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Abdelrahman AA, Sandow PV, Wang J, Xu Z, Rojas M, Bomalaski JS, Lemtalsi T, Caldwell RB, Caldwell RW. Arginine deprivation/citrulline augmentation with ADI-PEG20 as novel therapy for complications in type 2 diabetes. Mol Metab 2024; 89:102020. [PMID: 39214514 PMCID: PMC11414555 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.102020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress mediate the pathological progression of diabetic complications, like diabetic retinopathy (DR), peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and impaired wound healing. Studies have shown that treatment with a stable form of arginase 1 that reduces l-arginine levels and increases ornithine and urea limits retinal injury and improves visual function in DR. We tested the therapeutic efficacy of PEGylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20) that depletes l-arginine and elevates l-citrulline on diabetic complications in the db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS Mice received intraperitoneal (IP), intramuscular (IM), or intravitreal (IVT) injections of ADI-PEG20 or PEG20 as control. Effects on body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, blood-retinal-barrier (BRB) function, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, thermal sensitivity, and wound healing were determined. Studies using bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) examined the underlying signaling pathway. RESULTS Systemic injections of ADI-PEG20 reduced body weight and blood glucose and decreased oxidative stress and inflammation in db/db retinas. These changes were associated with improved BRB and visual function along with thermal sensitivity and wound healing. IVT injections of either ADI-PEG20, anti-VEGF antibody or their combination also improved BRB and visual function. ADI-PEG20 treatment also prevented LPS/IFNℽ-induced activation of BMDM in vitro as did depletion of l-arginine and elevation of l-citrulline. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION ADI-PEG20 treatment limited signs of DR and DPN and enhanced wound healing in db/db mice. Studies using BMDM suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of ADI-PEG20 involve blockade of the JAK2-STAT1 signaling pathway via l-arginine depletion and l-citrulline production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar A Abdelrahman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912 USA; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA.
| | - Porsche V Sandow
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912 USA; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | - Zhimin Xu
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | - Modesto Rojas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912 USA; Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | | | - Tahira Lemtalsi
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | - Ruth B Caldwell
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
| | - Robert W Caldwell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912 USA; Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA; Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912 USA.
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Yang C, Pataskar A, Feng X, Montenegro Navarro J, Paniagua I, Jacobs JJL, Zaal EA, Berkers CR, Bleijerveld OB, Agami R. Arginine deprivation enriches lung cancer proteomes with cysteine by inducing arginine-to-cysteine substitutants. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1904-1916.e7. [PMID: 38759626 PMCID: PMC11129317 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.04.012] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Many types of human cancers suppress the expression of argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1), a rate-limiting enzyme for arginine production. Although dependency on exogenous arginine can be harnessed by arginine-deprivation therapies, the impact of ASS1 suppression on the quality of the tumor proteome is unknown. We therefore interrogated proteomes of cancer patients for arginine codon reassignments (substitutants) and surprisingly identified a strong enrichment for cysteine (R>C) in lung tumors specifically. Most R>C events did not coincide with genetically encoded R>C mutations but were likely products of tRNA misalignments. The expression of R>C substitutants was highly associated with oncogenic kelch-like epichlorohydrin (ECH)-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)-pathway mutations and suppressed by intact-KEAP1 in KEAP1-mutated cancer cells. Finally, functional interrogation indicated a key role for R>C substitutants in cell survival to cisplatin, suggesting that regulatory codon reassignments endow cancer cells with more resilience to stress. Thus, we present a mechanism for enriching lung cancer proteomes with cysteines that may affect therapeutic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Abhijeet Pataskar
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Xiaodong Feng
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jasmine Montenegro Navarro
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Inés Paniagua
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline J L Jacobs
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Esther A Zaal
- Division of Cell Biology, Metabolism & Cancer, Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Celia R Berkers
- Division of Cell Biology, Metabolism & Cancer, Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Onno B Bleijerveld
- NKI Proteomics Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Reuven Agami
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC, Department of Genetics, Rotterdam University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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3
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Zuo Z, Zhou Z, Chang Y, Liu Y, Shen Y, Li Q, Zhang L. Ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2): Regulation, function and targeting strategy in human cancer. Genes Dis 2024; 11:218-233. [PMID: 37588202 PMCID: PMC10425756 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2) is a small subunit in ribonucleotide reductases, which participate in nucleotide metabolism and catalyze the conversion of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides, maintaining the dNTP pools for DNA biosynthesis, repair, and replication. RRM2 performs a critical role in the malignant biological behaviors of cancers. The structure, regulation, and function of RRM2 and its inhibitors were discussed. RRM2 gene can produce two transcripts encoding the same ORF. RRM2 expression is regulated at multiple levels during the processes from transcription to translation. Moreover, this gene is associated with resistance, regulated cell death, and tumor immunity. In order to develop and design inhibitors of RRM2, appropriate strategies can be adopted based on different mechanisms. Thus, a greater appreciation of the characteristics of RRM2 is a benefit for understanding tumorigenesis, resistance in cancer, and tumor microenvironment. Moreover, RRM2-targeted therapy will be more attention in future therapeutic approaches for enhancement of treatment effects and amelioration of the dismal prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanwen Zuo
- Innovative Drug R&D Center, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, Anhui 235000, China
- National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), and School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Zerong Zhou
- Innovative Drug R&D Center, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, Anhui 235000, China
- National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), and School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Yuzhou Chang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- School of Agriculture and Biology, and Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yuping Shen
- College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, Hunan 425199, China
| | - Qizhang Li
- Innovative Drug R&D Center, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, Anhui 235000, China
- National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), and School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430068, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Innovative Drug R&D Center, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, Anhui 235000, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Karno B, Edwards DN, Chen J. Metabolic control of cancer metastasis: role of amino acids at secondary organ sites. Oncogene 2023; 42:3447-3456. [PMID: 37848626 PMCID: PMC11323979 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02868-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Most cancer-related deaths are caused by the metastases, which commonly develop at multiple organ sites including the brain, bone, and lungs. Despite longstanding observations that the spread of cancer is not random, our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie metastatic spread to specific organs remains limited. However, metabolism has recently emerged as an important contributor to metastasis. Amino acids are a significant nutrient source to cancer cells and their metabolism which can serve to fuel biosynthetic pathways capable of facilitating cell survival and tumor expansion while also defending against oxidative stress. Compared to the primary tumor, each of the common metastatic sites exhibit vastly different nutrient compositions and environmental stressors, necessitating the need of cancer cells to metabolically thrive in their new environment during colonization and outgrowth. This review seeks to summarize the current literature on amino acid metabolism pathways that support metastasis to common secondary sites, including impacts on immune responses. Understanding the role of amino acids in secondary organ sites may offer opportunities for therapeutic inhibition of cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breelyn Karno
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Deanna N Edwards
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jin Chen
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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5
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Wu D, Si M, Xue HY, Tran NT, Khalili K, Kaminski R, Wong HL. Lipid nanocarrier targeting activated macrophages for antiretroviral therapy of HIV reservoir. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:1343-1360. [PMID: 37815117 PMCID: PMC10652294 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0120] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To develop lipid nano-antiretrovirals (LNAs) for the treatment of HIV-infected macrophages. Materials & methods: LNAs were prepared with docosahexaenoic acid to facilitate brain penetration and surface-decorated with folate considering that infected macrophages often overexpress folate receptors. Results: Folate-decorated LNAs loading rilpivirine (RPV) were efficiently taken up by folate receptor-expressing cell types including activated macrophages. The intracellular Cmax of the RPV-LNAs in activated macrophages was 2.54-fold and the area under the curve was 3.4-fold versus free RPV, translating to comparable or higher (p < 0.01; RPV ≤6.5 ng/ml) activities against HIV infectivity and superior protection (p < 0.05) against HIV cytotoxicity. LNAs were also effective in monocyte-derived macrophages. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the potential of LNAs for the treatment of infected macrophages, which are key players in HIV reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Mengjie Si
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Hui Yi Xue
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Ngoc T Tran
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Kamel Khalili
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Rafal Kaminski
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Ho Lun Wong
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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6
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Chu YD, Lai MW, Yeh CT. Unlocking the Potential of Arginine Deprivation Therapy: Recent Breakthroughs and Promising Future for Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10668. [PMID: 37445845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310668] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that supports protein synthesis to maintain cellular functions. Recent studies suggest that arginine also promotes wound healing, cell division, ammonia metabolism, immune system regulation, and hormone biosynthesis-all of which are critical for tumor growth. These discoveries, coupled with the understanding of cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, have led to renewed interest in arginine deprivation as a new anticancer therapy. Several arginine deprivation strategies have been developed and entered clinical trials. The main principle behind these therapies is that arginine auxotrophic tumors rely on external arginine sources for growth because they carry reduced key arginine-synthesizing enzymes such as argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) in the intracellular arginine cycle. To obtain anticancer effects, modified arginine-degrading enzymes, such as PEGylated recombinant human arginase 1 (rhArg1-PEG) and arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG 20), have been developed and shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. They have been tried as a monotherapy or in combination with other existing therapies. This review discusses recent advances in arginine deprivation therapy, including the molecular basis of extracellular arginine degradation leading to tumor cell death, and how this approach could be a valuable addition to the current anticancer arsenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-De Chu
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Lai
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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7
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Assi G, Faour WH. Arginine deprivation as a treatment approach targeting cancer cell metabolism and survival: A review of the literature. Eur J Pharmacol 2023:175830. [PMID: 37277030 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175830] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Amino acid requirement of metabolically active cells is a key element in cellular survival. Of note, cancer cells were shown to have an abnormal metabolism and high-energy requirements including the high amino acid requirement needed for growth factor synthesis. Thus, amino acid deprivation is considered a novel approach to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and offer potential treatment prospects. Accordingly, arginine was proven to play a significant role in cancer cell metabolism and therapy. Arginine depletion induced cell death in various types of cancer cells. Also, the various mechanisms of arginine deprivation, e.g., apoptosis and autophagy were summarized. Finally, the adaptive mechanisms of arginine were also investigated. Several malignant tumors had high amino acid metabolic requirements to accommodate their rapid growth. Antimetabolites that prevent the production of amino acids were also developed as anticancer therapies and are currently under clinical investigation. The aim of this review is to provide a concise literature on arginine metabolism and deprivation, its effects in different tumors, its different modes of action, as well as the related cancerous escape mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghaith Assi
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon, P.O. Box 36
| | - Wissam H Faour
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon, P.O. Box 36.
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8
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Anakha J, Prasad YR, Sharma N, Pande AH. Human arginase I: a potential broad-spectrum anti-cancer agent. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:159. [PMID: 37152001 PMCID: PMC10156892 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03590-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
With high rates of morbidity and mortality, cancer continues to pose a serious threat to public health on a global scale. Considering the discrepancies in metabolism between cancer and normal cells, metabolism-based anti-cancer biopharmaceuticals are gaining importance. Normal cells can synthesize arginine, but they can also take up extracellular arginine, making it a semi-essential amino acid. Arginine auxotrophy occurs when a cancer cell has abnormalities in the enzymes involved in arginine metabolism and relies primarily on extracellular arginine to support its biological functions. Taking advantage of arginine auxotrophy in cancer cells, arginine deprivation, which can be induced by introducing recombinant human arginase I (rhArg I), is being developed as a broad-spectrum anti-cancer therapy. This has led to the development of various rhArg I variants, which have shown remarkable anti-cancer activity. This article discusses the importance of arginine auxotrophy in cancer and different arginine-hydrolyzing enzymes that are in various stages of clinical development and reviews the need for a novel rhArg I that mitigates the limitations of the existing therapies. Further, we have also analyzed the necessity as well as the significance of using rhArg I to treat various arginine-auxotrophic cancers while considering the importance of their genetic profiles, particularly urea cycle enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Anakha
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Yenisetti Rajendra Prasad
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Nisha Sharma
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
| | - Abhay H. Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, 160062 Punjab India
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Guillén-Mancina E, Jiménez-Alonso JJ, Calderón-Montaño JM, Jiménez-González V, Díaz-Ortega P, Burgos-Morón E, López-Lázaro M. Artificial Diets with Selective Restriction of Amino Acids and Very Low Levels of Lipids Induce Anticancer Activity in Mice with Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051540. [PMID: 36900331 PMCID: PMC10000978 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) need new therapies to improve the low survival rates achieved with standard treatments. In this work, we show for the first time that the survival of mice with metastatic TNBC can be markedly increased by replacing their normal diet with artificial diets in which the levels of amino acids (AAs) and lipids are strongly manipulated. After observing selective anticancer activity in vitro, we prepared five artificial diets and evaluated their anticancer activity in a challenging model of metastatic TNBC. The model was established by injecting 4T1 murine TNBC cells into the tail vein of immunocompetent BALB/cAnNRj mice. First-line drugs doxorubicin and capecitabine were also tested in this model. AA manipulation led to modest improvements in mice survival when the levels of lipids were normal. Reducing lipid levels to 1% markedly improved the activity of several diets with different AA content. Some mice fed the artificial diets as monotherapy lived much longer than mice treated with doxorubicin and capecitabine. An artificial diet without 10 non-essential AAs, with reduced levels of essential AAs, and with 1% lipids improved the survival not only of mice with TNBC but also of mice with other types of metastatic cancers.
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Bench-to-Bedside Studies of Arginine Deprivation in Cancer. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052150. [PMID: 36903394 PMCID: PMC10005060 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid which becomes wholly essential in many cancers commonly due to the functional loss of Argininosuccinate Synthetase 1 (ASS1). As arginine is vital for a plethora of cellular processes, its deprivation provides a rationale strategy for combatting arginine-dependent cancers. Here we have focused on pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20, pegargiminase)-mediated arginine deprivation therapy from preclinical through to clinical investigation, from monotherapy to combinations with other anticancer therapeutics. The translation of ADI-PEG20 from the first in vitro studies to the first positive phase 3 trial of arginine depletion in cancer is highlighted. Finally, this review discusses how the identification of biomarkers that may denote enhanced sensitivity to ADI-PEG20 beyond ASS1 may be realized in future clinical practice, thus personalising arginine deprivation therapy for patients with cancer.
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11
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Potential Therapies Targeting the Metabolic Reprogramming of Diabetes-Associated Breast Cancer. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13010157. [PMID: 36675817 PMCID: PMC9861470 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, diabetes-associated breast cancer has become a significant clinical challenge. Diabetes is not only a risk factor for breast cancer but also worsens its prognosis. Patients with diabetes usually show hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, which are accompanied by different glucose, protein, and lipid metabolism disorders. Metabolic abnormalities observed in diabetes can induce the occurrence and development of breast cancer. The changes in substrate availability and hormone environment not only create a favorable metabolic environment for tumorigenesis but also induce metabolic reprogramming events required for breast cancer cell transformation. Metabolic reprogramming is the basis for the development, swift proliferation, and survival of cancer cells. Metabolism must also be reprogrammed to support the energy requirements of the biosynthetic processes in cancer cells. In addition, metabolic reprogramming is essential to enable cancer cells to overcome apoptosis signals and promote invasion and metastasis. This review aims to describe the major metabolic changes in diabetes and outline how cancer cells can use cellular metabolic changes to drive abnormal growth and proliferation. We will specifically examine the mechanism of metabolic reprogramming by which diabetes may promote the development of breast cancer, focusing on the role of glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism in this process and potential therapeutic targets. Although diabetes-associated breast cancer has always been a common health problem, research focused on finding treatments suitable for the specific needs of patients with concurrent conditions is still limited. Most studies are still currently in the pre-clinical stage and mainly focus on reprogramming the glucose metabolism. More research targeting the amino acid and lipid metabolism is needed.
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Reprogramming T-Cell Metabolism for Better Anti-Tumor Immunity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193103. [PMID: 36231064 PMCID: PMC9562038 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells play central roles in the anti-tumor immunity, whose activation and differentiation are profoundly regulated by intrinsic metabolic reprogramming. Emerging evidence has revealed that metabolic processes of T cells are generally altered by tumor cells or tumor released factors, leading to crippled anti-tumor immunity. Therefore, better understanding of T cell metabolic mechanism is crucial in developing the next generation of T cell-based anti-tumor immunotherapeutics. In this review, we discuss how metabolic pathways affect T cells to exert their anti-tumor effects and how to remodel the metabolic programs to improve T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses. We emphasize that glycolysis, carboxylic acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation, cholesterol metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism work together to tune tumor-reactive T-cell activation and proliferation.
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Safrhansova L, Hlozkova K, Starkova J. Targeting amino acid metabolism in cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 373:37-79. [PMID: 36283767 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic rewiring is a characteristic hallmark of cancer cells. This phenomenon sustains uncontrolled proliferation and resistance to apoptosis by increasing nutrients and energy supply. However, reprogramming comes together with vulnerabilities that can be used against tumor and can be applied in targeted therapy. In the last years, the genetic background of tumors has been identified thoroughly and new therapies targeting those mutations tested. Nevertheless, we propose that targeting the phenotype of cancer cells could be another way of treatment aiming to avoid drug resistance and non-responsiveness of cancer patients. Amino acid metabolism is part of the altered processes in cancer cells. Amino acids are building blocks and also sensors of signaling pathways regulating main biological processes. In this comprehensive review, we described four amino acids (asparagine, arginine, methionine, and cysteine) which have been actively investigated as potential targets for anti-tumor therapy. Asparagine depletion is successfully used for decades in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and there is a strong implication to apply it to other types of tumors. Arginine auxotrophic tumors are great candidates for arginine-starvation therapy. Higher requirement for essential amino acids such as methionine and cysteine point out promising targetable weaknesses of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Safrhansova
- CLIP - Childhood Leukaemia Investigation Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Dept. of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Hlozkova
- CLIP - Childhood Leukaemia Investigation Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Dept. of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Julia Starkova
- CLIP - Childhood Leukaemia Investigation Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Dept. of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic.
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