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Nkandeu DS, Joubert AM, Serem JC, Bipath P, Hlophe YN. An exploratory study on the effect of kynurenine metabolites on sEnd-2 endothelioma cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4065. [PMID: 38807444 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4065] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. The development of anticancer therapy plays a crucial role in mitigating tumour progression and metastasis. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a very rare cancer, however, with a high systemic involvement. Kynurenine metabolites which include l-kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid and quinolinic acid have been shown to inhibit T-cell proliferation resulting in a decrease in cell growth of natural killer cells and T cells. Furthermore, metabolites such as l-kynurenine have been shown to inhibit proliferation of melanoma cells in vitro. Considering these metabolite properties, the present study aimed to explore the in vitro effects of l-kynurenine, quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid on endothelioma sEnd-2 cells and on endothelial (EA. hy926 cells) (control cell line). The in vitro effect at 24, 48, and 72 h exposure to a range of 1-4 mM of the respective kynurenine metabolites on the two cell lines in terms of cell morphology, cell cycle progression and induction of apoptosis was assessed. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50), as determined using nonlinear regression, for l-kynurenine, quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid was 9.17, 15.56, and 535.40 mM, respectively. Optical transmitted light differential interference contrast and hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed cells blocked in metaphase, formation of apoptotic bodies and compromised cell density in l-kynurenine-treated cells. A statistically significant increase in the number of cells present in the sub-G1 phase was observed in l-kynurenine-treated sample. To our knowledge, this was the first in vitro study conducted to investigate the mechanism of action of kynurenine metabolites on endothelioma sEnd-2 cells. It can be concluded that l-kynurenine exerts an antiproliferative effect on the endothelioma sEnd-2 cell line by decreasing cell growth and proliferation as well as a metaphase block. These hallmarks suggest cell death via apoptosis. Further research will be conducted on l-kynurenine to assess the effect on cell adhesion in vitro and in vivo as cell-cell adhesion has been shown to increase metastasis to distant organs therefore, the inhibition of adhesion may lead to a decrease in metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Sandra Nkandeu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Anna Margaretha Joubert
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - June Cheptoo Serem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Priyesh Bipath
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yvette Nkondo Hlophe
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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2
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Gawel K. A Review on the Role and Function of Cinnabarinic Acid, a "Forgotten" Metabolite of the Kynurenine Pathway. Cells 2024; 13:453. [PMID: 38474418 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050453] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In the human body, the majority of tryptophan is metabolized through the kynurenine pathway. This consists of several metabolites collectively called the kynurenines and includes, among others, kynurenic acid, L-kynurenine, or quinolinic acid. The wealth of metabolites, as well as the associated molecular targets and biological pathways, bring about a situation wherein even a slight imbalance in the kynurenine levels, both in the periphery and central nervous system, have broad consequences regarding general health. Cinnabarinic acid (CA) is the least known trace kynurenine, and its physiological and pathological roles are not widely understood. Some studies, however, indicate that it might be neuroprotective. Information on its hepatoprotective properties have also emerged, although these are pioneering studies and need to be replicated. Therefore, in this review, I aim to present and critically discuss the current knowledge on CA and its role in physiological and pathological settings to guide future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b Str., 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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3
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Nazeam JA, Boshra SA, Mohammed EZ, El Gizawy HA. Bio-Guided Assay of Ephedra foeminea Forssk Extracts and Anticancer Activities: In Vivo, In Vitro, and In Silico Evaluations. Molecules 2023; 29:199. [PMID: 38202783 PMCID: PMC10780881 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010199] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ephedra is one of the oldest known medicinal plants and the largest genera of the Ephedraceae family. In vivo antitumor evaluation of Ephedra foeminea revealed that ethyl acetate (EtOAc) was the most bioactive fraction. Bio-guided fractionation of EtOAc fraction afforded nine compounds isolated for the first time from the plant species. Macrocyclic spermine alkaloids (1,9), proanthocyanidins (2,4,5), quinoline alkaloids (7,8), phenolic (3), and nucleoside (6) were identified and elucidated by spectroscopic analyses including 1D and 2D NMR, ESI-MS-MS spectrometry. The tested compounds exhibited moderate anticancer activity, except for the kynurenic acid derivative (6-mKYNA) which showed significant cytotoxicity and remarkable inhibition of CA-19.9 and CA-125 tumor biomarkers. In-silico study was conducted to determine the anti-proliferative mechanism of 6-mKYNA by using the CK2 enzyme active site. Moreover, the ADME computational study suggested that 6-mKYNA is an effective candidate with a promising pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic potential against various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilan A. Nazeam
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, 6th of October City 12585, Egypt;
| | - Sylvia A. Boshra
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, 6th of October City 12585, Egypt;
| | - Esraa Z. Mohammed
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, 6th of October City 12585, Egypt;
| | - Heba A. El Gizawy
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, 6th of October City 12585, Egypt;
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León-Letelier RA, Dou R, Vykoukal J, Sater AHA, Ostrin E, Hanash S, Fahrmann JF. The kynurenine pathway presents multi-faceted metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1256769. [PMID: 37876966 PMCID: PMC10591110 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1256769] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) and associated catabolites play key roles in promoting tumor progression and modulating the host anti-tumor immune response. To date, considerable focus has been on the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and its catabolite, kynurenine (Kyn). However, increasing evidence has demonstrated that downstream KP enzymes and their associated metabolite products can also elicit tumor-microenvironment immune suppression. These advancements in our understanding of the tumor promotive role of the KP have led to the conception of novel therapeutic strategies to target the KP pathway for anti-cancer effects and reversal of immune escape. This review aims to 1) highlight the known biological functions of key enzymes in the KP, and 2) provide a comprehensive overview of existing and emerging therapies aimed at targeting discrete enzymes in the KP for anti-cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A. León-Letelier
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rongzhang Dou
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jody Vykoukal
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ali Hussein Abdel Sater
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Edwin Ostrin
- Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Samir Hanash
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Johannes F. Fahrmann
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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5
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Basson C, Serem JC, Hlophe YN, Bipath P. An in vitro investigation of l-kynurenine, quinolinic acid, and kynurenic acid on B16 F10 melanoma cell cytotoxicity and morphology. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:912-922. [PMID: 37661337 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3843] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The metastatic behavior of melanoma has accentuated the need for specific therapy targets. Compounds, namely l-kynurenine ( l-kyn), quinolinic acid (Quin), and kynurenic acid (KA) previously displayed antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects in vitro against cancer cells. Despite the growing interest in these compounds there are limited studies examining the in vitro effects on melanoma. In B16 F10 melanoma cells, RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, and HaCat keratinocyte cells, postexposure to the compounds, crystal violet staining was used to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ), whereas polarization-optical transmitted light differential interference contrast and light microscopy after hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess morphological changes. l-kyn, Quin, and KA-induced cytotoxicity in all cell lines, with l-kyn being the most cytotoxic compound. l-kyn and KA at IC50 -induced morphological changes in B16 F10, RAW 264.7, and HaCat cell lines, whereas Quin had effects on B16 F10 and RAW 264.7 cells but did not affect HaCat cells. l-kyn, Quin, and KA each display different levels of cytotoxicity, which were cell line specific. l-kyn was shown to be the most potent compound against all cell lines and may offer future treatment strategies when combined with other viable treatments against melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlise Basson
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - June Cheptoo Serem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yvette Nkondo Hlophe
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Priyesh Bipath
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Basson C, Serem JC, Hlophe YN, Bipath P. The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in immunomodulation and cancer metastasis. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18691-18701. [PMID: 37644823 PMCID: PMC10557908 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6484] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The activation of the kynurenine pathway in cancer progression and metastasis through immunomodulatory pathways has drawn attention to the potential for kynurenine pathway inhibition. The activation of the kynurenine pathway, which results in the production of kynurenine metabolites through the degradation of tryptophan, promotes the development of intrinsically malignant properties in cancer cells while facilitating tumour immune escape. In addition, kynurenine metabolites act as biologically active substances to promote cancer development and metastasis. METHODS A literature review was conducted to investigate the role of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in immunomodulation and cancer metastasis. RESULTS Evidence suggests that several enzymes and metabolites implicated in the kynurenine pathway are overexpressed in various cancers. As such, the tryptophan pathway represents a promising target for cancer treatment. However, downstream signalling pathways, including aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation, have previously induced diverse biological effects in various malignancies, which resulted in either the promotion or the inhibition of metastasis. CONCLUSION As a result, a thorough investigation of the kynurenine pathway and its regulatory mechanisms is necessary in order to properly comprehend the effects of kynurenine pathway activation involved in cancer development and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlise Basson
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - June Cheptoo Serem
- Department of Anatomy, School of MedicineUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Yvette Nkondo Hlophe
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Priyesh Bipath
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
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PPARs and the Kynurenine Pathway in Melanoma-Potential Biological Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043114. [PMID: 36834531 PMCID: PMC9960262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors involved in various physiological and pathological processes within the skin. PPARs regulate several processes in one of the most aggressive skin cancers, melanoma, including proliferation, cell cycle, metabolic homeostasis, cell death, and metastasis. In this review, we focused not only on the biological activity of PPAR isoforms in melanoma initiation, progression, and metastasis but also on potential biological interactions between the PPAR signaling and the kynurenine pathways. The kynurenine pathway is a major pathway of tryptophan metabolism leading to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) production. Importantly, various tryptophan metabolites exert biological activity toward cancer cells, including melanoma. Previous studies confirmed the functional relationship between PPAR and the kynurenine pathway in skeletal muscles. Despite the fact this interaction has not been reported in melanoma to date, some bioinformatics data and biological activity of PPAR ligands and tryptophan metabolites may suggest a potential involvement of these metabolic and signaling pathways in melanoma initiation, progression, and metastasis. Importantly, the possible relationship between the PPAR signaling pathway and the kynurenine pathway may relate not only to the direct biological effect on melanoma cells but also to the tumor microenvironment and the immune system.
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8
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Identification of Kynurenic Acid-Induced Apoptotic Biomarkers in Gastric Cancer-Derived AGS Cells through Next-Generation Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis. Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010193. [PMID: 36615849 PMCID: PMC9823332 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010193] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the triggers and therapeutic targets for gastric cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide, can provide helpful information for the development of therapeutics. RNA sequencing technology can be utilized to identify complex disease targets and therapeutic applications. In the present study, we aimed to establish the pharmacological target of Kynurenic acid (KYNA) for gastric cancer AGS cells and to identify the biological network. RNA sequencing identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between KYNA-treated and untreated cells. A total of 278 genes were differentially expressed, of which 120 genes were up-regulated, and 158 genes were down-regulated. Gene ontology results confirmed that KYNA had effects such as a reduction in genes related to DNA replication and nucleosome organization on AGS cells. Protein-protein interaction was confirmed through STRING analysis, and it was confirmed that cancer cell growth and proliferation were inhibited through KEGG, Reactome, and Wiki pathway analysis, and various signaling pathways related to cancer cell death were induced. It was confirmed that KYNA treatment reduced the gene expression of cancer-causing AP-1 factors (Fos, Jun, ATF, and JDP) in AGS cell lines derived from gastric cancer. Overall, using next-generation transcriptome sequencing data and bioinformatics tools, we confirmed that KYNA had an apoptosis effect by inducing changes in various genes, including factor AP-1, in gastric cancer AGS cells. This study can identify pharmacological targets for gastric cancer treatment and provide a valuable resource for drug development.
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9
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Gamma-ray Irradiation of Rodent Diets Alters the Urinary Metabolome in Rats with Chemically Induced Mammary Cancer. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12100976. [PMID: 36295878 PMCID: PMC9608802 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12100976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a comparative, untargeted metabolomics approach was applied to compare urinary metabolite profiles of rats fed irradiated and non-irradiated diets. γ-Irradiated and non-irradiated NIH 7001 diet was given orally to animals beginning 5 days after exposure to the carcinogen N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and continued for 120 days. There was a 36% reduction in mammary tumor incidence in rats consuming the γ-irradiated diet, compared to rats receiving the non-irradiated form of the same diet. Urine samples from rats fed with γ-irradiated and non-irradiated diets were analyzed using nanoLC-MS/MS on a Q-TOF mass spectrometer, collecting positive and negative ion data. Data processing involved feature detection and alignment with MS-DIAL, normalization, mean-centering and Pareto scaling, and univariate and multivariate statistical analysis using MetaboAnalyst, and pathway analysis with Mummichog. Unsupervised Principal Component Analysis and supervised Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis of both negative and positive ions revealed separation of the two groups. The top 25 metabolites from variable importance in projection scores >1 showed their contributions in discriminating urines the γ-irradiated diet fed group from non-irradiated control diet group. Consumption of the γ-irradiated diet led to alteration of several gut microbial metabolites such as phenylacetylglycine, indoxyl sulfate, kynurenic acid, hippurate and betaine in the urine. This study provides insights into metabolic changes in rat urine in response to a γ-irradiated diet which may be associated with mammary cancer prevention.
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Kim HH, Jeong SH, Ha SE, Park MY, Bhosale PB, Abusaliya A, Won CK, Heo JD, Kim HW, Kim GS. Cellular Regulation of Kynurenic Acid-Induced Cell Apoptosis Pathways in AGS Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168894. [PMID: 36012164 PMCID: PMC9408556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid was included in the three compounds (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and kynurenic acid) that showed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential among the phenolic compounds contained in Gynura procumbens. In this study, the mechanism of cancer cell death induced by kynurenic acid (KYNA), which has the highest molecular binding affinity, in the gastric cancer cell line AGS was confirmed in molecular docking analysis. KYNA showed the most cancer cell death effect on AGS cells among several gastric cancer cell lines (MKN, AGS, and SNU). AGS cells were used for later experiments, and KYNA concentrations of 0, 150, 200, and 250 µM were used. KYNA inhibited cell migration and proliferation in AGS cells in a concentration-dependent manner. G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and reduction of related proteins (Cdc25C, CDK1 and CyclinB1) were confirmed in KYNA-treated AGS cells. Apoptosis of KYNA-treated AGS cells was confirmed by Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining flow cytometry analysis. As a result of morphological chromatin condensation through DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole), intense blue fluorescence was confirmed. The mechanism of apoptosis induction of KYNA-treated AGS cells was confirmed by western blotting. In the extrinsic pathway, apoptosis induction markers FasL, Fas, and Caspase-3 and -8 were increased in a concentration-dependent manner upon KYNA treatment. In the intrinsic pathway, the expression of anti-apoptotic factors PI3K, AKT, and Bcl-xL was down-regulated, and the expression of apoptosis-inducing factors BAD, Bak, Bax, Cytochrom C, and Caspase-9 was up-regulated. Therefore, in the present study, we strongly imply that KYNA induces apoptosis in AGS gastric cancer cells. This suggests that KYNA, a natural compound, could be the basis for drug for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hun Hwan Kim
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Se Hyo Jeong
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Sang Eun Ha
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
- Biological Resources Research Group, Gyeongnam Department of Environment Toxicology and Chemistry, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17 Jegok-gil, Jinju 52834, Korea
| | - Min Yeong Park
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Pritam Bhagwan Bhosale
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Abuyaseer Abusaliya
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Chung Kil Won
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Jeong Doo Heo
- Biological Resources Research Group, Gyeongnam Department of Environment Toxicology and Chemistry, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17 Jegok-gil, Jinju 52834, Korea
| | - Hyun Wook Kim
- Division of Animal Bioscience & Integrated Biotechnology, Jinju 52725, Korea
| | - Gon Sup Kim
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-772-2346
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Mazzini S, Princiotto S, Musso L, Passarella D, Beretta GL, Perego P, Dallavalle S. Synthesis and Investigation of the G-Quadruplex Binding Properties of Kynurenic Acid Derivatives with a Dihydroimidazoquinoline-3,5-dione Core. Molecules 2022; 27:2791. [PMID: 35566141 PMCID: PMC9103425 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are secondary structures originating from nucleic acid regions rich in guanines, which are well known for their involvement in gene transcription and regulation and DNA damage repair. In recent studies from our group, kynurenic acid (KYNA) derivative 1 was synthesized and found to share the structural features typical of G-quadruplex binders. Herein, structural modifications were conducted on this scaffold in order to assist the binding with a G-quadruplex, by introducing charged hydrophilic groups. The antiproliferative activity of the new analogues was evaluated on an IGROV-1 human ovarian cancer cell line, and the most active compound, compound 9, was analyzed with NMR spectrometry in order to investigate its binding mode with DNA. The results indicated that a weak, non-specific interaction was set with duplex nucleotides; on the other hand, titration in the presence of a G-quadruplex from human telomere d(TTAGGGT)4 showed a stable, although not strong, interaction at the 3'-end of the nucleotidic sequence, efficiently assisted by salt bridges between the quaternary nitrogen and the external phosphate groups. Overall, this work can be considered a platform for the development of a new class of potential G-quadruplex stabilizing molecules, confirming the crucial role of a planar system and the ability of charged nitrogen-containing groups to facilitate the binding to G-quadruplex grooves and loops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Mazzini
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (L.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Salvatore Princiotto
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (L.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Loana Musso
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (L.M.); (S.D.)
| | | | - Giovanni Luca Beretta
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.L.B.); (P.P.)
| | - Paola Perego
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.L.B.); (P.P.)
| | - Sabrina Dallavalle
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (L.M.); (S.D.)
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12
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Ladewig E, Michelini F, Jhaveri K, Castel P, Carmona J, Fairchild L, Zuniga AG, Arruabarrena-Aristorena A, Cocco E, Blawski R, Kittane S, Zhang Y, Sallaku M, Baldino L, Hristidis V, Chandarlapaty S, Abdel-Wahab O, Leslie C, Scaltriti M, Toska E. The oncogenic PI3K-induced transcriptomic landscape reveals key functions in splicing and gene expression regulation. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2269-2280. [PMID: 35442400 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The PI3K pathway regulates proliferation, survival, and metabolism and is frequently activated across human cancers. A comprehensive elucidation of how this signaling pathway controls transcriptional and co-transcriptional processes could provide new insights into the key functions of PI3K signaling in cancer. Here, we undertook a transcriptomic approach to investigate genome-wide gene expression and transcription factor (TF) activity changes, as well as splicing and isoform usage dynamics, downstream of PI3K. These analyses uncovered widespread alternatively spliced (AS) isoforms linked to proliferation, metabolism, and splicing in PIK3CA mutant cells, which were reversed by inhibition of PI3Kα. Analysis of paired tumor biopsies from PIK3CA-mutated breast cancer patients undergoing treatment with PI3Kα inhibitors identified widespread splicing alterations that affect specific isoforms in common with the preclinical models, and these alterations, namely PTK2/FRNK and AFMID isoforms, were validated as functional drivers of cancer cell growth or migration. Mechanistically, isoform-specific splicing factors mediated PI3K-dependent RNA splicing. Treatment with splicing inhibitors rendered breast cancer cells more sensitive to the PI3Kα inhibitor alpelisib, resulting in greater growth inhibition than alpelisib alone. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of widespread splicing alterations driven by oncogenic PI3K in breast cancer. The atlas of PI3K-mediated splicing programs establishes a key role for the PI3K pathway in regulating splicing, opening new avenues for exploiting PI3K signaling as a therapeutic vulnerability in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Ladewig
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Komal Jhaveri
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Pau Castel
- NYU Langone, New York, NY, United States
| | - Javier Carmona
- Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lauren Fairchild
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Adler G Zuniga
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
| | | | | | - Ryan Blawski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Srushti Kittane
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | | | - Laura Baldino
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Omar Abdel-Wahab
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christina Leslie
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Eneda Toska
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
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13
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The Kynurenine Pathway and Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase Inhibitors. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27010273. [PMID: 35011505 PMCID: PMC8747024 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Under normal physiological conditions, the kynurenine pathway (KP) plays a critical role in generating cellular energy and catabolizing tryptophan. Under inflammatory conditions, however, there is an upregulation of the KP enzymes, particularly kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO). KMO has garnered much attention due to its production of toxic metabolites that have been implicated in many diseases and disorders. With many of these illnesses having an inadequate or modest treatment, there exists a need to develop KMO inhibitors that reduce the production of these toxic metabolites. Though prior efforts to find an appropriate KMO inhibitor were unpromising, the development of a KMO crystal structure has provided the opportunity for a rational structure-based design in the development of inhibitors. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to describe the kynurenine pathway, the kynurenine 3-monooxygenase enzyme, and KMO inhibitors and their potential candidacy for clinical use.
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14
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Abstract
Kidney diseases have become one of the most common health care problems. Due to a growing number of advanced aged patients with concomitant disorders the prevalence of these diseases will increase over the coming decades. Despite available laboratory tests, accurate and rapid diagnosis of renal dysfunction has yet to be realized, and prognosis is uncertain. Moreover, data on diagnostic and prognostic markers in kidney diseases are lacking. The kynurenine (KYN) pathway is one of the routes of tryptophan (Trp) degradation, with biologically active substances presenting ambiguous properties. The KYN pathway is known to be highly dependent on immunological system activity. As the kidneys are one of the main organs involved in the formation, degradation and excretion of Trp end products, pathologies involving the kidneys result in KYN pathway activity disturbances. This review aims to summarize changes in the KYN pathway observed in the most common kidney disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), with a special focus on diabetic kidney disease, acute kidney injury (AKI), glomerulonephritis and kidney graft function monitoring. Additionally, the importance of KYN pathway activity in kidney cancer pathogenesis is discussed, as are available pharmacological agents affecting KYN pathway activity in the kidney. Despite limited clinical data, the KYN pathway appears to be a promising target in the diagnosis and prognosis of kidney diseases. Modulation of KYN pathway activity by pharmacological agents should be considered in the treatment of kidney diseases.
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15
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Walczak K, Kazimierczak P, Szalast K, Plech T. UVB Radiation and Selected Tryptophan-Derived AhR Ligands-Potential Biological Interactions in Melanoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147500. [PMID: 34299117 PMCID: PMC8307169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive UV exposure is considered the major environmental factor in melanoma progression. Human skin is constantly exposed to selected tryptophan-derived aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, including kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KYNA), as they are endogenously produced and present in various tissues and body fluids. Importantly, recent studies confirmed the biological activity of KYN and KYNA toward melanoma cells in vitro. Thus, in this study, the potential biological interactions between UVB and tryptophan metabolites KYN and KYNA were studied in melanoma A375, SK-MEL-3, and RPMI-7951 cells. It was shown that UVB enhanced the antiproliferative activity of KYN and KYNA in melanoma cells. Importantly, selected tryptophan-derived AhR ligands did not affect the invasiveness of A375 and RPMI-7951 cells; however, the stimulatory effect was observed in SK-MEL-3 cells exposed to UVB. Thus, the effect of tryptophan metabolites on metabolic activity, cell cycle regulation, and cell death in SK-MEL-3 cells exposed to UVB was assessed. In conclusion, taking into account that both UVB radiation and tryptophan-derived AhR ligands may have a crucial effect on skin cancer formation and progression, these results may have a significant impact, revealing the potential biological interactions in melanoma cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walczak
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20093 Lublin, Poland; (K.S.); (T.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-814-486-774
| | - Paulina Kazimierczak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Karolina Szalast
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20093 Lublin, Poland; (K.S.); (T.P.)
| | - Tomasz Plech
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20093 Lublin, Poland; (K.S.); (T.P.)
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16
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Selvam AK, Jawad R, Gramignoli R, Achour A, Salter H, Björnstedt M. A Novel mRNA-Mediated and MicroRNA-Guided Approach to Specifically Eradicate Drug-Resistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines by Se-Methylselenocysteine. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1094. [PMID: 34356326 PMCID: PMC8301172 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite progress in the treatment of non-visceral malignancies, the prognosis remains poor for malignancies of visceral organs and novel therapeutic approaches are urgently required. We evaluated a novel therapeutic regimen based on treatment with Se-methylselenocysteine (MSC) and concomitant tumor-specific induction of Kynurenine aminotransferase 1 (KYAT1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, using either vector-based and/or lipid nanoparticle-mediated delivery of mRNA. Supplementation of MSC in KYAT1 overexpressed cells resulted in significantly increased cytotoxicity, due to ROS formation, as compared to MSC alone. Furthermore, microRNA antisense-targeted sites for miR122, known to be widely expressed in normal hepatocytes while downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma, were added to specifically limit cytotoxicity in HCC cells, thereby limiting the off-target effects. KYAT1 expression was significantly reduced in cells with high levels of miR122 supporting the concept of miR-guided induction of tumor-specific cytotoxicity. The addition of alpha-ketoacid favored the production of methylselenol, enhancing the cytotoxic efficacy of MSC in HCC cells, with no effects on primary human hepatocytes. Altogether, the proposed regimen offers great potential to safely and specifically target hepatic tumors that are currently untreatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar Selvam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.S.); (R.J.); (R.G.); (H.S.)
| | - Rim Jawad
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.S.); (R.J.); (R.G.); (H.S.)
| | - Roberto Gramignoli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.S.); (R.J.); (R.G.); (H.S.)
| | - Adnane Achour
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, & Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 77 Solna, Sweden;
| | - Hugh Salter
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.S.); (R.J.); (R.G.); (H.S.)
- Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mikael Björnstedt
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.S.); (R.J.); (R.G.); (H.S.)
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17
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Kwiatkowska I, Hermanowicz JM, Przybyszewska-Podstawka A, Pawlak D. Not Only Immune Escape-The Confusing Role of the TRP Metabolic Pathway in Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2667. [PMID: 34071442 PMCID: PMC8198784 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recently discovered phenomenon that cancer cells can avoid immune response has gained scientists' interest. One of the pathways involved in this process is tryptophan (TRP) metabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP). Individual components involved in TRP conversion seem to contribute to cancerogenesis both through a direct impact on cancer cells and the modulation of immune cell functionality. Due to this fact, this pathway may serve as a target for immunotherapy and attempts are being made to create novel compounds effective in cancer treatment. However, the results obtained from clinical trials are not satisfactory, which raises questions about the exact role of KP elements in tumorigenesis. An increasing number of experiments reveal that TRP metabolites may either be tumor promoters and suppressors and this is why further research in this field is highly needed. The aim of this study is to present KP as a modulator of cancer development through multiple mechanisms and to point to its ambiguity, which may be a reason for failures in treatment based on the inhibition of tryptophan metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Kwiatkowska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (D.P.)
| | - Justyna Magdalena Hermanowicz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (D.P.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Dariusz Pawlak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (D.P.)
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18
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Beretta G, Moretti RM, Nasti R, Cincinelli R, Dallavalle S, Montagnani Marelli M. Apoptosis-mediated anticancer activity in prostate cancer cells of a chestnut honey (Castanea sativa L.) quinoline-pyrrolidine gamma-lactam alkaloid. Amino Acids 2021; 53:869-880. [PMID: 33945018 PMCID: PMC8172409 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02987-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in men and represents the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Western countries. PCa is initially androgen-dependent, however, this tumor inevitably progresses as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which represents the most aggressive phase of the pathology. In this work, in two CRPC cell lines (DU145 and PC3), we studied the in vitro inhibitory properties of the tryptophan-derived endogenous metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) and of the lactam form of 3–2′-pyrrilonidinyl-kynurenic acid (3-PKA-L), alkaloids usually present in combination in chestnut honey. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell colony formation assay, and Western blot analysis of the major mediator proteins involved in apoptotic processes. In all experiments, KYNA was scarcely or not active while 3-PKA-L showed anticancer activity in the high concentration range (0.01 mM – 1 mM) from 24 to 72 h. The results obtained showed that cell death was induced by extrinsic apoptotic pathway, by cell morphological changes and reduction of cell colonies number. These novel results represent the first promising step to the accurate description of 3-PKA-L cytotoxic effect, not observed with KYNA, paving the way to the search of new anticancer agents, as well as to the better understanding of the physiopathological role of this interesting natural product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giangiacomo Beretta
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Roberta Manuela Moretti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Nasti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sabrina Dallavalle
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
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19
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Effect of Tryptophan-Derived AhR Ligands, Kynurenine, Kynurenic Acid and FICZ, on Proliferation, Cell Cycle Regulation and Cell Death of Melanoma Cells-In Vitro Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217946. [PMID: 33114713 PMCID: PMC7663343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan metabolites: kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA) and 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) are considered aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands. AhR is mainly expressed in barrier tissues, including skin, and is involved in various physiological and pathological processes in skin. We studied the effect of KYN, KYNA and FICZ on melanocyte and melanoma A375 and RPMI7951 cell toxicity, proliferation and cell death. KYN and FICZ inhibited DNA synthesis in both melanoma cell lines, but RPMI7951 cells were more resistant to pharmacological treatment. Tested compounds were toxic to melanoma cells but not to normal human adult melanocytes. Changes in the protein level of cyclin D1, CDK4 and retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (Rb) phosphorylation revealed different mechanisms of action of individual AhR ligands. Importantly, all tryptophan metabolites induced necrosis, but only KYNA and FICZ promoted apoptosis in melanoma A375 cells. This effect was not observed in RPMI7951 cells. KYN, KYNA and FICZ in higher concentrations inhibited the protein level of AhR but did not affect the gene expression. To conclude, despite belonging to the group of AhR ligands, KYN, KYNA and FICZ exerted different effects on proliferation, toxicity and induction of cell death in melanoma cells in vitro.
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20
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Quon T, Lin LC, Ganguly A, Tobin AB, Milligan G. Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges in Targeting the Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR35. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:801-812. [PMID: 33073184 PMCID: PMC7551713 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
GPR35 is a class A, rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) first identified more than 20 years ago. In the intervening period, identification of strong expression in the lower intestine and colon, in a variety of immune cells including monocytes and a variety of dendritic cells, and in dorsal root ganglia has suggested potential therapeutic opportunities in targeting this receptor in a range of conditions. GPR35 is, however, unusual in a variety of ways that challenge routes to translation. These include the following: (i) Although a substantial range and diversity of endogenous ligands have been suggested as agonist partners for this receptor, it officially remains defined as an "orphan" GPCR. (ii) Humans express two distinct protein isoform sequences, while rodents express only a single form. (iii) The pharmacologies of the human and rodent orthologues of GPR35 are very distinct, with variation between rat and mouse GPR35 being as marked as that between either of these species and the human forms. Herein we provide perspectives on each of the topics above as well as suggesting ways to overcome the challenges currently hindering potential translation. These include a better understanding of the extent and molecular basis for species selective GPR35 pharmacology and the production of novel mouse models in which both "on-target" and "off-target" effects of presumptive GPR35 ligands can be better defined, as well as a clear understanding of the human isoform expression profile and its significance at both tissue and individual cell levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tezz Quon
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology,
Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical,
Veterinary and Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Li-Chiung Lin
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology,
Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical,
Veterinary and Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Amlan Ganguly
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology,
Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical,
Veterinary and Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Andrew B. Tobin
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology,
Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical,
Veterinary and Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Graeme Milligan
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology,
Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical,
Veterinary and Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland
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21
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Walczak K, Langner E, Szalast K, Makuch-Kocka A, Pożarowski P, Plech T. A Tryptophan Metabolite, 8-Hydroxyquinaldic Acid, Exerts Antiproliferative and Anti-Migratory Effects on Colorectal Cancer Cells. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25071655. [PMID: 32260268 PMCID: PMC7181169 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
8-Hydroxyquinaldic acid, the end-metabolite of tryptophan, is well-known metal chelator; however, its role in humans, especially in cancer promotion and progression, has not been fully revealed. Importantly, 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid is the analog of kynurenic acid with evidenced antiproliferative activity towards various cancer cells. In this study, we revealed that 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid inhibited not only proliferation and mitochondrial activity in colon cancer HT-29 and LS-180 cells, but it also decreased DNA synthesis up to 90.9% for HT-29 cells and 76.1% for LS-180 cells. 8-Hydroxyquinaldic acid induced changes in protein expression of cell cycle regulators (CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D1, cyclin E) and CDKs inhibitors (p21 Waf1/Cip1, p27 Kip1), but the effect was dependent on the tested cell line. Moreover, 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid inhibited migration of colon cancer HT-29 and LS-180 cells and increased the expression of β-catenin and E-cadherin. Importantly, antiproliferative and anti-migratory concentrations of 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid were non-toxic in vitro and in vivo. We reported for the first time antiproliferative and anti-migratory activity of 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid against colon cancer HT-29 and LS-180 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walczak
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.L.); (K.S.); (A.M.-K.)
- Correspondence: (K.W.); (T.P.); Tel.: +48-81-448-6772 (T.P.)
| | - Ewa Langner
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.L.); (K.S.); (A.M.-K.)
- Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karolina Szalast
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.L.); (K.S.); (A.M.-K.)
| | - Anna Makuch-Kocka
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.L.); (K.S.); (A.M.-K.)
| | - Piotr Pożarowski
- Chair and Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Plech
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.L.); (K.S.); (A.M.-K.)
- Correspondence: (K.W.); (T.P.); Tel.: +48-81-448-6772 (T.P.)
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22
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Walczak K, Wnorowski A, Turski WA, Plech T. Kynurenic acid and cancer: facts and controversies. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1531-1550. [PMID: 31659416 PMCID: PMC7162828 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous tryptophan metabolite exerting neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties in the brain. However, its importance on the periphery is still not fully elucidated. KYNA is produced endogenously in various types of peripheral cells, tissues and by gastrointestinal microbiota. Furthermore, it was found in several products of daily human diet and its absorption in the digestive tract was evidenced. More recent studies were focused on the potential role of KYNA in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy; however, the results were ambiguous and the biological activity of KYNA in these processes has not been unequivocally established. This review aims to summarize the current views on the relationship between KYNA and cancer. The differences in KYNA concentration between physiological conditions and cancer, as well as KYNA production by both normal and cancer cells, will be discussed. The review also describes the effect of KYNA on cancer cell proliferation and the known potential molecular mechanisms of this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walczak
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Artur Wnorowski
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Plech
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
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23
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Bochniarz M, Kocki T, Dąbrowski R, Szczubiał M, Wawron W, Turski WA. Tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid concentrations and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity in serum and milk of dairy cows with subclinical mastitis caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1491-1497. [PMID: 30066969 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate serum and milk concentrations of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity in cows suffering from subclinical mastitis caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci (MSCNS). TRP and kynurenines were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and IDO activity was calculated as the KYN/TRP ratio. The blood and milk samples were collected from 40 midlactation Holstein-Fresian cows from two herds in the Lublin region in Poland. In the milk samples from 20 cows with subclinical mastitis, coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated and in the milk obtained from healthy cows growth of microorganisms was not detected. TRP, KYN and KYNA concentrations were significantly lower in milk of cows with MSCNS compared to control animals (4.47 vs. 7.24 µM, 0.14 vs. 0.21 µM, 1.58 vs. 2.18 nM, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in TRP and KYNA concentrations in serum between the studied animal groups (32.97 vs. 39.29 µM, 31.3 vs. 26.5 nM, respectively). In turn, the level of KYN was lower in the serum (0.81 vs. 1.13 µM) of cows with mastitis compared to healthy ones. No statistically significant differences in IDO activity, both in serum and in milk (25.24 and 27.55, 28.56 and 27.17, respectively) was revealed between the studied groups. These findings may have potential implications for diagnosis of mastitis in cows because reduction of these parameters in milk might be a marker predicting the occurrence of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Bochniarz
- Department and Clinic of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kocki
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Roman Dąbrowski
- Department and Clinic of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Szczubiał
- Department and Clinic of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Władysław Wawron
- Department and Clinic of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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24
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Navrotskaya V, Wnorowski A, Turski W, Oxenkrug G. Effect of Kynurenic Acid on Pupae Viability of Drosophila melanogaster cinnabar and cardinal Eye Color Mutants with Altered Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolism. Neurotox Res 2018; 34:324-331. [PMID: 29619629 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9891-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is one of the metabolites of evolutionary conserved tryptophan (Trp)/kynurenine (Kyn) metabolic pathway. Elevation of KYNA contributes to development of psychosis in schizophrenia but attenuates neurodegeneration in Drosophila model of Huntington's disease. We have reported that KYNA increased lethality of pupae of wild-type flies, but not of vermilion (v) mutants with impaired formation of Kyn from Trp, suggesting that KYNA toxicity depends on its interaction with downstream Kyn metabolites [i.e., 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and/or xanthurenic acid (XA)]. The present study aimed to further explore the mechanisms of KYNA-induced lethality by the assessment of KYNA effect on pupae of two Drosophila mutants: cinnabar (cn), characterized by higher KYNA and lower 3-HK production, and cardinal (cd), characterized by higher 3-HK and XA levels compared to wild-type flies. Our microarray datamining revealed that the gene expression pattern of enzymes forming Trp/Kyn pathway stands in line with previously reported developmental changes in KYNA, 3-HK, and XA concentrations in wild-type and mutant flies. Administration of KYNA increased pupae lethality in cd, but not in cn mutants. Present data suggest that toxic effect of exogenous KYNA depends on the presence of 3-HK and/or XA. This is further supported by our finding that early stages of Drosophila development are associated with a positive expression pattern of genes encoding sulfotransferases, enzymes that are inhibited by KYNA and are involved in detoxification of XA. Alternatively, the toxic effect of KYNA might depend on anti-proliferative effects of KYNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya Navrotskaya
- Department of Genetics and Cytology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Artur Wnorowski
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a/01a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Gregory Oxenkrug
- Psychiatry and Inflammation Program, Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St, no. 1107, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
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25
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Stone TW, McPherson M, Gail Darlington L. Obesity and Cancer: Existing and New Hypotheses for a Causal Connection. EBioMedicine 2018; 30:14-28. [PMID: 29526577 PMCID: PMC5952217 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Existing explanations of obesity-associated cancer emphasise direct mutagenic effects of dietary components or hormonal imbalance. Some of these hypotheses are reviewed briefly, but recent evidence suggests a major role for chronic inflammation in cancer risk, possibly involving dietary content. These ideas include the inflammation-induced activation of the kynurenine pathway and its role in feeding and metabolism by activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and by modulating synaptic transmission in the brain. Evidence for a role of the kynurenine pathway in carcinogenesis then provides a potentially major link between obesity and cancer. A second new hypothesis is based on evidence that serine proteases can deplete cells of the tumour suppressors Deleted in Colorectal Cancer (DCC) and neogenin. These enzymes include mammalian chymotryptic proteases released by pro-inflammatory neutrophils and macrophages. Blood levels of chymotrypsin itself increase in parallel with food intake. The mechanistically similar bacterial enzyme subtilisin is widespread in the environment, animal probiotics, meat processing and cleaning products. Simple public health schemes in these areas, with selective serine protease inhibitors and AHR antagonists and could prevent a range of intestinal and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W Stone
- The Kennedy Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK; Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Megan McPherson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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26
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Wirthgen E, Hoeflich A, Rebl A, Günther J. Kynurenic Acid: The Janus-Faced Role of an Immunomodulatory Tryptophan Metabolite and Its Link to Pathological Conditions. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1957. [PMID: 29379504 PMCID: PMC5770815 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan metabolites are known to participate in the regulation of many cells of the immune system and are involved in various immune-mediated diseases and disorders. Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a product of one branch of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. The influence of KYNA on important neurophysiological and neuropathological processes has been comprehensively documented. In recent years, the link of KYNA to the immune system, inflammation, and cancer has become more apparent. Given this connection, the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions of KYNA are of particular interest. These characteristics might allow KYNA to act as a "double-edged sword." The metabolite contributes to both the resolution of inflammation and the establishment of an immunosuppressive environment, which, for instance, allows for tumor immune escape. Our review provides a comprehensive update of the significant biological functions of KYNA and focuses on its immunomodulatory properties by signaling via G-protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35)- and aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated pathways. Furthermore, we discuss the role of KYNA-GPR35 interaction and microbiota associated KYNA metabolism for gut homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Wirthgen
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Hoeflich
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Rebl
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Juliane Günther
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
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27
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Gorska-Ponikowska M, Perricone U, Kuban-Jankowska A, Lo Bosco G, Barone G. 2-methoxyestradiol impacts on amino acids-mediated metabolic reprogramming in osteosarcoma cells by its interaction with NMDA receptor. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:3030-3049. [PMID: 28262924 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Deregulation of serine and glycine metabolism, have been identified to function as metabolic regulators in supporting tumor cell growth. The role of serine and glycine in regulation of cancer cell proliferation is complicated, dependent on concentrations of amino acids and tissue-specific. D-serine and glycine are coagonists of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit GRIN1. Importantly, NMDA receptors are widely expressed in cancer cells and play an important role in regulation of cell death, proliferation, and metabolism of numerous malignancies. The aim of the present work was to associate the metabolism of glycine and D-serine with the anticancer activity of 2-methoxyestradiol. 2-methoxyestradiol is a potent anticancer agent but also a physiological 17β- estradiol metabolite. In the study we have chosen two malignant cell lines expressing functional NMDA receptors, that is osteosarcoma 143B and breast cancer MCF7. We used MTS assay, migration assay, flow cytometric analyses, Western blotting and immunoprecipitation techniques as well as molecular modeling studies. We have demonstrated the extensive crosstalk between the deregulated metabolic network and cancer cell signaling. Herein, we observed an anticancer effect of high concentrations of glycine and D-serine in osteosarcoma cells. In contrast, the amino acids when used at low, physiological concentrations induced the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells. Importantly, the pro-cancergogenic effects of both glycine and D-serine where abrogated by the usage of 2-methoxyestradiol at both physiological and pharmacological relevant concentrations. The obtained data confirmed that 2-methoxyestradiol may be a physiological anticancer molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ugo Perricone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 17, Palermo, Italy.,Fondazione Ri.MED, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Giosuè Lo Bosco
- Dipartimento di Matematica e Informatica, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Istituto Euro Mediterraneo di Scienza e Tecnologia, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Barone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 17, Palermo, Italy
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28
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Zakrocka I, Kocki T, Turski WA. The effect of three angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on kynurenic acid production in rat kidney in vitro. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 69:536-541. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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29
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Rombouts C, Hemeryck LY, Van Hecke T, De Smet S, De Vos WH, Vanhaecke L. Untargeted metabolomics of colonic digests reveals kynurenine pathway metabolites, dityrosine and 3-dehydroxycarnitine as red versus white meat discriminating metabolites. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42514. [PMID: 28195169 PMCID: PMC5307356 DOI: 10.1038/srep42514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological research has demonstrated that the consumption of red meat is an important risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. However, there is no holistic insight in the (by-) products of meat digestion that may contribute to disease development. To address this hiatus, an untargeted mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics approach was used to create red versus white meat associated metabolic fingerprints following in vitro colonic digestion using the fecal inocula of ten healthy volunteers. Twenty-two metabolites were unequivocally associated with simulated colonic digestion of red meat. Several of these metabolites could mechanistically be linked to red meat-associated pathways including N'-formylkynurenine, kynurenine and kynurenic acid (all involved in tryptophan metabolism), the oxidative stress marker dityrosine, and 3-dehydroxycarnitine. In conclusion, the used MS-based metabolomics platform proved to be a powerful platform for detection of specific metabolites that improve the understanding of the causal relationship between red meat consumption and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Rombouts
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lieselot Y. Hemeryck
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Thomas Van Hecke
- Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Animal Production, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Animal Product Quality, Proefhoevestraat 10, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Smet
- Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Animal Production, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Animal Product Quality, Proefhoevestraat 10, B-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Laboratory of Cell Systems & Imaging, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Antwerp University, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lynn Vanhaecke
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Laboratory of Chemical Analysis, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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30
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Hernandez-Martinez JM, Forrest CM, Darlington LG, Smith RA, Stone TW. Quinolinic acid induces neuritogenesis in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells independently of NMDA receptor activation. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 45:700-711. [PMID: 27973747 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ ) have been implicated in neuronal development and several types of cancer. The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism includes quinolinic acid (QA) which is both a selective agonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and also a precursor for the formation of NAD+ . The effect of QA on cell survival and differentiation has therefore been examined on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Retinoic acid (RA, 10 μm) induced differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells into a neuronal phenotype showing neurite growth. QA (50-150 nm) also caused a concentration-dependent increase in the neurite/soma ratio, indicating differentiation. Both RA and QA increased expression of the neuronal marker β3-tubulin in whole-cell homogenates and in the neuritic fraction assessed using a neurite outgrowth assay. Expression of the neuronal proliferation marker doublecortin revealed that, unlike RA, QA did not decrease the number of mitotic cells. QA-induced neuritogenesis coincided with an increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species. Neuritogenesis was prevented by diphenylene-iodonium (an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase) and superoxide dismutase, supporting the involvement of reactive oxygen species. NMDA itself did not promote neuritogenesis and the NMDA antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) did not prevent quinolinate-induced neuritogenesis, indicating that the effects of QA were independent of NMDA receptors. Nicotinamide caused a significant increase in the neurite/soma ratio and the expression of β3-tubulin in the neuritic fraction. Taken together, these results suggest that QA induces neuritogenesis by promoting oxidizing conditions and affecting the availability of NAD+ , independently of NMDA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Manuel Hernandez-Martinez
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, West Medical Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Caroline M Forrest
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, West Medical Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | | | - Robert A Smith
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, West Medical Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Trevor W Stone
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, West Medical Building, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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31
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Understanding the role of the kynurenine pathway in human breast cancer immunobiology. Oncotarget 2016; 7:6506-20. [PMID: 26646699 PMCID: PMC4872729 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BrCa) is the leading cause of cancer related death in women. While current diagnostic modalities provide opportunities for early medical intervention, significant proportions of breast tumours escape treatment and metastasize. Gaining increasing recognition as a factor in tumour metastasis is the local immuno-surveillance environment. Following identification of the role played by the enzyme indoleamine dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in mediating maternal foetal tolerance, the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan metabolism has emerged as a key metabolic pathway contributing to immune escape. In inflammatory conditions activation of the KP leads to the production of several immune-modulating metabolites including kynurenine, kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, anthranilic acid, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, picolinic acid and quinolinic acid. KP over-activation was first described in BrCa patients in the early 1960s. More evidence has since emerged to suggest that the IDO1 is elevated in advanced BrCa patients and is associated with poor prognosis. Further, IDO1 positive breast tumours have a positive correlation with the density of immune suppressive Foxp3+ T regulatory cells and lymph node metastasis. The analysis of clinical microarray data in invasive BrCa compared to normal tissue showed, using two microarray databank (cBioportal and TCGA), that 86.3% and 91.4% BrCa patients have altered KP enzyme expression respectively. Collectively, these data highlight the key roles played by KP activation in BrCa, particularly in basal BrCa subtypes where expression of most KP enzymes was altered. Accordingly, the use of KP enzyme inhibitors in addition to standard chemotherapy regimens may present a viable therapeutic approach.
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32
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Langner E, Lemieszek MK, Kwiecień JM, Rajtar G, Rzeski W, Turski WA. Kynurenic Acid Induces Impairment of Oligodendrocyte Viability: On the Role of Glutamatergic Mechanisms. Neurochem Res 2016; 42:838-845. [PMID: 27444613 PMCID: PMC5357470 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2009-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an end stage product of tryptophan metabolism with a variety of functions in the human body, both in the central nervous system (CNS) and in other organs. Although its activity in the human brain has been widely studied and effects on neural cells were emphasized, the effect of KYNA on oligodendroglial cells remains unknown. Present study aims at describing the activity of high concentration of KYNA in OLN-93 cells. The inhibition of OLN-93 oligodendrocytes viability by KYNA in a medium with reduced serum concentration has been demonstrated. Although decreased metabolic activity of KYNA treated OLN-93 cells was shown, the cells proliferation was not altered. KYNA treatment did not alter morphology as well as expression level of cell cycle and proliferation regulating proteins. Furthermore, glutamate receptor antagonists and agonists did not alter the inhibitory effect of KYNA on viability of OLN-93 oligodendrocytes. This study contributes to the elucidation of effects of KYNA on oligodendrocytes in vitro, yet further analyses are necessary to explain the mechanisms behind the damage and loss of myelin sheaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Langner
- Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland.,Department of Pharmacology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta K Lemieszek
- Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek M Kwiecień
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, M. deGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Grażyna Rajtar
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Rzeski
- Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland.,Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland.
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33
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Dąbrowski R, Hagman R, Tvarijonaviciute A, Pastor J, Kocki T, Turski WA. Serum tryptophan and its metabolites in female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy as treatment of pyometra or as elective spay surgery. Theriogenology 2015; 83:1279-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Revised: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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34
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Xin Z, Jiang S, Jiang P, Yan X, Fan C, Di S, Wu G, Yang Y, Reiter RJ, Ji G. Melatonin as a treatment for gastrointestinal cancer: a review. J Pineal Res 2015; 58:375-87. [PMID: 25752643 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer is a disease that affects the population worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. Melatonin, an endogenously produced molecule, may provide a defense against a variety of cancer types. In particular, the ability of melatonin to inhibit gastrointestinal cancer is substantial. In this review, we first clarify the relationship between the disruption of the melatonin rhythm and gastrointestinal cancer (based on epidemiologic surveys and animal and human studies) and summarize the preventive effect of melatonin on carcinogenesis. Thereafter, the mechanisms through which melatonin exerts its anti-gastrointestinal cancer actions are explained, including inhibition of proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis, and promotion of apoptosis and cancer immunity. Moreover, we discuss the drug synergy effects and the role of melatonin receptors involved in the growth-inhibitory effects on gastrointestinal cancer. Taken together, the information compiled here serves as a comprehensive reference for the anti-gastrointestinal cancer actions of melatonin that have been identified to date and will hopefully aid in the design of further experimental and clinical studies and increase the awareness of melatonin as a therapeutic agent in cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlong Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Gastroenterology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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35
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Langner E, Walczak K, Jeleniewicz W, Turski WA, Rajtar G. Quinaldic acid inhibits proliferation of colon cancer ht-29 cells in vitro: effects on signaling pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 757:21-7. [PMID: 25797283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Quinaldic acid is presumed to be a derivative of kynurenic acid, a tryptophan metabolite with proven antiproliferative activity towards cancer cells in vitro. The aim of present study was to evaluate the activity of quinaldic acid in colon cancer cells. The antiproliferative potential of quinaldic acid was assessed in HT-29, LS180 and Caco-2 cells. Suppression of metabolic activity (IC50 of 0.5mM for HT-29 and LS180 cells, 0.9mM for Caco-2 cells) and DNA synthesis (IC50 of 2.7, 4.3, 2mM for HT-29, LS180 and Caco-2 cells, respectively) were observed in all tested cell lines. It is noteworthy that quinaldic acid in antiproliferative concentrations was non-toxic to normal colon epithelium CCD 841 CoTr cells. Concomitantly, alterations in several signaling pathways in HT-29 cells were observed. Quinaldic acid led to changes in the phosphorylation level of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, p38, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and Akt (protein kinase B) kinases. Moreover, changes in the CREB transcription factor were also found at the gene expression level. Antiproliferative activity and signaling pathways modulatory potential of quinaldic acid in colon cancer cells in vitro has been stated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Langner
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University in Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Agricultural Medicine, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Walczak
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University in Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Witold Jeleniewicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University in Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University in Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Grażyna Rajtar
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University in Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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36
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Gostner JM, Becker K, Überall F, Fuchs D. The potential of targeting indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase for cancer treatment. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 19:605-15. [PMID: 25684107 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.995092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Degradation of the essential amino acid tryptophan via indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) represents an important antiproliferative strategy of the cellular immune response. Tryptophan shortage and accumulation of kynurenine downstream products also affect T-cell responses, providing a negative feedback control of immune activation. IDO1 activity can promote a regulatory phenotype in both T cells and dendritic cells. These phenomena can support tumor immune escape. AREAS COVERED IDO1 activity reflects the course of several malignancies, and determination of kynurenine to tryptophan ratio in serum/plasma can be used to assess immune activation. Moreover, the accelerated breakdown of tryptophan has been correlated with the development of cancer-associated disturbances such as anemia, weight loss and depression. Tumoral IDO1 expression was correlated with a poor prognosis in several types of tumors, which makes it to an interesting target for immunotherapy. In addition, according to recent data, a role of trytptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) in tumorigenesis cannot be excluded. EXPERT OPINION Tryptophan metabolism is critical for cell proliferation, inflammation and immunoregulation. Accelerated tryptophan breakdown favors tumor immune escape. Accordingly, targeting IDO1 by immunotherapy may represent a favorable approach; however, blocking crucial immunoregulatory pathways could also introduce the risk of immune system overactivation, finally leading to unresponsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M Gostner
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Biocenter, Division of Medical Biochemistry , Innsbruck 6020 , Austria
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37
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Kynurenic acid inhibits colon cancer proliferation in vitro: effects on signaling pathways. Amino Acids 2014; 46:2393-401. [PMID: 25012123 PMCID: PMC4168223 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1790-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a tryptophan metabolite, inhibits proliferation of several cancer cell lines including colon cancer, renal cancer and glioblastoma cells. Previous studies reported that inhibitory properties of KYNA may be related to interactions of KYNA with cell cycle regulators and signaling proteins. However, the exact molecular interaction of KYNA with signaling pathways in colon cancer cells has not been studied to date. The molecular mechanism of KYNA activity towards colon cancer cells may be of great importance taking into consideration that KYNA is present in several tissues and physiological fluids, including gastrointestinal tract, and it is also present in various products of human diet. In this study, the inhibitory effect of KYNA on activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells was revealed. KYNA decreased phosphorylation of Akt, ERK 1/2 and p38 kinases in HT-29 cells. Interestingly, the study revealed also unexpected effect of KYNA on Wnt pathway in HT-29 cells. KYNA in millimolar concentrations increased protein expression of β-catenin. However, the nuclear translocation of β-catenin in HT-29 cells exposed to KYNA was not observed. Moreover, KYNA 1 mM increased antiproliferative properties of inhibitors of signaling pathways: wortmannin, PD98059, SB202190 and IWR-1. Taking into consideration these results, KYNA may be seen as a potential chemopreventive agent in colon cancer or supportive agent in standard cancer chemotherapy. However, the interactions between KYNA, Wnt signaling pathway and β-catenin need further studies to exclude potential effect of KYNA on colon carcinogenesis.
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Walczak K, Deneka-Hannemann S, Jarosz B, Zgrajka W, Stoma F, Trojanowski T, Turski WA, Rzeski W. Kynurenic acid inhibits proliferation and migration of human glioblastoma T98G cells. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 66:130-6. [PMID: 24905318 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Revised: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kynurenic acid (KYNA), tryptophan metabolite synthesized in the kynurenine pathway, is an endogenous antagonist of α-7 nicotinic receptor and all ionotropic glutamate receptors: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxasole propionate (AMPA) receptor and kainate receptor. The antiproliferative activity of KYNA toward colon and renal cancer cells has recently been discovered. The aim of the study was to verify whether human Glioblastoma tumors contain KYNA and if KYNA influences glioma cell proliferation and migration. METHODS KYNA content in Glioblastoma tumor samples was determined using HPLC. Proliferation of human glioblastoma T98G cells was measured by means of MTT and BrdU assays. Wound assay was used to evaluate the effect of KYNA on cancer cell migration. RESULTS KYNA was detected in all tested Glioblastoma tumor samples (100.3 ± 17.6 pmol/g wet weight). In a series of experiments the antiproliferative activity of KYNA against T98G cells was revealed (IC(50) = 1.3 mM). Moreover, KYNA reversed the stimulatory effect of glutamate on glioma cell proliferation and enhanced antiproliferative effect of glutamate receptor antagonists MK801 and GYKI 52466. Next, KYNA at concentrations much lower than those needed to reduce cell proliferation elicited a prominent inhibitory effect on glioma cell motility. Moreover, co-incubation of temozolomide, a drug commonly used in antiglioblastoma therapy, with KYNA gave a superior effect than each of the substances applied alone. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the antiproliferative and antimigrative potential of KYNA against glioma cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walczak
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland; Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Sylwia Deneka-Hannemann
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Bożena Jarosz
- Department of Neurosurgery and Paediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Zgrajka
- Department of Toxicology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
| | - Filip Stoma
- Department of Neurosurgery and Paediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Trojanowski
- Department of Neurosurgery and Paediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A Turski
- Department of Toxicology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland; Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Rzeski
- Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland; Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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Berthon C, Fontenay M, Corm S, Briche I, Allorge D, Hennart B, Lhermitte M, Quesnel B. Metabolites of tryptophan catabolism are elevated in sera of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and inhibit hematopoietic progenitor amplification. Leuk Res 2013; 37:573-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Parada-Turska J, Zgrajka W, Majdan M. Kynurenic acid in synovial fluid and serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, and osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol 2013; 40:903-9. [PMID: 23588943 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.121035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previously we demonstrated that kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous metabolite of kynurenine, is present in the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). KYNA inhibits proliferation of synoviocytes in vitro. The goal of our study was to compare KYNA concentrations in synovial fluid and blood of patients with RA, inflammatory spondyloarthropathies (SpA), and osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS Serum and synovial fluid samples were obtained from 189 patients with RA, 56 patients with SpA, and 32 patients with OA. KYNA was separated using a high-performance liquid chromatography system and measured fluorometrically. RESULTS KYNA concentration in synovial fluid obtained from patients with RA and SpA was significantly lower than that in patients with OA (p < 0.05). The concentration of KYNA in serum of patients with RA, SpA, and OA did not differ among all groups studied. The positive correlation between KYNA content in synovial fluid and serum was found in patients with RA (p < 0.05). Univariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that fibrinogen was significantly associated with KYNA in synovial fluid (p < 0.05), and red blood cell counts, morning stiffness, and pain scores were significantly associated with KYNA level in serum (all p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed correlation between the following independent variables: hemoglobin level, hematocrit, red blood cell count in conjunction with age and KYNA content in synovial fluid. A lack of correlation was observed between KYNA content in synovial fluid of patients with RA and other clinical and laboratory measures of disease activity. CONCLUSION Our data show a local deficit of KYNA in inflammatory states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Parada-Turska
- Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Medical University, Lublin, Poland.
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