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Dang Q, Li B, Jin B, Ye Z, Lou X, Wang T, Wang Y, Pan X, Hu Q, Li Z, Ji S, Zhou C, Yu X, Qin Y, Xu X. Cancer immunometabolism: advent, challenges, and perspective. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:72. [PMID: 38581001 PMCID: PMC10996263 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01981-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
For decades, great strides have been made in the field of immunometabolism. A plethora of evidence ranging from basic mechanisms to clinical transformation has gradually embarked on immunometabolism to the center stage of innate and adaptive immunomodulation. Given this, we focus on changes in immunometabolism, a converging series of biochemical events that alters immune cell function, propose the immune roles played by diversified metabolic derivatives and enzymes, emphasize the key metabolism-related checkpoints in distinct immune cell types, and discuss the ongoing and upcoming realities of clinical treatment. It is expected that future research will reduce the current limitations of immunotherapy and provide a positive hand in immune responses to exert a broader therapeutic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Dang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Borui Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Jin
- School of Clinical Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zeng Ye
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Lou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Qiangsheng Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shunrong Ji
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenjie Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaowu Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Pan X, Wang J, Zhang L, Li G, Huang B. Metabolic plasticity of T cell fate decision. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:762-775. [PMID: 38086394 PMCID: PMC10997312 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The efficacy of adaptive immune responses in cancer treatment relies heavily on the state of the T cells. Upon antigen exposure, T cells undergo metabolic reprogramming, leading to the development of functional effectors or memory populations. However, within the tumor microenvironment (TME), metabolic stress impairs CD8 + T cell anti-tumor immunity, resulting in exhausted differentiation. Recent studies suggested that targeting T cell metabolism could offer promising therapeutic opportunities to enhance T cell immunotherapy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors necessary for metabolic reprogramming during the development of effector and memory T cells in response to acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we delved into the different metabolic switches that occur during T cell exhaustion, exploring how prolonged metabolic stress within the TME triggers alterations in cellular metabolism and the epigenetic landscape that contribute to T cell exhaustion, ultimately leading to a persistently exhausted state. Understanding the intricate relationship between T cell metabolism and cancer immunotherapy can lead to the development of novel approaches to improve the efficacy of T cell-based treatments against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Pan
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Element, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Element, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Lianjun Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Element, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Guideng Li
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Element, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Immunology & National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
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53
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Liu X, Xiang R, Fang X, Wang G, Zhou Y. Advances in Metabolic Regulation of Macrophage Polarization State. Immunol Invest 2024; 53:416-436. [PMID: 38206296 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2024.2302828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages are significant immune-related cells that are essential for tissue growth, homeostasis maintenance, pathogen resistance, and damage healing. The studies on the metabolic control of macrophage polarization state in recent years and the influence of polarization status on the development and incidence of associated disorders are expounded upon in this article. Firstly, we reviewed the origin and classification of macrophages, with particular attention paid to how the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the three primary metabolites affect macrophage polarization. The primary metabolic hub that controls macrophage polarization is the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Finally, we reviewed the polarization state of macrophages influences the onset and progression of cancers, inflammatory disorders, and other illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Drug Research & Development Center, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Active Biological Macromolecules, Wuhu, China
| | - Ruoxuan Xiang
- School of Pharmacy, Drug Research & Development Center, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Active Biological Macromolecules, Wuhu, China
| | - Xue Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Drug Research & Development Center, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Active Biological Macromolecules, Wuhu, China
| | - Guodong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Drug Research & Development Center, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Active Biological Macromolecules, Wuhu, China
| | - Yuyan Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Drug Research & Development Center, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Active Biological Macromolecules, Wuhu, China
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54
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Gao L, Wei Z, Ying F, Huang L, Zhang J, Sun S, Wang Z, Cai J, Zhang Y. Glutamine metabolism prognostic index predicts tumour microenvironment characteristics and therapeutic efficacy in ovarian cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18198. [PMID: 38506093 PMCID: PMC10951877 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence has highlighted the multifunctional characteristics of glutamine metabolism (GM) in cancer initiation, progression and therapeutic regimens. However, the overall role of GM in the tumour microenvironment (TME), clinical stratification and therapeutic efficacy in patients with ovarian cancer (OC) has not been fully elucidated. Here, three distinct GM clusters were identified and exhibited different prognostic values, biological functions and immune infiltration in TME. Subsequently, glutamine metabolism prognostic index (GMPI) was constructed as a new scoring model to quantify the GM subtypes and was verified as an independent predictor of OC. Patients with low-GMPI exhibited favourable survival outcomes, lower enrichment of several oncogenic pathways, less immunosuppressive cell infiltration and better immunotherapy responses. Single-cell sequencing analysis revealed a unique evolutionary trajectory of OC cells from high-GMPI to low-GMPI, and OC cells with different GMPI might communicate with distinct cell populations through ligand-receptor interactions. Critically, the therapeutic efficacy of several drug candidates was validated based on patient-derived organoids (PDOs). The proposed GMPI could serve as a reliable signature for predicting patient prognosis and contribute to optimising therapeutic strategies for OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zheng Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThird Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi HospitalTaiyuanChina
| | - Feiquan Ying
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jingni Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Si Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Zehua Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jing Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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55
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Wu Q, Liu Z, Li B, Liu YE, Wang P. Immunoregulation in cancer-associated cachexia. J Adv Res 2024; 58:45-62. [PMID: 37150253 PMCID: PMC10982873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated cachexia is a multi-organ disorder associated with progressive weight loss due to a variable combination of anorexia, systemic inflammation and excessive energy wasting. Considering the importance of immunoregulation in cachexia, it still lacks a complete understanding of the immunological mechanisms in cachectic progression. AIM OF REVIEW Our aim here is to describe the complex immunoregulatory system in cachexia. We summarize the effects and translational potential of the immune system on the development of cancer-associated cachexia and we attempt to conclude with thoughts on precise and integrated therapeutic strategies under the complex immunological context of cachexia. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This review is focused on three main key concepts. First, we highlight the inflammatory factors and additional mediators that have been identified to modulate this syndrome. Second, we decipher the potential role of immune checkpoints in tissue wasting. Third, we discuss the multilayered insights in cachexia through the immunometabolic axis, immune-gut axis and immune-nerve axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wu
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University.
| | - Zhou Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yu-E Liu
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University
| | - Ping Wang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University.
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56
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Prange CJ, Sayed NYB, Feng B, Goepfert C, Trujillo DO, Hu X, Tang L. A redox-responsive prodrug for tumor-targeted glutamine restriction. J Control Release 2024; 368:251-264. [PMID: 38403173 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Modulating the metabolism of cancer cells, immune cells, or both is a promising strategy to potentiate cancer immunotherapy in the nutrient-competitive tumor microenvironment. Glutamine has emerged as an ideal target as cancer cells highly rely on glutamine for replenishing the tricarboxylic acid cycle in the process of aerobic glycolysis. However, non-specific glutamine restriction may induce adverse effects in unconcerned tissues and therefore glutamine inhibitors have achieved limited success in the clinic so far. Here we report the synthesis and evaluation of a redox-responsive prodrug of 6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (redox-DON) for tumor-targeted glutamine inhibition. When applied to treat mice bearing subcutaneous CT26 mouse colon carcinoma, redox-DON exhibited equivalent antitumor efficacy but a greatly improved safety profile, particularly, in spleen and gastrointestinal tract, as compared to the state-of-the-art DON prodrug, JHU083. Furthermore, redox-DON synergized with checkpoint blockade antibodies leading to durable cures in tumor-bearing mice. Our results suggest that redox-DON is a safe and effective therapeutic for tumor-targeted glutamine inhibition showing promise for enhanced metabolic modulatory immunotherapy. The approach of reversible chemical modification may be generalized to other metabolic modulatory drugs that suffer from overt toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Jasmin Prange
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland; Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Yasmina Ben Sayed
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland; Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Bing Feng
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland; Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Christine Goepfert
- Histology Core Facility, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland; COMPATH, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Berne, Berne CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Ortiz Trujillo
- Mass Spectrometry Platform, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Xile Hu
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland.
| | - Li Tang
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland; Institute of Materials Science & Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland.
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57
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Yang Y, Li Z, Wang Y, Gao J, Meng Y, Wang S, Zhao X, Tang C, Yang W, Li Y, Bao J, Fan X, Tang J, Yang J, Wu C, Qin M, Wang L. The regulatory relationship between NAMPT and PD-L1 in cancer and identification of a dual-targeting inhibitor. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:885-903. [PMID: 38448544 PMCID: PMC11018795 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00051-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Although both tumor metabolism and tumor immune microenvironment are recognized as driving factors in tumorigenesis, the relationship between them is still not well-known, and potential combined targeting approaches remain to be identified. Here, we demonstrated a negative correlation between the expression of NAMPT, an NAD+ metabolism enzyme, and PD-L1 expression in various cancer cell lines. A clinical study showed that a NAMPTHigh PD-L1Low expression pattern predicts poor prognosis in patients with various cancers. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of NAMPT results in the transcription upregulation of PD-L1 by SIRT-mediated acetylation change of NF-κB p65, and blocking PD-L1 would induce NAMPT expression through a HIF-1-dependent glycolysis pathway. Based on these findings, we designed and synthesized a dual NAMPT/PD-L1 targeting compound, LZFPN-90, which inhibits cell growth in a NAMPT-dependent manner and blocks the cell cycle, subsequently inducing apoptosis. Under co-culture conditions, LZFPN-90 treatment contributes to the proliferation and activation of T cells and blocks the growth of cancer cells. Using mice bearing genetically manipulated tumors, we confirmed that LZFPN-90 exerted target-dependent antitumor activities, affecting metabolic processes and the immune system. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the relevance of NAD+-related metabolic processes in antitumor immunity and suggest that co-targeting NAD+ metabolism and PD-L1 represents a promising therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, PR China
| | - Zefei Li
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yidong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, PR China
| | - Jiwei Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, PR China
| | - Yangyang Meng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Simeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, PR China
| | - Xiaoyao Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, PR China
| | - Chengfang Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, PR China
| | - Weiming Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, PR China
| | - Yingjia Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, PR China
| | - Jie Bao
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
| | - Xinyu Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jing Tang
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, PR China
| | - Chunfu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, PR China
| | - Mingze Qin
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Lihui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China.
- Benxi Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, PR China.
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58
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Pillai R, LeBoeuf SE, Hao Y, New C, Blum JLE, Rashidfarrokhi A, Huang SM, Bahamon C, Wu WL, Karadal-Ferrena B, Herrera A, Ivanova E, Cross M, Bossowski JP, Ding H, Hayashi M, Rajalingam S, Karakousi T, Sayin VI, Khanna KM, Wong KK, Wild R, Tsirigos A, Poirier JT, Rudin CM, Davidson SM, Koralov SB, Papagiannakopoulos T. Glutamine antagonist DRP-104 suppresses tumor growth and enhances response to checkpoint blockade in KEAP1 mutant lung cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm9859. [PMID: 38536921 PMCID: PMC10971495 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm9859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in KEAP1 frequently occur in lung cancer and are associated with poor prognosis and resistance to standard of care treatment, highlighting the need for the development of targeted therapies. We previously showed that KEAP1 mutant tumors consume glutamine to support the metabolic rewiring associated with NRF2-dependent antioxidant production. Here, using preclinical patient-derived xenograft models and antigenic orthotopic lung cancer models, we show that the glutamine antagonist prodrug DRP-104 impairs the growth of KEAP1 mutant tumors. We find that DRP-104 suppresses KEAP1 mutant tumors by inhibiting glutamine-dependent nucleotide synthesis and promoting antitumor T cell responses. Using multimodal single-cell sequencing and ex vivo functional assays, we demonstrate that DRP-104 reverses T cell exhaustion, decreases Tregs, and enhances the function of CD4 and CD8 T cells, culminating in an improved response to anti-PD1 therapy. Our preclinical findings provide compelling evidence that DRP-104, currently in clinical trials, offers a promising therapeutic approach for treating patients with KEAP1 mutant lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Pillai
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sarah E. LeBoeuf
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yuan Hao
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Connie New
- Departments of Biological Engineering and Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jenna L. E. Blum
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ali Rashidfarrokhi
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shih Ming Huang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Christian Bahamon
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Warren L. Wu
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Burcu Karadal-Ferrena
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Alberto Herrera
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ellie Ivanova
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Michael Cross
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jozef P. Bossowski
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Hongyu Ding
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Makiko Hayashi
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sahith Rajalingam
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Triantafyllia Karakousi
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Volkan I. Sayin
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kamal M. Khanna
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Robert Wild
- Dracen Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Aristotelis Tsirigos
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - John T. Poirier
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Charles M. Rudin
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10655, USA
| | - Shawn M. Davidson
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Sergei B. Koralov
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Thales Papagiannakopoulos
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
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59
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Qin Z, Yang B, Jin X, Zhao H, Liu N. Cuproptosis in glioblastoma: unveiling a novel prognostic model and therapeutic potential. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1359778. [PMID: 38606090 PMCID: PMC11007140 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1359778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, a notably aggressive brain tumor, is characterized by a brief survival period and resistance to conventional therapeutic approaches. With the recent identification of "Cuproptosis," a copper-dependent apoptosis mechanism, this study aimed to explore its role in glioblastoma prognosis and potential therapeutic implications. A comprehensive methodology was employed, starting with the identification and analysis of 65 cuproptosis-related genes. These genes were subjected to differential expression analyses between glioblastoma tissues and normal counterparts. A novel metric, the "CP-score," was devised to quantify the cuproptosis response in glioblastoma patients. Building on this, a prognostic model, the CP-model, was developed using Cox regression techniques, designed to operate on both bulk and single-cell data. The differential expression analysis revealed 31 genes with distinct expression patterns in glioblastoma. The CP-score was markedly elevated in glioblastoma patients, suggesting an intensified cuproptosis response. The CP-model adeptly stratified patients into distinct risk categories, unveiling intricate associations between glioblastoma prognosis, immune response pathways, and the tumor's immunological environment. Further analyses indicated that high-risk patients, as per the CP-model, exhibited heightened expression of certain immune checkpoints, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, the model hinted at the possibility of personalized therapeutic strategies, with certain drugs showing increased efficacy in high-risk patients. The CP-model offers a promising tool for glioblastoma prognosis and therapeutic strategy development, emphasizing the potential of Cuproptosis in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Naijie Liu
- Neurosurgery Department, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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60
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Peng S, Lin A, Jiang A, Zhang C, Zhang J, Cheng Q, Luo P, Bai Y. CTLs heterogeneity and plasticity: implications for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:58. [PMID: 38515134 PMCID: PMC10956324 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01972-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play critical antitumor roles, encompassing diverse subsets including CD4+, NK, and γδ T cells beyond conventional CD8+ CTLs. However, definitive CTLs biomarkers remain elusive, as cytotoxicity-molecule expression does not necessarily confer cytotoxic capacity. CTLs differentiation involves transcriptional regulation by factors such as T-bet and Blimp-1, although epigenetic regulation of CTLs is less clear. CTLs promote tumor killing through cytotoxic granules and death receptor pathways, but may also stimulate tumorigenesis in some contexts. Given that CTLs cytotoxicity varies across tumors, enhancing this function is critical. This review summarizes current knowledge on CTLs subsets, biomarkers, differentiation mechanisms, cancer-related functions, and strategies for improving cytotoxicity. Key outstanding questions include refining the CTLs definition, characterizing subtype diversity, elucidating differentiation and senescence pathways, delineating CTL-microbe relationships, and enabling multi-omics profiling. A more comprehensive understanding of CTLs biology will facilitate optimization of their immunotherapy applications. Overall, this review synthesizes the heterogeneity, regulation, functional roles, and enhancement strategies of CTLs in antitumor immunity, highlighting gaps in our knowledge of subtype diversity, definitive biomarkers, epigenetic control, microbial interactions, and multi-omics characterization. Addressing these questions will refine our understanding of CTLs immunology to better leverage cytotoxic functions against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengkun Peng
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Anqi Lin
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Aimin Jiang
- Department of Urology, Changhai hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Cangang Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South University, Hunan, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yifeng Bai
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
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Shi Y, Bashian EE, Hou Y, Wu P. Chemical immunology: Recent advances in tool development and applications. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:S2451-9456(24)00080-1. [PMID: 38508196 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Immunology was one of the first biological fields to embrace chemical approaches. The development of new chemical approaches and techniques has provided immunologists with an impressive arsenal of tools to address challenges once considered insurmountable. This review focuses on advances at the interface of chemistry and immunobiology over the past two decades that have not only opened new avenues in basic immunological research, but also revolutionized drug development for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. These include chemical approaches to understand and manipulate antigen presentation and the T cell priming process, to facilitate immune cell trafficking and regulate immune cell functions, and therapeutic applications of chemical approaches to disease control and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Shi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Eleanor E Bashian
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yingqin Hou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Xiao YL, Gong Y, Qi YJ, Shao ZM, Jiang YZ. Effects of dietary intervention on human diseases: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:59. [PMID: 38462638 PMCID: PMC10925609 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01771-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Diet, serving as a vital source of nutrients, exerts a profound influence on human health and disease progression. Recently, dietary interventions have emerged as promising adjunctive treatment strategies not only for cancer but also for neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. These interventions have demonstrated substantial potential in modulating metabolism, disease trajectory, and therapeutic responses. Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of malignant progression, and a deeper understanding of this phenomenon in tumors and its effects on immune regulation is a significant challenge that impedes cancer eradication. Dietary intake, as a key environmental factor, can influence tumor metabolism. Emerging evidence indicates that dietary interventions might affect the nutrient availability in tumors, thereby increasing the efficacy of cancer treatments. However, the intricate interplay between dietary interventions and the pathogenesis of cancer and other diseases is complex. Despite encouraging results, the mechanisms underlying diet-based therapeutic strategies remain largely unexplored, often resulting in underutilization in disease management. In this review, we aim to illuminate the potential effects of various dietary interventions, including calorie restriction, fasting-mimicking diet, ketogenic diet, protein restriction diet, high-salt diet, high-fat diet, and high-fiber diet, on cancer and the aforementioned diseases. We explore the multifaceted impacts of these dietary interventions, encompassing their immunomodulatory effects, other biological impacts, and underlying molecular mechanisms. This review offers valuable insights into the potential application of these dietary interventions as adjunctive therapies in disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Gong
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying-Jia Qi
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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63
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Wang B, Pei J, Xu S, Liu J, Yu J. A glutamine tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells: recent advances in unraveling the ongoing battle. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:74. [PMID: 38459595 PMCID: PMC10921613 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02994-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamine metabolism plays a pivotal role in cancer progression, immune cell function, and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Dysregulated glutamine metabolism has been implicated in cancer development and immune responses, supported by mounting evidence. Cancer cells heavily rely on glutamine as a critical nutrient for survival and proliferation, while immune cells require glutamine for activation and proliferation during immune reactions. This metabolic competition creates a dynamic tug-of-war between cancer and immune cells. Targeting glutamine transporters and downstream enzymes involved in glutamine metabolism holds significant promise in enhancing anti-tumor immunity. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying this interplay is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic approaches that improve anti-tumor immunity and patient outcomes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in unraveling the tug-of-war of glutamine metabolism between cancer and immune cells and explore potential applications of basic science discoveries in the clinical setting. Further investigations into the regulation of glutamine metabolism in cancer and immune cells are expected to yield valuable insights, paving the way for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Wang
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinli Pei
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shengnan Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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64
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Chen X, Ma Z, Yi Z, Wu E, Shang Z, Tuo B, Li T, Liu X. The effects of metabolism on the immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:118. [PMID: 38453888 PMCID: PMC10920911 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01865-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy that is widely prevalent worldwide. Due to its unsatisfactory treatment outcome and extremely poor prognosis, many studies on the molecular mechanisms and pathological mechanisms of CRC have been published in recent years. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is an extremely important feature of tumorigenesis and one of the hallmarks of tumor development. Metabolic reprogramming is currently a hot topic in tumor research, and studies on this topic have provided important insights into CRC development. In particular, metabolic reprogramming in cancer causes changes in the composition of energy and nutrients in the TME. Furthermore, it can alter the complex crosstalk between immune cells and associated immune factors, such as associated macrophages and T cells, which play important immune roles in the TME, in turn affecting the immune escape of tumors by altering immune surveillance. In this review, we summarize several metabolism-related processes affecting the immune microenvironment of CRC tumors. Our results showed that the immune microenvironment is regulated by metabolic reprogramming and influences the development of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhiyuan Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Enqin Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhengye Shang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Biguang Tuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Taolang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Dalian Road 149, Zunyi, 563000, China.
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China.
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65
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Fan Y, Xue H, Li Z, Huo M, Gao H, Guan X. Exploiting the Achilles' heel of cancer: disrupting glutamine metabolism for effective cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1345522. [PMID: 38510646 PMCID: PMC10952006 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1345522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells have adapted to rapid tumor growth and evade immune attack by reprogramming their metabolic pathways. Glutamine is an important nitrogen resource for synthesizing amino acids and nucleotides and an important carbon source in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and lipid biosynthesis pathway. In this review, we summarize the significant role of glutamine metabolism in tumor development and highlight the vulnerabilities of targeting glutamine metabolism for effective therapy. In particular, we review the reported drugs targeting glutaminase and glutamine uptake for efficient cancer treatment. Moreover, we discuss the current clinical test about targeting glutamine metabolism and the prospective direction of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Fan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Han Xue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhimin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingge Huo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongxia Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Beihua University, Jilin City, China
| | - Xingang Guan
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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66
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Muranaka H, Akinsola R, Billet S, Pandol SJ, Hendifar AE, Bhowmick NA, Gong J. Glutamine Supplementation as an Anticancer Strategy: A Potential Therapeutic Alternative to the Convention. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1057. [PMID: 38473414 PMCID: PMC10930819 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamine, a multifaceted nonessential/conditionally essential amino acid integral to cellular metabolism and immune function, holds pivotal importance in the landscape of cancer therapy. This review delves into the intricate dynamics surrounding both glutamine antagonism strategies and glutamine supplementation within the context of cancer treatment, emphasizing the critical role of glutamine metabolism in cancer progression and therapy. Glutamine antagonism, aiming to disrupt tumor growth by targeting critical metabolic pathways, is challenged by the adaptive nature of cancer cells and the complex metabolic microenvironment, potentially compromising its therapeutic efficacy. In contrast, glutamine supplementation supports immune function, improves gut integrity, alleviates treatment-related toxicities, and improves patient well-being. Moreover, recent studies highlighted its contributions to epigenetic regulation within cancer cells and its potential to bolster anti-cancer immune functions. However, glutamine implementation necessitates careful consideration of potential interactions with ongoing treatment regimens and the delicate equilibrium between supporting normal cellular function and promoting tumorigenesis. By critically assessing the implications of both glutamine antagonism strategies and glutamine supplementation, this review aims to offer comprehensive insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting glutamine metabolism for effective cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Muranaka
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Rasaq Akinsola
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Sandrine Billet
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Stephen J. Pandol
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Andrew E. Hendifar
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Neil A. Bhowmick
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Research, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Jun Gong
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (H.M.); (R.A.); (S.B.); (S.J.P.); (A.E.H.); (N.A.B.)
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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67
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Feng S, Aplin C, Nguyen TTT, Milano SK, Cerione RA. Filament formation drives catalysis by glutaminase enzymes important in cancer progression. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1971. [PMID: 38438397 PMCID: PMC10912226 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The glutaminase enzymes GAC and GLS2 catalyze the hydrolysis of glutamine to glutamate, satisfying the 'glutamine addiction' of cancer cells. They are the targets of anti-cancer drugs; however, their mechanisms of activation and catalytic activity have been unclear. Here we demonstrate that the ability of GAC and GLS2 to form filaments is directly coupled to their catalytic activity and present their cryo-EM structures which provide a view of the conformational states essential for catalysis. Filament formation guides an 'activation loop' to assume a specific conformation that works together with a 'lid' to close over the active site and position glutamine for nucleophilic attack by an essential serine. Our findings highlight how ankyrin repeats on GLS2 regulate enzymatic activity, while allosteric activators stabilize, and clinically relevant inhibitors block, filament formation that enables glutaminases to catalyze glutaminolysis and support cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Feng
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Cody Aplin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Thuy-Tien T Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Shawn K Milano
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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68
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Raynor JL, Chi H. Nutrients: Signal 4 in T cell immunity. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20221839. [PMID: 38411744 PMCID: PMC10899091 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20221839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells are integral in mediating adaptive immunity to infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Upon immune challenge, T cells exit from a quiescent state, followed by clonal expansion and effector differentiation. These processes are shaped by three established immune signals, namely antigen stimulation (Signal 1), costimulation (Signal 2), and cytokines (Signal 3). Emerging findings reveal that nutrients, including glucose, amino acids, and lipids, are crucial regulators of T cell responses and interplay with Signals 1-3, highlighting nutrients as Signal 4 to license T cell immunity. Here, we first summarize the functional importance of Signal 4 and the underlying mechanisms of nutrient transport, sensing, and signaling in orchestrating T cell activation and quiescence exit. We also discuss the roles of nutrients in programming T cell differentiation and functional fitness and how nutrients can be targeted to improve disease therapy. Understanding how T cells respond to Signal 4 nutrients in microenvironments will provide insights into context-dependent functions of adaptive immunity and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana L Raynor
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hongbo Chi
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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69
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Miao L, Lu C, Zhang B, Li H, Zhao X, Chen H, Liu Y, Cui X. Advances in metabolic reprogramming of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment on the impact of NK therapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:229. [PMID: 38433193 PMCID: PMC10909296 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05033-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are unique from other immune cells in that they can rapidly kill multiple neighboring cells without the need for antigenic pre-sensitization once the cells display surface markers associated with oncogenic transformation. Given the dynamic role of NK cells in tumor surveillance, NK cell-based immunotherapy is rapidly becoming a "new force" in tumor immunotherapy. However, challenges remain in the use of NK cell immunotherapy in the treatment of solid tumors. Many metabolic features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors, including oxygen and nutrient (e.g., glucose, amino acids) deprivation, accumulation of specific metabolites (e.g., lactate, adenosine), and limited availability of signaling molecules that allow for metabolic reorganization, multifactorial shaping of the immune-suppressing TME impairs tumor-infiltrating NK cell function. This becomes a key barrier limiting the success of NK cell immunotherapy in solid tumors. Restoration of endogenous NK cells in the TME or overt transfer of functionally improved NK cells holds great promise in cancer therapy. In this paper, we summarize the metabolic biology of NK cells, discuss the effects of TME on NK cell metabolism and effector functions, and review emerging strategies for targeting metabolism-improved NK cell immunotherapy in the TME to circumvent these barriers to achieve superior efficacy of NK cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxuan Miao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglin Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Huili Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaonan Cui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China.
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Wu K, El Zowalaty AE, Sayin VI, Papagiannakopoulos T. The pleiotropic functions of reactive oxygen species in cancer. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:384-399. [PMID: 38531982 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00738-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Cellular redox homeostasis is an essential, dynamic process that ensures the balance between reducing and oxidizing reactions within cells and thus has implications across all areas of biology. Changes in levels of reactive oxygen species can disrupt redox homeostasis, leading to oxidative or reductive stress that contributes to the pathogenesis of many malignancies, including cancer. From transformation and tumor initiation to metastatic dissemination, increasing reactive oxygen species in cancer cells can paradoxically promote or suppress the tumorigenic process, depending on the extent of redox stress, its spatiotemporal characteristics and the tumor microenvironment. Here we review how redox regulation influences tumorigenesis, highlighting therapeutic opportunities enabled by redox-related alterations in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Wu
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ahmed Ezat El Zowalaty
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Volkan I Sayin
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Thales Papagiannakopoulos
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Perlmutter NYU Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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71
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Li X, Sun T, Jiang C. Intelligent Delivery Systems in Tumor Metabolism Regulation: Exploring the Path Ahead. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309582. [PMID: 38105387 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metabolism plays multifaceted roles in the initiation and progression of tumors, and interventions in metabolism are considered fundamental approaches for cancer control. Within the vast metabolic networks of tumors, there exist numerous potential therapeutic targets, intricately interconnected with each other and with signaling networks related to immunity, metastasis, drug resistance, and more. Based on the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, constructing drug delivery systems for multi-level modulation of the tumor microenvironment is proven as an effective strategy for achieving multidimensional control of cancer. Consequently, this article summarizes several features of tumor metabolism to provide insights into recent advancements in intelligent drug delivery systems for achieving multi-level regulation of the metabolic microenvironment in cancer, with the aim of offering a novel paradigm for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuwen Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chen Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai, 201203, China
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72
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Xiong D, Yin Z, Huang M, Wang Y, Hardy M, Kalyanaraman B, Wong ST, You M. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone promotes anti-lung cancer immunity by reshaping tumor microenvironment and enhancing energy metabolism of anti-tumor immune cells. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:448-452. [PMID: 37930151 PMCID: PMC10958673 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Donghai Xiong
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Neal Cancer CenterHouston Methodist HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Zheng Yin
- Department of Systems Medicine and BioengineeringHouston Methodist Cancer CenterHouston Methodist HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Mofei Huang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Neal Cancer CenterHouston Methodist HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Yian Wang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Neal Cancer CenterHouston Methodist HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Micael Hardy
- Aix Marseille UnivCentre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR)Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7273MarseilleFrance
| | | | - Stephen T Wong
- Department of Systems Medicine and BioengineeringHouston Methodist Cancer CenterHouston Methodist HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Ming You
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Neal Cancer CenterHouston Methodist HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
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73
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Hao S, Shen L, Liu P, Yong Q, Wang Y, Zheng X. Development of a prognostic model for muscle-invasive bladder cancer using glutamine metabolism. Comput Biol Med 2024; 171:108223. [PMID: 38430744 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is distinguished by its pronounced invasiveness and unfavorable prognosis. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy have emerged as key treatment options for various types of cancer. Altered metabolism is a defining characteristic of cancer cells, and there is mounting evidence suggesting the important role of glutamine metabolism (GM) in tumor metabolism. Nevertheless, the relationship between GM and clinical outcomes, immune microenvironment, and immunotherapy in MIBC remains unknown. METHODS This study employed Mendelian randomization to explore the causal relationship between blood metabolites and bladder tumors. We systematically evaluated 373 glutamine metabolism-related genes and identified prognostic-related genes, leading to the construction of a glutamine-associated prognostic model. Further analysis confirmed the correlation between high and low-risk groups with the tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, and tumor mutation burden. Subsequently, we assessed the relationship between the risk score and the sensitivity to various immunotherapies and anticancer drugs. RESULTS We identified 14 blood metabolites at the molecular level that have a causal relationship with bladder tumors. At the gene level, the study discussed differentially expressed GM genes in MIBC. First, we established a risk model predicting overall survival (OS) based on GM genes, confirming its reliable predictive ability in MIBC patients and validated it in a GEO cohort. Additionally, a reliable column line chart was created. Secondly, two distinct molecular subtypes were identified, and the associations between different risk groups and tumor microenvironment and immune infiltration were observed. In addition, the predicted risk values correlated with responses to a broad range of pharmaceutical agents. CONCLUSION In summary, we confirmed the causal relationship between blood metabolites and bladder tumors. Furthermore, a risk scoring model related to glutamine metabolism consisting of 9 genes was developed. This model could potentially serve as a useful tool for predicting prognosis and guiding the treatment of MIBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sida Hao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China; Department of Urology, Zhejiang Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Pengju Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Qin Yong
- Department of Urology, Zhejiang Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yeqiang Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhejiang Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiangyi Zheng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
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McPhedran SJ, Carleton GA, Lum JJ. Metabolic engineering for optimized CAR-T cell therapy. Nat Metab 2024; 6:396-408. [PMID: 38388705 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-00976-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The broad effectiveness of T cell-based therapy for treating solid tumour cancers remains limited. This is partly due to the growing appreciation that immune cells must inhabit and traverse a metabolically demanding tumour environment. Accordingly, recent efforts have centred on using genome-editing technologies to augment T cell-mediated cytotoxicity by manipulating specific metabolic genes. However, solid tumours exhibit numerous characteristics restricting immune cell-mediated cytotoxicity, implying a need for metabolic engineering at the pathway level rather than single gene targets. This emerging concept has yet to be put into clinical practice as many questions concerning the complex interplay between metabolic networks and T cell function remain unsolved. This Perspective will highlight key foundational studies that examine the relevant metabolic pathways required for effective T cell cytotoxicity and persistence in the human tumour microenvironment, feasible strategies for metabolic engineering to increase the efficiency of chimeric antigen receptor T cell-based approaches, and the challenges lying ahead for clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J McPhedran
- Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gillian A Carleton
- Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julian J Lum
- Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
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Li XM, Yang Y, Jiang FQ, Hu G, Wan S, Yan WY, He XS, Xiao F, Yang XM, Guo X, Lu JH, Yang XQ, Chen JJ, Ye WL, Liu Y, He K, Duan HX, Zhou YJ, Gan WJ, Liu F, Wu H. Histone lactylation inhibits RARγ expression in macrophages to promote colorectal tumorigenesis through activation of TRAF6-IL-6-STAT3 signaling. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113688. [PMID: 38245869 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are phenotypically and functionally diverse in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, how to remodel macrophages with a protumor phenotype and how to manipulate them for therapeutic purposes remain to be explored. Here, we show that in the TME, RARγ is downregulated in macrophages, and its expression correlates with poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). In macrophages, RARγ interacts with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), which prevents TRAF6 oligomerization and autoubiquitination, leading to inhibition of nuclear factor κB signaling. However, tumor-derived lactate fuels H3K18 lactylation to prohibit RARγ gene transcription in macrophages, consequently enhancing interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the TME and endowing macrophages with tumor-promoting functions via activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in CRC cells. We identified that nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) exerts effective antitumor action by directly binding to RARγ to inhibit TRAF6-IL-6-STAT3 signaling. This study unravels lactate-driven macrophage function remodeling by inhibition of RARγ expression and highlights NDGA as a candidate compound for treating CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Ming Li
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Fu-Quan Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Guang Hu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Shan Wan
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wen-Ying Yan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiao-Shun He
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Fei Xiao
- Department of Bioinformatics, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xue-Mei Yang
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jun-Hou Lu
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Yang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jun-Jie Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wen-Long Ye
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Kuang He
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Han-Xiao Duan
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yu-Jia Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wen-Juan Gan
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Hua Wu
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Soochow University and Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University and YongDing Clinical Institute of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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Wan Q, Tavakoli L, Wang TY, Tucker AJ, Zhou R, Liu Q, Feng S, Choi D, He Z, Gack MU, Zhao J. Hijacking of nucleotide biosynthesis and deamidation-mediated glycolysis by an oncogenic herpesvirus. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1442. [PMID: 38365882 PMCID: PMC10873312 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45852-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and multiple types of B cell malignancies. Emerging evidence demonstrates that KSHV reprograms host-cell central carbon metabolic pathways, which contributes to viral persistence and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying KSHV-mediated metabolic reprogramming remain poorly understood. Carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 2, aspartate transcarbamoylase, and dihydroorotase (CAD) is a key enzyme of the de novo pyrimidine synthesis, and was recently identified to deamidate the NF-κB subunit RelA to promote aerobic glycolysis and cell proliferation. Here we report that KSHV infection exploits CAD for nucleotide synthesis and glycolysis. Mechanistically, KSHV vCyclin binds to and hijacks cyclin-dependent kinase CDK6 to phosphorylate Ser-1900 on CAD, thereby activating CAD-mediated pyrimidine synthesis and RelA-deamidation-mediated glycolytic reprogramming. Correspondingly, genetic depletion or pharmacological inhibition of CDK6 and CAD potently impeded KSHV lytic replication and thwarted tumorigenesis of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our work defines a viral metabolic reprogramming mechanism underpinning KSHV oncogenesis, which may spur the development of new strategies to treat KSHV-associated malignancies and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanyuan Wan
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
| | - Leah Tavakoli
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
| | - Ting-Yu Wang
- Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Proteome Exploration Laboratory, Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Andrew J Tucker
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
| | - Ruiting Zhou
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
| | - Qizhi Liu
- Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- State Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shu Feng
- Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Diabetes & Cancer Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Dongwon Choi
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhiheng He
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michaela U Gack
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
| | - Jun Zhao
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA.
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Kondo M, Kumagai S, Nishikawa H. Metabolic advantages of regulatory T cells dictated by cancer cells. Int Immunol 2024; 36:75-86. [PMID: 37837615 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxad035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells employ glycolysis for their survival and growth (the "Warburg effect"). Consequently, surrounding cells including immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are exposed to hypoglycemic, hypoxic, and low pH circumstances. Since effector T cells depend on the glycolysis for their survival and functions, the metabolically harsh TME established by cancer cells is unfavorable, resulting in the impairment of effective antitumor immune responses. By contrast, immunosuppressive cells such as regulatory T (Treg) cells can infiltrate, proliferate, survive, and exert immunosuppressive functions in the metabolically harsh TME, indicating the different metabolic dependance between effector T cells and Treg cells. Indeed, some metabolites that are harmful for effector T cells can be utilized by Treg cells; lactic acid, a harmful metabolite for effector T cells, is available for Treg cell proliferation and functions. Deficiency of amino acids such as tryptophan and glutamine in the TME impairs effector T cell activation but increases Treg cell populations. Furthermore, hypoxia upregulates fatty acid oxidation via hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and promotes Treg cell migration. Adenosine is induced by the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73, which are strongly induced by HIF-1α, and reportedly accelerates Treg cell development by upregulating Foxp3 expression in T cells via A2AR-mediated signals. Therefore, this review focuses on the current views of the unique metabolism of Treg cells dictated by cancer cells. In addition, potential cancer combination therapies with immunotherapy and metabolic molecularly targeted reagents that modulate Treg cells in the TME are discussed to develop "immune metabolism-based precision medicine".
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Kondo
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shogo Kumagai
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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Zhang Y, Wang M, Ye L, Shen S, Zhang Y, Qian X, Zhang T, Yuan M, Ye Z, Cai J, Meng X, Qiu S, Liu S, Liu R, Jia W, Yang X, Zhang H, Zhong X, Gao P. HKDC1 promotes tumor immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma by coupling cytoskeleton to STAT1 activation and PD-L1 expression. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1314. [PMID: 38351096 PMCID: PMC10864387 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45712-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has shown considerable promise for treating various malignancies, but only a subset of cancer patients benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy because of immune evasion and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The mechanisms underlying how tumor cells regulate immune cell response remain largely unknown. Here we show that hexokinase domain component 1 (HKDC1) promotes tumor immune evasion in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner by activating STAT1/PD-L1 in tumor cells. Mechanistically, HKDC1 binds to and presents cytosolic STAT1 to IFNGR1 on the plasma membrane following IFNγ-stimulation by associating with cytoskeleton protein ACTA2, resulting in STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. HKDC1 inhibition in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 enhances in vivo T cell antitumor response in liver cancer models in male mice. Clinical sample analysis indicates a correlation among HKDC1 expression, STAT1 phosphorylation, and survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1). These findings reveal a role for HKDC1 in regulating immune evasion by coupling cytoskeleton with STAT1 activation, providing a potential combination strategy to enhance antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingjie Wang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Ye
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Shengqi Shen
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxi Zhang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Qian
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengqiu Yuan
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zijian Ye
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Cai
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Meng
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiqiao Qiu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengzhi Liu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Liu
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Weidong Jia
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xianzhu Yang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Huafeng Zhang
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Xiuying Zhong
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ping Gao
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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79
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Gaál Z. Role of microRNAs in Immune Regulation with Translational and Clinical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1942. [PMID: 38339220 PMCID: PMC10856342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 19-23 nucleotide long, evolutionarily conserved noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In this review, involvement of miRNAs is summarized in the differentiation and function of immune cells, in anti-infective immune responses, immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases. Roles of miRNAs in anticancer immunity and in the transplantation of solid organs and hematopoietic stem cells are also discussed. Major focus is put on the translational clinical applications of miRNAs, including the establishment of noninvasive biomarkers for differential diagnosis and prediction of prognosis. Patient selection and response prediction to biological therapy is one of the most promising fields of application. Replacement or inhibition of miRNAs has enormous therapeutic potential, with constantly expanding possibilities. Although important challenges still await solutions, evaluation of miRNA fingerprints may contribute to an increasingly personalized management of immune dysregulation with a remarkable reduction in toxicity and treatment side effects. More detailed knowledge of the molecular effects of physical exercise and nutrition on the immune system may facilitate self-tailored lifestyle recommendations and advances in prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna Gaál
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 98 Nagyerdei krt, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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80
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Pillai R, Papagiannakopoulous T. DON of Hope: Starving Pancreatic Cancer by Glutamine Antagonism. Cancer Res 2024; 84:349-350. [PMID: 38117482 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-3954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
A promising approach to treat solid tumors involves disrupting their reliance on glutamine, a key component for various metabolic processes. Traditional attempts using glutamine inhibitors like 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) and CB-839 were unsuccessful, but new hope arises with DRP-104, a prodrug of DON. This compound effectively targets tumor metabolism while minimizing side effects. In a recent study published in Nature Cancer, Encarnación-Rosado and colleagues demonstrated in preclinical models that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) responds well to DRP-104, although tumors adapt through the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, which can be countered by the MEK inhibitor trametinib. In a related study, Recouvreux and colleagues found that DON is effective against pancreatic tumors, revealing that PDAC tumors upregulate asparagine synthesis in response to DON, making them susceptible to asparaginase treatment. Both studies underscore the potential of inhibiting glutamine metabolism and adaptive pathways as a promising strategy against PDAC. These findings pave the way for upcoming clinical trials utilizing DRP-104 and similar glutamine antagonists in the battle against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Pillai
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, New York
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81
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Kim LC, Lesner NP, Simon MC. Cancer Metabolism under Limiting Oxygen Conditions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041542. [PMID: 37848248 PMCID: PMC10835619 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Molecular oxygen (O2) is essential for cellular bioenergetics and numerous biochemical reactions necessary for life. Solid tumors outgrow the native blood supply and diffusion limits of O2, and therefore must engage hypoxia response pathways that evolved to withstand acute periods of low O2 Hypoxia activates coordinated gene expression programs, primarily through hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs), to support survival. Many of these changes involve metabolic rewiring such as increasing glycolysis to support ATP generation while suppressing mitochondrial metabolism. Since low O2 is often coupled with nutrient stress in the tumor microenvironment, other responses to hypoxia include activation of nutrient uptake pathways, metabolite scavenging, and regulation of stress and growth signaling cascades. Continued development of models that better recapitulate tumors and their microenvironments will lead to greater understanding of oxygen-dependent metabolic reprogramming and lead to more effective cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Kim
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Nicholas P Lesner
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - M Celeste Simon
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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82
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Xu Y, Li M, Lin M, Cui D, Xie J. Glutaminolysis of CD4 + T Cells: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Viral Diseases. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:603-616. [PMID: 38318243 PMCID: PMC10840576 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s443482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of viral diseases, which are activated by the internal metabolic pathways encountering with viral antigens. Glutaminolysis converts glutamine into tricarboxylic acid (TCA) circulating metabolites by α-ketoglutaric acid, which is essential for the proliferation and differentiation of CD4+ T cells and plays a central role in providing the energy and structural components needed for viral replication after the virus hijacks the host cell. Changes in glutaminolysis in CD4+ T cells are accompanied by changes in the viral status of the host cell due to competition for glutamine between immune cells and host cells. More recently, attempts have been made to treat tumours, autoimmune diseases, and viral diseases by altering the breakdown of glutamine in T cells. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge of glutaminolysis in the CD4+ T cell subsets from viral diseases, not only increasing our understanding of immunometabolism but also providing a new perspective for therapeutic target in viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushan Xu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miaomiao Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengjiao Lin
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dawei Cui
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jue Xie
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, People’s Republic of China
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83
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Oduro-Kwateng E, Soliman ME. DON/DRP-104 as potent serine protease inhibitors implicated in SARS-CoV-2 infection: Comparative binding modes with human TMPRSS2 and novel therapeutic approach. J Cell Biochem 2024. [PMID: 38284235 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Human transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) is an important member of the type 2 transmembrane serine protease (TTSP) family with significant therapeutic markings. The search for potent TMPRSS2 inhibitors against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection with favorable tissue specificity and off-site toxicity profiles remains limited. Therefore, probing the anti-TMPRSS2 potential of enhanced drug delivery systems, such as nanotechnology and prodrug systems, has become compelling. We report the first in silico study of TMPRSS2 against a prodrug, [isopropyl(S)-2-((S)-2-acetamido-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propanamido)-6-diazo-5-oxo-hexanoate] also known as DRP-104 synthesized from 6-Diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON). We performed comparative studies on DON and DRP-104 against a clinically potent TMPRSS2 inhibitor, nafamostat, and a standard serine protease inhibitor, 4-(2-Aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF) against TMPRSS2 and found improved TMPRSS2 inhibition through synergistic binding of the S1/S1' subdomains. Both DON and DRP-104 had better thermodynamic profiles than AEBSF and nafamostat. DON was found to confer structural stability with strong positive correlated inter-residue motions, whereas DRP-104 was found to confer kinetic stability with restricted residue displacements and reduced loop flexibility. Interestingly, the Scavenger Receptor Cysteine-Rich (SRCR) domain of TMPRSS2 may be involved in its inhibition mechanics. Two previously unidentified loops, designated X (270-275) and Y (293-296) underwent minimal and major structural transitions, respectively. In addition, residues 273-277 consistently transitioned to a turn conformation in all ligated systems, whereas unique transitions were identified for other transitioning residue groups in each TMPRSS2-inhibitor complex. Intriguingly, while both DON and DRP-104 showed similar loop transition patterns, DRP-104 preserved loop structural integrity. As evident from our systematic comparative study using experimentally/clinically validated inhibitors, DRP-104 may serve as a potent and novel TMPRSS2 inhibitor and warrants further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Oduro-Kwateng
- School of Health Sciences, Molecular Bio-Computation and Drug Design Research Group, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mahmoud E Soliman
- School of Health Sciences, Molecular Bio-Computation and Drug Design Research Group, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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84
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Yang J, Shay C, Saba NF, Teng Y. Cancer metabolism and carcinogenesis. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:10. [PMID: 38287402 PMCID: PMC10826200 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00482-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark of cancer cells, enabling them to meet increased nutrient and energy demands while withstanding the challenging microenvironment. Cancer cells can switch their metabolic pathways, allowing them to adapt to different microenvironments and therapeutic interventions. This refers to metabolic heterogeneity, in which different cell populations use different metabolic pathways to sustain their survival and proliferation and impact their response to conventional cancer therapies. Thus, targeting cancer metabolic heterogeneity represents an innovative therapeutic avenue with the potential to overcome treatment resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes. This review discusses the metabolic patterns of different cancer cell populations and developmental stages, summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in the intricate interactions within cancer metabolism, and highlights the clinical potential of targeting metabolic vulnerabilities as a promising therapeutic regimen. We aim to unravel the complex of metabolic characteristics and develop personalized treatment approaches to address distinct metabolic traits, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Yang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Chloe Shay
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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85
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Qin L, Cheng X, Wang S, Gong G, Su H, Huang H, Chen T, Damdinjav D, Dorjsuren B, Li Z, Qiu Z, Bian J. Discovery of Novel Aminobutanoic Acid-Based ASCT2 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:988-1007. [PMID: 38217503 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) is up-regulated in lung cancers, and inhibiting it could potentially lead to nutrient deprivation, making it a viable strategy for cancer treatment. In this study, we present a series of ASCT2 inhibitors based on aminobutanoic acids, which exhibit potent inhibitory activity. Two compounds, 20k and 25e, were identified as novel and potent ASCT2 inhibitors, with IC50 values at the micromolar level in both A549 and HEK293 cells, effectively blocking glutamine (Gln) uptake. Additionally, these compounds regulated amino acid metabolism, suppressed mTOR signaling, inhibited non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) growth, and induced apoptosis. In vivo, experiments showed that 20k and 25e suppressed tumor growth in an A549 xenograft model, with tumor growth inhibition (TGI) values of 65 and 70% at 25 mg/kg, respectively, while V9302 only achieved a TGI value of 29%. Furthermore, both compounds demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in patient-derived organoids. Therefore, these ASCT2 inhibitors based on aminobutanoic acids are promising therapeutic agents for treating NSCLC by targeting cancer Gln metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Xinying Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Shijiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Guangyue Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Huiyan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Huidan Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, P. R. China
| | - Tian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Davaadagva Damdinjav
- School of Pharmacy, Mongolian National University of Medical Science, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia
| | - Buyankhishig Dorjsuren
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Zhixia Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
| | - Jinlei Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211100, P. R. China
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86
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Zhou Y, Yuan J, Xu K, Li S, Liu Y. Nanotechnology Reprogramming Metabolism for Enhanced Tumor Immunotherapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1846-1864. [PMID: 38180952 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Mutation burden, hypoxia, and immunoediting contribute to altered metabolic profiles in tumor cells, resulting in a tumor microenvironment (TME) characterized by accumulation of toxic metabolites and depletion of various nutrients, which significantly hinder the antitumor immunity via multiple mechanisms, hindering the efficacy of tumor immunotherapies. In-depth investigation of the mechanisms underlying these phenomena are vital for developing effective antitumor drugs and therapies, while the therapeutic effects of metabolism-targeting drugs are restricted by off-target toxicity toward effector immune cells and high dosage-mediated side effects. Nanotechnologies, which exhibit versatility and plasticity in targeted delivery and metabolism modulation, have been widely applied to boost tumor immunometabolic therapies via multiple strategies, including targeting of metabolic pathways. In this review, recent advances in understanding the roles of tumor cell metabolism in both immunoevasion and immunosuppression are reviewed, and nanotechnology-based metabolic reprogramming strategies for enhanced tumor immunotherapies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangkai Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ke Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shilin Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
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87
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Dussold C, Zilinger K, Turunen J, Heimberger AB, Miska J. Modulation of macrophage metabolism as an emerging immunotherapy strategy for cancer. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e175445. [PMID: 38226622 PMCID: PMC10786697 DOI: 10.1172/jci175445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunometabolism is a burgeoning field of research that investigates how immune cells harness nutrients to drive their growth and functions. Myeloid cells play a pivotal role in tumor biology, yet their metabolic influence on tumor growth and antitumor immune responses remains inadequately understood. This Review explores the metabolic landscape of tumor-associated macrophages, including the immunoregulatory roles of glucose, fatty acids, glutamine, and arginine, alongside the tools used to perturb their metabolism to promote antitumor immunity. The confounding role of metabolic inhibitors on our interpretation of myeloid metabolic phenotypes will also be discussed. A binary metabolic schema is currently used to describe macrophage immunological phenotypes, characterizing inflammatory M1 phenotypes, as supported by glycolysis, and immunosuppressive M2 phenotypes, as supported by oxidative phosphorylation. However, this classification likely underestimates the variety of states in vivo. Understanding these nuances will be critical when developing interventional metabolic strategies. Future research should focus on refining drug specificity and targeted delivery methods to maximize therapeutic efficacy.
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88
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Katopodi T, Petanidis S, Anestakis D, Charalampidis C, Chatziprodromidou I, Floros G, Eskitzis P, Zarogoulidis P, Koulouris C, Sevva C, Papadopoulos K, Dagher M, Karakousis VA, Varsamis N, Theodorou V, Mystakidou CM, Vlassopoulos K, Kosmidis S, Katsios NI, Farmakis K, Kosmidis C. Tumor cell metabolic reprogramming and hypoxic immunosuppression: driving carcinogenesis to metastatic colonization. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1325360. [PMID: 38292487 PMCID: PMC10824957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1325360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
A significant factor in the antitumor immune response is the increased metabolic reprogramming of immunological and malignant cells. Increasing data points to the fact that cancer metabolism affects not just cancer signaling, which is essential for maintaining carcinogenesis and survival, but also the expression of immune cells and immune-related factors such as lactate, PGE2, arginine, IDO, which regulate the antitumor immune signaling mechanism. In reality, this energetic interaction between the immune system and the tumor results in metabolic competition in the tumor ecosystem, limiting the amount of nutrients available and causing microenvironmental acidosis, which impairs the ability of immune cells to operate. More intriguingly, different types of immune cells use metabolic reprogramming to keep the body and self in a state of homeostasis. The process of immune cell proliferation, differentiation, and performance of effector functions, which is crucial to the immune response, are currently being linked to metabolic reprogramming. Here, we cover the regulation of the antitumor immune response by metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and immune cells as well as potential strategies for metabolic pathway targeting in the context of anticancer immunotherapy. We also discuss prospective immunotherapy-metabolic intervention combinations that might be utilized to maximize the effectiveness of current immunotherapy regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Katopodi
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Savvas Petanidis
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Pulmonology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Doxakis Anestakis
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - George Floros
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | | | - Paul Zarogoulidis
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charilaos Koulouris
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Sevva
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Papadopoulos
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Marios Dagher
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Varsamis
- Department of Surgery, Interbalkan Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Theodorou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysi Maria Mystakidou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Vlassopoulos
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stylianos Kosmidis
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Konstantinos Farmakis
- Pediatric Surgery Clinic, General Hospital of Thessaloniki “G. Gennimatas”, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christoforos Kosmidis
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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89
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Cheng H, Zheng Y. Advances in macrophage and T cell metabolic reprogramming and immunotherapy in the tumor microenvironment. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16825. [PMID: 38239299 PMCID: PMC10795528 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages and T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. However, TME is also characterized by metabolic reprogramming, which may affect macrophage and metabolic activity of T cells and promote tumor escape. Immunotherapy is an approach to fight tumors by stimulating the immune system in the host, but requires support and modulation of cellular metabolism. In this process, the metabolic roles of macrophages and T cells become increasingly important, and their metabolic status and interactions play a critical role in the success of immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the metabolic state of T cells and macrophages in the TME and the impact of metabolic reprogramming on tumor therapy will help optimize subsequent immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Cheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yongbin Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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90
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Li X, Peng X, Li Y, Wei S, He G, Liu J, Li X, Yang S, Li D, Lin W, Fang J, Yang L, Li H. Glutamine addiction in tumor cell: oncogene regulation and clinical treatment. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:12. [PMID: 38172980 PMCID: PMC10763057 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01449-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
After undergoing metabolic reprogramming, tumor cells consume additional glutamine to produce amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids, and other substances to facilitate their unlimited proliferation. As such, the metabolism of glutamine is intricately linked to the survival and progression of cancer cells. Consequently, targeting the glutamine metabolism presents a promising strategy to inhibit growth of tumor cell and cancer development. This review describes glutamine uptake, metabolism, and transport in tumor cells and its pivotal role in biosynthesis of amino acids, fatty acids, nucleotides, and more. Furthermore, we have also summarized the impact of oncogenes like C-MYC, KRAS, HIF, and p53 on the regulation of glutamine metabolism and the mechanisms through which glutamine triggers mTORC1 activation. In addition, role of different anti-cancer agents in targeting glutamine metabolism has been described and their prospective applications are assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xueqiang Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Shibo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Guangpeng He
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Jiaxing Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Dai Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Weikai Lin
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Jianjun Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
| | - Hangyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, China.
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91
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Bacigalupa ZA, Landis MD, Rathmell JC. Nutrient inputs and social metabolic control of T cell fate. Cell Metab 2024; 36:10-20. [PMID: 38118440 PMCID: PMC10872404 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Cells in multicellular organisms experience diverse neighbors, signals, and evolving physical environments that drive functional and metabolic demands. To maintain proper development and homeostasis while avoiding inappropriate cell proliferation or death, individual cells interact with their neighbors via "social" cues to share and partition available nutrients. Metabolic signals also contribute to cell fate by providing biochemical links between cell-extrinsic signals and available resources. In addition to metabolic checkpoints that sense nutrients and directly supply molecular intermediates for biosynthetic pathways, many metabolites directly signal or provide the basis for post-translational modifications of target proteins and chromatin. In this review, we survey the landscape of T cell nutrient sensing and metabolic signaling that supports proper immunity while avoiding immunodeficiency or autoimmunity. The integration of cell-extrinsic microenvironmental cues with cell-intrinsic metabolic signaling provides a social metabolic control model to integrate cell signaling, metabolism, and fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Bacigalupa
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Madelyn D Landis
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Rathmell
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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92
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Kapnick SM, Martin CA, Jewell CM. Engineering metabolism to modulate immunity. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 204:115122. [PMID: 37935318 PMCID: PMC10843796 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic programming and reprogramming have emerged as pivotal mechanisms for altering immune cell function. Thus, immunometabolism has become an attractive target area for treatment of immune-mediated disorders. Nonetheless, many hurdles to delivering metabolic cues persist. In this review, we consider how biomaterials are poised to transform manipulation of immune cell metabolism through integrated control of metabolic configurations to affect outcomes in autoimmunity, regeneration, transplant, and cancer. We emphasize the features of nanoparticles and other biomaterials that permit delivery of metabolic cues to the intracellular compartment of immune cells, or strategies for altering signals in the extracellular space. We then provide perspectives on the potential for reciprocal regulation of immunometabolism by the physical properties of materials themselves. Lastly, opportunities for clinical translation are highlighted. This discussion contributes to our understanding of immunometabolism, biomaterials-based strategies for altering metabolic configurations in immune cells, and emerging concepts in this evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senta M Kapnick
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, 10 N Green Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Corinne A Martin
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Christopher M Jewell
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, 10 N Green Street, Baltimore, MD, USA; Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD, USA; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, 22 S Greene Street, Suite N9E17, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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93
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Welponer T, Weber DD, Trattner L, Tockner B, Aminzadeh-Gohari S, Leb-Reichl V, Kaufmann A, Zauner R, Wimmer M, Wally V, Felder TK, Strunk D, Koller U, Bauer JW, Kofler B, Guttmann-Gruber C, Piñon Hofbauer J. Metformin shows anti-neoplastic properties by inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in epidermolysis bullosa-associated aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:112-123. [PMID: 37669776 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While most cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) are treatable, certain high-risk cSCCs, such as those in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patients, are particularly aggressive. Owing to repeated wounding, inflammation and unproductive healing, RDEB patients have a 68% cumulative risk of developing life-threatening cSCCs by the age of 35, and a 70% risk of death by the age of 45. Despite aggressive treatment, cSCC represents the leading cause of premature mortality in these patients, highlighting an unmet clinical need. Increasing evidence points to a role of altered metabolism in the initiation and maintenance of cSCC, making metabolism a potential therapeutic target. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the feasibility of targeting tumour cell energetics as a strategy to selectively hinder the growth advantage of aggressive cSCC. METHODS We evaluated the cell energetics profiles of RDEB-SCC cells by analysing available gene expression data against multiple gene signatures and single-gene targets linked to metabolic reprogramming. Additionally, we employed real-time metabolic profiling to measure glycolysis and respiration in these cells. Furthermore, we investigated the anti-neoplastic properties of the metformin against human and murine high-risk cSCCs in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Gene expression analyses highlighted a divergence in cell energetics profiles between RDEB-SCC and non-malignant RDEB keratinocytes, with tumour cells demonstrating enhanced respiration and glycolysis scores. Real-time metabolic profiling supported these data and additionally highlighted a metabolic plasticity of RDEB-SCC cells. Against this background, metformin exerted an anti-neoplastic potential by hampering both respiration and glycolysis, and by inhibiting proliferation in vitro. Metformin treatment in an analogous model of fast-growing murine cSCC resulted in delayed tumour onset and slower tumour growth, translating to a 29% increase in median overall survival. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that metformin exerts anti-neoplastic properties in aggressive cSCCs that exhibit high-risk features by interfering with respiration and glycolytic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Welponer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - D D Weber
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - L Trattner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - B Tockner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - S Aminzadeh-Gohari
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - V Leb-Reichl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - A Kaufmann
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - R Zauner
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - M Wimmer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - V Wally
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - T K Felder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - D Strunk
- Cell Therapy Institute, Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - U Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - J W Bauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - B Kofler
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - C Guttmann-Gruber
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - J Piñon Hofbauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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94
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Encarnación-Rosado J, Sohn ASW, Biancur DE, Lin EY, Osorio-Vasquez V, Rodrick T, González-Baerga D, Zhao E, Yokoyama Y, Simeone DM, Jones DR, Parker SJ, Wild R, Kimmelman AC. Targeting pancreatic cancer metabolic dependencies through glutamine antagonism. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:85-99. [PMID: 37814010 PMCID: PMC10824664 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00647-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells use glutamine (Gln) to support proliferation and redox balance. Early attempts to inhibit Gln metabolism using glutaminase inhibitors resulted in rapid metabolic reprogramming and therapeutic resistance. Here, we demonstrated that treating PDAC cells with a Gln antagonist, 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON), led to a metabolic crisis in vitro. In addition, we observed a profound decrease in tumor growth in several in vivo models using sirpiglenastat (DRP-104), a pro-drug version of DON that was designed to circumvent DON-associated toxicity. We found that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling is increased as a compensatory mechanism. Combinatorial treatment with DRP-104 and trametinib led to a significant increase in survival in a syngeneic model of PDAC. These proof-of-concept studies suggested that broadly targeting Gln metabolism could provide a therapeutic avenue for PDAC. The combination with an ERK signaling pathway inhibitor could further improve the therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Encarnación-Rosado
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Albert S W Sohn
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Douglas E Biancur
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elaine Y Lin
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Victoria Osorio-Vasquez
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tori Rodrick
- Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana González-Baerga
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ende Zhao
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Diane M Simeone
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Drew R Jones
- Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Seth J Parker
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert Wild
- Dracen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alec C Kimmelman
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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95
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Recouvreux MV, Grenier SF, Zhang Y, Esparza E, Lambies G, Galapate CM, Maganti S, Duong-Polk K, Bhullar D, Naeem R, Scott DA, Lowy AM, Tiriac H, Commisso C. Glutamine mimicry suppresses tumor progression through asparagine metabolism in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:100-113. [PMID: 37814011 PMCID: PMC10956382 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00649-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), glutamine is a critical nutrient that drives a wide array of metabolic and biosynthetic processes that support tumor growth. Here, we elucidate how 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON), a glutamine antagonist that broadly inhibits glutamine metabolism, blocks PDAC tumor growth and metastasis. We find that DON significantly reduces asparagine production by inhibiting asparagine synthetase (ASNS), and that the effects of DON are rescued by asparagine. As a metabolic adaptation, PDAC cells upregulate ASNS expression in response to DON, and we show that ASNS levels are inversely correlated with DON efficacy. We also show that L-asparaginase (ASNase) synergizes with DON to affect the viability of PDAC cells, and that DON and ASNase combination therapy has a significant impact on metastasis. These results shed light on the mechanisms that drive the effects of glutamine mimicry and point to the utility of cotargeting adaptive responses to control PDAC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Victoria Recouvreux
- Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shea F Grenier
- Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yijuan Zhang
- Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Edgar Esparza
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Guillem Lambies
- Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cheska Marie Galapate
- Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Swetha Maganti
- Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karen Duong-Polk
- Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Deepika Bhullar
- Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Razia Naeem
- Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David A Scott
- Cancer Metabolism Core Resource, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew M Lowy
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hervé Tiriac
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cosimo Commisso
- Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Sugi T, Katoh Y, Ikeda T, Seta D, Iwata T, Nishio H, Sugawara M, Kato D, Katoh K, Kawana K, Yaguchi T, Kawakami Y, Hirai S. SCD1 inhibition enhances the effector functions of CD8 + T cells via ACAT1-dependent reduction of esterified cholesterol. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:48-58. [PMID: 37879607 PMCID: PMC10823278 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that the inhibition of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) enhances the antitumor function of CD8+ T cells indirectly via restoring production of DC recruiting chemokines by cancer cells and subsequent induction of antitumor CD8+ T cells. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of direct enhancing effects of SCD1 inhibitors on CD8+ T cells. In vitro treatment of CD8+ T cells with SCD1 inhibitors enhanced IFN-γ production and cytotoxic activity of T cells along with decreased oleic acid and esterified cholesterol, which is generated by cholesterol esterase, acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), in CD8+ T cells. The addition of oleic acid or cholesteryl oleate reversed the enhanced functions of CD8+ T cells treated with SCD1 inhibitors. Systemic administration of SCD1 inhibitor to MCA205 tumor-bearing mice enhanced IFN-γ production of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, in which oleic acid and esterified cholesterol, but not cholesterol, were decreased. These results indicated that SCD1 suppressed effector functions of CD8+ T cells through the increased esterified cholesterol in an ACAT1-dependent manner, and SCD1 inhibition enhanced T cell activity directly through decreased esterified cholesterol. Finally, SCD1 inhibitors or ACAT1 inhibitors synergistically enhanced the antitumor effects of anti-PD-1 antibody therapy or CAR-T cell therapy in mouse tumor models. Therefore, the SCD1-ACAT1 axis is regulating effector functions of CD8+ T cells, and SCD1 inhibitors, and ACAT1 inhibitors are attractive drugs for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Sugi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNihon University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yuki Katoh
- Division of Anatomical Science, Department of Functional MorphologyNihon University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Toshikatsu Ikeda
- Division of Anatomical Science, Department of Functional MorphologyNihon University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Daichi Seta
- Nihon University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Takashi Iwata
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroshi Nishio
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Masaki Sugawara
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Daiki Kato
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Kanoko Katoh
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNihon University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kei Kawana
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNihon University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Tomonori Yaguchi
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and ImmunobiologyKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Yutaka Kawakami
- Department of Immunology, School of MedicineInternational University of Health and WelfareChibaJapan
| | - Shuichi Hirai
- Division of Anatomical Science, Department of Functional MorphologyNihon University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
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97
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Zheng M, Xu H, Huang Y, Sun J, Zhang H, Lv Z, Liu Z, Tang Z, Chen X. Hypoxia-activated glutamine antagonist prodrug combined with combretastatin A4 nanoparticles for tumor-selective metabolic blockade. J Control Release 2024; 365:480-490. [PMID: 38040341 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) is a potent glutamine antagonist with toxic side effects; in order to reduce these effects, multiple prodrugs have been designed. However, there are currently no reports of a DON prodrug with a defined mechanism to achieve high tumor selectivity. To improve the selective toxicity of DON to tumor cells while reducing systemic toxicity, a hypoxia-activated prodrug, termed HDON, was designed. HDON achieved remarkable tumor suppression of 76.4 ± 5.2% without leading to weight loss in an H22 murine liver cancer model with high hypoxia. Moreover, to augment the therapeutic efficacy of HDON, combretastatin A4 nanoparticles were used to aggravate tumor hypoxia of MC38 murine colon cancer and 4T1 murine breast cancer, activate HDON to DON, and stimulate a robust anti-tumor immune response while selectively killing in tumor cells in vivo, achieving significantly elevated tumor suppression rates of 98.3 ± 3.4% and 98.1 ± 3.1%, with cure rates of 80.0% and 20.0%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Hang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Jiali Sun
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Honglei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Polymeric Materials & Application Technology of Hunan Province, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
| | - Zheng Lv
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhilin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China.
| | - Zhaohui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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98
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Peng X, Zheng J, Liu T, Zhou Z, Song C, Geng Y, Wang Z, Huang Y. Tumor Microenvironment Heterogeneity, Potential Therapeutic Avenues, and Emerging Therapies. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:288-307. [PMID: 37537777 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230712095021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review describes the comprehensive portrait of tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, we provided a panoramic perspective on the transformation and functions of the diverse constituents in TME, and the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance, beginning with the immune cells and metabolic dynamics within TME. Lastly, we summarized the most auspicious potential therapeutic strategies. RESULTS TME is a unique realm crafted by malignant cells to withstand the onslaught of endogenous and exogenous therapies. Recent research has revealed many small-molecule immunotherapies exhibiting auspicious outcomes in preclinical investigations. Furthermore, some pro-immune mechanisms have emerged as a potential avenue. With the advent of nanosystems and precision targeting, targeted therapy has now transcended the "comfort zone" erected by cancer cells within TME. CONCLUSION The ceaseless metamorphosis of TME fosters the intransigent resilience and proliferation of tumors. However, existing therapies have yet to surmount the formidable obstacles posed by TME. Therefore, scientists should investigate potential avenues for therapeutic intervention and design innovative pharmacological and clinical technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Peng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jingfan Zheng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Tianzi Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ziwen Zhou
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chen Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Geng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zichuan Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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99
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Wan J, Cheng C, Hu J, Huang H, Han Q, Jie Z, Zou Q, Shi JH, Yu X. De novo NAD + synthesis contributes to CD8 + T cell metabolic fitness and antitumor function. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113518. [PMID: 38041812 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysfunction and clonal constriction of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells are accompanied by alterations in cellular metabolism; however, how the cell-intrinsic metabolic pathway specifies intratumoral CD8+ T cell features remains elusive. Here, we show that cell-autonomous generation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) via the kynurenine pathway (KP) contributes to the maintenance of intratumoral CD8+ T cell metabolic and functional fitness. De novo NAD+ synthesis is involved in CD8+ T cell metabolism and antitumor function. KP-derived NAD+ promotes PTEN deacetylation, thereby facilitating PTEN degradation and preventing PTEN-dependent metabolic defects. Importantly, impaired cell-autonomous NAD+ synthesis limits CD8+ T cell responses in human colorectal cancer samples. Our results reveal that KP-derived NAD+ regulates the CD8+ T cell metabolic and functional state by restricting PTEN activity and suggest that modulation of de novo NAD+ synthesis could restore CD8+ T cell metabolic fitness and antitumor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wan
- Central Laboratory, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center of Tumor Microecological Metabolism Regulation, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding 071000, Hebei Province, China; Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring Western Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajia Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Han
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zuliang Jie
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qiang Zou
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Jian-Hong Shi
- Central Laboratory, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center of Tumor Microecological Metabolism Regulation, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding 071000, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China.
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Rong H, Wang D, Wang Y, Dong C, Wang G. YTHDF1 in Tumor Cell Metabolism: An Updated Review. Molecules 2023; 29:140. [PMID: 38202722 PMCID: PMC10779796 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
With the advancement of research on m6A-related mechanisms in recent years, the YTHDF protein family within m6A readers has garnered significant attention. Among them, YTHDF1 serves as a pivotal member, playing a crucial role in protein translation, tumor proliferation, metabolic reprogramming of various tumor cells, and immune evasion. In addition, YTHDF1 also exerts regulatory effects on tumors through multiple signaling pathways, and numerous studies have confirmed its ability to assist in the reprogramming of the tumor cell-related metabolic processes. The focus of research on YTHDF1 has shifted in recent years from its m6A-recognition and -modification function to the molecular mechanisms by which it regulates tumor progression, particularly by exploring the regulatory factors that interact with YTHDF1 upstream and downstream. In this review, we elucidate the latest signaling pathway mechanisms of YTHDF1 in various tumor cells, with a special emphasis on its distinctive characteristics in tumor cell metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, we summarize the latest pathological and physiological processes involving YTHDF1 in tumor cells, and analyze potential therapeutic approaches that utilize YTHDF1. We believe that YTHDF1 represents a highly promising target for future tumor treatments and a novel tumor biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guiling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China; (H.R.); (D.W.); (Y.W.); (C.D.)
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