51
|
Hanusek K, Karczmarski J, Litwiniuk A, Urbańska K, Ambrozkiewicz F, Kwiatkowski A, Martyńska L, Domańska A, Bik W, Paziewska A. Obesity as a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer-The Role of miRNA. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415683. [PMID: 36555323 PMCID: PMC9779381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the world, with an ever-increasing incidence rate. Due to the dynamic increase in the occurrence of risk factors, including obesity and related metabolic disorders, the search for new regulatory mechanisms is necessary. This will help a complete understanding of the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The review presents the mechanisms of obesity as a factor that increases the risk of developing breast cancer and that even initiates the cancer process in the female population. The mechanisms presented in the paper relate to the inflammatory process resulting from current or progressive obesity leading to cell metabolism disorders and disturbed hormonal metabolism. All these processes are widely regulated by the action of microRNAs (miRNAs), which may constitute potential biomarkers influencing the pathogenesis of breast cancer and may be a promising target of anti-cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Hanusek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, ul. Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Karczmarski
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Litwiniuk
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Urbańska
- Department of General, Oncological, Metabolic and Thoracic Surgery, Military Institute of Medicine, 128 Szaserów St, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip Ambrozkiewicz
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Andrzej Kwiatkowski
- Department of General, Oncological, Metabolic and Thoracic Surgery, Military Institute of Medicine, 128 Szaserów St, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Martyńska
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anita Domańska
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Bik
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Paziewska
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
The Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and Its Ligands in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225574. [PMID: 36428667 PMCID: PMC9688153 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex disease which is defined by numerous cellular and molecular markers that can be used to develop more targeted and successful therapies. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is overexpressed in many breast tumor sub-types, including estrogen receptor -positive (ER+) tumors; however, the prognostic value of the AhR for breast cancer patient survival is not consistent between studies. Moreover, the functional role of the AhR in various breast cancer cell lines is also variable and exhibits both tumor promoter- and tumor suppressor- like activity and the AhR is expressed in both ER-positive and ER-negative cells/tumors. There is strong evidence demonstrating inhibitory AhR-Rα crosstalk where various AhR ligands induce ER degradation. It has also been reported that different structural classes of AhR ligands, including halogenated aromatics, polynuclear aromatics, synthetic drugs and other pharmaceuticals, health promoting phytochemical-derived natural products and endogenous AhR-active compounds inhibit one or more of breast cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration/invasion, and metastasis. AhR-dependent mechanisms for the inhibition of breast cancer by AhR agonists are variable and include the downregulation of multiple genes/gene products such as CXCR4, MMPs, CXCL12, SOX4 and the modulation of microRNA levels. Some AhR ligands, such as aminoflavone, have been investigated in clinical trials for their anticancer activity against breast cancer. In contrast, several publications have reported that AhR agonists and antagonists enhance and inhibit mammary carcinogenesis, respectively, and differences between the anticancer activities of AhR agonists in breast cancer may be due in part to cell context and ligand structure. However, there are reports showing that the same AhR ligand in the same breast cancer cell line gives opposite results. These differences need to be resolved in order to further develop and take advantage of promising agents that inhibit mammary carcinogenesis by targeting the AhR.
Collapse
|
53
|
Low V, Li Z, Blenis J. Metabolite activation of tumorigenic signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabj4220. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abj4220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The role of metabolites exchanged in the tumor microenvironment is largely thought of as fuels to drive the increased biosynthetic and bioenergetic demands of growing tumors. However, this view is shifting as metabolites are increasingly shown to function as signaling molecules that directly regulate oncogenic pathways. Combined with our growing understanding of the essential role of stromal cells, this shift has led to increased interest in how the collective and interconnected metabolome of the tumor microenvironment can drive malignant transformation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, drug resistance, immune evasion, and metastasis. In this review, we discuss how metabolite exchange between tumors and various cell types in the tumor microenvironment—such as fibroblasts, adipocytes, and immune cells—can activate signaling pathways that drive cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Low
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Zhongchi Li
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - John Blenis
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Crump LS, Kines KT, Richer JK, Lyons TR. Breast cancers co-opt normal mechanisms of tolerance to promote immune evasion and metastasis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C1475-C1495. [PMID: 36189970 PMCID: PMC9662806 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00189.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Normal developmental processes, such as those seen during embryonic development and postpartum mammary gland involution, can be reactivated by cancer cells to promote immune suppression, tumor growth, and metastatic spread. In mammalian embryos, paternal-derived antigens are at risk of being recognized as foreign by the maternal immune system. Suppression of the maternal immune response toward the fetus, which is mediated in part by the trophoblast, is critical to ensure embryonic survival and development. The postpartum mammary microenvironment also exhibits immunosuppressive mechanisms accompanying the massive cell death and tissue remodeling that occurs during mammary gland involution. These normal immunosuppressive mechanisms are paralleled during malignant transformation, where tumors can develop neoantigens that may be recognized as foreign by the immune system. To circumvent this, tumors can dedifferentiate and co-opt immune-suppressive mechanisms normally utilized during fetal tolerance and postpartum mammary involution. In this review, we discuss those similarities and how they can inform our understanding of cancer progression and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey S Crump
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kelsey T Kines
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jennifer K Richer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Traci R Lyons
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Fujiwara Y, Kato S, Nesline MK, Conroy JM, DePietro P, Pabla S, Kurzrock R. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitors and cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2022; 110:102461. [PMID: 36058143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Strategies for unlocking immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment have been investigated to overcome resistance to first-generation immune checkpoint blockade with anti- programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/ programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) agents. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) 1, an enzyme catabolizing tryptophan to kynurenine, creates an immunosuppressive environment in preclinical studies. Early phase clinical trials investigating inhibition of IDO1, especially together with checkpoint blockade, provided promising results. Unfortunately, the phase 3 trial of the IDO1 inhibitor epacadostat combined with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab did not show clinical benefit when compared with pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with advanced malignant melanoma, which dampened enthusiasm for IDO inhibitors. Even so, several molecules, such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, were reported as additional potential targets for the modulation of the tryptophan pathway, which might enhance clinical effectiveness. Furthermore, the combination of IDO pathway blockade with agents inhibiting other signals, such as those generated by PIK3CA mutations that may accompany IDO1 upregulation, may be a novel way to enhance activity. Importantly, IDO1 expression level varies by tumor type and among patients with the same tumor type, suggesting that patient selection based on expression levels of IDO1 may be warranted in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fujiwara
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | - Razelle Kurzrock
- MCW Cancer Center and Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Neville MC, Webb PG, Baumgartner HK, Bitler BG. Claudin-4 localization in epithelial ovarian cancer. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10862. [PMID: 36237976 PMCID: PMC9552118 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudin-4, a protein with the structure of classic claudins most often found in cell-cell junctions, is frequently overexpressed in epithelial cancers where its localization has not been studied. In this study we aimed to find out where this membrane protein is localized in an ovarian tumor model, OVCAR3 cells, that express high levels of the protein. Immunohistochemical studies showed claudin-4 staining in a perinuclear region, at most plasma membranes and in cytoplasmic puncta. Native claudin-4 did not overlap with phosphorylated claudin-4, which was partially located in focal adhesions. Using claudin-4 BioID technology we confirmed that large amounts of claudin-4 are localized to the Golgi compartment, including in dispersed Golgi in cells where claudin-4 is partially knocked down and in dividing cells. Claudin-4 appears to be present in the vicinity of several types of cell-cell junctions, but there is no evidence that it forms tight junctions in these tumor cells. Both claudin-4, the Golgi marker GM130, and the plasma membrane receptor Notch2 were found in dispersed Golgi in dividing cells. This definition of the cellular architecture of claudin-4 should provide a framework for better understanding of the function of claudin-4 in tumor cells and its molecular interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret C. Neville
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80845, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Patricia G. Webb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80845, USA
| | - Heidi K. Baumgartner
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 2700 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Benjamin G. Bitler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8613, 12700 E. 19 Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Hu Y, Liu Z, Tang H. Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase may be a potential prognostic biomarker and immunotherapy target in cancer: A meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:977640. [PMID: 36263228 PMCID: PMC9574363 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.977640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) is one of the emerging immune checkpoints. Meanwhile, TDO2 is also a key enzyme in the tryptophan (Trp)–kynurenine (Kyn) signaling pathway. Many studies have evaluated that TDO2 is highly expressed in various malignant tumor patients and plays a prognostic role. However, the sample size of a single prognostic study was small, and the results were still controversial. Methods We used Stata software and referenced the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement to conduct a meta-analysis on TDO2 and its clinical features and prognosis. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to find publications concerning TDO2 expression in malignant tumor patients up to June 2021. We used the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) to evaluate the bias risk of the included literature. Risk ratios (RRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were used for clinical outcomes, specifically overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). In addition, we used data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to verify our conclusions. Results Nine studies including 667 patients with malignant tumors were identified. Our results suggested that overexpression of TDO2 was statistically correlated with poor OS and poor PFS (HR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.52–4.40, p = 0.0005; HR = 2.38, 95% CI = 0.99–5.73, p = 0.05). In terms of clinicopathological characteristics, the overexpression level of TDO2 was statistically correlated with TNM (tumor–node–metastasis) stage (RR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.48–0.89, p = 0.002) and regional lymph node metastasis (RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.59–0.99, p = 0.04). Subgroup analysis revealed the potential sources of heterogeneity. In addition, bioinformatics studies suggested that the level of TDO2 was high in malignant tumors and higher in cancer tissue than in matched paracarcinoma tissue. Gene enrichment analysis showed that TDO2 was closely related to immune response. Conclusion Overall, TDO2 may be a biomarker for the survival and prognosis of patients with malignant tumors and a potential therapeutic target in the future. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=260442, identifier (CRD42021260442)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Zhongjian Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Tang,
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Qian M, Xia Y, Zhang G, Yu H, Cui Y. Research progress on microRNA-1258 in the development of human cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1024234. [PMID: 36249037 PMCID: PMC9556982 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1024234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous RNAs composed of 20-22 nucleotides that do not encode proteins, which regulate the expression of downstream genes by targeting the 3' untranslated region of mRNA. Plentiful research has demonstrated that miRNAs participate in the initiation and development of diverse diseases and malignant tumors. miR-1258 exerts great influence on tumors, including tumor growth, distant metastasis, migration, invasion, chemosensitivity, cell glycolysis, apoptosis, and stemness. Interestingly, miR-1258 is a miRNA with explicit functions and has been investigated to act as a tumor suppressor in studies on various types of tumors. With accumulating research on miR-1258, it has been found to be used as a biomarker in the early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of tumor patients. In this review, we outline the development of miR-1258 research, describe its regulatory network, and discuss its roles in cancer. Additionally, we generalize the potential clinical applications of miR-1258. This review offers emerging perspectives and orientations for further comprehending the function of miR-1258 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and potent therapeutic target in cancer.
Collapse
|
59
|
Poddar A, Rao SR, Prithviraj P, Kannourakis G, Jayachandran A. Crosstalk between Immune Checkpoint Modulators, Metabolic Reprogramming and Cellular Plasticity in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:6847-6863. [PMID: 36290817 PMCID: PMC9601266 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29100540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the major causes of mortality in women worldwide. Accounting for 15-20% of all breast cancer diagnoses, the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype presents with an aggressive clinical course, heightened metastatic potential and the poorest short-term prognosis. TNBC does not respond to hormonal therapy, only partially responds to radio- and chemotherapy, and has limited targeted therapy options, thus underlining the critical need for better therapeutic treatments. Although immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibition is emerging as a promising treatment option for TNBC patients, activation of cellular plasticity programs such as metabolic reprogramming (MR) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) causes immunotherapy to fail. In this report, we review the role of MR and EMT in immune checkpoint dysregulation in TNBCs and specifically shed light on development of novel combination treatment modalities for this challenging disease. We highlight the clinical relevance of crosstalk between MR, EMT, and immune checkpoints in TNBCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Poddar
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Ian Potter NanoBiosensing Facility, NanoBiotechnology Research Laboratory (NBRL), School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Sushma R. Rao
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and MS-Imaging Facility, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Prashanth Prithviraj
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
- School of Science, Psychology and Sports, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - George Kannourakis
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
- School of Science, Psychology and Sports, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Aparna Jayachandran
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
- School of Science, Psychology and Sports, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4120, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Chen Z, Xia X, Chen H, Huang H, An X, Sun M, Yao Q, Kim K, Zhang H, Chu M, Chen R, Bhutia YD, Ganapathy V, Kou L. Carbidopa suppresses estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer via AhR-mediated proteasomal degradation of ERα. Invest New Drugs 2022; 40:1216-1230. [PMID: 36070108 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-022-01289-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) promotes breast cancer, and ER-positive cancer accounts for ~ 80% of breast cancers. This subtype responds positively to hormone/endocrine therapies involving either inhibition of estrogen synthesis or blockade of estrogen action. Carbidopa, a drug used to potentiate the therapeutic efficacy of L-DOPA in Parkinson's disease, is an agonist for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Pharmacotherapy in Parkinson's disease decreases the risk for cancers, including breast cancer. The effects of carbidopa on ER-positive breast cancer were evaluated in cell culture and in mouse xenografts. The assays included cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration/invasion, subcellular localization of AhR, proteasomal degradation, and tumor growth in xenografts. Carbidopa decreased proliferation and migration of ER-positive human breast cancer cells in vitro with no significant effect on ER-negative breast cancer cells. Treatment of ER-positive cells with carbidopa promoted nuclear localization of AhR and expression of AhR target genes; it also decreased cellular levels of ERα via proteasomal degradation in an AhR-dependent manner. In vivo, carbidopa suppressed the growth of ER-positive breast cancer cells in mouse xenografts; this was associated with increased apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation. Carbidopa has therapeutic potential for ER-positive breast cancer either as a single agent or in combination with other standard chemotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Korea
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xing Xia
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Heyan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huirong Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingsi An
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qing Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kwonseop Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Korea
| | - Hailin Zhang
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Children's Respiration Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Maoping Chu
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
- Pediatric Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Ruijie Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yangzom D Bhutia
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA
| | - Vadivel Ganapathy
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA
| | - Longfa Kou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Dual-target inhibitors of indoleamine 2, 3 dioxygenase 1 (Ido1): A promising direction in cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114524. [PMID: 35696861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway of tryptophan metabolism in the first step, and the kynurenine pathway plays a fundamental role in immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, researchers are vigorously developing IDO1 inhibitors, hoping to apply them to cancer immunotherapy. Nowadays, there have been 11 kinds of IDO1 inhibitors entering clinical trials, among which many inhibitors have shown good tumor inhibitory effect in phase I/II clinical trials. But the phase III study of the most promising IDO1 inhibitor compound 29 (Epacadostat) failed in 2018, which may be caused by the compensation effect offered by tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), the mismatched drug combination strategies, or other reasons. Luckily, dual-target inhibitors show great potential and advantages in solving these problems. In recent years, many studies have linked IDO1 to popular targets and selected many IDO1 dual-target inhibitors through pharmacophore fusion strategy and library construction, which enhance the tumor inhibitory effect and reduce side effects. Currently, three kinds of IDO1/TDO dual-target inhibitors have entered clinical trials, and extensive studies have been developing on IDO1 dual-target inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the IDO1 dual-target inhibitors developed in recent years and focus on the structure optimization process, structure-activity relationship, and the efficacy of in vitro and in vivo experiments, shedding a light on the pivotal significance of IDO1 dual-target inhibitors in the treatment of cancer, providing inspiration for the development of new IDO1 dual-target inhibitors.
Collapse
|
62
|
Cancer-associated fibroblasts strengthen cell proliferation and EGFR TKIs resistance through aryl hydrocarbon receptor dependent signals in non-small cell lung cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:764. [PMID: 35831824 PMCID: PMC9281029 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09877-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a dynamic cellular milieu that interacts with cancer cells and promotes tumor progression and metastasis. However, the specific mechanisms by which the tumor microenvironment impacts cancer cells’ behaviors remain poorly understood. In this study, enriched cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were observed in tumor tissues isolated from epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs) resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. CAFs isolated from tumor tissues were capable of producing tryptophan metabolite kynurenine (Kyn), which significantly increased the proliferation and EGFR TKIs resistance of NSCLC cells. In this study, it was further observed that the activation of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) in CAFs, resulted in the enhanced capability of tryptophan metabolism in them compared to normal fibroblasts. As a result, Kyn produced by CAFs facilitated the up-regulation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) signals in NSCLC, thereby resulting in the downstream ATK and ERK signaling pathways activation. Finally, inhibition of AhR signals efficiently prevented tumor growth and development of EGFR TKIs resistance, eventually improved the outcome of EGFR TKIs, and described a promising therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
Collapse
|
63
|
Khan SU, Fatima K, Malik F. Understanding the cell survival mechanism of anoikis-resistant cancer cells during different steps of metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2022; 39:715-726. [PMID: 35829806 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-022-10172-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Anchorage-independent survival of cancer cells is associated with metastasis as it enables cells to travel to secondary target sites. Tissue integrity is generally maintained by detachment-induced cell death called 'anoikis', but cancer cells undergoing the multistep metastatic process show resistance to anoikis. Anoikis resistance enables these cells to survive through the extracellular matrix (ECM) deprived phase, which starts when cancer cells detach and move into the circulation till cells reach to the secondary target site. Comprehensive analysis of the molecular and functional biology of anoikis resistance in cancer cells will provide crucial details about cancer metastasis, enabling us to identify novel therapeutic targets against cancer cell dissemination and ultimately secondary tumor formation. This review broadly summarizes recent advances in the understanding of cellular and molecular events leading to anoikis and anoikis resistance. It further elaborates more about the signaling cross-talk in anoikis resistance and its regulation during metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Ullah Khan
- Department of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, 190005, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), 201002, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Kaneez Fatima
- Department of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, 190005, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), 201002, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Fayaz Malik
- Department of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, 190005, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Lee R, Li J, Li J, Wu CJ, Jiang S, Hsu WH, Chakravarti D, Chen P, LaBella KA, Li J, Spring DJ, Zhao D, Wang YA, DePinho RA. Synthetic Essentiality of Tryptophan 2,3-Dioxygenase 2 in APC-Mutated Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:1702-1717. [PMID: 35537038 PMCID: PMC9262860 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-0680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Inactivation of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is common across many cancer types and serves as a critical initiating event in most sporadic colorectal cancers. APC deficiency activates WNT signaling, which remains an elusive target for cancer therapy, prompting us to apply the synthetic essentiality framework to identify druggable vulnerabilities for APC-deficient cancers. Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2) was identified as a synthetic essential effector of APC-deficient colorectal cancer. Mechanistically, APC deficiency results in the TCF4/β-catenin-mediated upregulation of TDO2 gene transcription. TDO2 in turn activates the Kyn-AhR pathway, which increases glycolysis to drive anabolic cancer cell growth and CXCL5 secretion to recruit macrophages into the tumor microenvironment. Therapeutically, APC-deficient colorectal cancer models were susceptible to TDO2 depletion or pharmacologic inhibition, which impaired cancer cell proliferation and enhanced antitumor immune profiles. Thus, APC deficiency activates a TCF4-TDO2-AhR-CXCL5 circuit that affects multiple cancer hallmarks via autonomous and nonautonomous mechanisms and illuminates a genotype-specific vulnerability in colorectal cancer. SIGNIFICANCE This study identifies critical effectors in the maintenance of APC-deficient colorectal cancer and demonstrates the relationship between APC/WNT pathway and kynurenine pathway signaling. It further determines the tumor-associated macrophage biology in APC-deficient colorectal cancer, informing genotype-specific therapeutic targets and the use of TDO2 inhibitors. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1599.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rumi Lee
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jiexi Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chang-Jiun Wu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of The Translational Research to AdvanCe Therapeutics and Innovation in ONcology (TRACTION), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wen-Hao Hsu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Deepavali Chakravarti
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peiwen Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kyle A. LaBella
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Denise J. Spring
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Di Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Y. Alan Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ronald A. DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Cecchi M, Mannini A, Lapucci A, Silvano A, Lulli M, Luceri C, D’Ambrosio M, Chiarugi A, Eid AH, Parenti A. Dexamethasone Promotes a Stem-Like Phenotype in Human Melanoma Cells via Tryptophan 2,3 Dioxygenase. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:911019. [PMID: 35847038 PMCID: PMC9280025 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.911019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to its well-established immunosuppressive actions, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) appears to elicit direct effects on tumor cell function. Although TDO has been associated with cancer stemness, its involvement in melanoma stem cell biology remains largely unknown. Since we showed that by upregulating TDO, dexamethasone (dex) promotes proliferation and migration of SK-Mel-28 human melanoma cells, we sought to investigate dex effects on melanoma spherogenesis and stemness, and whether these events are mediated by TDO. We demonstrate here that dex significantly upregulates TDO in A375, a more aggressive melanoma cell line, confirming that dex effects are not limited to SK-Mel-28 cells. Moreover, dex stimulates spherogenesis of both cell lines, which is mediated by TDO, evident by its suppression with 680C91, a TDO inhibitor. The formed melanospheres appear to be enriched with embryonic stem cell marker mRNAs, the expression of which is potentiated by dex. Expression of cancer stem cell markers (CD133, CD44, ganglioside GD2) was significantly increased in A375 spheres, as detected by flow cytometry. Taken together, our results suggest that TDO could represent a promising target in the management of melanoma and that dex, routinely used as a co-medication also in advanced melanoma, may stimulate melanoma cell function/tumor-supporting properties, a rather debilitating and undesired side effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cecchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonella Mannini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Lapucci
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Silvano
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Luceri
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario D’Ambrosio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Chiarugi
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Qatar University, QU Health, Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Ali H. Eid, ; Astrid Parenti,
| | - Astrid Parenti
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ali H. Eid, ; Astrid Parenti,
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Zhong C, Peng L, Tao B, Yin S, Lyu L, Ding H, Yang X, Peng T, He H, Zhou P. TDO2 and tryptophan metabolites promote kynurenine/AhR signals to facilitate glioma progression and immunosuppression. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:2558-2575. [PMID: 35812057 PMCID: PMC9251687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells exhibit enhanced uptake and processing of nutrients to fulfill the demands of rapid growth of tumor tissues. Tryptophan metabolizing dioxygenases are frequently up-regulated in several tumor types, which has been recognized as a crucial determinant in accelerated tumor progression. In our study, we explored the specific role of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2) in glioma progression. Analysis of mRNA profiles in 325 glioma patients based on the rich set of CCGA database was performed, which revealed that high TDO2 expression was tightly correlated with poor prognosis in glioma patients. TDO2 increased intracellular levels of tryptophan metabolism in the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway in vitro and in vivo, resulting in sustained glioma cell proliferation. Mechanistically, overexpression of TDO2 promoted the secretion of Kyn, which in turn stimulated the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/AKT signaling pathway, resulting in heightened proliferative properties and tumorigenic potential in glioma cells. Meanwhile, Kyn produced by tumor cells further suppressed the proliferation of functional T cells, thereby resulting in immunosuppression and enhanced tumor growth in glioma. Our study showed that TDO2-induced increase in tryptophan metabolite Kyn played a pivotal role in glioma development via the AhR/AKT pro-survival signals and immunosuppressive effects, suggesting that the use of TDO2 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy may be a novel strategy to effectively and synergistically eliminate glioma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanhong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Clinic Research Center for NeurosurgeryLuzhou, China
| | - Lilei Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Clinic Research Center for NeurosurgeryLuzhou, China
| | - Bei Tao
- Department of Rheumatism, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Senlin Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Lyu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Ding
- Neurosurgery Department of The Fourth People’s Hospital of ZigongZigong, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Clinic Research Center for NeurosurgeryLuzhou, China
| | - Tangming Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Clinic Research Center for NeurosurgeryLuzhou, China
| | - Haiping He
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Clinic Research Center for NeurosurgeryLuzhou, China
| | - Peizhi Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Lu Y, Yuan X, Wang M, He Z, Li H, Wang J, Li Q. Gut microbiota influence immunotherapy responses: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:47. [PMID: 35488243 PMCID: PMC9052532 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01273-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota have long been recognized to play a key role in human health and disease. Currently, several lines of evidence from preclinical to clinical research have gradually established that the gut microbiota can modulate antitumor immunity and affect the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Deciphering the underlying mechanisms reveals that the gut microbiota reprogram the immunity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) by engaging innate and/or adaptive immune cells. Notably, one of the primary modes by which the gut microbiota modulate antitumor immunity is by means of metabolites, which are small molecules that could spread from their initial location of the gut and impact local and systemic antitumor immune response to promote ICI efficiency. Mechanistic exploration provides novel insights for developing rational microbiota-based therapeutic strategies by manipulating gut microbiota, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), probiotics, engineered microbiomes, and specific microbial metabolites, to augment the efficacy of ICI and advance the age utilization of microbiota precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Lu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xiangliang Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zhihao He
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hongzhong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Ji Wang
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Liao M, Qin R, Huang W, Zhu HP, Peng F, Han B, Liu B. Targeting regulated cell death (RCD) with small-molecule compounds in triple-negative breast cancer: a revisited perspective from molecular mechanisms to targeted therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:44. [PMID: 35414025 PMCID: PMC9006445 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of human breast cancer with one of the worst prognoses, with no targeted therapeutic strategies currently available. Regulated cell death (RCD), also known as programmed cell death (PCD), has been widely reported to have numerous links to the progression and therapy of many types of human cancer. Of note, RCD can be divided into numerous different subroutines, including autophagy-dependent cell death, apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and anoikis. More recently, targeting the subroutines of RCD with small-molecule compounds has been emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy, which has rapidly progressed in the treatment of TNBC. Therefore, in this review, we focus on summarizing the molecular mechanisms of the above-mentioned seven major RCD subroutines related to TNBC and the latest progress of small-molecule compounds targeting different RCD subroutines. Moreover, we further discuss the combined strategies of one drug (e.g., narciclasine) or more drugs (e.g., torin-1 combined with chloroquine) to achieve the therapeutic potential on TNBC by regulating RCD subroutines. More importantly, we demonstrate several small-molecule compounds (e.g., ONC201 and NCT03733119) by targeting the subroutines of RCD in TNBC clinical trials. Taken together, these findings will provide a clue on illuminating more actionable low-hanging-fruit druggable targets and candidate small-molecule drugs for potential RCD-related TNBC therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minru Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rui Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Hong-Ping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.,Antibiotics Research and Re-Evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Nanoprodrug ratiometrically integrating autophagy inhibitor and genotoxic agent for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Biomaterials 2022; 283:121458. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
70
|
Vogeley C, Rolfes KM, Krutmann J, Haarmann-Stemmann T. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in the Pathogenesis of Environmentally-Induced Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Skin. Front Oncol 2022; 12:841721. [PMID: 35311158 PMCID: PMC8927079 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.841721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most frequent malignancies in humans and academia as well as public authorities expect a further increase of its incidence in the next years. The major risk factor for the development of SCC of the general population is the repeated and unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Another important risk factor, in particular with regards to occupational settings, is the chronic exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which are formed during incomplete combustion of organic material and thus can be found in coal tar, creosote, bitumen and related working materials. Importantly, both exposomal factors unleash their carcinogenic potential, at least to some extent, by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The AHR is a ligand-dependent transcription factor and key regulator in xenobiotic metabolism and immunity. The AHR is expressed in all cutaneous cell-types investigated so far and maintains skin integrity. We and others have reported that in response to a chronic exposure to environmental stressors, in particular UV radiation and PAHs, an activation of AHR and downstream signaling pathways critically contributes to the development of SCC. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about AHR's role in skin carcinogenesis and focus on its impact on defense mechanisms, such as DNA repair, apoptosis and anti-tumor immune responses. In addition, we discuss the possible consequences of a simultaneous exposure to different AHR-stimulating environmental factors for the development of cutaneous SCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Vogeley
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina M Rolfes
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jean Krutmann
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
71
|
Biswas P, Dai Y, Stuehr DJ. Indoleamine dioxygenase and tryptophan dioxygenase activities are regulated through GAPDH- and Hsp90-dependent control of their heme levels. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 180:179-190. [PMID: 35051612 PMCID: PMC11389873 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO1) and Tryptophan-2, 3-dioxygense (TDO) are heme-containing dioxygenases that catalyze the conversion of tryptophan to N-formyl-kynurenine and thus enable generation of l-kynurenine and related metabolites that govern the immune response and broadly impact human biology. Given that TDO and IDO1 activities are directly proportional to their heme contents, it is important to understand their heme delivery and insertion processes. Early studies established that TDO and IDO1 heme levels are sub-saturating in vivo and subject to change but did not identify the cellular mechanisms that provide their heme or enable dynamic changes in their heme contents. We investigated the potential involvement of GAPDH and chaperone Hsp90, based on our previous studies linking these proteins to intracellular heme allocation. We studied heme delivery and insertion into IDO1 and TDO expressed in both normal and heme-deficient HEK293T cells and into IDO1 naturally expressed in HeLa cells in response to IFN-γ, and also investigated the interactions of TDO and IDO1 with GAPDH and Hsp90 in cells and among their purified forms. We found that GAPDH delivered both mitochondrially-generated and exogenous heme to apo-IDO1 and apo-TDO in cells, potentially through a direct interaction with either enzyme. In contrast, we found Hsp90 interacted with apo-IDO1 but not with apo-TDO, and was only needed to drive heme insertion into apo-IDO1. By uncovering the cellular processes that allocate heme to IDO1 and TDO, our study provides new insight on how their activities and l-kynurenine production may be controlled in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pranjal Biswas
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yue Dai
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Dennis J Stuehr
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Perrot-Applanat M, Pimpie C, Vacher S, Bieche I, Pocard M, Baud V. Differential Expression of Genes Involved in Metabolism and Immune Response in Diffuse and Intestinal Gastric Cancers, a Pilot Ptudy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020240. [PMID: 35203450 PMCID: PMC8869420 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The vast majority of GC cases are adenocarcinomas including intestinal and diffuse GC. The incidence of diffuse GCs, often associated with poor overall survival, has constantly increased in USA and Europe The molecular basis of diffuse GC aggressivity remains unclear. Using mRNA from diffuse and intestinal GC tumor samples of a Western cohort, this study reports the expression level of the immunomodulatory aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and genes involved in immune suppression (PD1, PD-L1, PD-L2) and the early steps of tryptophan metabolism (IDO1, IDO2, TDO2). Strongly increased expression of IDO1 (p < 0.001) and PD1 (p < 0.003) was observed in the intestinal sub-type. The highest expression of IDO1 and PDL1 correlated with early clinical stage and absence of lymphatic invasion (×25 p = 0.004, ×3 p = 0.04, respectively). Our results suggest that kynurenine, produced by tryptophan catabolism, and AhR activation play a central role in creating an immunosuppressive environment. Correspondingly, as compared to intestinal GCs, expression levels of IDO1-TDO2 and PD-L1 were less prominent in diffuse GCs which also had less infiltration of immune cells, suggesting an inactive immune response in the advanced diffuse GC. Confirmation of these patterns of gene expression will require a larger cohort of early and advanced stages of diffuse GC samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martine Perrot-Applanat
- INSERM U1275, CAP Paris-Tech, Université de Paris, Lariboisiere Hospital, F-75010 Paris, France; (C.P.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: (M.P.-A.); (V.B.)
| | - Cynthia Pimpie
- INSERM U1275, CAP Paris-Tech, Université de Paris, Lariboisiere Hospital, F-75010 Paris, France; (C.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Sophie Vacher
- Pharmacogenomics Unit-Institut Curie, Department of Genetics, Université de Paris, F-75005 Paris, France; (S.V.); (I.B.)
| | - Ivan Bieche
- Pharmacogenomics Unit-Institut Curie, Department of Genetics, Université de Paris, F-75005 Paris, France; (S.V.); (I.B.)
| | - Marc Pocard
- INSERM U1275, CAP Paris-Tech, Université de Paris, Lariboisiere Hospital, F-75010 Paris, France; (C.P.); (M.P.)
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Gastrointestinal Surgery and Liver Transplantation, AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Véronique Baud
- NF-kappaB, Différenciation et Cancer, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (M.P.-A.); (V.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Xiang S, Zhu L, Zhang Z, Wang S, Cui R, Xiang M. Proteomic analysis of inhibitor of apoptosis protein‑like protein‑2 on breast cancer cell proliferation. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:89. [PMID: 35039877 PMCID: PMC8809121 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although inhibitor of apoptosis protein-like protein-2 (ILP-2) is considered to be a novel enhancer of breast cancer proliferation, its underlying mechanism of action remains unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the expression profile of ILP-2-related proteins in MCF-7 cells to reveal their effect on promoting breast cancer cell proliferation. The isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) method was used to analyse the expression profile of ILP-2-related proteins in MCF-7 breast cancer cells transfected with small interfering (si)RNA against ILP-2 (siRNA-5 group) and the negative control (NC) siRNA. The analysis of the iTRAQ data was carried out using western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. A total of 4,065 proteins were identified in MCF-7 cells, including 241 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs; fold change ≥1.20 or ≤0.83; P<0.05). Among them, 156 proteins were upregulated and 85 were downregulated in the siRNA-5 group compared with in the NC group. The aforementioned DEPs were mainly enriched in ‘ECM-receptor interaction’. In addition, the top 10 biological processes related to these proteins were associated with signal transduction, cell proliferation and immune system processes. Furthermore, ILP-2 silencing upregulated N(4)-(β-N-acetylglucosaminyl)-L-asparaginase, metallothionein-1E and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, whereas ILP-2 overexpression exerted the opposite effect. The results of the present study suggested that ILP-2 could promote breast cancer growth via regulating cell proliferation, signal transduction, immune system processes and other cellular physiological activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Xiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Medical Research Center, Institute of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, Hunan 416000, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Medical Research Center, Institute of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, Hunan 416000, P.R. China
| | - Zhiliang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Medical Research Center, Institute of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, Hunan 416000, P.R. China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Medical Research Center, Institute of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, Hunan 416000, P.R. China
| | - Ruxia Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Medical Research Center, Institute of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, Hunan 416000, P.R. China
| | - Mingjun Xiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Medical Research Center, Institute of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, Hunan 416000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Li BB, Scott EY, Olafsen NE, Matthews J, Wheeler AR. Analysis of the effects of aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression on cancer cell invasion via three-dimensional microfluidic invasion assays. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:313-325. [PMID: 34904612 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00854d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that binds to xenobiotics and activates expression of response elements to metabolize these compounds. The AHR pathway has been associated with a long list of diseases including cancer; however, it is debated whether AHR is tumorigenic or tumour-inhibiting. In particular, there are contradictory reports in the literature regarding the effects of AHR expression level on metastatic breast cancer. Here we used a 3D invasion assay called cell invasion in digital microfluidic microgel systems (CIMMS) to study the effect of AHR expression on invasion. In this study, MDA-MB-231 cells with stable knockout of AHR (AHRko) showed enhanced invasive characteristics and reduced proliferation, and cells with transient overexpression of AHR showed reduced invasiveness. Overexpression of AHR with a mutation in the DNA binding domain showed no difference in invasiveness compared to control, which suggests that the changes in invasiveness are related to the expression of AHR. CIMMS also allowed for extraction of sub-populations of invaded cells for RNA sequencing experiments. A comparison of the transcriptomes of invaded subpopulations of wild-type and AHRko cells identified 1809 genes that were differentially expressed, with enriched pathways including cell cycle, proliferation, survival, immunoproteasome activation, and activation of matrix metalloproteases. In sum, the data reported here for MDA-MB-231 cells suggests some new interpretations of the discrepancy in the literature on the role of AHR in breast cancer. We propose that the unique combination of functional discrimination with transcriptome profiling provided by CIMMS will be valuable for a wide range of mechanistic invasion-biology studies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu B Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada.
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Erica Y Scott
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada.
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St George St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Ninni E Olafsen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Jason Matthews
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aaron R Wheeler
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada.
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St George St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3H6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Chang Y, Han P, Wang Y, Jia C, Zhang B, Zhao Y, Li S, Li S, Wang X, Yang X, Wei W. Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 plays a key role in regulating the activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in autoimmune arthritis. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:3024-3042. [PMID: 34969166 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Abnormal kynurenine (Kyn) metabolism has been closely linked to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aims of this study were to investigate the role of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2), a rate-limiting enzyme that converts tryptophan (Trp) to Kyn, in regulating fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS)-mediated synovial inflammation in autoimmune arthritis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The expression of TDO2 was determined by immunohistochemistry, confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy, imaging flow cytometry, and Western blot. TDO2 activity was tested by high performance liquid chromatography and colorimetric assay. TDO2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and TDO2 inhibitor 680C91 were used to inhibit TDO2 in AA-FLS function in vitro. A rat model of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) was used to evaluate the in vivo effect of allopurinol (ALLO), a TDO2 inhibitor. KEY RESULTS TDO2 expression was strongly increased in synovial tissue and FLS of RA and AA. Immune cells were found to express high amount of TDO2 proteins at the peak stage of AA. Pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of TDO2 in AA-FLS resulted in a reduced proliferation, secretion, migration and invasion. Kyn restored the inhibitory effect of TDO2 inhibition on activation of AA-FLS. ALLO treatment ameliorated the arthritis severity and decreased the activity of TDO2. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our results suggest that elevated TDO2 expression may contribute to synovial inflammation and joint destruction during arthritis. Therefore, targeting TDO2 activity and the Kyn pathway of Trp degradation may represent a potential therapeutic strategy in RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ping Han
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yueye Wang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Chengyan Jia
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Bingjie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yingjie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Susu Li
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Siyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xinwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xuezhi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Han Z, Gong C, Li J, Guo H, Chen X, Jin Y, Gao S, Tai Z. Immunologically modified enzyme-responsive micelles regulate the tumor microenvironment for cancer immunotherapy. Mater Today Bio 2021; 13:100170. [PMID: 34938989 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade has been proven to have great therapeutic potential and has revolutionized the treatment of tumors. However, various limitations remain, including the low response rate of exhausted T cells and mutual regulation of multiple immunosuppressive cell types that compromise the effect of single-target therapy. Nano-delivery systems can be used to regulate the tumor immune microenvironment in favor of immunotherapy. In this study, we constructed a polypeptide-based micellar system that encapsulates an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) inhibitor (CH223191) conjugated to T cell activator anti-CD28. The inhibition of AhR activation downregulates the fraction of immunosuppressive cells and effectively inhibits tumor cell metastasis. In addition, the combination with co-stimulatory antibodies improves T-cell activation and synergistically enhances the antitumor effect of AhR inhibitors. The micellar system developed in this study represents a novel and effective tumor immunotherapy approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Han
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chunai Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Juanjuan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Huanhuan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xinlu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yangli Jin
- Ningbo Yinzhou No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, 315192, China
| | - Shen Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| |
Collapse
|
77
|
Recent advances in clinical trials targeting the kynurenine pathway. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 236:108055. [PMID: 34929198 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the major catabolic pathway for the essential amino acid tryptophan leading to the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. In inflammatory conditions, the activation of the KP leads to the production of several bioactive metabolites including kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid. These metabolites can have redox and immune suppressive activity, be neurotoxic or neuroprotective. While the activity of the pathway is tightly regulated under normal physiological condition, it can be upregulated by immunological activation and inflammation. The dysregulation of the KP has been implicated in wide range of neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms involved in KP-mediated neurotoxicity and immune suppression, and its role in diseases of our expertise including cancer, chronic pain and multiple sclerosis. We also provide updates on the clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of KP inhibitors and/or analogues in each respective disease.
Collapse
|
78
|
Liang H, Li T, Fang X, Xing Z, Zhang S, Shi L, Li W, Guo L, Kuang C, Liu H, Yang Q. IDO1/TDO dual inhibitor RY103 targets Kyn-AhR pathway and exhibits preclinical efficacy on pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 522:32-43. [PMID: 34520819 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) catalyzing the conversion of tryptophan (Trp) to kynurenine (Kyn) in kynurenine pathway (KP) is involved in the immunosuppression in pancreatic cancer (PC), but the value of IDO1 as an independent prognostic marker for PC is uncertain. Moreover, the correlation between tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), an isozyme of IDO1, and PC is largely unknown. Using TCGA database, the correlation between IDO1 and/or TDO expression and PC patients' survival was analyzed. The expressions of IDO1 and TDO in PC cells and PC mice were examined. The effects of IDO1, TDO or dual inhibition on IDO1 and TDO effector pathway (Aryl hydrocarbon receptor, AhR) and on migration and invasion of PC cells were investigated. The block effect of IDO1/TDO dual inhibitor RY103 on KP was evaluated. The preclinical efficacy of RY103 and its immunomodulatory effect on KPIC orthotopic PC mice and Pan02 tumor-bearing mice were explored. Results showed that IDO1/TDO co-expression is an independent prognostic marker for PC. RY103 can significantly block KP and target Kyn-AhR pathway to blunt the migration and invasion of PC cells, exhibit preclinical efficacy and ameliorate IDO1/TDO-mediated immunosuppression in PC mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Tianqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Xin Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Zikang Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Lei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Weirui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Leilei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Chunxiang Kuang
- Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Siping Road 1239, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Hongrui Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Zhangheng Road 826, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Defining the AHR-regulated transcriptome in NK cells reveals gene expression programs relevant to development and function. Blood Adv 2021; 5:4605-4618. [PMID: 34559190 PMCID: PMC8759121 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021004533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AHR directly regulates a wide range of genes in NK cells, including those involved in cell signaling, oxidative stress, and metabolism. Knowing of the repertoire of genes regulated by AHR may help us better understand NK-cell dysfunction mediated by AHR ligands in cancer.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates cellular processes in cancer and immunity, including innate immune cell development and effector function. However, the transcriptional repertoire through which AHR mediates these effects remains largely unexplored. To elucidate the transcriptional elements directly regulated by AHR in natural killer (NK) cells, we performed RNA and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing on NK cells exposed to AHR agonist or antagonist. We show that mature peripheral blood NK cells lack AHR, but its expression is induced by Stat3 during interleukin-21–driven activation and proliferation, coincident with increased NCAM1 (CD56) expression resulting in a CD56bright phenotype. Compared with control conditions, NK cells expanded in the presence of the AHR antagonist, StemRegenin-1, were unaffected in proliferation or cytotoxicity, had no increase in NCAM1 transcription, and maintained the CD56dim phenotype. However, it showed altered expression of 1004 genes including those strongly associated with signaling pathways. In contrast, NK cells expanded in the presence of the AHR agonist, kynurenine, showed decreased cytotoxicity and altered expression of 97 genes including those strongly associated with oxidative stress and cellular metabolism. By overlaying these differentially expressed genes with AHR chromatin binding, we identified 160 genes directly regulated by AHR, including hallmark AHR targets AHRR and CYP1B1 and known regulators of phenotype, development, metabolism, and function such as NCAM1, KIT, NQO1, and TXN. In summary, we define the AHR transcriptome in NK cells, propose a model of AHR and Stat3 coregulation, and identify potential pathways that may be targeted to overcome AHR-mediated immune suppression.
Collapse
|
80
|
Williams MM, Hafeez SA, Christenson JL, O’Neill KI, Hammond NG, Richer JK. Reversing an Oncogenic Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Program in Breast Cancer Reveals Actionable Immune Suppressive Pathways. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14111122. [PMID: 34832904 PMCID: PMC8622696 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Approval of checkpoint inhibitors for treatment of metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC) has opened the door for the use of immunotherapies against this disease. However, not all patients with mTNBC respond to current immunotherapy approaches such as checkpoint inhibitors. Recent evidence demonstrates that TNBC metastases are more immune suppressed than primary tumors, suggesting that combination or additional immunotherapy strategies may be required to activate an anti-tumor immune attack at metastatic sites. To identify other immune suppressive mechanisms utilized by mTNBC, our group and others manipulated oncogenic epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs in TNBC models to reveal differences between this breast cancer subtype and its more epithelial counterpart. This review will discuss how EMT modulation revealed several mechanisms, including tumor cell metabolism, cytokine milieu and secretion of additional immune modulators, by which mTNBC cells may suppress both the innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. Many of these pathways/proteins are under preclinical or clinical investigation as therapeutic targets in mTNBC and other advanced cancers to enhance their response to chemotherapy and/or checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
|
81
|
Repas J, Zügner E, Gole B, Bizjak M, Potočnik U, Magnes C, Pavlin M. Metabolic profiling of attached and detached metformin and 2-deoxy-D-glucose treated breast cancer cells reveals adaptive changes in metabolome of detached cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21354. [PMID: 34725457 PMCID: PMC8560930 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98642-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anchorage-independent growth of cancer cells in vitro is correlated to metastasis formation in vivo. Metformin use is associated with decreased breast cancer incidence and currently evaluated in cancer clinical trials. The combined treatment with metformin and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) in vitro induces detachment of viable MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells that retain their proliferation capacity. This might be important for cell detachment from primary tumors, but the metabolic changes involved are unknown. We performed LC/MS metabolic profiling on separated attached and detached MDA-MB-231 cells treated with metformin and/or 2DG. High 2DG and metformin plus 2DG altered the metabolic profile similarly to metformin, inferring that metabolic changes are necessary but not sufficient while the specific effects of 2DG are crucial for detachment. Detached cells had higher NADPH levels and lower fatty acids and glutamine levels compared to attached cells, supporting the role of AMPK activation and reductive carboxylation in supporting anchorage-independent survival. Surprisingly, the metabolic profile of detached cells was closer to untreated control cells than attached treated cells, suggesting detachment might help cells adapt to energy stress. Metformin treated cells had higher fatty and amino acid levels with lower purine nucleotide levels, which is relevant for understanding the anticancer mechanisms of metformin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jernej Repas
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Elmar Zügner
- Joanneum Research Health - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graz, Austria
| | - Boris Gole
- Center for Human Molecular Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Maruša Bizjak
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Group for Nano- and Biotechnological Applications, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Pharmacy Institute, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Potočnik
- Center for Human Molecular Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Laboratory for Biochemistry, Molecular biology and Genomics, Faculty for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Christoph Magnes
- Joanneum Research Health - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graz, Austria.
| | - Mojca Pavlin
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Group for Nano- and Biotechnological Applications, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Miyazaki T, Chung S, Sakai H, Ohata H, Obata Y, Shiokawa D, Mizoguchi Y, Kubo T, Ichikawa H, Taniguchi H, Aoki K, Soga T, Nakagama H, Okamoto K. Stemness and immune evasion conferred by TDO2-AHR pathway are associated with liver metastasis of colon cancer. Cancer Sci 2021; 113:170-181. [PMID: 34714577 PMCID: PMC8748246 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway modulates the immune system in response to kynurenine, an endogenous tryptophan metabolite. IDO1 and TDO2 catalyze kynurenine production, which promotes cancer progression by compromising host immunosurveillance. However, it is unclear whether the AHR activation regulates the malignant traits of cancer such as metastatic capability or cancer stemness. Here, we carried out systematic analyses of metabolites in patient-derived colorectal cancer spheroids, and identified high levels of kynurenine and TDO2 that were positively associated with liver metastasis. In a mouse colon cancer model, TDO2 expression substantially enhanced liver metastasis, induced AHR-mediated PD-L1 transactivation, and dampened immune responses; these changes were all abolished by PD-L1 knockout. In patient-derived cancer spheroids, TDO2 or AHR activity was required for not only the expression of PD-L1, but also for cancer stem cell (CSC)-related characteristics and Wnt signaling. TDO2 was coexpressed with both PD-L1 and nuclear β-catenin in colon xenograft tumors, and the coexpression of TDO2 and PD-L1 was observed in clinical colon cancer specimens. Thus, our data indicate that the activation of the TDO2-kynurenine-AHR pathway facilitates liver metastasis of colon cancer via PD-L1-mediated immune evasion and maintenance of stemness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Miyazaki
- Division of Cancer Differentiation.,Department of Biochemistry, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Suyoun Chung
- Division of Cancer Differentiation.,OncoTherapy Science, Inc, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Yukihiro Mizoguchi
- Fundamental Innovative Oncology Core, National Cancer Center Research Institute
| | - Takashi Kubo
- Fundamental Innovative Oncology Core, National Cancer Center Research Institute
| | - Hitoshi Ichikawa
- Fundamental Innovative Oncology Core, National Cancer Center Research Institute
| | - Hirokazu Taniguchi
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital
| | - Kazunori Aoki
- Fundamental Innovative Oncology Core, National Cancer Center Research Institute
| | | | | | - Koji Okamoto
- Division of Cancer Differentiation.,Lead contact
| |
Collapse
|
83
|
Li F, Zhao Z, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Guan W. Tryptophan metabolism induced by TDO2 promotes prostatic cancer chemotherapy resistance in a AhR/c-Myc dependent manner. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1112. [PMID: 34657603 PMCID: PMC8520630 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08855-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor cells exhibit enhanced metabolism of nutrients to satisfy the demand of sustained proliferation in vivo. Seminal reports have presented evidence that tryptophan (Trp) metabolic reprogramming induced by aberrant indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenases could promote tumor development in several cancer types. However, the underlying mechanism of Trp metabolism associated tumor progression is not fully understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prostatic cell lines LNCaP and VCaP were purchased from the Cell Bank of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (China). Human prostatic tumor tissue samples were obtained from the Tongji Hospital. Female NOD-SCID mice (6 ~ 8 weeks) were purchased from Huafukang Co. (China) and raised in SPF room. Commercial kits and instruments were used for cell apoptosis analysis, real-time PCR, western blotting, ELISA analysis and other experiments. RESULT Comparing the tumor tissues from prostatic cancer patients, we found elevated expression of tryptophan 2, 3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2), and elevated Trp metabolism in chemo-resistant tumor tissues. In vitro, overexpression of TDO2 significantly promoted the Trp metabolism in prostatic cancer cell lines LNCaP and VCap, resulting in the multidrug resistance development. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that Trp metabolite kynurenine (Kyn) promoted the upregulation and nuclear translocation of transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Subsequently, AhR collaborated with NF-κB to facilitate the activation of c-Myc. In turn, c-Myc promoted the up-regulation of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and Trp transporters, thereby contributing to chemoresistance and strengthened Trp metabolism in prostatic cancer. Interrupt of Trp/TDO2/Kyn/AhR/c-Myc loop with c-Myc inhibitor Mycro-3 efficiently suppressed the chemoresistance and improved the outcome of chemotherapy, which described a new strategy in clinical prostatic cancer treatment. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that elevated TOD2 expression promoted Trp metabolism and metabolite Kyn production, thus resulting in the activation of AhR/c-Myc/ABC-SLC transporters signaling pathway. Interrupt of Trp metabolism/c-Myc loop efficiently suppressed the drugs resistance induced by TDO2, which represented potential target to improve the outcome in drug-resistant prostatic cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhao
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zongbiao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
84
|
Naing A, Eder JP, Piha-Paul SA, Gimmi C, Hussey E, Zhang S, Hildebrand V, Hosagrahara V, Habermehl C, Moisan J, Papadopoulos KP. Preclinical investigations and a first-in-human phase I trial of M4112, the first dual inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2, in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000870. [PMID: 32843490 PMCID: PMC7449315 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background M4112 is an oral, potent, and selective indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2) dual inhibitor. Here, we report preclinical data and first-in-human phase I data, including safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary efficacy, of M4112 monotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods In preclinical studies, M4112 was administered to mice with IDO1-expressing tumors to determine tumor IDO1 and liver TDO2 inhibition. In the phase I trial, patients received doses of M4112 two times per day in 28-day cycles until progression, toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase II dose (RP2D). The primary endpoint was the incidence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and treatment-emergent changes in safety parameters. Other endpoints included pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor effects. Results In mice, M4112 significantly decreased the kynurenine:tryptophan ratio in the liver and tumor. Fifteen patients received M4112 at five distinct dose levels (three patients per cohort: 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg two times per day orally). Initially, all doses inhibited IDO1 ex vivo, but plasma kynurenine levels returned to or exceeded baseline levels after day 15. Despite initial changes in kynurenine, there was no significant reduction of plasma kynurenine at steady state. There was one DLT (grade 3 allergic dermatitis; 800 mg two times per day) and one grade 2 QT prolongation (800 mg two times per day), resulting in dose reduction (not a DLT). M4112 was well tolerated, and neither the MTD nor the RP2D was established. TEAEs included fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. The best overall response was stable disease (n=9, 60%). Conclusions There were no serious safety concerns at any dose. Although M4112 inhibited IDO1 activity ex vivo, plasma kynurenine levels were not reduced despite achieving target exposure. Trial registration number NCT03306420.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aung Naing
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Joseph P Eder
- Early Drug Development, Yale Cancer Institute, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sarina A Piha-Paul
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Claude Gimmi
- Global Clinical Development Oncology, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Hussey
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics, Nuventra, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sen Zhang
- Clinical Biomarkers and Companion Diagnostics, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA; a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Vera Hildebrand
- Global Patient Safety, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany
| | - Vinayak Hosagrahara
- NCE DMPK, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA; a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Jacques Moisan
- Translational Innovation Platform Immuno-oncology, EMD Serono, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA; a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Kyriakos P Papadopoulos
- Hematology/Oncology, South Texas Accelerated Research Therapeutics (START), San Antonio, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Zhao Y, Sun J, Li Y, Zhou X, Zhai W, Wu Y, Chen G, Gou S, Sui X, Zhao W, Qiu L, Yao Y, Sun Y, Chen C, Qi Y, Gao Y. Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 controls M2 macrophages polarization to promote esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression via AKT/GSK3 β/IL-8 signaling pathway. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:2835-2849. [PMID: 34589400 PMCID: PMC8463272 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygnease 2 (TDO2) is specific for metabolizing tryptophan to kynurenine (KYN), which plays a critical role in mediating immune escape of cancer. Although accumulating evidence demonstrates that TDO2 overexpression is implicated in the development and progression of multiple cancers, its tumor-promoting role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Here, we observed that TDO2 was overexpressed in ESCC tissues and correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis, advanced clinical stage, and unfavorable prognosis. Functional experiments showed that TDO2 promoted tumor cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation, which could be prevented by inhibition of TDO2 and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Further experimentation demonstrated that TDO2 could promote the tumor growth of KYSE150 tumor-bearing model, tumor burden of C57BL/6 mice with ESCC induced by 4-NQO, enhance the expression of phosphorylated AKT, with subsequent phosphorylation of GSK3β, and polarization of M2 macrophages by upregulating interleukin-8 (IL-8) to accelerate tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Collectively, our results discovered that TDO2 could upregulate IL-8 through AKT/GSK3β to direct the polarization of M2 macrophages in ESCC, and suggested that TDO2 could represent as an attractive therapeutic target and prognostic marker to ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumiao Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiaxin Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yin Li
- Thoracic Surgery Department, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenjie Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Shanshan Gou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xinghua Sui
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lu Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yongjie Yao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yixuan Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Chunxia Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yuanming Qi
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +86 371 67783235.
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +86 371 67783235.
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
TDO2 Was Downregulated in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Inhibited Cell Proliferation by Upregulating the Expression of p21 and p27. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:4708439. [PMID: 34423034 PMCID: PMC8378971 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4708439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) converts tryptophan into kynurenine in the initial limiting step of the kynurenine pathway. During the past decade, the overexpression of TDO2 has been found in various human tumors. However, the role of TDO2 in hepatocellular carcinoma is controversial, and we sought to clarify it in this study. Methods Western blot analysis and immunochemistry were used to detect the expression of TDO2 in human tissue specimens. The effect of TDO2 on cell proliferation in vitro was assessed using CCK8 and colony formation assays, and a xenograft mouse model was used to detect the effect of TDO2 on tumor growth in vivo. Flow cytometry was used to assess the cell cycle status. Results Low TDO2 expression was found in HCC and was associated with poor prognosis and adverse clinical outcomes. Conversely, TDO2 could restrain the proliferation of HCC cells in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, TDO2 upregulated the expression of p21 and p27, inducing cell-cycle arrest. Conclusions The loss of TDO2 expression in HCC was correlated with a poor prognosis and adverse clinical outcomes. At the same time, TDO2 could restrain the growth of HCC in vivo and in vitro. The results indicate that TDO2 is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
Collapse
|
87
|
Krkoška M, Svobodová J, Kabátková M, Zapletal O, Hyršlová Vaculová A, Nekvindová J, Vondráček J. Deregulation of signaling pathways controlling cell survival and proliferation in cancer cells alters induction of cytochrome P450 family 1 enzymes. Toxicology 2021; 461:152897. [PMID: 34403729 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 family 1 (CYP1) enzymes contribute both to metabolism of xenobiotics and to the control of endogenous levels of ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Their activities, similar to other CYPs, can be altered in tumor tissues. Here, we examined a possible role of proliferative/survival pathways signaling, which is often deregulated in tumor cells, and possible links with p300 histone acetyltransferase (a transcriptional co-activator) in the control of CYP1 expression, focusing particularly on CYP1A1. Using cell models derived from human liver, we observed that the induction of CYP1A1 expression, as well as other CYP1 enzymes, was reduced in exponentially growing cells, as compared with their non-dividing counterparts. The siRNA-mediated inhibition of proliferation/pro-survival signaling pathway effectors (such as β-catenin and/or Hippo pathway effectors YAP/TAZ) increased the AhR ligand-induced CYP1A1 mRNA levels in liver HepaRG cells, and/or in colon carcinoma HCT-116 cells. The activation of proliferative Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCT-116 cells reduced both the induction of CYP1 enzymes and the binding of p300 to the promoter of CYP1A1 or CYP1B1 genes. These results seem to indicate that aberrant proliferative signaling in tumor cells could suppress induction of CYP1A1 (or other CYP1 enzymes) via competition for p300 binding. This mechanism could be involved in modulation of the metabolism of both endogenous and exogenous substrates of CYP1A1 (and other CYP1 enzymes), with possible further consequences for alterations of the AhR signaling in tumor cells, or additional functional roles of CYP1 enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Krkoška
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Svobodová
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Kabátková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Zapletal
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Hyršlová Vaculová
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Nekvindová
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Sokolská 581, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vondráček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Mishra R, Nawas AF, Mendelson CR. Role of NRF2 in immune modulator expression in developing lung. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21758. [PMID: 34245611 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100129rr] [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: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
After birth, the alveolar epithelium is exposed to environmental pathogens and high O2 tensions. The alveolar type II cells may protect this epithelium through surfactant production. Surfactant protein, SP-A, an immune modulator, is developmentally upregulated in fetal lung with surfactant phospholipid synthesis. Herein, we observed that the redox-regulated transcription factor, NRF2, and co-regulated C/EBPβ and PPARγ, were markedly induced during cAMP-mediated differentiation of cultured human fetal lung (HFL) epithelial cells. This occurred with enhanced expression of immune modulators, SP-A, TDO2, AhR, and NQO1. Like SP-A, cAMP induction of NRF2 was prevented when cells were exposed to hypoxia. NRF2 knockdown inhibited induction of C/EBPβ, PPARγ, and immune modulators. Binding of endogenous NRF2 to promoters of SP-A and other immune modulator genes increased during HFL cell differentiation. In mouse fetal lung (MFL), a developmental increase in Nrf2, SP-A, Tdo2, Ahr, and Nqo1 and decrease in Keap1 occurred from 14.5 to 18.5 dpc. Developmental induction of Nrf2 in MFL was associated with increased nuclear localization of NF-κB p65, a decline in p38 MAPK phosphorylation, increase in the MAPK phosphatase, DUSP1, induction of the histone acetylase, CBP, and decline in the histone deacetylase, HDAC4. Thus, together with surfactant production, type II cells protect the alveolar epithelium through increased expression of NRF2 and immune modulators to prevent inflammation and oxidative stress. Our findings further suggest that lung cancer cells have usurped this developmental pathway to promote immune tolerance and enhance survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Mishra
- Department of Biochemistry, North Texas March of Dimes Birth Defects Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Afshan Fathima Nawas
- Department of Biochemistry, North Texas March of Dimes Birth Defects Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Carole R Mendelson
- Department of Biochemistry, North Texas March of Dimes Birth Defects Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, North Texas March of Dimes Birth Defects Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Med Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
89
|
Pham QT, Taniyama D, Sekino Y, Akabane S, Babasaki T, Kobayashi G, Sakamoto N, Sentani K, Oue N, Yasui W. Clinicopathologic features of TDO2 overexpression in renal cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:737. [PMID: 34174844 PMCID: PMC8236178 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08477-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) is the primary enzyme catabolizing tryptophan. Several lines of evidence revealed that overexpression of TDO2 is involved in anoikis resistance, spheroid formation, proliferation, and invasion and correlates with poor prognosis in some cancers. The aim of this research was to uncover the expression and biofunction of TDO2 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS To show the expression of TDO2 in RCC, we performed qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in integration with TCGA data analysis. The interaction of TDO2 with PD-L1, CD44, PTEN, and TDO2 expression was evaluated. We explored proliferation, colony formation, and invasion in RCC cells line affected by knockdown of TDO2. RESULTS RNA-Seq and immunohistochemical analysis showed that TDO2 expression was upregulated in RCC tissues and was associated with advanced disease and poor survival of RCC patients. Furthermore, TDO2 was co-expressed with PD-L1 and CD44. In silico analysis and in vitro knockout of PTEN in RCC cell lines revealed the ability of PTEN to regulate the expression of TDO2. Knockdown of TDO2 suppressed the proliferation and invasion of RCC cells. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that TDO2 might have an important role in disease progression and could be a promising marker for targeted therapy in RCC. (199 words).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quoc Thang Pham
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
- Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Daiki Taniyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yohei Sekino
- Department of Urology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shintaro Akabane
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Takashi Babasaki
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
- Department of Urology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Go Kobayashi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sentani
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Naohide Oue
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Wataru Yasui
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
Kynurenines as a Novel Target for the Treatment of Malignancies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070606. [PMID: 34201791 PMCID: PMC8308824 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignancies are unquestionably a significant public health problem. Their effective treatment is still a big challenge for modern medicine. Tumors have developed a wide range of mechanisms to evade an immune and therapeutic response. As a result, there is an unmet clinical need for research on solutions aimed at overcoming this problem. An accumulation of tryptophan metabolites belonging to the kynurenine pathway can enhance neoplastic progression because it causes the suppression of immune system response against cancer cells. They are also involved in the development of the mechanisms responsible for the resistance to antitumor therapy. Kynurenine belongs to the most potent immunosuppressive metabolites of this pathway and has a significant impact on the development of malignancies. This fact prompted researchers to assess whether targeting the enzymes responsible for its synthesis could be an effective therapeutic strategy for various cancers. To date, numerous studies, both preclinical and clinical, have been conducted on this topic, especially regarding the inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity and their results can be considered noteworthy. This review gathers and systematizes the knowledge about the role of the kynurenine pathway in neoplastic progression and the findings regarding the usefulness of modulating its activity in anticancer therapy.
Collapse
|
91
|
Chuang TD, Quintanilla D, Boos D, Khorram O. Tryptophan catabolism is dysregulated in leiomyomas. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1160-1171. [PMID: 34116832 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.05.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the expression and functional roles of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) in leiomyoma. DESIGN Experimental study. SETTING Academic research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Women undergoing hysterectomy for leiomyoma. INTERVENTION(S) Blockade of IDO1 and TDO2. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Expression of IDO1 and TDO2 in leiomyoma and the effects of their inhibitors on the extracellular matrix. RESULT(S) Leiomyoma expressed significantly higher levels of IDO1 and TDO2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA; 60.3%, 35/58 pairs and 98.3%, 57/58 pairs, respectively) and protein (54%, 27/50 pairs and 92%, 46/50 pairs, respectively) as well as the enzyme activity marker kynurenine (78.3%, 36/46 pairs for IDO1/TDO2) compared with levels in matched myometrium. The expression of TDO2 but not IDO1 mRNA was significantly higher in fibroids from African American compared with that in Caucasian and Hispanic patients. The TDO2 but not the IDO1 protein and mRNA levels were more abundant in fibroids bearing the MED12 mutation compared with results in wild-type leiomyomas. Treatment of leiomyoma smooth muscle cell and myometrial smooth muscle cell spheroids with the TDO2 inhibitor 680C91 but not the IDO1 inhibitor epacadostat significantly repressed cell proliferation and the expression of collagen type I (COL1A1) and type III (COL3A1) in a dose-dependent manner; these effects were more pronounced in leiomyoma smooth muscle cells compared with myometrial smooth muscle cell spheroids. CONCLUSION(S) These results underscore the physiological significance of the tryptophan degradation pathway in the pathogenesis of leiomyomas and the potential utility of anti-TDO2 drugs for treatment of leiomyomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Der Chuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center and The Lundquist Institute, Torrance, California
| | - Derek Quintanilla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center and The Lundquist Institute, Torrance, California
| | - Drake Boos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center and The Lundquist Institute, Torrance, California
| | - Omid Khorram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center and The Lundquist Institute, Torrance, California.
| |
Collapse
|
92
|
Pham QT, Taniyama D, Akabane S, Harada K, Babasaki T, Sekino Y, Hayashi T, Sakamoto N, Sentani K, Oue N, Yasui W. TDO2 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis, cancer stemness, and resistance to cetuximab in bladder cancer. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2021; 4:e1417. [PMID: 34101386 PMCID: PMC8714553 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most common cancer in the world. BC with muscle invasion results in a poor prognosis and is usually fatal. Cancer cell metabolism has an essential role in the development and progression of tumors. Expression of tryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenase (TDO2) is associated with tumor progression and worse survival in some other cancers. However, no studies have been performed to uncover the biofunctional roles of TDO2 in BC. Aim This study aim to investigate the clinicopathologic significance of TDO2 in BC. Methods and results TDO2 expression was evaluated by qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry in an integrated analysis with the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other published datasets. TDO2 overexpression was significantly associated with T classification, N classification, and M classification, tumor stage, recurrence, and basal type, and with the expression of CD44 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) in BC. High TDO2 expression correlated with poor outcome of BC patients. Using BC cell lines with knockdown and forced expression of TDO2, we found that TDO2 was involved in the growth, migration, and invasiveness of BC cells. Moreover, TDO2 was found to be crucial for spheroid formation in BC cells. Importantly, TDO2 promoted BC cells resistance to cetuximab through integration of the EGFR pathway. Conclusion Our results indicate that TDO2 might take an essential part in BC progression and could be a potential marker for targeted therapy in BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quoc Thang Pham
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Daiki Taniyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shintaro Akabane
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenji Harada
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Babasaki
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Urology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yohei Sekino
- Department of Urology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tetsuraro Hayashi
- Department of Urology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sentani
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naohide Oue
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Wataru Yasui
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Kwiatkowska I, Hermanowicz JM, Przybyszewska-Podstawka A, Pawlak D. Not Only Immune Escape-The Confusing Role of the TRP Metabolic Pathway in Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2667. [PMID: 34071442 PMCID: PMC8198784 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recently discovered phenomenon that cancer cells can avoid immune response has gained scientists' interest. One of the pathways involved in this process is tryptophan (TRP) metabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP). Individual components involved in TRP conversion seem to contribute to cancerogenesis both through a direct impact on cancer cells and the modulation of immune cell functionality. Due to this fact, this pathway may serve as a target for immunotherapy and attempts are being made to create novel compounds effective in cancer treatment. However, the results obtained from clinical trials are not satisfactory, which raises questions about the exact role of KP elements in tumorigenesis. An increasing number of experiments reveal that TRP metabolites may either be tumor promoters and suppressors and this is why further research in this field is highly needed. The aim of this study is to present KP as a modulator of cancer development through multiple mechanisms and to point to its ambiguity, which may be a reason for failures in treatment based on the inhibition of tryptophan metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Kwiatkowska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (D.P.)
| | - Justyna Magdalena Hermanowicz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (D.P.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Dariusz Pawlak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (D.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
94
|
Zhao L, Wang B, Yang C, Lin Y, Zhang Z, Wang S, Ye Y, Shen Z. TDO2 knockdown inhibits colorectal cancer progression via TDO2-KYNU-AhR pathway. Gene 2021; 792:145736. [PMID: 34051337 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to explore the expression levels and biological significance of TDO2 in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS First, we explored the potential oncogenic roles of TDO2 across 33 tumors based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Second, we evaluated TDO2 protein expression in 55 CRC tissue samples and 30 cDNA samples by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Third, we investigated the effect of TDO2 on CRC cells by cell proliferation, wound healing, invasion, and colony formation assays. Finally, we determined the protein that is most closely associated with TDO2 via bioinformatics analysis, enriched the key pathways, and verified them. RESULTS The expression level of TDO2 was found to be associated with the tumor clinical stage in CRC. A high expression of TDO2 was associated with a poor outcome in CRC patients. Inhibition of TDO2 expression by RNAi in LoVo and HCT116 cell lines significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities as well as colony formation abilities of cells. Further, knockdown of TDO2 expression induced inactivation of the TDO2-KYNU-AhR signaling pathway. CONCLUSION The results suggest that TDO2 plays an important role in the progression of CRC. Accordingly, TDO2 is a potential therapeutic target in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Beijing, PR China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, PR China; Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Changjiang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yilin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shan Wang
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yingjiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhanlong Shen
- Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research, Beijing, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
95
|
Lu Q, Wang L, Gao Y, Zhu P, Li L, Wang X, Jin Y, Zhi X, Yu J, Li X, Qin X, Zhou P. lncRNA APOC1P1-3 promoting anoikis-resistance of breast cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:232. [PMID: 33902604 PMCID: PMC8074441 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01916-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anoikis resistance plays a critical role in the tumor metastasis by allowing survival of cancer cells in the systemic circulation. We previously showed that long non-coding RNAs APOC1P1-3 (lncRNA APOC1P1-3) inhibit apoptosis of breast cancer cells. In this study, we explored its role in anoikis resistance. METHODS We induced anoikis resistance in two breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) under anchorage-independent culture conditions and studied lncRNA APOC1P1-3 effects on apoptosis. Using Dual-Luciferase activity assay, we determined whether it specifically binds to miRNA-188-3P. We further explored its role in lung metastasis by injecting MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-231-APOC1P1-3-knock-down cells in female BALB/c nude mice. RESULTS We found that lncRNA APOC1P1-3 suppressed early apoptosis of these cells (demonstrated by gain or loss of their function, respectively) and promoted anoikis resistance via reducing activated- Caspase 3, 8, 9 and PARP. Moreover, it specifically binds to the target miRNA-188-3p acting as a "sponge" to block the inhibition of Bcl-2 (an anti-apoptosis protein). CONCLUSIONS Our study supports a theory that lncRNA APOC1P1-3 can promote development of breast cancer metastasis via anoikis resistance by specifically binding to miRNA-188-3p to block the inhibition of Bcl-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Li Wang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, 2800 Gongwei Road, Pudong, Shanghai, 201399, China
| | - Yabiao Gao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Luying Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Youping Jin
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiuling Zhi
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jerry Yu
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial - Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xingjun Qin
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial - Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, No. 130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
96
|
Zhao Y, Tao F, Jiang J, Chen L, Du J, Cheng X, He Q, Zhong S, Chen W, Wu X, Ou R, Xu Y, Tang KF. Tryptophan 2, 3‑dioxygenase promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:445. [PMID: 33846800 PMCID: PMC8060793 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) is a key rate-limiting enzyme in the kynurenine pathway and promotes tumor growth and escape from immune surveillance in different types of cancer. The present study aimed to investigate whether TDO2 serves a role in the development of ovarian cancer. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression of TDO2 in different cell lines. The effects of TDO2 overexpression, TDO2 knockdown and TDO2 inhibitor on ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion were determined by MTS, colony formation and Transwell assays. The expression of TDO2 in ovarian cancer tissues, normal ovarian tissues and fallopian tube tissues were analyzed using the gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression project. Immune cell infiltration in cancer tissues was evaluated using the single sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithm. The present study found that RasV12-mediated oncogenic transformation was accompanied by the upregulation of TDO2. In addition, it was demonstrated that TDO2 was upregulated in ovarian cancer tissues compared with normal ovarian tissues. TDO2 overexpression promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, whereas TDO2 knockdown repressed these phenotypes. Treatment with LM10, a TDO2 inhibitor, also repressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. The present study indicated that TDO2 can be used as a new target for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuemei Zhao
- Digestive Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, P.R. China
| | - Fengxing Tao
- Department of Dermato‑Venereology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, P.R. China
| | - Jiayu Jiang
- Digestive Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, P.R. China
| | - Lina Chen
- Digestive Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, P.R. China
| | - Jizao Du
- Digestive Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Cheng
- Digestive Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, P.R. China
| | - Qin He
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Shouhui Zhong
- Digestive Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Digestive Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, P.R. China
| | - Rongying Ou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, P.R. China
| | - Yunsheng Xu
- Department of Dermato‑Venereology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, P.R. China
| | - Kai-Fu Tang
- Digestive Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor facilitates the human cytomegalovirus-mediated G1/S block to cell cycle progression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2026336118. [PMID: 33723080 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2026336118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tryptophan metabolite, kynurenine, is known to be produced at elevated levels within human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-infected fibroblasts. Kynurenine is an endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand. Here we show that the AhR is activated following HCMV infection, and pharmacological inhibition of AhR or knockdown of AhR RNA reduced the accumulation of viral RNAs and infectious progeny. RNA-seq analysis of infected cells following AhR knockdown showed that the receptor alters the levels of numerous RNAs, including RNAs related to cell cycle progression. AhR knockdown alleviated the G1/S cell cycle block that is normally instituted in HCMV-infected fibroblasts, consistent with its known ability to regulate cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. In sum, AhR is activated by kynurenine and perhaps other ligands produced during HCMV infection, it profoundly alters the infected-cell transcriptome, and one outcome of its activity is a block to cell cycle progression, providing mechanistic insight to a long-known element of the virus-host cell interaction.
Collapse
|
98
|
Vogel CFA, Lazennec G, Kado SY, Dahlem C, He Y, Castaneda A, Ishihara Y, Vogeley C, Rossi A, Haarmann-Stemmann T, Jugan J, Mori H, Borowsky AD, La Merrill MA, Sweeney C. Targeting the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Pathway in Breast Cancer Development. Front Immunol 2021; 12:625346. [PMID: 33763068 PMCID: PMC7982668 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.625346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) through environmental exposure to known human carcinogens including dioxins can lead to the promotion of breast cancer. While the repressor protein of the AhR (AhRR) blocks the canonical AhR pathway, the function of AhRR in the development of breast cancer is not well-known. In the current study we examined the impact of suppressing AhR activity using its dedicated repressor protein AhRR. AhRR is a putative tumor suppressor and is silenced in several cancer types, including breast, where its loss correlates with shorter patient survival. Using the AhRR transgenic mouse, we demonstrate that AhRR overexpression opposes AhR-driven and inflammation-induced growth of mammary tumors in two different murine models of breast cancer. These include a syngeneic model using E0771 mammary tumor cells as well as the Polyoma Middle T antigen (PyMT) transgenic model. Further AhRR overexpression or knockout of AhR in human breast cancer cells enhanced apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutics and inhibited the growth of mouse mammary tumor cells. This study provides the first in vivo evidence that AhRR suppresses mammary tumor development and suggests that strategies which lead to its functional restoration and expression may have therapeutic benefit.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Genetically Modified
- Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming/genetics
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/genetics
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Doxorubicin/pharmacology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Etoposide/pharmacology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- MCF-7 Cells
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/genetics
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism
- Repressor Proteins/genetics
- Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Time Factors
- Tumor Burden
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Mice
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph F. A. Vogel
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Sarah Y. Kado
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Carla Dahlem
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Yi He
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alejandro Castaneda
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Yasuhiro Ishihara
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Christian Vogeley
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andrea Rossi
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Juliann Jugan
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Hidetoshi Mori
- Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alexander D. Borowsky
- Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Michele A. La Merrill
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Colleen Sweeney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
99
|
Tabana Y, Okoye IS, Siraki A, Elahi S, Barakat KH. Tackling Immune Targets for Breast Cancer: Beyond PD-1/PD-L1 Axis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:628138. [PMID: 33747948 PMCID: PMC7973280 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.628138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of breast cancer is imposing a huge global problem. Drug discovery research and novel approaches to treat breast cancer have been carried out extensively over the last decades. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors are showing promising preclinical and clinical results in treating breast cancer, they are facing multiple limitations. From an immunological perspective, a recent report highlighted breast cancer as an "inflamed tumor" with an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Consequently, researchers have been focusing on identifying novel immunological targets that can tune up the tumor immune microenvironment. In this context, several novel non-classical immune targets have been targeted to determine their ability to uncouple immunoregulatory pathways at play in the tumor microenvironment. This article will highlight strategies designed to increase the immunogenicity of the breast tumor microenvironment. It also addresses the latest studies on targets which can enhance immune responses to breast cancer and discusses examples of preclinical and clinical trial landscapes that utilize these targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Tabana
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Isobel S. Okoye
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Arno Siraki
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Khaled H. Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
100
|
Cecchi M, Paccosi S, Silvano A, Eid AH, Parenti A. Dexamethasone Induces the Expression and Function of Tryptophan-2-3-Dioxygenase in SK-MEL-28 Melanoma Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030211. [PMID: 33806305 PMCID: PMC7998133 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) is one of the key tryptophan-catabolizing enzymes with immunoregulatory properties in cancer. Contrary to expectation, clinical trials showed that inhibitors of the ubiquitously expressed enzyme, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1), do not provide benefits in melanoma patients. This prompted the hypothesis that TDO may be a more attractive target. Because the promoter of TDO harbors glucocorticoid response elements (GREs), we aimed to assess whether dexamethasone (dex), a commonly used glucocorticoid, modulates TDO expression by means of RT-PCR and immunofluorescence and function by assessing cell proliferation and migration as well as metalloproteinase activity. Our results show that, in SK-Mel-28 melanoma cells, dex up-regulated TDO and its downstream effector aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) but not IDO1. Furthermore, dex stimulated cellular proliferation and migration and potentiated MMP2 activity. These effects were inhibited by the selective TDO inhibitor 680C91 and enhanced by IDO1 inhibitors. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the metastatic melanoma cell line SK-Mel-28 possesses a functional TDO which can also modulate cancer cell phenotype directly rather than through immune suppression. Thus, TDO appears to be a promising, tractable target in the management or the treatment of melanoma progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cecchi
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.C.); (S.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Sara Paccosi
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.C.); (S.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Angela Silvano
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.C.); (S.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Ali Hussein Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
- Correspondence: (A.H.E.); (A.P.); Tel.: +974-4403-7893 (A.H.E.)
| | - Astrid Parenti
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.C.); (S.P.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.H.E.); (A.P.); Tel.: +974-4403-7893 (A.H.E.)
| |
Collapse
|