1
|
Ko M, Kim MG, Yoon SS, Kim IW, Suh SY, Cho YS, Oh JM. Clinical impacts of the concomitant use of L-asparaginase and total parenteral nutrition containing L-aspartic acid in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1122010. [PMID: 37077904 PMCID: PMC10106764 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1122010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionL-asparaginase (ASNase) depletes L-asparagine and causes the death of leukemic cells, making it a mainstay for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, ASNase's activity can be inhibited by L-aspartic acid (Asp), which competes for the same substrate and reduces the drug's efficacy. While many commercially used total parenteral nutrition (TPN) products contain Asp, it is unclear how the concomitant use of TPNs containing Asp (Asp-TPN) affects ALL patients treated with ASNase. This propensity-matched retrospective cohort study evaluated the clinical effects of the interaction between ASNase and Asp-TPN.MethodsThe study population included newly diagnosed adult Korean ALL patients who received VPDL induction therapy consisting of vincristine, prednisolone, daunorubicin, and Escherichia coli L-asparaginase between 2004 and 2021. Patients were divided into two groups based on their exposure to Asp-TPN: (1) Asp-TPN group and (2) control group. Data, including baseline characteristics, disease information, medication information, and laboratory data, were collected retrospectively. The primary outcomes for the effectiveness were overall and complete response rates. Relapse-free survival at six months and one year of treatment were also evaluated. The safety of both TPN and ASNase was evaluated by comparing liver function test levels between groups. A 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was conducted to minimize potential selection bias.ResultsThe analysis included a total of 112 ALL patients, and 34 of whom received Asp-TPN and ASNase concomitantly. After propensity score matching, 30 patients remained in each group. The concomitant use of Asp-TPN and ASNase did not affect the overall response rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17–1.62) or the complete response rate (OR 0.86; 95% CI = 0.29–2.59) of the ASNase-including induction therapy. The concomitant use of Asp-TPN and ASNase also did not impact relapse-free survival (RFS) at six months and one year of treatment (OR 1.00; 95% CI = 0.36–2.78 and OR 1.24; 95% CI, 0.50–3.12, respectively). The peak levels of each liver function test (LFT) and the frequency of LFT elevations were evaluated during induction therapy and showed no difference between the two groups.ConclusionThere is no clear rationale for avoiding Asp-TPN in ASNase-treated patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minoh Ko
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacy, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Gyu Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Soo Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Wha Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yun Suh
- Department of Pharmacy, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Sook Cho
- Department of Pharmacy, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Mi Oh
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jung Mi Oh,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Adhikary G, Shrestha S, Naselsky W, Newland JJ, Chen X, Xu W, Emadi A, Friedberg JS, Eckert RL. Mesothelioma cancer cells are glutamine addicted and glutamine restriction reduces YAP1 signaling to attenuate tumor formation. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:438-449. [PMID: 36562471 PMCID: PMC10071591 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23497] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Glutamine addiction is an important phenotype displayed in some types of cancer. In these cells, glutamine depletion results in a marked reduction in the aggressive cancer phenotype. Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive disease that lacks effective therapy. In this study, we show that mesothelioma tumors are glutamine addicted suggesting that glutamine depletion may be a potential therapeutic strategy. We show that glutamine restriction, by removing glutamine from the medium or treatment with inhibitors that attenuate glutamine uptake (V-9302) or conversion to glutamate (CB-839), markedly reduces mesothelioma cell proliferation, spheroid formation, invasion, and migration. Inhibition of the SLC1A5 glutamine importer, by knockout or treatment with V-9302, an SLC1A5 inhibitor, also markedly reduces mesothelioma cell tumor growth. A relationship between glutamine utilization and YAP1/TEAD signaling has been demonstrated in other tumor types, and the YAP1/TEAD signaling cascade is active in mesothelioma cells and drives cell survival and proliferation. We therefore assessed the impact of glutamine depletion on YAP1/TEAD signaling. We show that glutamine restriction, SLC1A5 knockdown/knockout, or treatment with V-9302 or CB-839, reduces YAP1 level, YAP1/TEAD-dependent transcription, and YAP1/TEAD target protein (e.g., CTGF, cyclin D1, COL1A2, COL3A1, etc.) levels. These changes are observed in both cells and tumors. These findings indicate that mesothelioma is a glutamine addicted cancer, show that glutamine depletion attenuates YAP1/TEAD signaling and tumor growth, and suggest that glutamine restriction may be useful as a mesothelioma treatment strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | - Suruchi Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | - Warren Naselsky
- Department of Surgery University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | - John J. Newland
- Department of Surgery University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | - Ashkan Emadi
- Department of Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine
- The Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | - Joseph S. Friedberg
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Department of Dermatology University of Maryland School of Medicine
- The Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Maryland School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhou R, Liang T, Li T, Huang J, Chen C. Possible mechanism of metabolic and drug resistance with L-asparaginase therapy in childhood leukaemia. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1070069. [PMID: 36816964 PMCID: PMC9929349 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1070069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
L-asparaginase, which hydrolyzes asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia, is frequently used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children. When combined with other chemotherapy drugs, the event-free survival rate is 90%. Due to immunogenicity and drug resistance, however, not all patients benefit from it, restricting the use of L-asparaginase therapy in other haematological cancers. To solve the problem of immunogenicity, several L-ASNase variants have emerged, such as Erwinia-ASNase and PEG-ASNase. However, even when Erwinia-ASNase is used as a substitute for E. coli-ASNase or PEG-ASNase, allergic reactions occur in 3%-33% of patients. All of these factors contributed to the development of novel L-ASNases. Additionally, L-ASNase resistance mechanisms, such as the methylation status of ASNS promoters and activation of autophagy, have further emphasized the importance of personalized treatment for paediatric haematological neoplasms. In this review, we discussed the metabolic effects of L-ASNase, mechanisms of drug resistance, applications in non-ALL leukaemia, and the development of novel L-ASNase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chun Chen
- *Correspondence: Junbin Huang, ; Chun Chen,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lima GM, Atrazhev A, Sarkar S, Sojitra M, Reddy R, Torres-Obreque K, de Oliveira Rangel-Yagui C, Macauley MS, Monteiro G, Derda R. DNA-Encoded Multivalent Display of Chemically Modified Protein Tetramers on Phage: Synthesis and in Vivo Applications. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:3024-3035. [PMID: 34928124 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Phage display links the phenotype of displayed polypeptides with the DNA sequence in the phage genome and offers a universal method for the discovery of proteins with novel properties. However, the display of large multisubunit proteins on phages remains a challenge. A majority of protein display systems are based on monovalent phagemid constructs, but methods for the robust display of multiple copies of large proteins are scarce. Here, we describe a DNA-encoded display of a ∼ 200 kDa tetrameric l-asparaginase protein on M13 and fd phages produced by ligation of SpyCatcher-Asparaginase fusion (ScA) and PEGylated-ScA (PEG-ScA) to barcoded phage clones displaying SpyTag peptide. Starting from the SpyTag display on p3 or p8 coat proteins yielded constructs with five copies of ScA displayed on p3 (ScA-p3), ∼100 copies of ScA on p8 protein (ScA-p8) and ∼300 copies of PEG-ScA on p8 protein (PEG-ScA-p8). Display constructs of different valencies and chemical modifications on protein (e.g., PEGylation) can be injected into mice and analyzed by deep sequencing of the DNA barcodes associated with phage clones. In these multiplexed studies, we observed a density and protein-dependent clearance rate in vivo. Our observations link the absence of PEGylation and increase in density of the displayed protein with the increased rate of the endocytosis by cells in vivo. In conclusion, we demonstrate that a multivalent display of l-asparaginase on phages could be used to study the circulation life of this protein in vivo, and such an approach opens the possibility to use DNA sequencing to investigate multiplexed libraries of other multisubunit proteins in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme M Lima
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508 000, Brazil.,Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Alexey Atrazhev
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Susmita Sarkar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Mirat Sojitra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Revathi Reddy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Karin Torres-Obreque
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508 000, Brazil
| | - Carlota de Oliveira Rangel-Yagui
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508 000, Brazil
| | - Matthew S Macauley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508 000, Brazil
| | - Ratmir Derda
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nwosu GO, Powell JA, Pitson SM. Targeting the integrated stress response in hematologic malignancies. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:94. [DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractWhile numerous targeted therapies have been recently adopted to improve the treatment of hematologic malignancies, acquired or intrinsic resistance poses a significant obstacle to their efficacy. Thus, there is increasing need to identify novel, targetable pathways to further improve therapy for these diseases. The integrated stress response is a signaling pathway activated in cancer cells in response to both dysregulated growth and metabolism, and also following exposure to many therapies that appears one such targetable pathway for improved treatment of these diseases. In this review, we discuss the role of the integrated stress response in the biology of hematologic malignancies, its critical involvement in the mechanism of action of targeted therapies, and as a target for pharmacologic modulation as a novel strategy for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
Collapse
|
6
|
Van Trimpont M, Peeters E, De Visser Y, Schalk AM, Mondelaers V, De Moerloose B, Lavie A, Lammens T, Goossens S, Van Vlierberghe P. Novel Insights on the Use of L-Asparaginase as an Efficient and Safe Anti-Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040902. [PMID: 35205650 PMCID: PMC8870365 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) therapy is key for achieving the very high cure rate of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), yet its use is mostly confined to this indication. One main reason preventing the expansion of today’s FDA-approved L-ASNases to solid cancers is their high toxicity and side effects, which become especially challenging in adult patients. The design of optimized L-ASNase molecules provides opportunities to overcome these unwanted toxicities. An additional challenge to broader application of L-ASNases is how cells can counter the pharmacological effect of this drug and the identification of L-ASNases resistance mechanisms. In this review, we discuss recent insights into L-ASNase adverse effects, resistance mechanisms, and how novel L-ASNase variants and drug combinations can expand its clinical applicability, with a focus on both hematological and solid tumors. Abstract L-Asparaginase (L-ASNase) is an enzyme that hydrolyses the amino acid asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia. Systemic administration of bacterial L-ASNase is successfully used to lower the bioavailability of this non-essential amino acid and to eradicate rapidly proliferating cancer cells with a high demand for exogenous asparagine. Currently, it is a cornerstone drug in the treatment of the most common pediatric cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Since these lymphoblasts lack the expression of asparagine synthetase (ASNS), these cells depend on the uptake of extracellular asparagine for survival. Interestingly, recent reports have illustrated that L-ASNase may also have clinical potential for the treatment of other aggressive subtypes of hematological or solid cancers. However, immunogenic and other severe adverse side effects limit optimal clinical use and often lead to treatment discontinuation. The design of optimized and novel L-ASNase formulations provides opportunities to overcome these limitations. In addition, identification of multiple L-ASNase resistance mechanisms, including ASNS promoter reactivation and desensitization, has fueled research into promising novel drug combinations to overcome chemoresistance. In this review, we discuss recent insights into L-ASNase adverse effects, resistance both in hematological and solid tumors, and how novel L-ASNase variants and drug combinations can expand its clinical applicability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Van Trimpont
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evelien Peeters
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yanti De Visser
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amanda M. Schalk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (A.M.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Veerle Mondelaers
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arnon Lavie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (A.M.S.); (A.L.)
- The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Tim Lammens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu CX, Zhang YY, Yang QS, Shen SH, Chen J, Tang YJ, Chen CC, Wang Z, Li BR, Qian J, Wang Y, Hu WT, Ning BT. Asparaginase-associated pancreatitis in chemotherapy-treated pediatric patients: a five-year retrospective study. World J Emerg Med 2022; 13:313-321. [PMID: 35837564 PMCID: PMC9233968 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2022.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-xi Liu
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yun-yu Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qiu-shi Yang
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Shu-hong Shen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yan-jing Tang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Chang-cheng Chen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Bi-ru Li
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Juan Qian
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Wen-ting Hu
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Bo-tao Ning
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang Y, Xu W, Wu H, Zhang W, Guang C, Mu W. Microbial production, molecular modification, and practical application of l-Asparaginase: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 186:975-983. [PMID: 34293360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
L-Asparaginase (L-ASNase, EC 3.5.1.1), an antitumor drug for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy, is widely used in the clinical field. Similarly, L-ASNase is also a powerful and significant biological tool in the food industry to inhibit acrylamide (AA) formation. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest achievements and improvements in the production, modification, and application of microbial L-ASNase. To date, the expression levels and optimization of expression hosts such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pichia pastoris, have made significant progress. In addition, examples of successful modification of L-ASNase such as decreasing glutaminase activity, increasing the in vivo stability, and enhancing thermostability have been presented. Impressively, the application of L-ASNase as a food addition aid, as well as its commercialization in the pharmaceutical field, and cutting-edge biosensor application developments have been summarized. The presented results and proposed ideas could be a good guide for other L-ASNase researchers in both scientific and practical fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Wei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Cuie Guang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Wanmeng Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mutant p53-reactivating compound APR-246 synergizes with asparaginase in inducing growth suppression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:709. [PMID: 34267184 PMCID: PMC8282662 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03988-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Asparaginase depletes extracellular asparagine in the blood and is an important treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) due to asparagine auxotrophy of ALL blasts. Unfortunately, resistance occurs and has been linked to expression of the enzyme asparagine synthetase (ASNS), which generates asparagine from intracellular sources. Although TP53 is the most frequently mutated gene in cancer overall, TP53 mutations are rare in ALL. However, TP53 mutation is associated with poor therapy response and occurs at higher frequency in relapsed ALL. The mutant p53-reactivating compound APR-246 (Eprenetapopt/PRIMA-1Met) is currently being tested in phase II and III clinical trials in several hematological malignancies with mutant TP53. Here we present CEllular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) data indicating that ASNS is a direct or indirect target of APR-246 via the active product methylene quinuclidinone (MQ). Furthermore, combination treatment with asparaginase and APR-246 resulted in synergistic growth suppression in ALL cell lines. Our results thus suggest a potential novel treatment strategy for ALL.
Collapse
|
10
|
Bhingarkar A, Vangapandu HV, Rathod S, Hoshitsuki K, Fernandez CA. Amino Acid Metabolic Vulnerabilities in Acute and Chronic Myeloid Leukemias. Front Oncol 2021; 11:694526. [PMID: 34277440 PMCID: PMC8281237 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.694526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid (AA) metabolism plays an important role in many cellular processes including energy production, immune function, and purine and pyrimidine synthesis. Cancer cells therefore require increased AA uptake and undergo metabolic reprogramming to satisfy the energy demand associated with their rapid proliferation. Like many other cancers, myeloid leukemias are vulnerable to specific therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic dependencies. Herein, our review provides a comprehensive overview and TCGA data analysis of biosynthetic enzymes required for non-essential AA synthesis and their dysregulation in myeloid leukemias. Furthermore, we discuss the role of the general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) and-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways of AA sensing on metabolic vulnerability and drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aboli Bhingarkar
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Hima V. Vangapandu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sanjay Rathod
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Keito Hoshitsuki
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Christian A. Fernandez
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Emadi A, Kapadia B, Bollino D, Bhandary B, Baer MR, Niyongere S, Strovel ET, Kaizer H, Chang E, Choi EY, Ma X, Tighe KM, Carter-Cooper B, Moses BS, Civin CI, Mahurkar A, Shetty AC, Gartenhaus RB, Kamangar F, Lapidus RG. Venetoclax and pegcrisantaspase for complex karyotype acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2021; 35:1907-1924. [PMID: 33199836 PMCID: PMC10976320 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-01080-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Complex karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (CK-AML) has a dismal outcome with current treatments, underscoring the need for new therapies. Here, we report synergistic anti-leukemic activity of the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax (Ven) and the asparaginase formulation Pegylated Crisantaspase (PegC) in CK-AML in vitro and in vivo. Ven-PegC combination inhibited growth of multiple AML cell lines and patient-derived primary CK-AML cells in vitro. In vivo, Ven-PegC showed potent reduction of leukemia burden and improved survival, compared with each agent alone, in a primary patient-derived CK-AML xenograft. Superiority of Ven-PegC, compared to single drugs, and, importantly, the clinically utilized Ven-azacitidine combination, was also demonstrated in vivo in CK-AML. We hypothesized that PegC-mediated plasma glutamine depletion inhibits 4EBP1 phosphorylation, decreases the expression of proteins such as MCL-1, whose translation is cap dependent, synergizing with the BCL-2 inhibitor Ven. Ven-PegC treatment decreased cellular MCL-1 protein levels in vitro by enhancing eIF4E-4EBP1 interaction on the cap-binding complex via glutamine depletion. In vivo, Ven-PegC treatment completely depleted plasma glutamine and asparagine and inhibited mRNA translation and cellular protein synthesis. Since this novel mechanistically-rationalized regimen combines two drugs already in use in acute leukemia treatment, we plan a clinical trial of the Ven-PegC combination in relapsed/refractory CK-AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Emadi
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Bandish Kapadia
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, USA
| | - Dominique Bollino
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Binny Bhandary
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maria R Baer
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sandrine Niyongere
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Erin T Strovel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hannah Kaizer
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Chang
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eun Yong Choi
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xinrong Ma
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kayla M Tighe
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brandon Carter-Cooper
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Blake S Moses
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- University of Maryland Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Curt I Civin
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- University of Maryland Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anup Mahurkar
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Genome Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amol C Shetty
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Genome Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ronald B Gartenhaus
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, USA
| | - Farin Kamangar
- Department of Biology, School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rena G Lapidus
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mahmood K, Emadi A. 1-C Metabolism-Serine, Glycine, Folates-In Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030190. [PMID: 33652666 PMCID: PMC7996867 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming contributes to tumor development and introduces metabolic liabilities that can be exploited to treat cancer. Studies in hematological malignancies have shown alterations in fatty acid, folate, and amino acid metabolism pathways in cancer cells. One-carbon (1-C) metabolism is essential for numerous cancer cell functions, including protein and nucleic acid synthesis and maintaining cellular redox balance, and inhibition of the 1-C pathway has yielded several highly active drugs, such as methotrexate and 5-FU. Glutamine depletion has also emerged as a therapeutic approach for cancers that have demonstrated dependence on glutamine for survival. Recent studies have shown that in response to glutamine deprivation leukemia cells upregulate key enzymes in the serine biosynthesis pathway, suggesting that serine upregulation may be a targetable compensatory mechanism. These new findings may provide opportunities for novel cancer treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Ashkan Emadi
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-328-6841; Fax: +1-410-328-6896
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nunes JCF, Cristóvão RO, Freire MG, Santos-Ebinuma VC, Faria JL, Silva CG, Tavares APM. Recent Strategies and Applications for l-Asparaginase Confinement. Molecules 2020; 25:E5827. [PMID: 33321857 PMCID: PMC7764279 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
l-asparaginase (ASNase, EC 3.5.1.1) is an aminohydrolase enzyme with important uses in the therapeutic/pharmaceutical and food industries. Its main applications are as an anticancer drug, mostly for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treatment, and in acrylamide reduction when starch-rich foods are cooked at temperatures above 100 °C. Its use as a biosensor for asparagine in both industries has also been reported. However, there are certain challenges associated with ASNase applications. Depending on the ASNase source, the major challenges of its pharmaceutical application are the hypersensitivity reactions that it causes in ALL patients and its short half-life and fast plasma clearance in the blood system by native proteases. In addition, ASNase is generally unstable and it is a thermolabile enzyme, which also hinders its application in the food sector. These drawbacks have been overcome by the ASNase confinement in different (nano)materials through distinct techniques, such as physical adsorption, covalent attachment and entrapment. Overall, this review describes the most recent strategies reported for ASNase confinement in numerous (nano)materials, highlighting its improved properties, especially specificity, half-life enhancement and thermal and operational stability improvement, allowing its reuse, increased proteolysis resistance and immunogenicity elimination. The most recent applications of confined ASNase in nanomaterials are reviewed for the first time, simultaneously providing prospects in the described fields of application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João C. F. Nunes
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua do Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (J.C.F.N.); (R.O.C.); (J.L.F.)
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Raquel O. Cristóvão
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua do Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (J.C.F.N.); (R.O.C.); (J.L.F.)
| | - Mara G. Freire
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Valéria C. Santos-Ebinuma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil;
| | - Joaquim L. Faria
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua do Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (J.C.F.N.); (R.O.C.); (J.L.F.)
| | - Cláudia G. Silva
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering-Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua do Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (J.C.F.N.); (R.O.C.); (J.L.F.)
| | - Ana P. M. Tavares
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
González-Torres I, Perez-Rueda E, Evangelista-Martínez Z, Zárate-Romero A, Moreno-Enríquez A, Huerta-Saquero A. Identification of L-asparaginases from Streptomyces strains with competitive activity and immunogenic profiles: a bioinformatic approach. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10276. [PMID: 33240625 PMCID: PMC7668207 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzyme L-asparaginase from Escherichia coli is a therapeutic enzyme that has been a cornerstone in the clinical treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia for the last decades. However, treatment effectiveness is limited by the highly immunogenic nature of the protein and its cross-reactivity towards L-glutamine. In this work, a bioinformatic approach was used to identify, select and computationally characterize L-asparaginases from Streptomyces through sequence-based screening analyses, immunoinformatics, homology modeling, and molecular docking studies. Based on its predicted low immunogenicity and excellent enzymatic activity, we selected a previously uncharacterized L-asparaginase from Streptomyces scabrisporus. Furthermore, two putative asparaginase binding sites were identified and a 3D model is proposed. These promising features allow us to propose L-asparaginase from S. scabrisporus as an alternative for the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iván González-Torres
- Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ensenada, Baja California, México
| | - Ernesto Perez-Rueda
- Instituto de Matemáticas Aplicadas y Sistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Zahaed Evangelista-Martínez
- Subsede Sureste, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, AC, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Andrés Zárate-Romero
- Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ensenada, Baja California, México
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Alejandro Huerta-Saquero
- Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ensenada, Baja California, México
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang YY, Yang QS, Qing X, Li BR, Qian J, Wang Y, Ning BT. Peg-Asparaginase-Associated Pancreatitis in Chemotherapy-Treated Pediatric Patients: A 5-Year Retrospective Study. Front Oncol 2020; 10:538779. [PMID: 33194600 PMCID: PMC7656008 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.538779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Asparaginase-associated pancreatitis (AAP) is one of the most common complications occurring in patients with asparaginase-treated acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Peg-asparaginase (peg-asp), a chemically recombined asparaginase with lower hyposensitivity and better patient tolerance, is now approved as the first line asparaginase formulation in ALL chemotherapy regimens. Due to the differences in pharmacokinetic characteristics and administration procedure between l-asp and peg-asp, this study aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations of peg-asp-associated pancreatitis. Method Patients with peg-asp-associated pancreatitis diagnosed within a 5-year period (July 2014 to July 2019) were identified and retrospectively studied. The clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and imaging results of patients with AAP were analyzed. AAP patients were further classified into mild/moderate and severe groups based on criteria used in previous studies. Clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Results A total of 38 patients were enrolled in this study. The underlying disease included ALL (n=35) and lymphoma (n=3). The majority of patients developed AAP during the first phase, called remission induction (n=26, 68.4%), after a median of 2 peg-asp doses (range: 1–11). The DVLP regimen (n=23) is the most common peg-asp regimen used in AAP patients. Abdominal pain occurred after a median of 14.5 days (range: 1–50) from the last peg-asp administration, accompanied by abdominal distension (n=14), nausea (n=17), vomiting (n=21), and fever (n=19). Serum amylase elevation was reported in all AAP patients, of whom 65.8% (n=25) exhibited an elevation in the level of this enzyme three times the upper normal level, fulfilling the Atlanta criteria. The level of serum lipase (median days of elevation=23 days, range: 4–75) was significantly elevated compared with that of serum amylase (median days of elevation=9 days, range: 2–71) and persisted at a markedly high level after the level of serum amylase returned to normal. Common local complications included abdominal ascites (n=10) and peripancreatic fluid collection (n=8). Approximately 42.1% (n=16) of patients with severe AAP experienced systemic complications (septic shock or hypovolemic shock) or severe local complications (pseudocyst), among whom 5 failed to recover. Approximately 84.8% (n=28/33) of the remaining patients resumed chemotherapy; among them, peg-asp formulation in 30.3% (n=10/33) of these patients was adjusted, while asparaginase treatment in 39.4% (n=13/33) was permanently discontinued. Five patients experienced an AAP relapse in later stages of asparaginase treatment. Comparison between mild/moderate and severe AAP patients showed a statistically significant difference in the number of pediatric intensive care unit stays (p=0.047), survival rate (p=0.009), AAP prognosis (p=0.047), and impacts on chemotherapy (p=0.024), revealing a better clinical outcome in mild/moderate AAP patients. Conclusion Early recognition and management of AAP is essential in reversing the severity of AAP. The existing AAP criteria had a low strength in determining the severity of pediatric AAP. A well-defined AAP definition could help distinguish patients with high anticipated risk for redeveloping AAP and ALL relapse, in order to prevent unnecessary withdrawal of asparaginase. Our study could serve as a basis for conducting future large cohort studies and for establishing an accurate definition of pediatric AAP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Yu Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiu-Shi Yang
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Qing
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bi-Ru Li
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Qian
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo-Tao Ning
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chiu M, Taurino G, Bianchi MG, Kilberg MS, Bussolati O. Asparagine Synthetase in Cancer: Beyond Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1480. [PMID: 31998641 PMCID: PMC6962308 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Asparagine Synthetase (ASNS) catalyzes the synthesis of the non-essential amino acid asparagine (Asn) from aspartate (Asp) and glutamine (Gln). ASNS expression is highly regulated at the transcriptional level, being induced by both the Amino Acid Response (AAR) and the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) pathways. Lack of ASNS protein expression is a hallmark of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) blasts, which, therefore, are auxotrophic for Asn. This peculiarity is the rationale for the use of bacterial L-Asparaginase (ASNase) for ALL therapy, the first example of anti-cancer treatment targeting a tumor-specific metabolic feature. Other hematological and solid cancers express low levels of ASNS and, therefore, should also be Asn auxotrophs and ASNase sensitive. Conversely, in the last few years, several reports indicate that in some cancer types ASNS is overexpressed, promoting cell proliferation, chemoresistance, and a metastatic behavior. However, enhanced ASNS activity may constitute a metabolic vulnerability in selected cancer models, suggesting a variable and tumor-specific role of the enzyme in cancer. Recent evidence indicates that, beyond its canonical role in protein synthesis, Asn may have additional regulatory functions. These observations prompt a re-appreciation of ASNS activity in the biology of normal and cancer tissues, with particular attention to the fueling of Asn exchange between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Chiu
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Taurino
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Massimiliano G Bianchi
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Michael S Kilberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ovidio Bussolati
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Michelozzi IM, Granata V, De Ponti G, Alberti G, Tomasoni C, Antolini L, Gambacorti-Passerini C, Gentner B, Dazzi F, Biondi A, Coliva T, Rizzari C, Pievani A, Serafini M. Acute myeloid leukaemia niche regulates response to L-asparaginase. Br J Haematol 2019; 186:420-430. [PMID: 31044436 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Eradicating the malignant stem cell is the ultimate challenge in the treatment of leukaemia. Leukaemic stem cells (LSC) hijack the normal haemopoietic niche, where they are mainly protected from cytotoxic drugs. The anti-leukaemic effect of L-asparaginase (ASNase) has been extensively investigated in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, but only partially in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We explored the susceptibility of AML-LSC to ASNase as well as the role of the two major cell types that constitute the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, i.e., mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and monocytes/macrophages. Whilst ASNase was effective on both CD34+ CD38+ and CD34+ CD38- LSC fractions, MSC and monocytes/macrophages partially counteracted the effect of the drug. Indeed, the production of cathepsin B, a lysosomal cysteine protease, by BM monocytic cells and by AML cells classified as French-American-British M5 is related to the inactivation of ASNase. Our work demonstrates that, while MSC and monocytes/macrophages may provide a protective niche for AML cells, ASNase has a cytotoxic effect on AML blasts and, importantly, LSC subpopulations. Thus, these features should be considered in the design of future clinical studies aimed at testing ASNase efficacy in AML patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria M Michelozzi
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Valentina Granata
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giada De Ponti
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Gaia Alberti
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara Tomasoni
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Antolini
- Centro di Biostatistica per L'epidemiologia Clinica, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Bernhard Gentner
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Dazzi
- Department of Haemato-Oncology, Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrea Biondi
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Department of Paediatrics, Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Unit, Fondazione MBBM/San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Tiziana Coliva
- Department of Paediatrics, Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Unit, Fondazione MBBM/San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Carmelo Rizzari
- Department of Paediatrics, Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Unit, Fondazione MBBM/San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Alice Pievani
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marta Serafini
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bade NA, Lu C, Patzke CL, Baer MR, Duong VH, Law JY, Lee ST, Sausville EA, Zimrin AB, Duffy AP, Lawson J, Emadi A. Optimizing pegylated asparaginase use: An institutional guideline for dosing, monitoring, and management. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2019; 26:74-92. [PMID: 30917738 DOI: 10.1177/1078155219838316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The incorporation of L-asparaginase and pegylated asparaginase into pediatric-inspired regimens has conferred a survival advantage in treatment of adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Use of asparaginase products requires careful prevention, monitoring, and management of adverse effects including hypersensitivity, hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, coagulopathy, and thrombosis. Currently, there is limited published literature to offer guidance on management of these toxicities. At the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, a standard of practice guideline was created to prevent and manage asparaginase-related adverse events. By sharing our long-term experience with asparaginase products and clinical management of asparaginase-induced toxicities, this article aims to improve patient safety and optimize treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najeebah A Bade
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Crystal Lu
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ciera L Patzke
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Department of Pharmacy, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Maria R Baer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vu H Duong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennie Y Law
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seung T Lee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Edward A Sausville
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ann B Zimrin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alison P Duffy
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Justin Lawson
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashkan Emadi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Inhibition of GCN2 sensitizes ASNS-low cancer cells to asparaginase by disrupting the amino acid response. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E7776-E7785. [PMID: 30061420 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1805523115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
General control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) plays a major role in the cellular response to amino acid limitation. Although maintenance of amino acid homeostasis is critical for tumor growth, the contribution of GCN2 to cancer cell survival and proliferation is poorly understood. In this study, we generated GCN2 inhibitors and demonstrated that inhibition of GCN2 sensitizes cancer cells with low basal-level expression of asparagine synthetase (ASNS) to the antileukemic agent l-asparaginase (ASNase) in vitro and in vivo. We first tested acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells and showed that treatment with GCN2 inhibitors rendered ALL cells sensitive to ASNase by preventing the induction of ASNS, resulting in reduced levels of de novo protein synthesis. Comprehensive gene-expression profiling revealed that combined treatment with ASNase and GCN2 inhibitors induced the stress-activated MAPK pathway, thereby triggering apoptosis. By using cell-panel analyses, we also showed that acute myelogenous leukemia and pancreatic cancer cells were highly sensitive to the combined treatment. Notably, basal ASNS expression at protein levels was significantly correlated with sensitivity to combined treatment. These results provide mechanistic insights into the role of GCN2 in the amino acid response and a rationale for further investigation of GCN2 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
|
20
|
Mauro-Lizcano M, López-Rivas A. Glutamine metabolism regulates FLIP expression and sensitivity to TRAIL in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:205. [PMID: 29434187 PMCID: PMC5833863 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0263-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Glutamine plays an important role in the metabolism of tumor cells through its contribution to redox homeostasis, bioenergetics, synthesis of macromolecules, and signaling. Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are highly metastatic and associated with poor prognosis. TNBC cells show a marked dependence on extracellular glutamine for growth. Herein we demonstrate that TNBC cells are markedly sensitized to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis upon glutamine deprivation. Upregulation of pro-apoptotic TRAIL receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2/DR5) and downregulation of FLICE-inhibitory protein (FLIP) are observed in glutamine-deprived TNBC cells. Activation of the amino-acid-sensing kinase general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) upon glutamine deprivation is responsible for TRAIL-R2 upregulation through a signaling pathway involving ATF4 and CHOP transcription factors. In contrast, FLIP downregulation in glutamine-deprived TNBC occurs by a GCN2-independent mechanism. Importantly, silencing FLIP expression by RNA interference results in a marked sensitization of TNBC cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In addition, pharmacological or genetic inhibition of transaminases increases TRAIL-R2 expression and downregulates FLIP levels, sensitizing TNBC cells to TRAIL. Interestingly, treatment with l-asparaginase markedly sensitizes TNBC cells to TRAIL through its glutaminase activity. Overall, our findings suggest that targeting the glutamine addiction phenotype of TNBC can be regarded as a potential antitumoral target in combination with agonists of proapoptotic TRAIL receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mauro-Lizcano
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Avda Américo Vespucio 24, Sevilla, 41092, Spain
| | - Abelardo López-Rivas
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Avda Américo Vespucio 24, Sevilla, 41092, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Oncología (CIBERONC), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Emadi A, Law JY, Strovel ET, Lapidus RG, Jeng LJB, Lee M, Blitzer MG, Carter-Cooper BA, Sewell D, Van Der Merwe I, Philip S, Imran M, Yu SL, Li H, Amrein PC, Duong VH, Sausville EA, Baer MR, Fathi AT, Singh Z, Bentzen SM. Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi effectively depletes plasma glutamine in adult patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2017; 81:217-222. [PMID: 29119293 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-017-3459-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Depletion of glutamine (Gln) has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), as neoplastic cells require Gln for synthesis of cellular components essential for survival. Asparaginases deplete Gln, and asparaginase derived from Erwinia chrysanthemi (Erwinaze) appears to have the greatest glutaminase activity of the available asparaginases. In this Phase I study, we sought to determine the dose of Erwinaze that safely and effectively depletes plasma Gln levels to ≤ 120 μmol/L in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) AML. Five patients were enrolled before the study was halted due to issues with Erwinaze manufacturing supply. All patients received Erwinaze at a dose of 25,000 IU/m2 intravenously three times weekly for 2 weeks. Median trough plasma Gln level at 48 h after initial Erwinaze administration was 27.6 μmol/L, and 80% (lower limit of 1-sided 95% CI 34%) of patients achieved at least one undetectable plasma Gln value (< 12.5 μmol/L), with the fold reduction (FR) in Gln level at 3 days, relative to baseline, being 0.16 (p < 0.001 for rejecting FR = 1). No dose-limiting toxicities were identified. Two patients responded, one achieved partial remission and one achieved hematologic improvement after six doses of Erwinaze monotherapy. These data suggest asparaginase-induced Gln depletion may have an important role in the management of patients with AML, and support more pharmacologic and clinical studies on the mechanistically designed asparaginase combinations in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Emadi
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Jennie Y Law
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Erin T Strovel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Rena G Lapidus
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Linda J B Jeng
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Myounghee Lee
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA
| | - Miriam G Blitzer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Danielle Sewell
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Sunita Philip
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA
| | - Mohammad Imran
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA
| | - Stephen L Yu
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA
| | - Hongxia Li
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA
| | - Philip C Amrein
- Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Vu H Duong
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Edward A Sausville
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Maria R Baer
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Amir T Fathi
- Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Zeba Singh
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Søren M Bentzen
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA.,Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Belviso S, Iuliano R, Amato R, Perrotti N, Menniti M. The human asparaginase enzyme (ASPG) inhibits growth in leukemic cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178174. [PMID: 28542249 PMCID: PMC5443537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The human protein ASPG is an enzyme with a putative antitumor activity. We generated in bacteria and then purified a recombinant GST-ASPG protein that we used to characterize the biochemical and cytotoxic properties of the human ASPG. We demonstrated that ASPG possesses asparaginase and PAF acetylhydrolase activities that depend on a critical threonine residue at position 19. Consistently, ASPG but not its T19A mutant showed cytotoxic activity in K562, NALM-6 and MOLT-4 leukemic cell lines but not in normal cells. Regarding the mechanism of action of ASPG, it was able to induce a significant apoptotic death in K562 cells. Taken together our data suggest that ASPG, combining different enzymatic activities, should be considered a promising anti-cancer agent for inhibiting the growth of leukemia cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Belviso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Iuliano
- Department of Human Health, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- * E-mail: (RI); (MM)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Human Health, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Perrotti
- Department of Human Health, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Miranda Menniti
- Department of Human Health, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- * E-mail: (RI); (MM)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Costa IM, Schultz L, de Araujo Bianchi Pedra B, Leite MSM, Farsky SHP, de Oliveira MA, Pessoa A, Monteiro G. Recombinant L-asparaginase 1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: an allosteric enzyme with antineoplastic activity. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36239. [PMID: 27824095 PMCID: PMC5099943 DOI: 10.1038/srep36239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) (EC 3.5.1.1) is an important enzyme for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Currently, the enzyme is obtained from bacteria, Escherichia coli and Erwinia chrysanthemi. The bacterial enzymes family is subdivided in type I and type II; nevertheless, only type II have been employed in therapeutic proceedings. However, bacterial enzymes are susceptible to induce immune responses, leading to a high incidence of adverse effects compromising the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, alternative sources of L-ASNase may be useful to reduce toxicity and enhance efficacy. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has the ASP1 gene responsible for encoding L-asparaginase 1 (ScASNase1), an enzyme predicted as type II, like bacterial therapeutic isoforms, but it has been poorly studied. Here we characterised ScASNase1 using a recombinant enzyme purified by affinity chromatography. ScASNase1 has specific activity of 196.2 U/mg and allosteric behaviour, like type I enzymes, but with a low K0.5 = 75 μM like therapeutic type II. We showed through site-directed mutagenesis that the T64-Y78-T141-K215 residues are involved in catalysis. Furthermore, ScASNase1 showed cytotoxicity for the MOLT-4 leukemic cell lineage. Our data show that ScASNase1 has characteristics described for the two subfamilies of l-asparaginase, types I and II, and may have promising antineoplastic properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Munhoz Costa
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Schultz
- Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Coastal Campus, São Vicente/SP 11330-900, Brazil
| | - Beatriz de Araujo Bianchi Pedra
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Mariana Silva Moreira Leite
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Sandra H P Farsky
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marcos Antonio de Oliveira
- Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Coastal Campus, São Vicente/SP 11330-900, Brazil
| | - Adalberto Pessoa
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP 05508-000, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Tundisi LL, Coêlho DF, Zanchetta B, Moriel P, Pessoa A, Tambourgi EB, Silveira E, Mazzola PG. L-Asparaginase Purification. SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION REVIEWS 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/15422119.2016.1184167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
25
|
Emadi A, Bade NA, Stevenson B, Singh Z. Minimally-Myelosuppressive Asparaginase-Containing Induction Regimen for Treatment of a Jehovah's Witness with mutant IDH1/NPM1/NRAS Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:ph9010012. [PMID: 27064021 PMCID: PMC4812376 DOI: 10.3390/ph9010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who do not wish to accept blood product transfusion, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, is extremely challenging. The use of conventional chemotherapy for induction of complete remission (CR) results in profound anemia and thrombocytopenia requiring frequent transfusions of blood products, without which such treatment will be life-threatening. Finding a well tolerable, minimally myelosuppressive induction regimen for such patients with AML is a clear example of area of unmet medical need. Here, we report a successful treatment of a 52-year-old Jehovah’s Witness with newly diagnosed AML with peg-asparaginase, vincristine and methylprednisolone. The AML was characterized with normal karyotype, and mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1-Arg132Ser), nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1-Trp289Cysfs*12) and neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS-G1y12Va1). After one 28-day cycle of treatment, the patient achieved complete remission with incomplete count recovery (CRi) and after the second cycle, he achieved CR with full blood count recovery. The patient has never received any blood products. Notwithstanding that myeloperoxidase-induced oxidative degradation of vincristine results in its lack of activity as monotherapy in AML, its combination with corticosteroid and asparaginase has resulted in a robust remission in this patient. Diminished steroid clearance by asparaginase activity as well as reduction in serum glutamine level induced by glutaminase enzymatic activity of asparaginase may have contributed to effective killing of the myeloblasts that carry IDH1/NPM1/NRAS mutations. In conclusion, asparaginase-containing regimens, which are approved for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) but not AML, can be used to treat patients with AML who do not accept blood transfusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Emadi
- School of Medicine, Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, 22 South Greene Street, Room N9E24, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Najeebah A Bade
- School of Medicine, Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, 22 South Greene Street, Room N9E24, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Brandi Stevenson
- School of Medicine, Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, 22 South Greene Street, Room N9E24, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Zeba Singh
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
|
27
|
Cohen R, Neuzillet C, Tijeras-Raballand A, Faivre S, de Gramont A, Raymond E. Targeting cancer cell metabolism in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2015; 6:16832-47. [PMID: 26164081 PMCID: PMC4627277 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030. Current therapeutic options are limited, warranting an urgent need to explore innovative treatment strategies. Due to specific microenvironment constraints including an extensive desmoplastic stroma reaction, PDAC faces major metabolic challenges, principally hypoxia and nutrient deprivation. Their connection with oncogenic alterations such as KRAS mutations has brought metabolic reprogramming to the forefront of PDAC therapeutic research. The Warburg effect, glutamine addiction, and autophagy stand as the most important adaptive metabolic mechanisms of cancer cells themselves, however metabolic reprogramming is also an important feature of the tumor microenvironment, having a major impact on epigenetic reprogramming and tumor cell interactions with its complex stroma. We present a comprehensive overview of the main metabolic adaptations contributing to PDAC development and progression. A review of current and future therapies targeting this range of metabolic pathways is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romain Cohen
- INSERM U728, Beaujon University Hospital (AP-HP – PRES Paris 7 Diderot), Clichy La Garenne, France
| | - Cindy Neuzillet
- INSERM U728, Beaujon University Hospital (AP-HP – PRES Paris 7 Diderot), Clichy La Garenne, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Henri Mondor University Hospital, Créteil, France
| | | | - Sandrine Faivre
- Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Armand de Gramont
- New Drug Evaluation Laboratory, Centre of Experimental Therapeutics and Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric Raymond
- Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Fathi AT, Wander SA, Faramand R, Emadi A. Biochemical, Epigenetic, and Metabolic Approaches to Target IDH Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Semin Hematol 2015; 52:165-71. [PMID: 26111463 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a lethal hematologic malignancy associated with poor clinical outcomes. In recent years, mutations in the IDH1 and IDH2 genes have been discovered across a range of malignancies, including AML, raising hope for effective targeted therapies. An intriguing aspect of IDH1/2-mutant malignancies is the aberrant production of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), which likely play a pivotal oncogenic role. We recently reported that 2-HG is dramatically elevated in the sera, marrow and urine of IDH1/2-mutant AML patients, and that levels of this oncometabolite directly correlate with disease burden and therapeutic response. The discovery of IDH1/2 mutations and their impact on important proteomic and metabolic pathways has triggered intensive efforts to develop novel and targeted therapies. IDH1/2 inhibitors are currently under early phase clinical investigation, with promising suggestion of efficacy. Other therapeutic approaches under preclinical and clinical investigation in this population include DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and agents that target glutamine metabolism through inhibition of glutaminase or depletion of serum glutamine by asparaginase products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir T Fathi
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston, MA.
| | - Seth A Wander
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston, MA
| | - Rawan Faramand
- University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ashkan Emadi
- University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bhutia YD, Babu E, Prasad PD, Ganapathy V. The amino acid transporter SLC6A14 in cancer and its potential use in chemotherapy. Asian J Pharm Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2014.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
|