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Liu Z, Teng C, Wan W, Wu F, Wu C, Ji W, Shan Y. A panel of four plasma amino acids is a promising biomarker for newly diagnosed bladder cancer. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:1599-1608. [PMID: 38776618 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.05.003] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis and recurrence are the main causes of death in post-operative bladder cancer (BC), emphasizing the importance of exploring early-stage diagnostic markers. Serum biomarkers constitute a promising diagnostic approach for asymptomatic stage cancer as they are non-invasive, have high accuracy and low cost. AIMS To correlate concentrations of plasma amino acids with BC progression to assess their utility as an early-stage diagnostic. METHODS Newly diagnosed BC patients (n = 95) and normal controls (n = 96) were recruited during the period from 1 December 2018 to 30 December 2020. General and food frequency questionnaires established their basic information and dietary intake data. Venous blood samples were collected from fasting subjects and used to detect levels of plasma amino acids by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Verification was performed on the GSE13507 transcriptome gene expression matrix of BC from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. RESULTS Eleven amino acids have been identified as altered in the plasma of newly diagnosed BC patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). Adjusted by gender, education, smoking and other factors, plasma ornithine level (OR = 0.256, 95% CI: 0.104-0.630) is a protective factor for BC, plasma levels of methionine (OR = 3.460, 95% CI: 1.384-8.651), arginine (OR = 3.851, 95% CI: 1.542-9.616), and glutamate (OR = 3.813, 95% CI: 1.543-9.419) are all risk factors for BC. ROC analysis demonstrated that the combination of plasma ornithine, methionine, arginine and glutamate could accurately diagnose BC (AUC = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.747-0.833). In addition, the mRNA level of arginase 1 was decreased (P < 0.05), while the inducible nitric oxide synthase was increased significantly, which may be linked with the disturbance of arginine metabolism in BC patients. Further analysis of GEO database confirmed the role of arginine metabolism. CONCLUSION A biomarker panel containing four amino acids may provide a feasible strategy for the early diagnosis of BC. However, further validation is required through prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Chunying Teng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Food Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Wenting Wan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Weiping Ji
- Department of General Surgery, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China.
| | - Yujuan Shan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Science and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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2
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Wang ZB, Zhang X, Fang C, Liu XT, Liao QJ, Wu N, Wang J. Immunotherapy and the ovarian cancer microenvironment: Exploring potential strategies for enhanced treatment efficacy. Immunology 2024. [PMID: 38618976 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite progress in cancer immunotherapy, ovarian cancer (OC) prognosis continues to be disappointing. Recent studies have shed light on how not just tumour cells, but also the complex tumour microenvironment, contribute to this unfavourable outcome of OC immunotherapy. The complexities of the immune microenvironment categorize OC as a 'cold tumour'. Nonetheless, understanding the precise mechanisms through which the microenvironment influences the effectiveness of OC immunotherapy remains an ongoing scientific endeavour. This review primarily aims to dissect the inherent characteristics and behaviours of diverse cells within the immune microenvironment, along with an exploration into its reprogramming and metabolic changes. It is expected that these insights will elucidate the operational dynamics of the immune microenvironment in OC and lay a theoretical groundwork for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in OC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Bin Wang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Xiu Zhang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Fang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Liu
- The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Qian-Jin Liao
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Nayiyuan Wu
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
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Mendoza RM, Song JH, Jung YT, Paik HD, Park YS, Kang DK. Recombinant Arginine Deiminase from Levilactobacillus brevis Inhibits the Growth of Stomach Cancer Cells, Possibly by Activating the Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4163. [PMID: 38673749 PMCID: PMC11050082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084163] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The anticancer potential of Levilactobacillus brevis KU15176 against the stomach cancer cell line AGS has been reported previously. In this study, we aimed to analyze the genome of L. brevis KU15176 and identify key genes that may have potential anticancer properties. Among potential anticancer molecules, the role of arginine deiminase (ADI) in conferring an antiproliferative functionality was confirmed. In vitro assay against AGS cell line confirmed that recombinant ADI from L. brevis KU15176 (ADI_br, 5 µg/mL), overexpressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3), exerted an inhibitory effect on AGS cell growth, resulting in a 65.32% reduction in cell viability. Moreover, the expression of apoptosis-related genes, such as bax, bad, caspase-7, and caspase-3, as well as the activity of caspase-9 in ADI_br-treated AGS cells, was higher than those in untreated (culture medium-only) cells. The cell-scattering behavior of ADI_br-treated cells showed characteristics of apoptosis. Flow cytometry analyses of AGS cells treated with ADI_br for 24 and 28 h revealed apoptotic rates of 11.87 and 24.09, respectively, indicating the progression of apoptosis in AGS cells after ADI_br treatment. This study highlights the potential of ADI_br as an effective enzyme for anticancer applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remilyn M. Mendoza
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; (R.M.M.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Ji Hoon Song
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; (R.M.M.); (J.H.S.)
| | - Yong Tae Jung
- Department of Microbiology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyun-Dong Paik
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resource, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea;
| | - Young-Seo Park
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea;
| | - Dae-Kyung Kang
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; (R.M.M.); (J.H.S.)
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4
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Lin LQ, Lv SY, Ren HZ, Li RR, Li L, Pang YQ, Wang J. Evodiamine inhibits EPRS expression to regulate glutamate metabolism and proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2024; 40:348-359. [PMID: 38243370 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12803] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The effects of evodiamine (EVO) on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are not yet understood. Based on our earlier findings, we hypothesized that evodiamine may affect OSCC cell proliferation and glutamate metabolism by modulating the expression of EPRS (glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase 1). From GEPIA, we obtained EPRS expression data in patients with OSCC as well as survival prognosis data. An animal model using Cal27 cells in BALB/c nude mice was established. The expression of EPRS was assessed by immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and quantitative PCR. Glutamate measurements were performed to evaluate the impact of evodiamine on glutamate metabolism of Cal27 and SAS tumor cells. transient transfection techniques were used to knock down and modulate EPRS in these cells. EPRS is expressed at higher levels in OSCC than in normal tissues, and it predicts poor prognosis in patients. In a nude mouse xenograft model, evodiamine inhibited tumor growth and the expression of EPRS. Evodiamine impacted cell proliferation, glutamine metabolism, and EPRS expression on Cal27 and SAS cell lines. In EPRS knockdown cell lines, both cell proliferation and glutamine metabolism are suppressed. EPRS's overexpression partially restores evodiamine's inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and glutamine metabolism. This study provides crucial experimental evidence supporting the potential therapeutic application of evodiamine in treating OSCC. Evodiamine exhibits promising anti-tumor effects by targeting EPRS to regulate glutamate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Qi Lin
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Si-Yi Lv
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hao-Zhe Ren
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Rong-Rong Li
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lin Li
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yun-Qing Pang
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
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Ahn SH, Jang SK, Kim YJ, Kim G, Park KS, Park IC, Jin HO. Amino acid deprivation induces TXNIP expression by NRF2 downregulation. IUBMB Life 2024; 76:212-222. [PMID: 38054509 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is sensitive to oxidative stress and is involved in the pathogenesis of various metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, several studies have suggested that TXNIP is a promising therapeutic target for several diseases, particularly cancer and diabetes. However, the regulation of TXNIP expression under amino acid (AA)-restricted conditions is not well understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that TXNIP expression was promoted by the deprivation of AAs, especially arginine, glutamine, lysine, and methionine, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Interestingly, we determined that increased TXNIP expression induced by AA deprivation was associated with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) downregulation, but not with activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) activation. Furthermore, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suppressed TXNIP expression in NSCLC cells deprived of AA. Collectively, the induction of TXNIP expression by AA deprivation was mediated by ROS production, potentially through NRF2 downregulation. Our findings suggest that TXNIP expression may be associated with the redox homeostasis of AA metabolism and provide a possible rationale for a therapeutic strategy to treat cancer with AA restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Hee Ahn
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Kyeong Jang
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jin Kim
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongmi Kim
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Soo Park
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Chul Park
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Ok Jin
- KIRAMS Radiation Biobank, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Li X, Zhang HS. Amino acid metabolism, redox balance and epigenetic regulation in cancer. FEBS J 2024; 291:412-429. [PMID: 37129434 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids act as versatile nutrients driving cell growth and survival, especially in cancer cells. Amino acid metabolism comprises numerous metabolic networks and is closely linked with intracellular redox balance and epigenetic regulation. Reprogrammed amino acid metabolism has been recognized as a ubiquitous feature in tumour cells. This review outlines the metabolism of several primary amino acids in cancer cells and highlights the pivotal role of amino acid metabolism in sustaining redox homeostasis and regulating epigenetic modification in response to oxidative and genetic stress in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Zhang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
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7
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Wang J, Wang H, Gao M, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Huang D, Tu K, Xu Q. The regulation of amino acid metabolism in tumor cell death: from the perspective of physiological functions. Apoptosis 2023; 28:1304-1314. [PMID: 37523039 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01875-9] [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] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids (AAs) are crucial molecules for the synthesis of mammalian proteins as well as a source of energy and redox equilibrium maintenance. The development of tumors also requires AAs as nutrients. Increased AAs metabolism is frequently seen in tumor cells to produce enough biomass, energy, and reduction agents. However, increased AA demand may result in auxotrophy in some cancer cells, highlighting the vulnerabilities of cancers and exposing the AA metabolism as a potential target for cancer therapy. The dynamic balance of cell survival and death is required for cellular homeostasis, growth, and development. Malignant cells manage to avoid cell death through a range of mechanisms, such as developing an addiction to amino acids through metabolic adaptation. In order to offer some guidance for AA-targeted cancer therapy, we have outlined the function of AA metabolism in tumor progression, the modalities of cell death, and the regulation of AA metabolism on tumor cell death in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongying Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Min Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yilei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710065, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kangsheng Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710065, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Qiuran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China.
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, China.
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Wilder CS, Chiou J, Battenhouse A, Saha A, Chen Z, Kim E, Gadallah MI, Tiziani S, Georgiou G, Stone E, DiGiovanni J. Enzymatic depletion of l-Met using an engineered human enzyme as a novel therapeutic strategy for melanoma. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:1531-1545. [PMID: 37378415 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Many cancers, including melanoma, have a higher requirement for l-methionine in comparison with noncancerous cells. In this study, we show that administration of an engineered human methionine-γ-lyase (hMGL) significantly reduced the survival of both human and mouse melanoma cells in vitro. A multiomics approach was utilized to identify global changes in gene expression and in metabolite levels with hMGL treatment in melanoma cells. There was considerable overlap in the perturbed pathways identified in the two data sets. Common pathways were flagged for further investigation to understand their mechanistic importance. In this regard, hMGL treatment induced S and G2 phase cell cycle arrest, decreased nucleotide levels, and increased DNA double-strand breaks suggesting an important role for replication stress in the mechanism of hMGL effects on melanoma cells. Further, hMGL treatment resulted in increased cellular reactive oxygen species levels and increased apoptosis as well as uncharged transfer RNA pathway upregulation. Finally, treatment with hMGL significantly inhibited the growth of both mouse and human melanoma cells in orthotopic tumor models in vivo. Overall, the results of this study provide a strong rationale for further mechanistic evaluation and clinical development of hMGL for the treatment of melanoma skin cancer and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly S Wilder
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Chiou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Anna Battenhouse
- Center for Biomedical Research Support, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Achinto Saha
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Zhao Chen
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Eunice Kim
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Mohamed I Gadallah
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Stefano Tiziani
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Oncology, University of Texas Dell Medical School, LiveSTRONG Cancer Institutes, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - George Georgiou
- Department of Oncology, University of Texas Dell Medical School, LiveSTRONG Cancer Institutes, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Everett Stone
- Department of Oncology, University of Texas Dell Medical School, LiveSTRONG Cancer Institutes, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - John DiGiovanni
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Oncology, University of Texas Dell Medical School, LiveSTRONG Cancer Institutes, Austin, Texas, USA
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Bianchi M, Rossi L, Pierigè F, Biagiotti S, Bregalda A, Tasini F, Magnani M. Preclinical and clinical developments in enzyme-loaded red blood cells: an update. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:921-935. [PMID: 37249524 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2219890] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We have previously described the preclinical developments in enzyme-loaded red blood cells to be used in the treatment of several rare diseases, as well as in chronic conditions. AREA COVERED Since our previous publication we have seen further progress in the previously discussed approaches and, interestingly enough, in additional new studies that further strengthen the idea that red blood cell-based therapeutics may have unique advantages over conventional enzyme replacement therapies in terms of efficacy and safety. Here we highlight these investigations and compare, when possible, the reported results versus the current therapeutic approaches. EXPERT OPINION The continuous increase in the number of new potential applications and the progress from the encapsulation of a single enzyme to the engineering of an entire metabolic pathway open the field to unexpected developments and confirm the role of red blood cells as cellular bioreactors that can be conveniently manipulated to acquire useful therapeutic metabolic abilities. Positioning of these new approaches versus newly approved drugs is essential for the successful transition of this technology from the preclinical to the clinical stage and hopefully to final approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Bianchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Luigia Rossi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
- EryDel SpA, Bresso, MI, Italy
| | - Francesca Pierigè
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Sara Biagiotti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bregalda
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Filippo Tasini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
- EryDel SpA, Bresso, MI, Italy
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Blachier J, Cleret A, Guerin N, Gil C, Fanjat JM, Tavernier F, Vidault L, Gallix F, Rama N, Rossignol R, Piedrahita D, Andrivon A, Châlons-Cottavoz M, Aguera K, Gay F, Horand F, Laperrousaz B. L-asparaginase anti-tumor activity in pancreatic cancer is dependent on its glutaminase activity and resistance is mediated by glutamine synthetase. Exp Cell Res 2023; 426:113568. [PMID: 36967104 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
l-Asparaginase is a cornerstone of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy since lymphoblasts lack asparagine synthetase (ASNS) and rely on extracellular asparagine availability for survival. Resistance mechanisms are associated with increased ASNS expression in ALL. However, the association between ASNS and l-Asparaginase efficacy in solid tumors remains unclear, thus limiting clinical development. Interestingly, l-Asparaginase also has a glutaminase co-activity that is crucial in pancreatic cancer where KRAS mutations activate glutamine metabolism. By developing l-Asparaginase-resistant pancreatic cancer cells and using OMICS approaches, we identified glutamine synthetase (GS) as a marker of resistance to l-Asparaginase. GS is the only enzyme able to synthesize glutamine, and its expression also correlates with l-Asparaginase efficacy in 27 human cell lines from 11 cancer indications. Finally, we further demonstrated that GS inhibition prevents cancer cell adaptation to l-Asparaginase-induced glutamine starvation. These findings could pave the way to the development of promising drug combinations to overcome l-Asparaginase resistance.
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