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Pissas KP, Gründer S, Tian Y. Functional expression of the proton sensors ASIC1a, TMEM206, and OGR1 together with BK Ca channels is associated with cell volume changes and cell death under strongly acidic conditions in DAOY medulloblastoma cells. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:923-937. [PMID: 38627262 PMCID: PMC11139714 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02964-7] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Fast growing solid tumors are frequently surrounded by an acidic microenvironment. Tumor cells employ a variety of mechanisms to survive and proliferate under these harsh conditions. In that regard, acid-sensitive membrane receptors constitute a particularly interesting target, since they can affect cellular functions through ion flow and second messenger cascades. Our knowledge of these processes remains sparse, however, especially regarding medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric CNS malignancy. In this study, using RT-qPCR, whole-cell patch clamp, and Ca2+-imaging, we uncovered several ion channels and a G protein-coupled receptor, which were regulated directly or indirectly by low extracellular pH in DAOY and UW228 medulloblastoma cells. Acidification directly activated acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a), the proton-activated Cl- channel (PAC, ASOR, or TMEM206), and the proton-activated G protein-coupled receptor OGR1. The resulting Ca2+ signal secondarily activated the large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BKCa). Our analyses uncover a complex relationship of these transmembrane proteins in DAOY cells that resulted in cell volume changes and induced cell death under strongly acidic conditions. Collectively, our results suggest that these ion channels in concert with OGR1 may shape the growth and evolution of medulloblastoma cells in their acidic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Gründer
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Yuemin Tian
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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2
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Pissas KP, Schilling M, Korkmaz A, Tian Y, Gründer S. Melatonin alters the excitability of mouse cerebellar granule neurons by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium, potassium, and calcium channels. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12919. [PMID: 37794846 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Besides its role in the circadian rhythm, the pineal gland hormone melatonin (MLT) also possesses antiepileptogenic, antineoplastic, and cardioprotective properties, among others. The dosages necessary to elicit beneficial effects in these diseases often far surpass physiological concentrations. Although even high doses of MLT are considered to be largely harmless to humans, the possible side effects of pharmacological concentrations are so far not well investigated. In the present study, we report that pharmacological doses of MLT (3 mM) strongly altered the electrophysiological characteristics of cultured primary mouse cerebellar granule cells (CGCs). Using whole-cell patch clamp and ratiometric Ca2+ imaging, we observed that pharmacological concentrations of MLT inhibited several types of voltage-gated Na+ , K+ , and Ca2+ channels in CGCs independently of known MLT-receptors, altering the character and pattern of elicited action potentials (APs) significantly, quickly and reversibly. Specifically, MLT reduced AP frequency, afterhyperpolarization, and rheobase, whereas AP amplitude and threshold potential remained unchanged. The altered biophysical profile of the cells could constitute a possible mechanism underlying the proposed beneficial effects of MLT in brain-related disorders, such as epilepsy. On the other hand, it suggests potential adverse effects of pharmacological MLT concentrations on neurons, which should be considered when using MLT as a pharmacological compound.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Schilling
- Medical faculty, Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ahmet Korkmaz
- Medical faculty, Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yuemin Tian
- Medical faculty, Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Gründer
- Medical faculty, Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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3
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Pissas KP, Schilling M, Tian Y, Gründer S. Functional characterization of acid-sensing ion channels in the cerebellum-originating medulloblastoma cell line DAOY and in cerebellar granule neurons. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:1073-1087. [PMID: 37474775 PMCID: PMC10409673 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02839-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are Na+ channels that are almost ubiquitously expressed in neurons of the brain. Functional ASIC1a is also expressed in glioblastoma stem cells, where it might sense the acidic tumor microenvironment. Prolonged acidosis induces cell death in neurons and reduces tumor sphere formation in glioblastoma via activation of ASIC1a. It is currently unknown whether ASICs are expressed and involved in acid-induced cell death in other types of brain tumors. In this study, we investigated ASICs in medulloblastoma, using two established cell lines, DAOY and UW228, as in vitro models. In addition, we characterized ASICs in the most numerous neuron of the brain, the cerebellar granule cell, which shares the progenitor cell with some forms of medulloblastoma. We report compelling evidence using RT-qPCR, western blot and whole-cell patch clamp that DAOY and cerebellar granule cells, but not UW228 cells, functionally express homomeric ASIC1a. Additionally, Ca2+-imaging revealed that extracellular acidification elevated intracellular Ca2+-levels in DAOY cells independently of ASICs. Finally, we show that overexpression of RIPK3, a key component of the necroptosis pathway, renders DAOY cells susceptible to acid-induced cell death via activation of ASIC1a. Our data support the idea that ASIC1a is an important acid sensor in brain tumors and that its activation has potential to induce cell death in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Schilling
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yuemin Tian
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Gründer
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Zúñiga L, Cayo A, González W, Vilos C, Zúñiga R. Potassium Channels as a Target for Cancer Therapy: Current Perspectives. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:783-797. [PMID: 35899081 PMCID: PMC9309325 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s326614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium (K+) channels are highly regulated membrane proteins that control the potassium ion flux and respond to different cellular stimuli. These ion channels are grouped into three major families, Kv (voltage-gated K+ channel), Kir (inwardly rectifying K+ channel) and K2P (two-pore K+ channels), according to the structure, to mediate the K+ currents. In cancer, alterations in K+ channel function can promote the acquisition of the so-called hallmarks of cancer – cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, metabolic changes, angiogenesis, and migratory capabilities – emerging as targets for the development of new therapeutic drugs. In this review, we focus our attention on the different K+ channels associated with the most relevant and prevalent cancer types. We summarize our knowledge about the potassium channels structure and function, their cancer dysregulated expression and discuss the K+ channels modulator and the strategies for designing new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Zúñiga
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Nanomedicina, Diagnóstico y Desarrollo de Fármacos (ND3), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Angel Cayo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Nanomedicina, Diagnóstico y Desarrollo de Fármacos (ND3), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Wendy González
- Centro de Bioinformática y Simulación Molecular, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Cristian Vilos
- Centro de Nanomedicina, Diagnóstico y Desarrollo de Fármacos (ND3), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile.,Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Targeted Delivery, School of Medicine, Universidad de Talca, Talca, 3460000, Chile.,Center for The Development of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, 8350709, Chile
| | - Rafael Zúñiga
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Nanomedicina, Diagnóstico y Desarrollo de Fármacos (ND3), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
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5
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Maklad A, Sedeeq M, Milevskiy MJG, Azimi I. Calcium Signalling in Medulloblastoma: An In Silico Analysis of the Expression of Calcium Regulating Genes in Patient Samples. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1329. [PMID: 34573310 PMCID: PMC8468187 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation in calcium signalling is implicated in several cancer-associated processes, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion and therapy resistance. Modulators of specific calcium-regulating proteins have been proposed as promising future therapeutic agents for some cancers. Alterations in calcium signalling have been extensively studied in some cancers; however, this area of research is highly underexplored in medulloblastoma (MB), the most common paediatric malignant brain tumour. Current MB treatment modalities are not completely effective and can result in several long-lasting mental complications. Hence, new treatment strategies are needed. In this study, we sought to probe the landscape of calcium signalling regulators to uncover those most likely to be involved in MB tumours. We investigated the expression of calcium signalling regulator genes in MB patients using publicly available datasets. We stratified the expression level of these genes with MB molecular subgroups, tumour metastasis and patient survival to uncover correlations with clinical features. Of particular interest was CACNA1 genes, in which we were able to show a developmentally-driven change in expression within the cerebellum, MB's tissue of origin, highlighting a potential influence on tumour incidence. This study lays a platform for future investigations into molecular regulators of calcium signalling in MB formation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Maklad
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (A.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Mohammed Sedeeq
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (A.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Michael J. G. Milevskiy
- ACRF Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Iman Azimi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia; (A.M.); (M.S.)
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T-type Calcium Channels in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020134. [PMID: 30678110 PMCID: PMC6407089 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although voltage-activated Ca2+ channels are a common feature in excitable cells, their expression in cancer tissue is less understood. T-type Ca2+ channels are particularly overexpressed in various cancers. Because of their activation profile at membrane potentials close to rest and the generation of a window current, T-type Ca2+ channels may regulate a variety of Ca2+-dependent cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. The expression of T-type Ca2+ channels is of special interest as a target for therapeutic interventions.
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TASK-1 Regulates Apoptosis and Proliferation in a Subset of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157453. [PMID: 27294516 PMCID: PMC4905626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide; survival times are poor despite therapy. The role of the two-pore domain K+ (K2P) channel TASK-1 (KCNK3) in lung cancer is at present unknown. We found that TASK-1 is expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines at variable levels. In a highly TASK-1 expressing NSCLC cell line, A549, a characteristic pH- and hypoxia-sensitive non-inactivating K+ current was measured, indicating the presence of functional TASK-1 channels. Inhibition of TASK-1 led to significant depolarization in these cells. Knockdown of TASK-1 by siRNA significantly enhanced apoptosis and reduced proliferation in A549 cells, but not in weakly TASK-1 expressing NCI-H358 cells. Na+-coupled nutrient transport across the cell membrane is functionally coupled to the efflux of K+ via K+ channels, thus TASK-1 may potentially influence Na+-coupled nutrient transport. In contrast to TASK-1, which was not differentially expressed in lung cancer vs. normal lung tissue, we found the Na+-coupled nutrient transporters, SLC5A3, SLC5A6, and SLC38A1, transporters for myo-inositol, biotin and glutamine, respectively, to be significantly overexpressed in lung adenocarcinomas. In summary, we show for the first time that the TASK-1 channel regulates apoptosis and proliferation in a subset of NSCLC.
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Braun G, Lengyel M, Enyedi P, Czirják G. Differential sensitivity of TREK-1, TREK-2 and TRAAK background potassium channels to the polycationic dye ruthenium red. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:1728-38. [PMID: 25409575 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pharmacological separation of the background potassium currents of closely related K2P channels is a challenging problem. We previously demonstrated that ruthenium red (RR) inhibits TASK-3 (K2 P 9.1), but not TASK-1 (K2 P 3.1) channels. RR has been extensively used to distinguish between TASK currents in native cells. In the present study, we systematically investigate the RR sensitivity of a more comprehensive set of K2 P channels. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH K(+) currents were measured by two-electrode voltage clamp in Xenopus oocytes and by whole-cell patch clamp in mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. KEY RESULTS RR differentiates between two closely related members of the TREK subfamily. TREK-2 (K2 P 10.1) proved to be highly sensitive to RR (IC50 = 0.2 μM), whereas TREK-1 (K2 P 2.1) was not affected by the compound. We identified aspartate 135 (D135) as the target of the inhibitor in mouse TREK-2c. D135 lines the wall of the extracellular ion pathway (EIP), a tunnel structure through the extracellular cap characteristic for K2 P channels. TREK-1 contains isoleucine in the corresponding position. The mutation of this isoleucine (I110D) rendered TREK-1 sensitive to RR. The third member of the TREK subfamily, TRAAK (K2 P 4.1) was more potently inhibited by ruthenium violet, a contaminant in some RR preparations, than by RR. DRG neurons predominantly express TREK-2 and RR-resistant TREK-1 and TRESK (K2 P 18.1) background K(+) channels. We detected the RR-sensitive leak K(+) current component in DRG neurons. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We propose that RR may be useful for distinguishing TREK-2 (K2P 10.1) from TREK-1 (K2P 2.1) and other RR-resistant K2 P channels in native cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Braun
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Nagy D, Gönczi M, Dienes B, Szöőr Á, Fodor J, Nagy Z, Tóth A, Fodor T, Bai P, Szücs G, Rusznák Z, Csernoch L. Silencing the KCNK9 potassium channel (TASK-3) gene disturbs mitochondrial function, causes mitochondrial depolarization, and induces apoptosis of human melanoma cells. Arch Dermatol Res 2014; 306:885-902. [PMID: 25318378 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-014-1511-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
TASK-3 (KCNK9 or K2P9.1) channels are thought to promote proliferation and/or survival of malignantly transformed cells, most likely by increasing their hypoxia tolerance. Based on our previous results that suggested mitochondrial expression of TASK-3 channels, we hypothesized that TASK-3 channels have roles in maintaining mitochondrial activity. In the present work we studied the effect of reduced TASK-3 expression on the mitochondrial function and survival of WM35 and A2058 melanoma cells. TASK-3 knockdown cells had depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential and contained a reduced amount of mitochondrial DNA. Compared to their scrambled shRNA-transfected counterparts, they demonstrated diminished responsiveness to the application of the mitochondrial uncoupler [(3-chlorophenyl)hydrazono]malononitrile (CCCP). These observations indicate impaired mitochondrial function. Further, TASK-3 knockdown cells presented reduced viability, decreased total DNA content, altered cell morphology, and reduced surface area. In contrast to non- and scrambled shRNA-transfected melanoma cell lines, which did not present noteworthy apoptotic activity, almost 50 % of the TASK-3 knockdown cells exhibited strong Annexin-V-specific immunofluorescence signal. Sequestration of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol, increased caspase 3 activity, and translocation of the apoptosis-inducing factor from mitochondria to cell nuclei were also demonstrated in TASK-3 knockdown cells. Interference with TASK-3 channel expression, therefore, induces caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis of melanoma cells, most likely via causing mitochondrial depolarization. Consequently, TASK-3 channels may be legitimate targets of future melanoma therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dénes Nagy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of General Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt 98, PO Box 22, 4012, Debrecen, Hungary
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Honasoge A, Sontheimer H. Involvement of tumor acidification in brain cancer pathophysiology. Front Physiol 2013; 4:316. [PMID: 24198789 PMCID: PMC3814515 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas, primary brain cancers, are characterized by remarkable invasiveness and fast growth. While they share many qualities with other solid tumors, gliomas have developed special mechanisms to convert the cramped brain space and other limitations afforded by the privileged central nervous system into pathophysiological advantages. In this review we discuss gliomas and other primary brain cancers in the context of acid-base regulation and interstitial acidification; namely, how the altered proton (H+) content surrounding these brain tumors influences tumor development in both autocrine and paracrine manners. As proton movement is directly coupled to movement of other ions, pH serves as both a regulator of cell activity as well as an indirect readout of other cellular functions. In the case of brain tumors, these processes result in pathophysiology unique to the central nervous system. We will highlight what is known about pH-sensitive processes in brain tumors in addition to gleaning insight from other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Honasoge
- Department of Neurobiology and Center for Glial Biology in Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
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11
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Al-Owais MMA, Scragg JL, Dallas ML, Boycott HE, Warburton P, Chakrabarty A, Boyle JP, Peers C. Carbon monoxide mediates the anti-apoptotic effects of heme oxygenase-1 in medulloblastoma DAOY cells via K+ channel inhibition. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:24754-64. [PMID: 22593583 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.357012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cell survival and proliferation is attributable in part to suppression of apoptotic pathways, yet the mechanisms by which cancer cells resist apoptosis are not fully understood. Many cancer cells constitutively express heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which catabolizes heme to generate biliverdin, Fe(2+), and carbon monoxide (CO). These breakdown products may play a role in the ability of cancer cells to suppress apoptotic signals. K(+) channels also play a crucial role in apoptosis, permitting K(+) efflux which is required to initiate caspase activation. Here, we demonstrate that HO-1 is constitutively expressed in human medulloblastoma tissue, and can be induced in the medulloblastoma cell line DAOY either chemically or by hypoxia. Induction of HO-1 markedly increases the resistance of DAOY cells to oxidant-induced apoptosis. This effect was mimicked by exogenous application of the heme degradation product CO. Furthermore we demonstrate the presence of the pro-apoptotic K(+) channel, Kv2.1, in both human medulloblastoma tissue and DAOY cells. CO inhibited the voltage-gated K(+) currents in DAOY cells, and largely reversed the oxidant-induced increase in K(+) channel activity. p38 MAPK inhibition prevented the oxidant-induced increase of K(+) channel activity in DAOY cells, and enhanced their resistance to apoptosis. Our findings suggest that CO-mediated inhibition of K(+) channels represents an important mechanism by which HO-1 can increase the resistance to apoptosis of medulloblastoma cells, and support the idea that HO-1 inhibition may enhance the effectiveness of current chemo- and radiotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moza M A Al-Owais
- Division of Cardiovascular and Neuronal Remodelling, LIGHT, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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12
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Schickling BM, Aykin-Burns N, Leslie KK, Spitz DR, Korovkina VP. An inhibitor of K+ channels modulates human endometrial tumor-initiating cells. Cancer Cell Int 2011; 11:25. [PMID: 21810252 PMCID: PMC3175438 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-11-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many potassium ion (K+) channels function as oncogenes to sustain growth of solid tumors, but their role in cancer progression is not well understood. Emerging evidence suggests that the early progenitor cancer cell subpopulation, termed tumor initiating cells (TIC), are critical to cancer progression. Results A non-selective antagonist of multiple types of K+ channels, tetraethylammonium (TEA), was found to suppress colony formation in endometrial cancer cells via inhibition of putative TIC. The data also indicated that withdrawal of TEA results in a significant enhancement of tumorigenesis. When the TIC-enriched subpopulation was isolated from the endometrial cancer cells, TEA was also found to inhibit growth in vitro. Conclusions These studies suggest that the activity of potassium channels significantly contributes to the progression of endometrial tumors, and the antagonists of potassium channels are candidate anti-cancer drugs to specifically target tumor initiating cells in endometrial cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Schickling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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13
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Spiller SE, Logsdon NJ, Deckard LA, Sontheimer H. Inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B signaling reduces growth in medulloblastoma in vivo. BMC Cancer 2011; 11:136. [PMID: 21492457 PMCID: PMC3094324 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-11-136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medulloblastoma is a highly malignant pediatric brain tumor that requires surgery, whole brain and spine irradiation, and intense chemotherapy for treatment. A more sophisticated understanding of the pathophysiology of medulloblastoma is needed to successfully reduce the intensity of treatment and improve outcomes. Nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) is a signaling pathway that controls transcriptional activation of genes important for tight regulation of many cellular processes and is aberrantly expressed in many types of cancer. Methods To test the importance of NFκB to medulloblastoma cell growth, the effects of multiple drugs that inhibit NFκB, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, diethyldithiocarbamate, sulfasalazine, curcumin and bortezomib, were studied in medulloblastoma cell lines compared to a malignant glioma cell line and normal neurons. Expression of endogenous NFκB was investigated in cultured cells, xenograft flank tumors, and primary human tumor samples. A dominant negative construct for the endogenous inhibitor of NFκB, IκB, was prepared from medulloblastoma cell lines and flank tumors were established to allow specific pathway inhibition. Results We report high constitutive activity of the canonical NFκB pathway, as seen by Western analysis of the NFκB subunit p65, in medulloblastoma tumors compared to normal brain. The p65 subunit of NFκB is extremely highly expressed in xenograft tumors from human medulloblastoma cell lines; though, conversely, the same cells in culture have minimal expression without specific stimulation. We demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of NFκB in cell lines halts proliferation and leads to apoptosis. We show by immunohistochemical stain that phosphorylated p65 is found in the majority of primary tumor cells examined. Finally, expression of a dominant negative form of the endogenous inhibitor of NFκB, dnIκB, resulted in poor xenograft tumor growth, with average tumor volumes 40% smaller than controls. Conclusions These data collectively demonstrate that NFκB signaling is important for medulloblastoma tumor growth, and that inhibition can reduce tumor size and viability in vivo. We discuss the implications of NFκB signaling on the approach to managing patients with medulloblastoma in order to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Spiller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, USA.
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