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Sobral AF, Cunha A, Silva V, Gil-Martins E, Silva R, Barbosa DJ. Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Folate-Dependent One-Carbon Metabolism in Cancer and Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9339. [PMID: 39273288 PMCID: PMC11395277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular metabolism is crucial for various physiological processes, with folate-dependent one-carbon (1C) metabolism playing a pivotal role. Folate, a B vitamin, is a key cofactor in this pathway, supporting DNA synthesis, methylation processes, and antioxidant defenses. In dividing cells, folate facilitates nucleotide biosynthesis, ensuring genomic stability and preventing carcinogenesis. Additionally, in neurodevelopment, folate is essential for neural tube closure and central nervous system formation. Thus, dysregulation of folate metabolism can contribute to pathologies such as cancer, severe birth defects, and neurodegenerative diseases. Epidemiological evidence highlights folate's impact on disease risk and its potential as a therapeutic target. In cancer, antifolate drugs that inhibit key enzymes of folate-dependent 1C metabolism and strategies targeting folate receptors are current therapeutic options. However, folate's impact on cancer risk is complex, varying among cancer types and dietary contexts. In neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, folate deficiency exacerbates cognitive decline through elevated homocysteine levels, contributing to neuronal damage. Clinical trials of folic acid supplementation show mixed outcomes, underscoring the complexities of its neuroprotective effects. This review integrates current knowledge on folate metabolism in cancer and neurodegeneration, exploring molecular mechanisms, clinical implications, and therapeutic strategies, which can provide crucial information for advancing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Filipa Sobral
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences-CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Toxicologic Pathology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Andrea Cunha
- UNIPRO-Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences-CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Vera Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CIQUP-IMS/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva Gil-Martins
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CIQUP-IMS/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Renata Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniel José Barbosa
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences-CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Translational Toxicology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
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2
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Peters GJ, Kathmann I, Giovannetti E, Smid K, Assaraf YG, Jansen G. The role of l-leucovorin uptake and metabolism in the modulation of 5-fluorouracil efficacy and antifolate toxicity. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1450418. [PMID: 39234107 PMCID: PMC11371747 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1450418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background L-Leucovorin (l-LV; 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, folinic acid) is a precursor for 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (5,10-CH2-THF), which is important for the potentiation of the antitumor activity of 5-fluorouracil (5FU). LV is also used to rescue antifolate toxicity. LV is commonly administered as a racemic mixture of its l-LV and d-LV stereoisomers. We compared dl-LV with l-LV and investigated whether d-LV would interfere with the activity of l-LV. Methods Using radioactive substrates, we characterized the transport properties of l-LV and d-LV, and compared the efficacy of l-LV with d-LV to potentiate 5FU-mediated thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibition. Using proliferation assays, we investigated their potential to protect cancer cells from cytotoxicity of the antifolates methotrexate, pemetrexed (Alimta), raltitrexed (Tomudex) and pralatrexate (Folotyn). Results l-LV displayed an 8-fold and 3.5-fold higher substrate affinity than d-LV for the reduced folate carrier (RFC/SLC19A1) and proton coupled folate transporter (PCFT/SLC46A1), respectively. In selected colon cancer cell lines, the greatest enhanced efficacy of 5FU was observed for l-LV (2-fold) followed by the racemic mixture, whereas d-LV was ineffective. The cytotoxicity of antifolates in lymphoma and various solid tumor cell lines could be protected very efficiently by l-LV but not by d-LV. This protective effect of l-LV was dependent on cellular RFC expression as corroborated in RFC/PCFT-knockout and RFC/PCFT-transfected cells. Assessment of TS activity in situ showed that TS inhibition by 5FU could be enhanced by l-LV and dl-LV and only partially by d-LV. However, protection from inhibition by various antifolates was solely achieved by l-LV and dl-LV. Conclusion In general l-LV acts similar to the dl-LV formulations, however disparate effects were observed when d-LV and l-LV were used in combination, conceivably by d-LV affecting (anti)folate transport and intracellular metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ietje Kathmann
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Kees Smid
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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3
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Phull S, Marx D, Akens MK, Ghert M, Towler MR. In vitroassessment of a gallium-doped glass polyalkenoate cement: chemotherapeutic potential, cytotoxicity and osteogenic effects. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:055006. [PMID: 38917820 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad5ba5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic bone lesions are often osteolytic, which causes advanced-stage cancer sufferers to experience severe pain and an increased risk of developing a pathological fracture. Gallium (Ga) ion possesses antineoplastic and anti-bone resorption properties, suggesting the potential for its local administration to impede the growth of metastatic bone lesions. This study investigated the chemotherapeutic potential, cytotoxicity, and osteogenic effects of a Ga-doped glass polyalkenoate cement (GPC) (C-TA2) compared to its non-gallium (C-TA0) counterpart. Ion release profiles revealed a biphasic pattern characterized by an initial burst followed by a gradually declining release of ions. C-TA2 continued to release Ga steadily throughout the experimentation period (7 d) and exhibited prolonged zinc (Zn) release compared to C-TA0. Interestingly, the Zn release from both GPCs appeared to cause a chemotherapeutic effect against H1092 lung cancer cellsin vitro, with the prolonged Zn release from C-TA2 extending this effect. Unfortunately, both GPCs enhanced the viability of HCC2218 breast cancer cells, suggesting that the chemotherapeutic effects of Zn could be tied to cellular differences in preferred Zn concentrations. The utilization of SAOS-2 and MC3T3 cell lines as bone cell models yielded conflicting results, with the substantial decline in MC3T3 viability closely associated with silicon (Si) release, indicating cellular variations in Si toxicity. Despite this ambiguity, both GPCs exhibited harmful effects on the osteogenesis of primary rat osteoblasts, raising concerns about excessive burst Zn release. While Ga/Zn-doped GPCs hold promise for treating metastatic bone lesions caused by lung cancers, further optimization is required to mitigate cytotoxicity on healthy bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunjeev Phull
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniella Marx
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Margarete K Akens
- University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle Ghert
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton L8V 5C2, ON, Canada
| | - Mark R Towler
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Missouri S&T, Rolla, MO, United States of America
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4
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Zhang Y, Luo Y, Zhao J, Zheng W, Zhan J, Zheng H, Luo F. Emerging delivery systems based on aqueous two-phase systems: A review. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:110-132. [PMID: 38239237 PMCID: PMC10792979 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) is an all-aqueous system fabricated from two immiscible aqueous phases. It is spontaneously assembled through physical liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and can create suitable templates like the multicompartment of the intracellular environment. Delicate structures containing multiple compartments make it possible to endow materials with advanced functions. Due to the properties of ATPSs, ATPS-based drug delivery systems exhibit excellent biocompatibility, extraordinary loading efficiency, and intelligently controlled content release, which are particularly advantageous for delivering drugs in vivo . Therefore, we will systematically review and evaluate ATPSs as an ideal drug delivery system. Based on the basic mechanisms and influencing factors in forming ATPSs, the transformation of ATPSs into valuable biomaterials is described. Afterward, we concentrate on the most recent cutting-edge research on ATPS-based delivery systems. Finally, the potential for further collaborations between ATPS-based drug-carrying biomaterials and disease diagnosis and treatment is also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yankun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jingqi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenzhuo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jun Zhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Huaping Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Rare Diseases Center, Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Feng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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5
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Kaku K, Ravindra MP, Tong N, Choudhary S, Li X, Yu J, Karim M, Brzezinski M, O’Connor C, Hou Z, Matherly LH, Gangjee A. Discovery of Tumor-Targeted 6-Methyl Substituted Pemetrexed and Related Antifolates with Selective Loss of RFC Transport. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1682-1691. [PMID: 38116433 PMCID: PMC10726441 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pemetrexed and related 5-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates are substrates for the ubiquitously expressed reduced folate carrier (RFC), and the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) and folate receptors (FRs) which are more tumor-selective. A long-standing goal has been to discover tumor-targeted therapeutics that draw from one-carbon metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells and are selective for transport by FRs and PCFT over RFC. We discovered that a methyl group at the 6-position of the pyrrole ring in the bicyclic scaffold of 5-substituted 2-amino-4-oxo-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates 1-4 (including pemetrexed) abolished transport by RFC with modest impacts on FRs or PCFT. From molecular modeling, loss of RFC transport involves steric repulsion in the scaffold binding site due to the 6-methyl moiety. 6-Methyl substitution preserved antiproliferative activities toward human tumor cells (KB, IGROV3) with selectivity over IOSE 7576 normal ovary cells and inhibition of de novo purine biosynthesis. Thus, adding a 6-methyl moiety to 5-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates affords tumor transport selectivity while preserving antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Kaku
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Manasa P. Ravindra
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Nian Tong
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Shruti Choudhary
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Xinxin Li
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Jianming Yu
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Mohammad Karim
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Madelyn Brzezinski
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Carrie O’Connor
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Molecular
Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos
Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Larry H. Matherly
- Molecular
Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos
Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department
of Pharmacology, Wayne State University
School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
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6
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Audet-Delage Y, St-Louis C, Minarrieta L, McGuirk S, Kurreal I, Annis MG, Mer AS, Siegel PM, St-Pierre J. Spatiotemporal modeling of chemoresistance evolution in breast tumors uncovers dependencies on SLC38A7 and SLC46A1. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113191. [PMID: 37792528 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In solid tumors, drug concentrations decrease with distance from blood vessels. However, cellular adaptations accompanying the gradated exposure of cancer cells to drugs are largely unknown. Here, we modeled the spatiotemporal changes promoting chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer. Using pairwise cell competition assays at each step during the acquisition of chemoresistance, we reveal an important priming phase that renders cancer cells previously exposed to sublethal drug concentrations refractory to dose escalation. Therapy-resistant cells throughout the concentration gradient display higher expression of the solute carriers SLC38A7 and SLC46A1 and elevated intracellular concentrations of their associated metabolites. Reduced levels of SLC38A7 and SLC46A1 diminish the proliferative potential of cancer cells, and elevated expression of these SLCs in breast tumors from patients correlates with reduced survival. Our work provides mechanistic evidence to support dose-intensive treatment modalities for patients with solid tumors and reveals two members of the SLC family as potential actionable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Audet-Delage
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Catherine St-Louis
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Lucía Minarrieta
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Shawn McGuirk
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Irwin Kurreal
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Matthew G Annis
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Arvind Singh Mer
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Peter M Siegel
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Julie St-Pierre
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology and Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada.
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7
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Sun W, Liu R, Gao X, Lin Z, Tang H, Cui H, Zhao E. Targeting serine-glycine-one-carbon metabolism as a vulnerability in cancers. Biomark Res 2023; 11:48. [PMID: 37147729 PMCID: PMC10161514 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00487-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The serine-glycine-one-carbon (SGOC) metabolic pathway is critical for DNA methylation, histone methylation, and redox homeostasis, in addition to protein, lipid, and nucleotide biosynthesis. The SGOC pathway is a crucial metabolic network in tumorigenesis, wherein the outputs are required for cell survival and proliferation and are particularly likely to be co-opted by aggressive cancers. SGOC metabolism provides an integration point in cell metabolism and is of crucial clinical significance. The mechanism of how this network is regulated is the key to understanding tumor heterogeneity and overcoming the potential mechanism of tumor recurrence. Herein, we review the role of SGOC metabolism in cancer by focusing on key enzymes with tumor-promoting functions and important products with physiological significance in tumorigenesis. In addition, we introduce the ways in which cancer cells acquire and use one-carbon unit, and discuss the recently clarified role of SGOC metabolic enzymes in tumorigenesis and development, as well as their relationship with cancer immunotherapy and ferroptosis. The targeting of SGOC metabolism may be a potential therapeutic strategy to improve clinical outcomes in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Xinyue Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Zini Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongao Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, 400716, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
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8
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Dang Y, Zhou D, Du X, Zhao H, Lee CH, Yang J, Wang Y, Qin C, Guo Z, Zhang Z. Molecular mechanism of substrate recognition by folate transporter SLC19A1. Cell Discov 2022; 8:141. [PMID: 36575193 PMCID: PMC9794768 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00508-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Folate (vitamin B9) is the coenzyme involved in one-carbon transfer biochemical reactions essential for cell survival and proliferation, with its inadequacy causing developmental defects or severe diseases. Notably, mammalian cells lack the ability to de novo synthesize folate but instead rely on its intake from extracellular sources via specific transporters or receptors, among which SLC19A1 is the ubiquitously expressed one in tissues. However, the mechanism of substrate recognition by SLC19A1 remains unclear. Here we report the cryo-EM structures of human SLC19A1 and its complex with 5-methyltetrahydrofolate at 3.5-3.6 Å resolution and elucidate the critical residues for substrate recognition. In particular, we reveal that two variant residues among SLC19 subfamily members designate the specificity for folate. Moreover, we identify intracellular thiamine pyrophosphate as the favorite coupled substrate for folate transport by SLC19A1. Together, this work establishes the molecular basis of substrate recognition by this central folate transporter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Dang
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Du
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China ,grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Present Address: Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtu Zhao
- grid.240871.80000 0001 0224 711XDepartment of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Chia-Hsueh Lee
- grid.240871.80000 0001 0224 711XDepartment of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Jing Yang
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yijie Wang
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Changdong Qin
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Cryo-EM Platform, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenxi Guo
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Cryo-EM Platform, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China ,grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China ,grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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9
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Matherly LH, Schneider M, Gangjee A, Hou Z. Biology and therapeutic applications of the proton-coupled folate transporter. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2022; 18:695-706. [PMID: 36239195 PMCID: PMC9637735 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2136071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT; SLC46A1) was discovered in 2006 as the principal mechanism by which folates are absorbed in the intestine and the causal basis for hereditary folate malabsorption (HFM). In 2011, it was found that PCFT is highly expressed in many tumors. This stimulated interest in using PCFT for cytotoxic drug targeting, taking advantage of the substantial levels of PCFT transport and acidic pH conditions commonly associated with tumors. AREAS COVERED We summarize the literature from 2006 to 2022 that explores the role of PCFT in the intestinal absorption of dietary folates and its role in HFM and as a transporter of folates and antifolates such as pemetrexed (Alimta) in relation to cancer. We provide the rationale for the discovery of a new generation of targeted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates with selective PCFT transport and inhibitory activity toward de novo purine biosynthesis in solid tumors. We summarize the benefits of this approach to cancer therapy and exciting new developments in the structural biology of PCFT and its potential to foster refinement of active structures of PCFT-targeted anti-cancer drugs. EXPERT OPINION We summarize the promising future and potential challenges of implementing PCFT-targeted therapeutics for HFM and a variety of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry H. Matherly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Mathew Schneider
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
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10
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Wallace-Povirk A, Rubinsak L, Malysa A, Dzinic SH, Ravindra M, Schneider M, Glassbrook J, O'Connor C, Hou Z, Kim S, Back J, Polin L, Morris RT, Gangjee A, Gibson H, Matherly LH. Targeted therapy of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates in a syngeneic mouse model of high grade serous ovarian cancer and the impact on the tumor microenvironment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11346. [PMID: 35790779 PMCID: PMC9256750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14788-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel therapies are urgently needed for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. In addition, therapies that target unique vulnerabilities in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of EOC have largely been unrealized. One strategy to achieve selective drug delivery for EOC therapy involves use of targeted antifolates via their uptake by folate receptor (FR) proteins, resulting in inhibition of essential one-carbon (C1) metabolic pathways. FRα is highly expressed in EOCs, along with the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT); FRβ is expressed on activated macrophages, a major infiltrating immune population in EOC. Thus, there is great potential for targeting both the tumor and the TME with agents delivered via selective transport by FRs and PCFT. In this report, we investigated the therapeutic potential of a novel cytosolic C1 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine inhibitor AGF94, with selectivity for uptake by FRs and PCFT and inhibition of de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis, against a syngeneic model of ovarian cancer (BR-Luc) which recapitulates high-grade serous ovarian cancer in patients. In vitro activity of AGF94 was extended in vivo against orthotopic BR-Luc tumors. With late-stage subcutaneous BR-Luc xenografts, AGF94 treatment resulted in substantial anti-tumor efficacy, accompanied by significantly decreased M2-like FRβ-expressing macrophages and increased CD3+ T cells, whereas CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were unaffected. Our studies demonstrate potent anti-tumor efficacy of AGF94 in the therapy of EOC in the context of an intact immune system, and provide a framework for targeting the immunosuppressive TME as an essential component of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Rubinsak
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Agnes Malysa
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sijana H Dzinic
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Manasa Ravindra
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA
| | - Mathew Schneider
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - James Glassbrook
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Carrie O'Connor
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Seongho Kim
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Jessica Back
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Lisa Polin
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Robert T Morris
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA.
| | - Heather Gibson
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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11
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Newstead S. Structural basis for recognition and transport of folic acid in mammalian cells. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 74:102353. [PMID: 35303537 PMCID: PMC7612623 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Structural studies on mammalian vitamin transport lag behind other metabolites. Folates, also known as B9 vitamins, are essential cofactors in one-carbon transfer reactions in biology. Three different systems control folate uptake in the human body; folate receptors function to capture and internalise extracellular folates via endocytosis, whereas two major facilitator superfamily transporters, the reduced folate carrier (RFC; SLC19A1) and proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT; SLC46A1) control the transport of folates across cellular membranes. Targeting specific folate transporters is being pursued as a route to developing new antifolates with improved pharmacology. Recent structures of the proton-coupled folate transporter, PCFT, revealed key insights into antifolate recognition and the mechanism of proton-coupled transport. Combined with previously determined structures of folate receptors and new predictions for the structure of the RFC, we are now able to develop a structure-based understanding of folate and antifolate recognition to accelerate efforts in antifolate drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Newstead
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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12
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Hou Z, Gangjee A, Matherly LH. The evolving biology of the proton‐coupled folate transporter: New insights into regulation, structure, and mechanism. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22164. [PMID: 35061292 PMCID: PMC8978580 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101704r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The human proton‐coupled folate transporter (PCFT; SLC46A1) or hPCFT was identified in 2006 as the principal folate transporter involved in the intestinal absorption of dietary folates. A rare autosomal recessive hereditary folate malabsorption syndrome is attributable to human SLC46A1 variants. The recognition that hPCFT was highly expressed in many tumors stimulated substantial interest in its potential for cytotoxic drug targeting, taking advantage of its high‐level transport activity under acidic pH conditions that characterize many tumors and its modest expression in most normal tissues. To better understand the basis for variations in hPCFT levels between tissues including human tumors, studies have examined the transcriptional regulation of hPCFT including the roles of CpG hypermethylation and critical transcription factors and cis elements. Additional focus involved identifying key structural and functional determinants of hPCFT transport that, combined with homology models based on structural homologies to the bacterial transporters GlpT and LacY, have enabled new structural and mechanistic insights. Recently, cryo‐electron microscopy structures of chicken PCFT in a substrate‐free state and in complex with the antifolate pemetrexed were reported, providing further structural insights into determinants of (anti)folate recognition and the mechanism of pH‐regulated (anti)folate transport by PCFT. Like many major facilitator proteins, hPCFT exists as a homo‐oligomer, and evidence suggests that homo‐oligomerization of hPCFT monomeric proteins may be important for its intracellular trafficking and/or transport function. Better understanding of the structure, function and regulation of hPCFT should facilitate the rational development of new therapeutic strategies for conditions associated with folate deficiency, as well as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanjun Hou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Detroit Michigan USA
- Department of Oncology Wayne State University School of Medicine Detroit Michigan USA
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Duquesne University Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Larry H. Matherly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Detroit Michigan USA
- Department of Oncology Wayne State University School of Medicine Detroit Michigan USA
- Department of Pharmacology Wayne State University School of Medicine Detroit Michigan USA
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13
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Lionaki E, Ploumi C, Tavernarakis N. One-Carbon Metabolism: Pulling the Strings behind Aging and Neurodegeneration. Cells 2022; 11:cells11020214. [PMID: 35053330 PMCID: PMC8773781 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is a network of biochemical reactions delivering one-carbon units to various biosynthetic pathways. The folate cycle and methionine cycle are the two key modules of this network that regulate purine and thymidine synthesis, amino acid homeostasis, and epigenetic mechanisms. Intersection with the transsulfuration pathway supports glutathione production and regulation of the cellular redox state. Dietary intake of micronutrients, such as folates and amino acids, directly contributes to OCM, thereby adapting the cellular metabolic state to environmental inputs. The contribution of OCM to cellular proliferation during development and in adult proliferative tissues is well established. Nevertheless, accumulating evidence reveals the pivotal role of OCM in cellular homeostasis of non-proliferative tissues and in coordination of signaling cascades that regulate energy homeostasis and longevity. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on OCM and related pathways and discuss how this metabolic network may impact longevity and neurodegeneration across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Lionaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (E.L.); (C.P.)
| | - Christina Ploumi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (E.L.); (C.P.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (E.L.); (C.P.)
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2810-391069
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14
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Folate Transport and One-Carbon Metabolism in Targeted Therapies of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010191. [PMID: 35008360 PMCID: PMC8750473 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
New therapies are urgently needed for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. To identify new approaches for targeting EOC, metabolic vulnerabilities must be discovered and strategies for the selective delivery of therapeutic agents must be established. Folate receptor (FR) α and the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) are expressed in the majority of EOCs. FRβ is expressed on tumor-associated macrophages, a major infiltrating immune population in EOC. One-carbon (C1) metabolism is partitioned between the cytosol and mitochondria and is important for the synthesis of nucleotides, amino acids, glutathione, and other critical metabolites. Novel inhibitors are being developed with the potential for therapeutic targeting of tumors via FRs and the PCFT, as well as for inhibiting C1 metabolism. In this review, we summarize these exciting new developments in targeted therapies for both tumors and the tumor microenvironment in EOC.
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15
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Parker JL, Deme JC, Kuteyi G, Wu Z, Huo J, Goldman ID, Owens RJ, Biggin PC, Lea SM, Newstead S. Structural basis of antifolate recognition and transport by PCFT. Nature 2021; 595:130-134. [PMID: 34040256 PMCID: PMC9990147 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03579-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Folates (also known as vitamin B9) have a critical role in cellular metabolism as the starting point in the synthesis of nucleic acids, amino acids and the universal methylating agent S-adenylsmethionine1,2. Folate deficiency is associated with a number of developmental, immune and neurological disorders3-5. Mammals cannot synthesize folates de novo; several systems have therefore evolved to take up folates from the diet and distribute them within the body3,6. The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) (also known as SLC46A1) mediates folate uptake across the intestinal brush border membrane and the choroid plexus4,7, and is an important route for the delivery of antifolate drugs in cancer chemotherapy8-10. How PCFT recognizes folates or antifolate agents is currently unclear. Here we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of PCFT in a substrate-free state and in complex with a new-generation antifolate drug (pemetrexed). Our results provide a structural basis for understanding antifolate recognition and provide insights into the pH-regulated mechanism of folate transport mediated by PCFT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne L Parker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Justin C Deme
- Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Central Oxford Structural Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Gabriel Kuteyi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Zhiyi Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jiandong Huo
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Didcot, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Protein Production UK, The Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, UK
| | - I David Goldman
- Departments of Molecular Pharmacology and Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raymond J Owens
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Didcot, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Protein Production UK, The Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, UK
| | - Philip C Biggin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Susan M Lea
- Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Central Oxford Structural Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Simon Newstead
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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16
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Shulpekova Y, Nechaev V, Kardasheva S, Sedova A, Kurbatova A, Bueverova E, Kopylov A, Malsagova K, Dlamini JC, Ivashkin V. The Concept of Folic Acid in Health and Disease. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123731. [PMID: 34207319 PMCID: PMC8235569 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Folates have a pterine core structure and high metabolic activity due to their ability to accept electrons and react with O-, S-, N-, C-bounds. Folates play a role as cofactors in essential one-carbon pathways donating methyl-groups to choline phospholipids, creatine, epinephrine, DNA. Compounds similar to folates are ubiquitous and have been found in different animals, plants, and microorganisms. Folates enter the body from the diet and are also synthesized by intestinal bacteria with consequent adsorption from the colon. Three types of folate and antifolate cellular transporters have been found, differing in tissue localization, substrate affinity, type of transferring, and optimal pH for function. Laboratory criteria of folate deficiency are accepted by WHO. Severe folate deficiencies, manifesting in early life, are seen in hereditary folate malabsorption and cerebral folate deficiency. Acquired folate deficiency is quite common and is associated with poor diet and malabsorption, alcohol consumption, obesity, and kidney failure. Given the observational data that folates have a protective effect against neural tube defects, ischemic events, and cancer, food folic acid fortification was introduced in many countries. However, high physiological folate concentrations and folate overload may increase the risk of impaired brain development in embryogenesis and possess a growth advantage for precancerous altered cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Shulpekova
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Vladimir Nechaev
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Svetlana Kardasheva
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Alla Sedova
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Anastasia Kurbatova
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Elena Bueverova
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Arthur Kopylov
- Biobanking Group, Branch of Institute of Biomedical Chemistry “Scientific and Education Center”, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Kristina Malsagova
- Biobanking Group, Branch of Institute of Biomedical Chemistry “Scientific and Education Center”, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-499-764-9878
| | | | - Vladimir Ivashkin
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
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17
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O'Connor C, Wallace-Povirk A, Ning C, Frühauf J, Tong N, Gangjee A, Matherly LH, Hou Z. Folate transporter dynamics and therapy with classic and tumor-targeted antifolates. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6389. [PMID: 33737637 PMCID: PMC7973545 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85818-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
There are three major folate uptake systems in human tissues and tumors, including the reduced folate carrier (RFC), folate receptors (FRs) and proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT). We studied the functional interrelationships among these systems for the novel tumor-targeted antifolates AGF94 (transported by PCFT and FRs but not RFC) and AGF102 (selective for FRs) versus the classic antifolates pemetrexed, methotrexate and PT523 (variously transported by FRs, PCFT and RFC). We engineered HeLa cell models to express FRα or RFC under control of a tetracycline-inducible promoter with or without constitutive PCFT. We showed that cellular accumulations of extracellular folates were determined by the type and levels of the major folate transporters, with PCFT and RFC prevailing over FRα, depending on expression levels and pH. Based on patterns of cell proliferation in the presence of the inhibitors, we established transport redundancy for RFC and PCFT in pemetrexed uptake, and for PCFT and FRα in AGF94 uptake; uptake by PCFT predominated for pemetrexed and FRα for AGF94. For methotrexate and PT523, uptake by RFC predominated even in the presence of PCFT or FRα. For both classic (methotrexate, PT523) and FRα-targeted (AGF102) antifolates, anti-proliferative activities were antagonized by PCFT, likely due to its robust activity in mediating folate accumulation. Collectively, our findings describe a previously unrecognized interplay among the major folate transport systems that depends on transporter levels and extracellular pH, and that determines their contributions to the uptake and anti-tumor efficacies of targeted and untargeted antifolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie O'Connor
- Departments of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 421 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Adrianne Wallace-Povirk
- Departments of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 421 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Changwen Ning
- Departments of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 421 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Josephine Frühauf
- Departments of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 421 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Nian Tong
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Departments of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 421 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Departments of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 421 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA.
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18
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Cuthbertson CR, Arabzada Z, Bankhead A, Kyani A, Neamati N. A Review of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of One-Carbon Enzymes: SHMT2 and MTHFD2 in the Spotlight. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:624-646. [PMID: 33860190 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a key hallmark of cancer and shifts cellular metabolism to meet the demands of biomass production necessary for abnormal cell reproduction. One-carbon metabolism (1CM) contributes to many biosynthetic pathways that fuel growth and is comprised of a complex network of enzymes. Methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil were pioneering drugs in this field and are still widely used today as anticancer agents as well as for other diseases such as arthritis. Besides dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase, two other enzymes of the folate cycle arm of 1CM have not been targeted clinically: serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD). An increasing body of literature suggests that the mitochondrial isoforms of these enzymes (SHMT2 and MTHFD2) are clinically relevant in the context of cancer. In this review, we focused on the 1CM pathway as a target for cancer therapy and, in particular, SHMT2 and MTHFD2. The function, regulation, and clinical relevance of SHMT2 and MTHFD2 are all discussed. We expand on previous clinical studies and evaluate the prognostic significance of these critical enzymes by performing a pan-cancer analysis of patient data from the The Cancer Genome Atlas and a transcriptional coexpression network enrichment analysis. We also provide an overview of preclinical and clinical inhibitors targeting the folate pathway, the methionine cycle, and folate-dependent purine biosynthesis enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R Cuthbertson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and the Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Zahra Arabzada
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and the Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Armand Bankhead
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Armita Kyani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and the Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and the Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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19
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Qu Y, Hao C, Zhai R, Yao W. Folate and macrophage folate receptor-β in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis disease: the potential therapeutic target? Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110711. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Peters GJ, van Gemert FPA, Kathmann I, Reddy G, Cillessen SAGM, Jansen G. Schedule-Dependent Synergy Between the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Belinostat and the Dihydrofolate Reductase Inhibitor Pralatrexate in T-and B-cell Lymphoma Cells in vitro. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:577215. [PMID: 33163492 PMCID: PMC7581941 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.577215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pralatrexate (Folotyn; PLX) and belinostat (Beleodaq; BLS) are registered for the treatment of patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and are being considered for other lymphomas. In this study we investigated whether BLS had the ability to potentiate the cytotoxicity of PLX. A panel of lymphoma cell lines was used for the combination studies: the B-cell SUDHL-4, SUDHL-5, HT, Jeko-1 and T-cell Karpas-299 and Hut-78. Uptake of PLX was mediated by the reduced folate carrier (RFC). PLX showed a 6-fold better RFC substrate affinity compared to methotrexate, and 2-fold better than levoleucovorin (l-LV). Sensitivity expressed as the concentration that resulted in 50% growth inhibition (IC50) after 72 hr exposure to PLX varied from 2.8 to 20 nM and for BLS from 72 to 233 nM, independent of the background of the cell lines. The interaction between BLS and PLX was studied using the median-drug effect analysis. At a fixed molar ratio between the drugs based on the IC50 concentration the average combination index (CI) for all cell lines showed additivity (CI: around 1.0). In three selected cell lines (SUDHL-4, SUDHL-5, and HT) sequential exposure (24 h pretreatment with BLS, followed by 48 h to PLX + BLS), did not improve interaction (CI: 0.9–1.4). As an alternative approach a non-fixed ratio was used by exposing SUDHL-4, SUDHL-5, and HT cells to IC25 concentrations of either BLS or PLX in combination with the other drug. Exposure to IC25 of PLX did not decrease the IC50 for BLS (CI from 0.6–1.2), but exposure to IC25 of BLS markedly increased PLX sensitivity (low CIs from 0.40 to 0.66). Mechanistic studies focused on induction of apoptosis, and showed cleavage of predominantly caspase-9 in HT and SUDHL-4 cells for both drugs at their IC50s, being similar in the combination setting. Moreover, at these concentrations, the drugs were shown to confer an S-phase arrest. In conclusion, the combination of PLX and BLS showed additivity in various lymphoma cell lines, with a schedule-dependent synergism in B-cell lymphoma. Based on these data, proficient inhibition of HDAC activity by BLS holds promise in sensitization of tumor cells to PLX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Frank P A van Gemert
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ietje Kathmann
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Guru Reddy
- Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Saskia A G M Cillessen
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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21
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Zhan HQ, Najmi M, Lin K, Aluri S, Fiser A, Goldman ID, Zhao R. A proton-coupled folate transporter mutation causing hereditary folate malabsorption locks the protein in an inward-open conformation. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:15650-15661. [PMID: 32893190 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT, SLC46A1) is required for folate intestinal absorption and transport across the choroid plexus. Recent work has identified a F392V mutation causing hereditary folate malabsorption. However, the residue properties responsible for this loss of function remains unknown. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we observed complete loss of function with charged (Lys, Asp, and Glu) and polar (Thr, Ser, and Gln) Phe-392 substitutions and minimal function with some neutral substitutions; however, F392M retained full function. Using the substituted-cysteine accessibility method (with N-biotinyl aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate labeling), Phe-392 mutations causing loss of function, although preserving membrane expression and trafficking, also resulted in loss of accessibility of the substituted cysteine in P314C-PCFT located within the aqueous translocation pathway. F392V function and accessibility of the P314C cysteine were restored by insertion of a G305L (suppressor) mutation. A S196L mutation localized in proximity to Gly-305 by homology modeling was inactive. However, when inserted into the inactive F392V scaffold, function was restored (mutually compensatory mutations), as was accessibility of the P314C cysteine residue. Reduced function, documented with F392H PCFT, was due to a 15-fold decrease in methotrexate influx V max, accompanied by a decreased influx Kt (4.5-fold) and Ki (3-fold). The data indicate that Phe-392 is required for rapid oscillation of the carrier among its conformational states and suggest that this is achieved by dampening affinity of the protein for its folate substrates. F392V and other inactivating Phe-392 PCFT mutations lock the protein in its inward-open conformation. Reach (length) and hydrophobicity of Phe-392 appear to be features required for full activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Qin Zhan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mitra Najmi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Kai Lin
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA; Air Force Medical Center, People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Srinivas Aluri
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Andras Fiser
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - I David Goldman
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
| | - Rongbao Zhao
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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22
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Dekhne AS, Hou Z, Gangjee A, Matherly LH. Therapeutic Targeting of Mitochondrial One-Carbon Metabolism in Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:2245-2255. [PMID: 32879053 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
One-carbon (1C) metabolism encompasses folate-mediated 1C transfer reactions and related processes, including nucleotide and amino acid biosynthesis, antioxidant regeneration, and epigenetic regulation. 1C pathways are compartmentalized in the cytosol, mitochondria, and nucleus. 1C metabolism in the cytosol has been an important therapeutic target for cancer since the inception of modern chemotherapy, and "antifolates" targeting cytosolic 1C pathways continue to be a mainstay of the chemotherapy armamentarium for cancer. Recent insights into the complexities of 1C metabolism in cancer cells, including the critical role of the mitochondrial 1C pathway as a source of 1C units, glycine, reducing equivalents, and ATP, have spurred the discovery of novel compounds that target these reactions, with particular focus on 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 and serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2. In this review, we discuss key aspects of 1C metabolism, with emphasis on the importance of mitochondrial 1C metabolism to metabolic homeostasis, its relationship with the oncogenic phenotype, and its therapeutic potential for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamod S Dekhne
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan.
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23
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Wang Y, Nan X, Zhao Y, Wang H, Wang M, Jiang L, Zhang F, Xue F, Hua D, Li K, Liu J, Yao J, Xiong B. Coupling 16S rDNA Sequencing and Untargeted Mass Spectrometry for Milk Microbial Composition and Metabolites from Dairy Cows with Clinical and Subclinical Mastitis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:8496-8508. [PMID: 32633125 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c03738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The internal environment of the cow's udder directly affects the udder health and milk quality. 16S rDNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods were used to investigate the significant differences in milk microbial diversity and metabolites among cows that are healthy (H) and those suffering from subclinical mastitis (SM) and clinical mastitis (CM). Results uncovered more than 16 and 192 differently abundant microbiota at the phylum and genus levels, respectively, and 673 different levels of metabolites enriched in 20 pathways in milk among the 3 groups. This study revealed the positive relevance between Staphylococcus and Streptococcus and ceramide in milk from CM cows. Similarly, Acinetobacter and Corynebacterium were positively associated with testosterone glucuronide and 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate, in milk from SM cows. On the basis of the combined analysis of microbiome and metabolome, this study indicated that, apart from the exogenous pathogens, some beneficial symbiotic bacteria, such as Dietzia, Aeromicrobium, Alistipes, and Sphingobacterium, rarely reported in milk have been found to be significantly reduced during mastitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xuemei Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yiguang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Mengling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Linshu Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Dairy Cow Nutrition, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fuguang Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
- Engineering Research Center of Feed Development, Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Dengke Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Kaimin Li
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Langfang Academy of Agriculture and Forestry, Langfang, 065000, China
| | - Junhu Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Benhai Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
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24
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Impact of hypoxia on chemoresistance of mesothelioma mediated by the proton-coupled folate transporter, and preclinical activity of new anti-LDH-A compounds. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:644-656. [PMID: 32493992 PMCID: PMC7434895 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0912-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expression of proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) is associated with survival of mesothelioma patients treated with pemetrexed, and is reduced by hypoxia, prompting studies to elucidate their correlation. METHODS Modulation of glycolytic gene expression was evaluated by PCR arrays in tumour cells and primary cultures growing under hypoxia, in spheroids and after PCFT silencing. Inhibitors of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-A) were tested in vitro and in vivo. LDH-A expression was determined in tissue microarrays of radically resected malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM, N = 33) and diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM, N = 56) patients. RESULTS Overexpression of hypoxia marker CAIX was associated with low PCFT expression and decreased MPM cell growth inhibition by pemetrexed. Through integration of PCR arrays in hypoxic cells and spheroids and following PCFT silencing, we identified the upregulation of LDH-A, which correlated with shorter survival of MPM and DMPM patients. Novel LDH-A inhibitors enhanced spheroid disintegration and displayed synergistic effects with pemetrexed in MPM and gemcitabine in DMPM cells. Studies with bioluminescent hypoxic orthotopic and subcutaneous DMPM athymic-mice models revealed the marked antitumour activity of the LDH-A inhibitor NHI-Glc-2, alone or combined with gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel insights into hypoxia/PCFT-dependent chemoresistance, unravelling the potential prognostic value of LDH-A, and demonstrating the preclinical activity of LDH-A inhibitors.
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25
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Golani LK, Islam F, O'Connor C, Dekhne AS, Hou Z, Matherly LH, Gangjee A. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine as tumor-targeting agents with selectivity for tumor uptake by high affinity folate receptors over the reduced folate carrier. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115544. [PMID: 32503687 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-targeted 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine benzoyl compounds based on 2 were isosterically modified at the 4-carbon bridge by replacing the vicinal (C11) carbon by heteroatoms N (4), O (5) or S (6), or with an N-substituted formyl (7), trifluoroacetyl (8) or acetyl (9). Replacement with sulfur (6) afforded the most potent KB tumor cell inhibitor, ~6-fold better than the parent 2. In addition, 6 retained tumor transport selectivity via folate receptor (FR) α and -β over the ubiquitous reduced folate carrier (RFC). FRα-mediated cell inhibition for 6 was generally equivalent to 2, while the FRβ-mediated activity was improved by 16-fold over 2. N (4) and O (5) substitutions afforded similar tumor cell inhibitions as 2, with selectivity for FRα and -β over RFC. The N-substituted analogs 7-9 also preserved transport selectivity for FRα and -β over RFC. For FRα-expressing CHO cells, potencies were in the order of 8 > 7 > 9. Whereas 8 and 9 showed similar results with FRβ-expressing CHO cells, 7 was ~16-fold more active than 2. By nucleoside rescue experiments, all the compounds inhibited de novo purine biosynthesis, likely at the step catalyzed by glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase. Thus, heteroatom replacements of the CH2 in the bridge of 2 afford analogs with increased tumor cell inhibition that could provide advantages over 2, as well as tumor transport selectivity over clinically used antifolates including methotrexate and pemetrexed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit K Golani
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States.
| | - Farhana Islam
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Carrie O'Connor
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Aamod S Dekhne
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 421 East Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 421 East Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201, United States.
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States.
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26
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Sarkisjan D, Julsing JR, El Hassouni B, Honeywell RJ, Kathmann I, Matherly LH, Lee YB, Kim DJ, Peters GJ. RX-3117 (Fluorocyclopentenyl-Cytosine)-Mediated Down-Regulation of DNA Methyltransferase 1 Leads to Protein Expression of Tumor-Suppressor Genes and Increased Functionality of the Proton-Coupled Folate Carrier. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082717. [PMID: 32295203 PMCID: PMC7215832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: RX-3117 (fluorocyclopentenyl-cytosine) is a cytidine analog that inhibits DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). We investigated the mechanism and potential of RX-3117 as a demethylating agent in several in vitro models. (2) Methods: we used western blotting to measure expression of several proteins known to be down-regulated by DNA methylation: O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and the tumor-suppressor genes, p16 and E-cadherin. Transport of methotrexate (MTX) mediated by the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) was used as a functional assay. (3) Results: RX-3117 treatment decreased total DNA-cytosine-methylation in A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, and induced protein expression of MGMT, p16 and E-cadherin in A549 and SW1573 NSCLC cells. Leukemic CCRF-CEM cells and the MTX-resistant variant (CEM/MTX, with a deficient reduced folate carrier) have a very low expression of PCFT due to promoter hypermethylation. In CEM/MTX cells, pre-treatment with RX-3117 increased PCFT-mediated MTX uptake 8-fold, and in CEM cells 4-fold. With the reference hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine similar values were obtained. RX-3117 also increased PCFT gene expression and PCFT protein. (4) Conclusion: RX-3117 down-regulates DNMT1, leading to hypomethylation of DNA. From the increased protein expression of tumor-suppressor genes and functional activation of PCFT, we concluded that RX-3117 might have induced hypomethylation of the promotor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzjemma Sarkisjan
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.S.); (J.R.J.); (B.E.H.); (R.J.H.); (I.K.)
| | - Joris R. Julsing
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.S.); (J.R.J.); (B.E.H.); (R.J.H.); (I.K.)
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.S.); (J.R.J.); (B.E.H.); (R.J.H.); (I.K.)
| | - Richard J. Honeywell
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.S.); (J.R.J.); (B.E.H.); (R.J.H.); (I.K.)
| | - Ietje Kathmann
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.S.); (J.R.J.); (B.E.H.); (R.J.H.); (I.K.)
| | - Larry H. Matherly
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, and Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201-1976, USA;
| | - Young B. Lee
- Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (Y.B.L.); (D.J.K.)
| | - Deog J. Kim
- Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (Y.B.L.); (D.J.K.)
| | - Godefridus J. Peters
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.S.); (J.R.J.); (B.E.H.); (R.J.H.); (I.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-20-4442633
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27
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Sharma J, Krupenko SA. Folate pathways mediating the effects of ethanol in tumorigenesis. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 324:109091. [PMID: 32283069 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Folate and alcohol are dietary factors affecting the risk of cancer development in humans. The interaction between folate status and alcohol consumption in carcinogenesis involves multiple mechanisms. Alcoholism is typically associated with folate deficiency due to reduced dietary folate intake. Heavy alcohol consumption also decreases folate absorption, enhances urinary folate excretion and inhibits enzymes pivotal for one-carbon metabolism. While folate metabolism is involved in several key biochemical pathways, aberrant DNA methylation, due to the deficiency of methyl donors, is considered as a common downstream target of the folate-mediated effects of ethanol. The negative effects of low intakes of nutrients that provide dietary methyl groups, with high intakes of alcohol are additive in general. For example, low methionine, low-folate diets coupled with alcohol consumption could increase the risk for colorectal cancer in men. To counteract the negative effects of alcohol consumption, increased intake of nutrients, such as folate, providing dietary methyl groups is generally recommended. Here mechanisms involving dietary folate and folate metabolism in cancer disease, as well as links between these mechanisms and alcohol effects, are discussed. These mechanisms include direct effects on folate pathways and indirect mediation by oxidative stress, hypoxia, and microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Sharma
- Nutrition Research Institute and Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Sergey A Krupenko
- Nutrition Research Institute and Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA; Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
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28
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Elingaard-Larsen LO, Rolver MG, Sørensen EE, Pedersen SF. How Reciprocal Interactions Between the Tumor Microenvironment and Ion Transport Proteins Drive Cancer Progression. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 182:1-38. [PMID: 32737753 DOI: 10.1007/112_2020_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Solid tumors comprise two major components: the cancer cells and the tumor stroma. The stroma is a mixture of cellular and acellular components including fibroblasts, mesenchymal and cancer stem cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, extracellular matrix, and tumor interstitial fluid. The insufficient tumor perfusion and the highly proliferative state and dysregulated metabolism of the cancer cells collectively create a physicochemical microenvironment characterized by altered nutrient concentrations and varying degrees of hypoxia and acidosis. Furthermore, both cancer and stromal cells secrete numerous growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins which further shape the tumor microenvironment (TME), favoring cancer progression.Transport proteins expressed by cancer and stromal cells localize at the interface between the cells and the TME and are in a reciprocal relationship with it, as both sensors and modulators of TME properties. It has been amply demonstrated how acid-base and nutrient transporters of cancer cells enable their growth, presumably by contributing both to the extracellular acidosis and the exchange of metabolic substrates and waste products between cells and TME. However, the TME also impacts other transport proteins important for cancer progression, such as multidrug resistance proteins. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the cellular and acellular components of solid tumors and their interrelationship with key ion transport proteins. We focus in particular on acid-base transport proteins with known or proposed roles in cancer development, and we discuss their relevance for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line O Elingaard-Larsen
- Translational Type 2 Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Michala G Rolver
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ester E Sørensen
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine F Pedersen
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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29
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Discovery of amide-bridged pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as tumor targeted classical antifolates with selective uptake by folate receptor α and inhibition of de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:115125. [PMID: 31679978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.115125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We previously showed that classical 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates bind to folate receptor (FR) α and the target purine biosynthetic enzyme glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFTase) with different cis and trans conformations. In this study, we designed novel analogs of this series with an amide moiety in the bridge region that can adopt both the cis and trans lowest energy conformations. This provides entropic benefit, by restricting the number of side-chain conformations of the unbound ligand to those most likely to promote binding to FRα and the target enzyme required for antitumor activity. NMR of the most active compound 7 showed both cis and trans amide bridge conformations in ~1:1 ratio. The bridge amide group in the best docked poses of 7 in the crystal structures of FRα and GARFTase adopted both cis and trans conformations, with the lowest energy conformations predicted by Maestro and evidenced by NMR within 1 kcal/mol. Compound 7 showed ~3-fold increased inhibition of FRα-expressing cells over its non-restricted parent analog 1 and was selectively internalized by FRα over the reduced folate carrier (RFC), resulting in significant in vitro antitumor activity toward FRα-expressing KB human tumor cells. Antitumor activity of 7 was abolished by treating cells with adenosine but was incompletely protected by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AICA) at higher drug concentrations, suggesting GARFTase and AICA ribonucleotide formyltransferase (AICARFTase) in de novo purine biosynthesis as the likely intracellular targets. GARFTase inhibition by compound 7 was confirmed by an in situ cell-based activity assay. Our results identify a "first-in-class" classical antifolate with a novel amide linkage between the scaffold and the side chain aryl L-glutamate that affords exclusive selectivity for transport via FRα over RFC and antitumor activity resulting from inhibition of GARFTase and likely AICARFTase. Compound 7 offers significant advantages over clinically used inhibitors of this class that are transported by the ubiquitous RFC, resulting in dose-limiting toxicities.
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30
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Regulation of differential proton-coupled folate transporter gene expression in human tumors: transactivation by KLF15 with NRF-1 and the role of Sp1. Biochem J 2019; 476:1247-1266. [PMID: 30914440 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Tumors can be therapeutically targeted with novel antifolates (e.g. AGF94) that are selectively transported by the human proton-coupled folate transporter (hPCFT). Studies were performed to determine the transcription regulation of hPCFT in tumors and identify possible mechanisms that contribute to the highly disparate levels of hPCFT in HepG2 versus HT1080 tumor cells. Transfection of hPCFT-null HT1080 cells with hPCFT restored transport and sensitivity to AGF94 Progressive deletions of the hPCFT promoter construct (-2005 to +96) and reporter gene assays in HepG2 and HT1080 cells confirmed differences in hPCFT transactivation and localized a minimal promoter to between positions -50 and +96. The minimal promoter included KLF15, GC-Box and NRF-1 cis-binding elements whose functional importance was confirmed by promoter deletions and mutations of core consensus sequences and reporter gene assays. In HepG2 cells, NRF-1, KLF15 and Sp1 transcripts were increased over HT1080 cells by ∼5.1-, ∼44-, and ∼2.4-fold, respectively. In Drosophila SL2 cells, transfection with KLF15 and NRF-1 synergistically activated the hPCFT promoter; Sp1 was modestly activating or inhibitory. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and supershifts confirmed differential binding of KLF15, Sp1, and NRF-1 to the hPCFT promoter in HepG2 and HT1080 cells that paralleled hPCFT levels. Treatment of HT1080 nuclear extracts (NE) with protein kinase A increased Sp1 binding to its consensus sequence by EMSA, suggesting a role for Sp1 phosphorylation in regulating hPCFT transcription. A better understanding of determinants of hPCFT transcriptional control may identify new therapeutic strategies for cancer by modulating hPCFT levels in combination with hPCFT-targeted antifolates.
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Xie X, Zhang Y, Li F, Lv T, Li Z, Chen H, Jia L, Gao Y. Challenges and Opportunities from Basic Cancer Biology for Nanomedicine for Targeted Drug Delivery. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2019; 19:257-276. [DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666180628160211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background:Effective cancer therapy is still a great challenge for modern medical research due to the complex underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis, and the limitations commonly associated with currently used cancer therapeutic options. Nanotechnology has been implemented in cancer therapeutics with immense potential for improving cancer treatment.Objective:Through information about the recent advances regarding cancer hallmarks, we could comprehensively understand the pharmacological effects and explore the mechanisms of the interaction between the nanomaterials, which could provide opportunities to develop mechanism-based nanomedicine to treat human cancers.Methods:We collected related information and data from articles.Results:In this review, we discussed the characteristics of cancer including tumor angiogenesis, abnormalities in tumor blood vessels, uncontrolled cell proliferation markers, multidrug resistance, tumor metastasis, cancer cell metabolism, and tumor immune system that provide opportunities and challenges for nanomedicine to be directed to specific cancer cells and portray the progress that has been accomplished in application of nanotechnology for cancer treatment.Conclusion:The information presented in this review can provide useful references for further studies on developing effective nanomedicine for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Xie
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Pharmaceutical Photocatalysis of State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Pharmaceutical Photocatalysis of State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Fengqiao Li
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Pharmaceutical Photocatalysis of State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Tingting Lv
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Pharmaceutical Photocatalysis of State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Ziying Li
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Pharmaceutical Photocatalysis of State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Haijun Chen
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Pharmaceutical Photocatalysis of State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Lee Jia
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Pharmaceutical Photocatalysis of State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Pharmaceutical Photocatalysis of State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350116, China
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Frigerio B, Bizzoni C, Jansen G, Leamon CP, Peters GJ, Low PS, Matherly LH, Figini M. Folate receptors and transporters: biological role and diagnostic/therapeutic targets in cancer and other diseases. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2019; 38:125. [PMID: 30867007 PMCID: PMC6417013 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1123-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Folate receptors and transporters and one-carbon metabolism continue to be important areas of study given their essential roles in an assortment of diseases and as targets for treatment of cancer and inflammation. Reflecting this, every 2 years, the Folate Receptor Society organizes an international meeting, alternating between North America and Europe, where basic and translational scientists, clinical oncologists and rheumatologists from both academia and industry convene in an informal setting. The 7th International Symposium on Folate Receptors and Transporters was held in Sant'Alessio Siculo (ME), Taormina, Italy from 1st to 5th of October 2018, organized by Dr. Mariangela Figini from Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan. Following the format of previous meetings, more than 50 scientists from 9 different countries attended the 2018 meeting to share ongoing developments, discuss current research challenges and identify new avenues in basic and translational research. An important feature of this meeting was the participation of young investigators and trainees in this area, two (A. Dekhne and N. Verweij) of whom were awarded fellowships to attend this meeting as a recognition of the high scientific quality of their work. This report provides a synopsis of the highlights presented in the following sessions: Barton Kamen Lecture; Targeting one-carbon metabolism in cytosol and mitochondria; Structure and biology of the one-carbon solute transporters; Physiology and pathophysiology of folate receptors and transporters; Folate receptors for targeting tumors and inflammatory diseases; Conventional and new anti-folate drugs for treating inflammatory diseases and cancer; Imaging; Ongoing clinical trials; and Chimeric Antigen Receptor cell therapies of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Frigerio
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Applicata e Sviluppo Tecnologico, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Bizzoni
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Applicata e Sviluppo Tecnologico, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
- Present address: ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Godefridus J. Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip S. Low
- Purdue University Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Larry H. Matherly
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Mariangela Figini
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Applicata e Sviluppo Tecnologico, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Aluri S, Zhao R, Lin K, Shin DS, Fiser A, Goldman ID. Substitutions that lock and unlock the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT-SLC46A1) in an inward-open conformation. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:7245-7258. [PMID: 30858177 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) mediates intestinal absorption of folates and their transport from blood to cerebrospinal fluid across the choroid plexus. Substitutions at Asp-109 in the first intracellular loop between the first and second transmembrane domains (TMDs) abolish PCFT function, but protein expression and trafficking to the cell membrane are retained. Here, we used site-directed mutagenesis, the substituted-cysteine accessibility method, functional analyses, and homology modeling to determine whether the D109A substitution locks PCFT in one of its conformational states. Cys-substituted residues lining the PCFT aqueous translocation pathway and accessible in WT PCFT to the membrane-impermeable cysteine-biotinylation reagent, MTSEA-biotin, lost accessibility when introduced into the D109A scaffold. Substitutions at Gly-305 located exofacially within the eighth TMD, particularly with bulky residues, when introduced into the D109A scaffold largely restored function and MTSEA-biotin accessibility to Cys-substituted residues within the pathway. Likewise, Ser-196 substitution in the fifth TMD, predicted by homology modeling to be in proximity to Gly-305, also partially restored function found in solute transporters, is critical to oscillation of the carrier among its conformational states. Substitutions at Asp-109 and Gly-112 lock PCFT in an inward-open conformation, resulting in the loss of function. However, the integrity of the locked protein is preserved, indicated by the restoration of function after insertion of a second "unlocking" mutation. and accessibility. Similarly, the inactivating G112K substitution within the first intracellular loop was partially reactivated by introducing the G305L substitution. These data indicate that the first intracellular loop, with a sequence identical to "motif A" (GXXXDXXGR(R/K)).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kai Lin
- From the Departments of Pharmacology.,the Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Beijing 100142, China
| | | | - Andras Fiser
- Systems and Computational Biology, and.,Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461 and
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Chandrupatla DMSH, Molthoff CFM, Lammertsma AA, van der Laken CJ, Jansen G. The folate receptor β as a macrophage-mediated imaging and therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2019; 9:366-378. [PMID: 30280318 PMCID: PMC6328514 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-018-0589-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages play a key role in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Notably, positive correlations have been reported between synovial macrophage infiltration and disease activity as well as therapy outcome in RA patients. Hence, macrophages can serve as an important target for both imaging disease activity and drug delivery in RA. Folate receptor β (FRβ) is a glycosylphosphatidyl (GPI)-anchored plasma membrane protein being expressed on myeloid cells and activated macrophages. FRβ harbors a nanomolar binding affinity for folic acid allowing this receptor to be exploited for RA disease imaging (e.g., folate-conjugated PET tracers) and therapeutic targeting (e.g., folate antagonists and folate-conjugated drugs). This review provides an overview of these emerging applications in RA by summarizing and discussing properties of FRβ, expression of FRβ in relation to macrophage polarization, FRβ-targeted in vivo imaging modalities, and FRβ-directed drug targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga M S H Chandrupatla
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carla F M Molthoff
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan A Lammertsma
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Conny J van der Laken
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Ravindra M, Wilson MR, Tong N, O'Connor C, Karim M, Polin L, Wallace-Povirk A, White K, Kushner J, Hou Z, Matherly LH, Gangjee A. Fluorine-Substituted Pyrrolo[2,3- d]Pyrimidine Analogues with Tumor Targeting via Cellular Uptake by Folate Receptor α and the Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter and Inhibition of de Novo Purine Nucleotide Biosynthesis. J Med Chem 2018; 61:4228-4248. [PMID: 29701475 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Novel fluorinated 2-amino-4-oxo-6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3- d]pyrimidine analogues 7-12 were synthesized and tested for selective cellular uptake by folate receptors (FRs) α and β or the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) and for antitumor efficacy. Compounds 8, 9, 11, and 12 showed increased in vitro antiproliferative activities (∼11-fold) over the nonfluorinated analogues 2, 3, 5, and 6 toward engineered Chinese hamster ovary and HeLa cells expressing FRs or PCFT. Compounds 8, 9, 11, and 12 also inhibited proliferation of IGROV1 and A2780 epithelial ovarian cancer cells; in IGROV1 cells with knockdown of FRα, 9, 11, and 12 showed sustained inhibition associated with uptake by PCFT. All compounds inhibited glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase, a key enzyme in the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway. Molecular modeling studies validated in vitro cell-based results. NMR evidence supports the presence of an intramolecular fluorine-hydrogen bond. Potent in vivo efficacy of 11 was established with IGROV1 xenografts in severe compromised immunodeficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasa Ravindra
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15282 , United States
| | - Mike R Wilson
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15282 , United States.,Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Nian Tong
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15282 , United States
| | - Carrie O'Connor
- Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Mohammad Karim
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15282 , United States
| | - Lisa Polin
- Molecular Therapeutics Program , Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 421 East Canfield Street , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States.,Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Adrianne Wallace-Povirk
- Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Kathryn White
- Molecular Therapeutics Program , Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 421 East Canfield Street , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States.,Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Juiwanna Kushner
- Molecular Therapeutics Program , Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 421 East Canfield Street , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States.,Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program , Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 421 East Canfield Street , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States.,Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program , Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 421 East Canfield Street , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States.,Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States.,Department of Pharmacology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15282 , United States
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Zhao R, Najmi M, Aluri S, Spray DC, Goldman ID. Concentrative Transport of Antifolates Mediated by the Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter (SLC46A1); Augmentation by a HEPES Buffer. Mol Pharmacol 2018; 93:208-215. [PMID: 29326243 DOI: 10.1124/mol.117.110445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) is ubiquitously expressed in solid tumors to which it delivers antifolates, particularly pemetrexed, into cancer cells. Studies of PCFT-mediated transport, to date, have focused exclusively on the influx of folates and antifolates. This article addresses the impact of PCFT on concentrative transport, critical to the formation of the active polyglutamate congeners, and at pH levels relevant to the tumor microenvironment. An HeLa-derived cell line was employed, in which folate-specific transport was mediated exclusively by PCFT. At pH 7.0, there was a substantial chemical gradient for methotrexate that decreased as the extracellular pH was increased. A chemical gradient was still detected at pH 7.4 in the usual HEPES-based transport buffer in contrast to what was observed in a bicarbonate/CO2-buffered medium. This antifolate gradient correlated with an alkaline intracellular pH in the former (pH 7.85), but not the latter (pH 7.39), buffer and was abolished by the protonophore carbonyl cyanide-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone. The gradient in HEPES buffer at pH 7.4 was the result of the activity of Na+/H+ exchanger(s); it was eliminated by inhibitors of Na+/H+ exchanger (s) or Na+/K+ ATPase. An antifolate chemical gradient was also detected in bicarbonate buffer at pH 6.9 versus 7.4, also suppressed by carbonyl cyanide-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone. When the membrane potential is considered, PCFT generates substantial transmembrane electrochemical-potential gradients at extracellular pH levels relevant to the tumor microenvironment. The augmentation of intracellular pH, when cells are in a HEPES buffer, should be taken into consideration in studies that encompass all proton-coupled transporter families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongbao Zhao
- Departments of Molecular Pharmacology (R.Z., M.N., S.A., I.D.G.), Medicine (R.Z., I.D.G.), and Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience (D.C.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Mitra Najmi
- Departments of Molecular Pharmacology (R.Z., M.N., S.A., I.D.G.), Medicine (R.Z., I.D.G.), and Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience (D.C.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Srinivas Aluri
- Departments of Molecular Pharmacology (R.Z., M.N., S.A., I.D.G.), Medicine (R.Z., I.D.G.), and Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience (D.C.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - David C Spray
- Departments of Molecular Pharmacology (R.Z., M.N., S.A., I.D.G.), Medicine (R.Z., I.D.G.), and Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience (D.C.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - I David Goldman
- Departments of Molecular Pharmacology (R.Z., M.N., S.A., I.D.G.), Medicine (R.Z., I.D.G.), and Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience (D.C.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
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