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Ung J, Kassai M, Tan SF, Loughran TP, Feith DJ, Cabot MC. The Drug Transporter P-Glycoprotein and Its Impact on Ceramide Metabolism-An Unconventional Ally in Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9825. [PMID: 39337312 PMCID: PMC11432138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor-suppressor sphingolipid ceramide is recognized as a key participant in the cytotoxic mechanism of action of many types of chemotherapy drugs, including anthracyclines, Vinca alkaloids, the podophyllotoxin etoposide, taxanes, and the platinum drug oxaliplatin. These drugs can activate de novo synthesis of ceramide or stimulate the production of ceramide via sphingomyelinases to limit cancer cell survival. On the contrary, dysfunctional sphingolipid metabolism, a prominent factor in cancer survival and therapy resistance, blunts the anticancer properties of ceramide-orchestrated cell death pathways, especially apoptosis. Although P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is famous for its role in chemotherapy resistance, herein, we propose alternate interpretations and discuss the capacity of this multidrug transporter as a "ceramide neutralizer", an unwelcome event, highlighting yet another facet of P-gp's versatility in drug resistance. We introduce sphingolipid metabolism and its dysfunctional regulation in cancer, present a summary of factors that contribute to chemotherapy resistance, explain how P-gp "neutralizes" ceramide by hastening its glycosylation, and consider therapeutic applications of the P-gp-ceramide connection in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnson Ung
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA;
| | - Miki Kassai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, The East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (D.J.F.)
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (D.J.F.)
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - David J. Feith
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (S.-F.T.); (D.J.F.)
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Myles C. Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, The East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
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Xia P, Liu DH, Wang D, Wen GM, Zhao ZY. SLC3A2, as an indirect target gene of ALDH2, exacerbates alcohol-associated liver cancer via the sphingolipid biosynthesis pathway. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 206:125-133. [PMID: 37406742 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Excessive drinking is one of the main causes of liver cancer. In the process of alcohol metabolism, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is the key enzyme of acetaldehyde metabolism. ALDH2 gene deficiency is positively associated with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, no studies have shown a connection between ALDH2 and another metabolic regulatory gene, SLC3A2. In this study, we analyzed the expression levels of ALDH2 and SLC3A2 in liver cancer tissues based on the TCGA database. Subsequently, we constructed ALDH2 knockout and SLC3A2 knock-in transgenic mice to check the roles of ALDH2 and SLC3A2 in tumorigenesis in vivo. In addition, we examined the mechanisms of ALDH2 and SLC3A2 in HCC cells using small RNA interference technology. Consistent with previous studies, we also confirmed the functions of ALDH2 in inhibiting hepatocarcinogenesis, while SLC3A2 had the opposite effect. The main finding of this study is that ALDH2 inhibited BSG expression through the TGF-β1 pathway, which indirectly inhibited SLC3A2 expression; subsequently, the sphingolipid metabolism pathway was also inhibited in HCC cells. Therefore, SLC3A2 is a novel target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Xia
- Biological Anthropology Institute, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, PR China; OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Da-Hua Liu
- Biological Anthropology Institute, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Dan Wang
- College of Human Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Gui-Min Wen
- Department of Community Nursing, College of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Zhen-Ying Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, PR China
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Gamal M, Tallima H, Azzazy HME, Abdelnaser A. Impact of HepG2 Cells Glutathione Depletion on Neutral Sphingomyelinases mRNA Levels and Activity. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:5005-5017. [PMID: 37367067 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45060318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a prevalent form of cancer worldwide. While research has shown that increasing sphingomyelin (SM) hydrolysis by activating the cell surface membrane-associated neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) can control cell proliferation and apoptosis, the role of total glutathione depletion in inducing tumor cell apoptosis via nSMase2 activation is still under investigation. Conversely, glutathione-mediated inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation is necessary for the enzymatic activity of nSMase1 and nSMase3, increased ceramide levels, and cell apoptosis. This study evaluated the effects of depleting total glutathione in HepG2 cells using buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). The study assessed nSMases RNA levels and activities, intracellular ceramide levels, and cell proliferation using RT-qPCR, Amplex red neutral sphingomyelinase fluorescence assay, and colorimetric assays, respectively. The results indicated a lack of nSMase2 mRNA expression in treated and untreated HepG2 cells. Depletion of total glutathione resulted in a significant increase in mRNA levels but a dramatic reduction in the enzymatic activity of nSMase1 and nSMase3, a rise in ROS levels, a decrease in intracellular levels of ceramide, and an increase in cell proliferation. These findings suggest that total glutathione depletion may exacerbate liver cancer (HCC) and not support using total glutathione-depleting agents in HCC management. It is important to note that these results are limited to HepG2 cells, and further studies are necessary to determine if these effects will also occur in other cell lines. Additional research is necessary to explore the role of total glutathione depletion in inducing tumor cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Gamal
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Hatem Tallima
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Hassan M E Azzazy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Anwar Abdelnaser
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Feng XC, Liu FC, Chen WY, Du J, Liu H. Lipid metabolism of hepatocellular carcinoma impacts targeted therapy and immunotherapy. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:617-631. [PMID: 37123054 PMCID: PMC10134209 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i4.617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor that affecting many people's lives globally. The common risk factors for HCC include being overweight and obese. The liver is the center of lipid metabolism, synthesizing most cholesterol and fatty acids. Abnormal lipid metabolism is a significant feature of metabolic reprogramming in HCC and affects the prognosis of HCC patients by regulating inflammatory responses and changing the immune microenvironment. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are being explored as the primary treatment strategies for HCC patients with unresectable tumors. Here, we detail the specific changes of lipid metabolism in HCC and its impact on both these therapies for HCC. HCC treatment strategies aimed at targeting lipid metabolism and how to integrate them with targeted therapy or immunotherapy rationally are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Feng
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Fu-Chen Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Wu-Yu Chen
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Jin Du
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Hui Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200082, China
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Zhang X, Zhuge J, Liu J, Xia Z, Wang H, Gao Q, Jiang H, Qu Y, Fan L, Ma J, Tan C, Luo W, Luo Y. Prognostic signatures of sphingolipids: Understanding the immune landscape and predictive role in immunotherapy response and outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1153423. [PMID: 37006285 PMCID: PMC10063861 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1153423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex disease with a poor outlook for patients in advanced stages. Immune cells play an important role in the progression of HCC. The metabolism of sphingolipids functions in both tumor growth and immune infiltration. However, little research has focused on using sphingolipid factors to predict HCC prognosis. This study aimed to identify the key sphingolipids genes (SPGs) in HCC and develop a reliable prognostic model based on these genes. Methods The TCGA, GEO, and ICGC datasets were grouped using SPGs obtained from the InnateDB portal. A prognostic gene signature was created by applying LASSO-Cox analysis and evaluating it with Cox regression. The validity of the signature was verified using ICGC and GEO datasets. The tumor microenvironment (TME) was examined using ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT, and potential therapeutic targets were identified through machine learning. Single-cell sequencing was used to examine the distribution of signature genes in cells within the TME. Cell viability and migration were tested to confirm the role of the key SPGs. Results We identified 28 SPGs that have an impact on survival. Using clinicopathological features and 6 genes, we developed a nomogram for HCC. The high- and low-risk groups were found to have distinct immune characteristics and response to drugs. Unlike CD8 T cells, M0 and M2 macrophages were found to be highly infiltrated in the TME of the high-risk subgroup. High levels of SPGs were found to be a good indicator of response to immunotherapy. In cell function experiments, SMPD2 and CSTA were found to enhance survival and migration of Huh7 cells, while silencing these genes increased the sensitivity of Huh7 cells to lapatinib. Conclusion The study presents a six-gene signature and a nomogram that can aid clinicians in choosing personalized treatments for HCC patients. Furthermore, it uncovers the connection between sphingolipid-related genes and the immune microenvironment, offering a novel approach for immunotherapy. By focusing on crucial sphingolipid genes like SMPD2 and CSTA, the efficacy of anti-tumor therapy can be increased in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, the Second People’s Hospital of Foshan, Affiliated Foshan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Jinke Zhuge
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hainan Cancer Hospital, Hainan, China
| | - Jinhui Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhijia Xia
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Huixiong Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hospital of Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Pathology, the Second People’s Hospital of Foshan, Affiliated Foshan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Yanyu Qu
- Department of Pathology, the Second People’s Hospital of Foshan, Affiliated Foshan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Linlin Fan
- Department of Pathology, the Second People’s Hospital of Foshan, Affiliated Foshan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Jiali Ma
- Department of Pathology, the Second People’s Hospital of Foshan, Affiliated Foshan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Chunhua Tan
- Department of Pathology, the Second People’s Hospital of Foshan, Affiliated Foshan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yong Luo
- Department of Urology, The Second People’s Hospital of Foshan, Affiliated Foshan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
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Zhang L, She R, Zhu J, Lu J, Gao Y, Song W, Cai S, Wang L. Novel lipometabolism biomarker for chemotherapy and immunotherapy response in breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1030. [PMID: 36182903 PMCID: PMC9526348 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10110-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging proof shows that abnormal lipometabolism affects invasion, metastasis, stemness and tumor microenvironment in carcinoma cells. However, molecular markers related to lipometabolism have not been further established in breast cancer. In addition, numerous studies have been conducted to screen for prognostic features of breast cancer only with RNA sequencing profiles. Currently, there is no comprehensive analysis of multiomics data to extract better biomarkers. Therefore, we have downloaded the transcriptome, single nucleotide mutation and copy number variation dataset for breast cancer from the TCGA database, and constructed a riskScore of twelve genes by LASSO regression analysis. Patients with breast cancer were categorized into high and low risk groups based on the median riskScore. The high-risk group had a worse prognosis than the low-risk group. Next, we have observed the mutated frequencies and the copy number variation frequencies of twelve lipid metabolism related genes LMRGs and analyzed the association of copy number variation and riskScore with OS. Meanwhile, the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms assessed tumor immune fraction and degree of immune cell infiltration. In immunotherapy, it is found that high-risk patients have better efficacy in TCIA analysis and the TIDE algorithm. Furthermore, the effectiveness of six common chemotherapy drugs was estimated. At last, high-risk patients were estimated to be sensitive to six chemotherapeutic agents and six small molecule drug candidates. Together, LMRGs could be utilized as a de novo tumor biomarker to anticipate better the prognosis of breast cancer patients and the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Institute of Precision Cancer Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Oncology Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233080, Anhui Province, China
| | - Risheng She
- Department of Emergency, Dongguan People's Hospital, Dongguan, 523000, China
| | - Jianlin Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Institute of Precision Cancer Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jin Lu
- Laboratory of Computational Medicine and Intelligent Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233080, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wenhua Song
- Department of Oncology Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233080, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Songwang Cai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, P. R. China.
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China. .,Institute of Precision Cancer Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Español A, Sanchez Y, Salem A, Obregon J, Sales ME. Nicotinic receptors modulate antitumor therapy response in triple negative breast cancer cells. World J Clin Oncol 2022; 13:505-519. [PMID: 35949430 PMCID: PMC9244968 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v13.i6.505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer is more aggressive than other breast cancer subtypes and constitutes a public health problem worldwide since it has high morbidity and mortality due to the lack of defined therapeutic targets. Resistance to chemotherapy complicates the course of patients’ treatment. Several authors have highlighted the participation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in the modulation of conventional chemotherapy treatment in cancers of the airways. However, in breast cancer, less is known about the effect of nAChR activation by nicotine on chemotherapy treatment in smoking patients.
AIM To investigate the effect of nicotine on paclitaxel treatment and the signaling pathways involved in human breast MDA-MB-231 tumor cells.
METHODS Cells were treated with paclitaxel alone or in combination with nicotine, administered for one or three 48-h cycles. The effect of the addition of nicotine (at a concentration similar to that found in passive smokers’ blood) on the treatment with paclitaxel (at a therapeutic concentration) was determined using the 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The signaling mediators involved in this effect were determined using selective inhibitors. We also investigated nAChR expression, and ATP “binding cassette” G2 drug transporter (ABCG2) expression and its modulation by the different treatments with Western blot. The effect of the treatments on apoptosis induction was determined by flow cytometry using annexin-V and 7AAD markers.
RESULTS Our results confirmed that treatment with paclitaxel reduced MDA-MB-231 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner and that the presence of nicotine reversed the cytotoxic effect induced by paclitaxel by involving the expression of functional α7 and α9 nAChRs in these cells. The action of nicotine on paclitaxel treatment was linked to modulation of the protein kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and NF-κB signaling pathways, and to an up-regulation of ABCG2 protein expression. We also detected that nicotine significantly reduced the increase in cell apoptosis induced by paclitaxel treatment. Moreover, the presence of nicotine reduced the efficacy of paclitaxel treatment administered in three cycles to MDA-MB-231 tumor cells.
CONCLUSION Our findings point to nAChRs as responsible for the decrease in the chemotherapeutic effect of paclitaxel in triple negative tumors. Thus, nAChRs should be considered as targets in smoking patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Español
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Yamila Sanchez
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Agustina Salem
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Jaqueline Obregon
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Maria Elena Sales
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
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Orlistat Resensitizes Sorafenib-Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells through Modulating Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126501. [PMID: 35742944 PMCID: PMC9223797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is one of the options for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treatment and has been shown to extend median overall survival. However, sorafenib resistance often develops a few months after treatment. Hence, developing various strategies to overcome sorafenib resistance and understand the possible mechanisms is urgently needed. We first established sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Then, we found that sorafenib-resistant Huh7 cells (Huh7/SR) exhibit higher glucose uptakes and express elevated fatty acid synthesis and glucose metabolism-related proteins than their parental counterparts (Huh7). The current study investigated whether sorafenib resistance could be reversed by suppressing fatty acid synthesis, using a fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitor, orlistat, in HCC cells. FASN inhibition-caused changes in protein expressions and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by Western blot and flow cytometry, and changes in glucose uptakes were also evaluated by 18F-FDG uptake. Orlistat remarkably enhanced the cytotoxicity of sorafenib in both Huh7 and Huh7/SR cells, and flow cytometry showed that combination treatment significantly increased the sub-G1 population in both cell lines. Western blot revealed that the combination treatment effectively increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and decreased expressions of pERK; additionally, the combination treatment also strongly suppressed fatty acid synthesis-related proteins (e.g., FASN and SCD) in both cell lines. Lastly, the 18F-FDG uptake was repressed by the combination treatment in both cell lines. Our results indicated that orlistat-mediated FASN inhibition could overcome sorafenib resistance and enhance cell killing in HCC by changing cell metabolism.
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Taniguchi M, Okazaki T. Role of ceramide/sphingomyelin (SM) balance regulated through "SM cycle" in cancer. Cell Signal 2021; 87:110119. [PMID: 34418535 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sphingomyelin synthase (SMS), which comprises of two isozymes, SMS1 and SMS2, is the only enzyme that generates sphingomyelin (SM) by transferring phosphocholine of phosphatidylcholine to ceramide in mammals. Conversely, ceramide is generated from SM hydrolysis via sphingomyelinases (SMases), ceramide de novo synthesis, and the salvage pathway. The biosynthetic pathway for SM and ceramide content by SMS and SMase, respectively, is called "SM cycle." SM forms a SM-rich microdomain on the cell membrane to regulate signal transduction, such as proliferation/survival, migration, and inflammation. On the other hand, ceramide acts as a lipid mediator by forming a ceramide-rich platform on the membrane, and ceramide exhibits physiological actions such as cell death, cell cycle arrest, and autophagy induction. Therefore, the regulation of ceramide/SM balance by SMS and SMase is responsible for diverse cell functions not only in physiological cells but also in cancer cells. This review outlines the implications of ceramide/SM balance through "SM cycle" in cancer progression and prevention. In addition, the possible involvement of "SM cycle" is introduced in anti-cancer tumor immunity, which has become a hot topic to innovate a more effective and safer way to conquer cancer in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Taniguchi
- Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada, Kahoku 920-0293, Japan
| | - Toshiro Okazaki
- Research Institute for Bioresources and Biotechnology, Ishikawa Prefectural University, 1-308 Suematsu, Nonoichi-shi, Ishikawa 921-8836, Japan; Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan.
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Suk FM, Wang YH, Chiu WC, Liu CF, Wu CY, Chen TL, Liao YJ. Secretory NPC2 Protein-Mediated Free Cholesterol Levels Were Correlated with the Sorafenib Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168567. [PMID: 34445279 PMCID: PMC8395255 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor in the world. Sorafenib is the first-line drug for patients with advanced HCC. However, long-term treatment with sorafenib often results in reduced sensitivity of tumor cells to the drug, leading to acquired resistance. Identifying biomarkers which can predict the response to sorafenib treatment may represent a clinical challenge in the personalized treatment era. Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2), a secretory glycoprotein, plays an important role in regulating intracellular free cholesterol homeostasis. In HCC patients, downregulation of hepatic NPC2 is correlated with poor clinical pathological features through regulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. This study aimed to investigate the roles of secretory NPC2-mediated free cholesterol levels as biomarkers when undergoing sorafenib treatment and evaluate its impact on acquired sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. Herein, we showed that NPC2 downregulation and free cholesterol accumulation weakened sorafenib’s efficacy through enhancing MAPK/AKT signaling in HCC cells. Meanwhile, NPC2 overexpression slightly enhanced the sorafenib-induced cytotoxic effect. Compared to normal diet feeding, mice fed a high-cholesterol diet had much higher tumor growth rates, whereas treatment with the free cholesterol-lowering agent, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, enhanced sorafenib’s tumor-inhibiting ability. In addition, sorafenib treatment induced higher NPC2 secretion, which was mediated by inhibition of the Ras/Raf/MAPK kinase (MEK)/ERK signaling pathway in HCC cells. In both acquired sorafenib-resistant cell and xenograft models, NPC2 and free cholesterol secretion were increased in culture supernatant and serum samples. In conclusion, NPC2-mediated free cholesterol secretion may represent a candidate biomarker for the likelihood of HCC cells developing resistance to sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fat-Moon Suk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 116, Taiwan;
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Hsi Wang
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-H.W.); (C.-F.L.); (C.-Y.W.)
| | - Wan-Chun Chiu
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Research Center of Geriatric Nutrition, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Fan Liu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-H.W.); (C.-F.L.); (C.-Y.W.)
| | - Chien-Ying Wu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-H.W.); (C.-F.L.); (C.-Y.W.)
| | - Tzu-Lang Chen
- Department of Medical Education, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Jen Liao
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-H.W.); (C.-F.L.); (C.-Y.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-27361661-3333
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