, cyclin-dependent kinase 2; ROS, reactive oxygen species; Casp-3, caspase 3; PARP, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase; S6K, ribosomal protein s6 kinase; P70S6K, p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase; DKK, Dickkopf; FAK, protein tyrosine kinase 2; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; T-CHO, total cholesterol; TG, triglyceride; SRE, sterol regulatory element; SREBP1, SRE binding transcription factor 1; FASN, fatty acid synthase; ACC1, acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha; LeF, anthrax toxin lethal factor; CRD, Retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator; TCF, expressed protein.