Abstract: This invention discloses a peptide, which inhibits the interaction between of MZF-1 and Elk-1 and further inhibits cancers. Both myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF-1) and Ets-like protein-1 (Elk-1) expressions correlate to PKC? expression in cancer cells. Furthermore, it is the interaction between the acidic domain of MZF-1 and the heparin-binding domain of Elk-1 which facilitated their heterodimeric complex formation before their binding to the PKC? promoter. Blocking the formation of the heterodimer changed Elk-1 nuclear localization, MZF-1 protein degradation, their DNA-binding activities, and subsequently the expression of PKC? in cancer cells. Thus, migration, tumorigenicity, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition potential of cancer cells decreased, suggesting that the Elk-1/MZF-1 heterodimer is considered as a mediator of PKC? in TNBC cell malignancy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a product containing an extract from Zanthoxylum avicennae (Lam.) DC. and a process for preparing the same. Also disclosed herein are a pharmaceutical composition including the aforesaid product containing the extract from Zanthoxylum avicennae (Lam.) DC., a method of treating a cancer in a subject via the aforementioned pharmaceutical composition, and a method of inhibiting tumor/cancer cells by virtue of the aforesaid product containing the extract from Zanthoxylum avicennae (Lam.) DC.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a product containing an extract from Zanthoxylum avicennae (Lam.) DC. and a process for preparing the same. Also disclosed herein are a pharmaceutical composition including the aforesaid product containing the extract from Zanthoxylum avicennae (Lam.) DC., a method of treating a cancer in a subject via the aforementioned pharmaceutical composition, and a method of inhibiting tumor/cancer cells by virtue of the aforesaid product containing the extract from Zanthoxylum avicennae (Lam.) DC.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for modulating expression of protein kinase C-alpha associated with proliferative diseases. The invention further relates to a screening method utilizing the association between transcription factors (MZF-1 and Elk-1) and their DNA binding element (PKC-.alpha. promoter) to identify novel anticancer agents.