PSPH induces cell autophagy and promotes cell proliferation and invasion in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh7 via the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway

Will AMPK be a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma?

Cancer is the disease that poses the greatest threat to human health today. Among them, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is particularly prominent due to its high recurrence rate and extremely low five-year postoperative survival rate. In addition to surgical treatment, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are the main methods for treating HCC. Due to the natural drug resistance of chemoradiotherapy and targeted drugs, satisfactory results have not been achieved in terms of therapeutic efficacy and cost. AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase. It mainly coordinates the metabolism and transformation of energy between cells, which maintaining a balance between energy supply and demand. The processes of cell growth, proliferation, autophagy, and survival all involve various reaction of cells to energy changes. The regulatory role of AMPK in cellular energy metabolism plays an important role in the occurrence, development, treatment, and prognosis of HCC. Here, we reviewed the latest progress on the regulatory role of AMPK in the occurrence and development of HCC. Firstly, the molecular structure and activation mechanism of AMPK were introduced. Secondly, the emerging regulator related to AMPK and tumors were elaborated. Next, the multitasking roles of AMPK in the occurrence and development mechanism of HCC were discussed separately. Finally, the translational implications and the challenges of AMPK-targeted therapies for HCC treatment were elaborated. In summary, these pieces of information suggest that AMPK can serve as a promising specific therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.

L-serine deficiency: on the properties of the Asn133Ser variant of human phosphoserine phosphatase

The non-essential amino acid L-serine is involved in a number of metabolic pathways and in the brain its level is largely due to the biosynthesis from the glycolytic intermediate D-3-phosphoglycerate by the phosphorylated pathway (PP). This cytosolic pathway is made by three enzymes proposed to generate a reversible metabolon named the "serinosome". Phosphoserine phosphatase (PSP) catalyses the last and irreversible step, representing the driving force pushing L-serine synthesis. Genetic defects of the PP enzymes result in strong neurological phenotypes. Recently, we identified the homozygous missense variant [NM_004577.4: c.398A > G p.(Asn133Ser)] in the PSPH, the PSP encoding gene, in two siblings with a neurodevelopmental syndrome and a myelopathy. The recombinant Asn133Ser enzyme does not show significant alterations in protein conformation and dimeric oligomerization state, as well as in enzymatic activity and functionality of the reconstructed PP. However, the Asn133Ser variant is less stable than wild-type PSP, a feature also apparent at cellular level. Studies on patients' fibroblasts also highlight a strong decrease in the level of the enzymes of the PP, a partial nuclear and perinuclear localization of variant PSP and a stronger perinuclear aggregates formation. We propose that these alterations contribute to the formation of a dysfunctional serinosome and thus to the observed reduction of L-serine, glycine and D-serine levels (the latter playing a crucial role in modulating NMDA receptors). The characterization of patients harbouring the Asn133Ser PSP substitution allows to go deep into the molecular mechanisms related to L-serine deficit and to suggest treatments to cope with the observed amino acids alterations.

The enzymes of serine synthesis pathway in cancer metastasis

Metastasis, the major cause of cancer mortality, requires cancer cells to reprogram their metabolism to adapt to and thrive in different environments, thereby leaving metastatic cells metabolic characteristics different from their parental cells. Mounting research has revealed that the de novo serine synthesis pathway (SSP), a glycolytic branching pathway that consumes glucose carbons for serine makeup and α-ketoglutarate generation and thus supports the proliferation, survival, and motility of cancer cells, is one such reprogrammed metabolic pathway. During different metastatic cascades, the SSP enzyme proteins or their enzymatic activity are both dynamically altered; manipulating their expression or catalytic activity could effectively prevent the progression of cancer metastasis; and the SSP enzymatic proteins could even conduce to metastasis via their nonenzymatic functions. In this article we overview the SSP dynamics during cancer metastasis and put the focuses on the regulatory role of the SSP in metastasis and the underlying mechanisms that mainly involve cellular anabolism/catabolism, redox balance, and epigenetics, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of therapeutic strategies for targeting metastatic lesions.

Unraveling the Janus-Faced Role of Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Therapeutic Interventions

This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying autophagy and mitophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autophagy is an essential cellular process in maintaining cell homeostasis. Still, its dysregulation is associated with the development of liver diseases, including HCC, which is one of leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. We focus on elucidating the dual role of autophagy in HCC, both in tumor initiation and progression, and highlighting the complex nature involved in the disease. In addition, we present a detailed analysis of a small subset of autophagy- and mitophagy-related molecules, revealing their specific functions during tumorigenesis and the progression of HCC cells. By understanding these mechanisms, we aim to provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies to manipulate autophagy effectively. The goal is to improve the therapeutic response of liver cancer cells and overcome drug resistance, providing new avenues for improved treatment options for HCC patients. Overall, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians interested in the complex role of autophagy in HCC and its potential as a target for innovative therapies aimed to combat this devastating disease.

Glycolysis maintains AMPK activation in sorafenib-induced Warburg effect

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second deadly cancer in the world and still lacks curative treatment. Aerobic glycolysis, or Warburg effect, is a major resistance mechanism induced by first-line treatment of HCC, sorafenib, and is regulated by the master regulator of metabolism, AMPK. Activation of AMPK is required for resistance; however, activation dynamics of AMPK and its regulation is rarely studied. Engineering cells to express an AMPK activity biosensor, we monitor AMPK activation in single HCC cells in a high throughput manner during sorafenib-induced drug resistance. Sorafenib induces transient activation of AMPK, duration of which is dependent on glucose. Inhibiting glycolysis shortens AMPK activation; whereas increasing glycolysis increases its activation duration. Our data highlight that activation duration of AMPK is important for cancer evasion of therapeutic treatment and glycolysis is a key regulator of activation duration of AMPK.

Downregulation of phosphoserine phosphatase potentiates tumor immune environments to enhance immune checkpoint blockade therapy

BACKGROUND

Effects of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited. The current study explored the possibility of exploiting tumor metabolic switches to enhance HCC sensitivity to immune therapies.

METHODS

Levels of one-carbon (1C) metabolism and the expression of phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH), an upstream enzyme of 1C pathway, were evaluated in paired non-tumor and tumor tissues from HCC. Underlying mechanisms mediating the role of PSPH in regulating the infiltration of monocytes/macrophages and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes were studied through both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

PSPH was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues of HCC and its levels were positively correlated with disease progression. PSPH knockdown inhibited tumor growth in immunocompetent mice, but not in those with macrophage or T lymphocyte deficiencies, indicating the pro-tumor effects of PSPH were dependent on both immune components. Mechanistically, PSPH facilitated monocytes/macrophages infiltration by inducing the production of C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2), while at the same time reduced CD8⁺ T lymphocytes recruitment through inhibiting the production of C-X-C Motif Chemokine 10 (CXCL10) in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-conditioned cancer cells. Glutathione and S-adenosyl-methionine were partially involved in regulating the production of CCL2 and CXCL10, respectively. shPSPH (short hairpin RNA) transfection of cancer cells enhanced tumor sensitivity to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy in vivo, and interestingly, metformin could inhibit PSPH expression in cancer cells and mimic the effects of shPSPH in sensitizing tumors to anti-PD-1 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

By tilting the immune balance towards a tumor-friendly composition, PSPH might be useful both as a marker in stratifying patients for ICB therapy, and as an attractive therapeutic target in the treatment of human HCC.

Klotho improves cardiac fibrosis, inflammatory cytokines, ferroptosis, and oxidative stress in mice with myocardial infarction

The anti-aging protein Klotho has been associated with cardiovascular health protection. Nevertheless, the protective mechanism remains unknown. The present study is aimed at exploring the effect of Klotho on cardiac remodeling and its potential mechanism in mice with myocardial infarction (MI). We used left anterior coronary artery descending ligation to develop an MI model for in vivo analyses. In contrast, H9C2 cells and cardiac fibroblasts were used to establish the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model in in vitro analyses. In vivo and in vitro models were treated with Klotho. Compound C, an AMPK signaling inhibitor, was used to determine whether Klotho's effects are mediated through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Echocardiography, Masson trichrome staining, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blot were used to detect the related indicators. The findings of the in vivo model indicate that Klotho treatment improved the mice's cardiac function, reduced cardiac fibrosis, and attenuated myocardial inflammatory factors, ferroptosis, and oxidative stress. The results of the in vitro model were in line with the findings of in vivo modeling. An AMPK inhibitor, Compound C, reversed all these effects. In conclusion, Klotho potentially improves cardiac remodeling in MI mice by regulating AMPK/mTOR signaling, demonstrating Klotho as an effective MI therapeutic agent.

The role of serine metabolism in lung cancer: From oncogenesis to tumor treatment

Metabolic reprogramming is an important hallmark of malignant tumors. Serine is a non-essential amino acid involved in cell proliferation. Serine metabolism, especially the de novo serine synthesis pathway, forms a metabolic network with glycolysis, folate cycle, and one-carbon metabolism, which is essential for rapidly proliferating cells. Owing to the rapid development in metabolomics, abnormal serine metabolism may serve as a biomarker for the early diagnosis and pathological typing of tumors. Targeting serine metabolism also plays an essential role in precision and personalized cancer therapy. This article is a systematic review of de novo serine biosynthesis and the link between serine and folate metabolism in tumorigenesis, particularly in lung cancer. In addition, we discuss the potential of serine metabolism to improve tumor treatment.

Identification of a seven-gene signature predicting clinical outcome of liver cancer based on tumor mutational burden

The total number of somatic mutations may affect the prognosis of cancer, so we applied bioinformatics methods to investigate the association between the TMB (tumor mutational burden)-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We calculated the TMB value of the patients with HCC in TCGA database and identified the differentially expressed genes between the high-TMB and low-TMB patients. We performed functional enrichment analysis and LASSO Cox regression analysis of the DEGs, and seven genes were screened to establish a risk score model. A nomogram based on the risk scores was drawn to assess the predictive outcomes compared to the actual outcomes. The expression level of the seven genes was verified in cancer cell lines. Moreover, we explored the difference in immune cells infiltration and immune checkpoints between the high-risk and low-risk groups. The results showed that the DEGs between the high-TMB and low-TMB patients were enriched in extracellular matrix organization. A seven-gene risk score model (PAGE1, CHGA, OGN, MMP7, TRIM55, MAGEA6, and MAGEA12) was established for predicting HCC prognosis. Patients with lower risk scores had longer survival time and lower mortality rate. The nomogram based on risk scores and TNM staging showed good performance and reliability in predicting the clinical outcomes. Significant differences in cell infiltration and checkpoints were found between the high-risk and low-risk groups. Our study demonstrated a seven-gene signature and a nomogram based on the risk score model to predict the prognosis of HCC. Some of the newly identified DEGs may be potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

Phosphoserine phosphatase as a prognostic biomarker in patients with gastric cancer and its potential association with immune cells

Background

Because of dismal prognosis in gastric cancer, identifying relevant prognostic factors is necessary. Phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH) exhibits different expression patterns in many cancers and has been reported to affect the prognosis of patients with cancer. In this study, we examined the prognostic role of metabolic gene PSPH in gastric cancer based on the TCGA dataset and our hospital–based cohort cases.

Methods

We collected and analysed RNA-seq data of Pan-cancer and gastric cancer in the TCGA dataset and PSPH expression data obtained from immunohistochemical analysis of 243 patients with gastric cancer from Sun Yat-sen University cancer center. Further, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox analysis were used to assess the effect of PSPH on prognosis. The ESTIMATE and Cibersort algorithms were used to elucidate the relationship between PSPH and the abundance of immune cells using the TCGA dataset.

Results

We observed that PSPH expression displayed considerably high in gastric cancer and it was significantly associated with inferior prognosis (P = 0.043). Surprisingly, there was a significant relationship between lower immune scores and high expression of PSPH (P < 0.05). Furthermore, patients with a low amount of immune cells exhibited poor prognosis (P = 0.046). The expression of PSPH significantly increased in activated memory CD4 T cells, resting NK cells and M0 macrophages (P = 0.037, < 0.001, and 0.005, respectively).

Conclusions

This study highlighted that PSPH influences the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer, and this is associated with the infiltration of tumour immune cells, indicating that PSPH may be a new immune-related target for treating gastric cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-021-02073-0.

Energy metabolism disorder mediated ammonia gas-induced autophagy via AMPK/mTOR/ULK1-Beclin1 pathway in chicken livers

Ammonia gas is a well-known environmental pollution gas, threatening human health. Ammonia gas is also one of the most harmful gases to livestock and poultry for many years. Many studies have demonstrated toxic effect of ammonia gas on animal health, such as eyes, respiratory system, and digestive system. However, the effect of ammonia gas toxicity on chicken livers and underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we selected chicken liver as research object and duplicated successfully ammonia gas poisoning model of chickens. 1-day-old Ross-308 broilers were randomly divided into the control group (the low ammonia gas group), and two treatment groups (the middle ammonia gas group and the high ammonia gas group) (3 replicates per group and 12 chickens per replicate). Ammonia gas concentration in the low ammonia gas group was ≤5 mg/m³ during day 1-42. Ammonia gas concentration in the middle group was set as 10 ± 0.5 mg/m³ during day 1-21, and 15 ± 0.5 mg/m³ during day 22-42). Ammonia gas concentration in the high ammonia gas group was set as 20 ± 0.5 mg/m³ during day 1-21, and 45 ± 0.5 mg/m³ during day 22-42. The ultrastructure of chicken livers was observed. The activities of four ATPases (Na⁺K⁺-ATPase, Mg⁺⁺-ATPase, Ca⁺⁺-ATPase, and Ca⁺⁺Mg⁺⁺-ATPase), the expression of twelve energy metabolism-related genes (HK1, HK2, PK, PFK, PDHX, CS, LDHA, LDHB, SDHA, SDHB, avUCP, and AMPK), as well as the expression of ten autophagy-related genes (PI3K, LC3I, LC3II, Beclin1, SQSTM1, mTOR, ULK1, ATG5, ATG12, and ATG13) were measured to explore the effect of ammonia gas on energy metabolism and autophagy in chicken livers. Our results showed that excess ammonia gas induced mitochondrial and autophagic damage in chicken liver tissue cells. Meanwhile, ATPases activities were inhibited and the expression of energy metabolism-related genes changed during ammonia gas treatment, meaning that excess ammonia gas caused energy metabolism disorder. Furthermore, ammonia gas exposure altered the expression of autophagy-related genes, suggesting that ammonia gas treatment caused autophagy in chicken livers. Moreover, ammonia gas-induced AMPK compensatory up-regulation activated autophagy process through inhibiting mTOR and promoting ULK1. In addition. there were dose-dependent and time-dependent effects on all detected indexes in ammonia gas-caused chicken liver cell damage. Taken together, AMPK/mTOR/ULK1-Beclin1 pathway participated in energy metabolism disorder-mediated autophagic injury caused by ammonia gas exposure in chicken livers.