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Luchkova A, Mata A, Cadenas S. Nrf2 as a regulator of energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:2092-2105. [PMID: 39118293 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is essential for the control of cellular redox homeostasis. When activated, Nrf2 elicits cytoprotective effects through the expression of several genes encoding antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes. Nrf2 can also improve antioxidant defense via the pentose phosphate pathway by increasing NADPH availability to regenerate glutathione. Microarray and genome-wide localization analyses have identified many Nrf2 target genes beyond those linked to its redox-regulatory capacity. Nrf2 regulates several intermediary metabolic pathways and is involved in cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, contributing to malignant phenotypes. Nrf2 also modulates substrate utilization for mitochondrial respiration. Here we review the experimental evidence supporting the essential role of Nrf2 in the regulation of energy metabolism and mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Luchkova
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC/UAM), Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Mata
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC/UAM), Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Cadenas
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC/UAM), Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Shi G, Li X, Wang W, Hou L, Yin L, Wang L. Allicin Overcomes Doxorubicin Resistance of Breast Cancer Cells by Targeting the Nrf2 Pathway. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024; 82:659-667. [PMID: 38411783 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01215-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a lethal disorder that threatens the life safety of the majority of females globally, with rising morbidity and mortality year by year. Doxorubicin is a cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotic that is widely used as one of the first-line chemotherapy agents for patients with BC. However, the efficacy of doxorubicin in the clinic is largely limited by its serious side effects and acquired drug resistance. Allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate), as the major component and key active compound present in freshly crushed garlic, has shown potential effects in suppressing chemotherapy resistance in various cancers. Our research aimed to explore the relationship between allicin and doxorubicin resistance in BC. To generate doxorubicin-resistant BC cell lines (MCF-7/DOX and MDA-MB-231/DOX), doxorubicin-sensitive parental cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 were continuously exposed to stepwise increased concentrations of doxorubicin over a period of 6 months. CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and western blotting assays were performed to investigate the effects of allicin and/or doxorubicin treatment on the viability, proliferation and apoptosis and the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, phosphate AKT and AKT in doxorubicin-resistant BC cells. Our results showed that combined treatment of allicin with doxorubicin exhibited better effects on inhibiting the proliferation and enhancing the apoptosis of doxorubicin-resistant BC cells than treatment with allicin or doxorubicin alone. Mechanistically, allicin suppressed the levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and phosphate AKT in doxorubicin-resistant BC cells. Collectively, allicin improves the doxorubicin sensitivity of BC cells by inactivating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojian Shi
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Suzhou Wuzhong People's Hospital, Suzhou, 215128, China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Suzhou Wuzhong People's Hospital, Suzhou, 215128, China
| | - Weiping Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Kunshan Second People's Hospital, Suzhou, 215300, China
| | - Lili Hou
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Suzhou Wuzhong People's Hospital, Suzhou, 215128, China
| | - Lei Yin
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Suzhou Wuzhong People's Hospital, Suzhou, 215128, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Oncology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, 215300, China.
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Li K, Deng Z, Lei C, Ding X, Li J, Wang C. The Role of Oxidative Stress in Tumorigenesis and Progression. Cells 2024; 13:441. [PMID: 38474405 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the endogenous antioxidant defense system. Its involvement in cell senescence, apoptosis, and series diseases has been demonstrated. Advances in carcinogenic research have revealed oxidative stress as a pivotal pathophysiological pathway in tumorigenesis and to be involved in lung cancer, glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, leukemia, and so on. This review combs the effects of oxidative stress on tumorigenesis on each phase and cell fate determination, and three features are discussed. Oxidative stress takes part in the processes ranging from tumorigenesis to tumor death via series pathways and processes like mitochondrial stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and ferroptosis. It can affect cell fate by engaging in the complex relationships between senescence, death, and cancer. The influence of oxidative stress on tumorigenesis and progression is a multi-stage interlaced process that includes two aspects of promotion and inhibition, with mitochondria as the core of regulation. A deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the effects of oxidative stress on tumorigenesis is conducive to exploring more tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Li
- Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, 49 Xilingol South Road, Yu Quan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Zhangyuzi Deng
- Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, 49 Xilingol South Road, Yu Quan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Chunran Lei
- Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, 49 Xilingol South Road, Yu Quan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ding
- Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, 49 Xilingol South Road, Yu Quan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Jing Li
- Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, 49 Xilingol South Road, Yu Quan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Changshan Wang
- Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, 49 Xilingol South Road, Yu Quan District, Hohhot 010020, China
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Baird L, Yamamoto M. Immunoediting of KEAP1-NRF2 mutant tumours is required to circumvent NRF2-mediated immune surveillance. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102904. [PMID: 37839356 PMCID: PMC10590843 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In human cancer, activating mutations in the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway are frequently observed, and positively selected for, as they confer the cytoprotective functions of the transcription factor NRF2 on the cancer cells. This results in the development of aggressive tumours which are resistant to treatment with chemotherapeutic compounds. Recent clinical developments have also revealed that NRF2-activated cancers are similarly resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs. As the mechanism of action of these immune modulating therapies is tangential to the classical cytoprotective function of NRF2, it is unclear how aberrant NRF2 activity could impact the anti-cancer functionality of the immune system. In this context, we found that in human cancer, NRF2-activated cells are highly immunoedited, which allows the cancer cells to escape immune surveillance and develop into malignant tumours. This immunoediting takes the form of reduced antigen presentation by the MHC-I complex, coupled with reduced expression of activating ligands for NK cells. Together, these modifications to the immunogenicity of NRF2-activated cancers inhibit immune effector cell infiltration and engagement, and contribute to the formation of the immunologically cold tumour microenvironment which is a characteristic feature of NRF2-activated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Baird
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku University, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan; Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tohoku University, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan; Advanced Research Center for Innovations in Next-Generation Medicine (INGEM), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
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Li J, Zhang J, Zhu Y, Afolabi LO, Chen L, Feng X. Natural Compounds, Optimal Combination of Brusatol and Polydatin Promote Anti-Tumor Effect in Breast Cancer by Targeting Nrf2 Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098265. [PMID: 37175972 PMCID: PMC10179160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been clearly recognized as a heterogeneous tumor with the worst prognosis among the subtypes of breast cancer (BC). The advent and application of current small-molecule drugs for treating TNBC, as well as other novel inhibitors, among others, have made treatment options for TNBC more selective. However, there are still problems, such as poor patient tolerance, large administration doses, high dosing frequency, and toxic side effects, necessitating the development of more efficient and less toxic treatment strategies. High expression of Nrf2, a vital antioxidant transcription factor, often promotes tumor progression, and it is also one of the most effective targets in BC therapy. We found that in MDA-MB-231 cells and SUM159 cells, brusatol (BRU) combined with polydatin (PD) could significantly inhibit cell proliferation in vitro, significantly downregulate the expression of Nrf2 protein as well as the expression of downstream related target genes Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1 (NQO1), and promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels to further strengthen the anti-tumor effect. Furthermore, we discovered in our in vivo experiments that by reducing the drug dosage three times, we could significantly reduce tumor cell growth while avoiding toxic side effects, providing a treatment method with greater clinical application value for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Jianchao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lukman O Afolabi
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xuesong Feng
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
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Roberts JA, Rainbow RD, Sharma P. Mitigation of Cardiovascular Disease and Toxicity through NRF2 Signalling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076723. [PMID: 37047696 PMCID: PMC10094784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular toxicity and diseases are phenomena that have a vastly detrimental impact on morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology driving the development of these conditions is multifactorial but commonly includes the perturbance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling, iron homeostasis and mitochondrial bioenergetics. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2)-related factor 2 (NRF2), a master regulator of cytoprotective responses, drives the expression of genes that provide resistance to oxidative, electrophilic and xenobiotic stresses. Recent research has suggested that stimulation of the NRF2 signalling pathway can alleviate cardiotoxicity and hallmarks of cardiovascular disease progression. However, dysregulation of NRF2 dynamic responses can be severely impacted by ageing processes and off-target toxicity from clinical medicines including anthracycline chemotherapeutics, rendering cells of the cardiovascular system susceptible to toxicity and subsequent tissue dysfunction. This review addresses the current understanding of NRF2 mechanisms under homeostatic and cardiovascular pathophysiological conditions within the context of wider implications for this diverse transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Roberts
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Richard D. Rainbow
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Parveen Sharma
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
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