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Zhou X, Wang G, Tian C, Du L, Prochownik EV, Li Y. Inhibition of DUSP18 impairs cholesterol biosynthesis and promotes anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5851. [PMID: 38992029 PMCID: PMC11239938 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50138-x] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells reprogram their metabolism to produce specialized metabolites that both fuel their own growth and license tumor immune evasion. However, the relationships between these functions remain poorly understood. Here, we report CRISPR screens in a mouse model of colo-rectal cancer (CRC) that implicates the dual specificity phosphatase 18 (DUSP18) in the establishment of tumor-directed immune evasion. Dusp18 inhibition reduces CRC growth rates, which correlate with high levels of CD8+ T cell activation. Mechanistically, DUSP18 dephosphorylates and stabilizes the USF1 bHLH-ZIP transcription factor. In turn, USF1 induces the SREBF2 gene, which allows cells to accumulate the cholesterol biosynthesis intermediate lanosterol and release it into the tumor microenvironment (TME). There, lanosterol uptake by CD8+ T cells suppresses the mevalonate pathway and reduces KRAS protein prenylation and function, which in turn inhibits their activation and establishes a molecular basis for tumor cell immune escape. Finally, the combination of an anti-PD-1 antibody and Lumacaftor, an FDA-approved small molecule inhibitor of DUSP18, inhibits CRC growth in mice and synergistically enhances anti-tumor immunity. Collectively, our findings support the idea that a combination of immune checkpoint and metabolic blockade represents a rationally-designed, mechanistically-based and potential therapy for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Zhou
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Genxin Wang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Chenhui Tian
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Lin Du
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Edward V Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
- The Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, The Hillman Cancer Institute of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA
| | - Youjun Li
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China.
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China.
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2
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Coradini D. Impact of De Novo Cholesterol Biosynthesis on the Initiation and Progression of Breast Cancer. Biomolecules 2024; 14:64. [PMID: 38254664 PMCID: PMC10813427 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010064] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol (CHOL) is a multifaceted lipid molecule. It is an essential structural component of cell membranes, where it cooperates in regulating the intracellular trafficking and signaling pathways. Additionally, it serves as a precursor for vital biomolecules, including steroid hormones, isoprenoids, vitamin D, and bile acids. Although CHOL is normally uptaken from the bloodstream, cells can synthesize it de novo in response to an increased requirement due to physiological tissue remodeling or abnormal proliferation, such as in cancer. Cumulating evidence indicated that increased CHOL biosynthesis is a common feature of breast cancer and is associated with the neoplastic transformation of normal mammary epithelial cells. After an overview of the multiple biological activities of CHOL and its derivatives, this review will address the impact of de novo CHOL production on the promotion of breast cancer with a focus on mammary stem cells. The review will also discuss the effect of de novo CHOL production on in situ and invasive carcinoma and its impact on the response to adjuvant treatment. Finally, the review will discuss the present and future therapeutic strategies to normalize CHOL biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danila Coradini
- Laboratory of Medical Statistics and Biometry, "Giulio A. Maccacaro", Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Campus Cascina Rosa, 20133 Milan, Italy
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3
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Sun X, Zhang J, Liu H, Li M, Liu L, Yang Z, Hu W, Bai H, Xu J, Xing J, Xu Z, Mo A, Guo Z, Bai Y, Zhou Q, Wang Y, Zhang S, Zhang S. Lanosterol synthase loss of function decreases the malignant phenotypes of HepG2 cells by deactivating the Src/MAPK signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:295. [PMID: 37274468 PMCID: PMC10236266 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13881] [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: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is critical for tumor cells to maintain their membrane components, cell morphology and activity functions. The inhibition of the cholesterol pathway may be an efficient strategy with which to limit tumor growth and the metastatic process. In the present study, lanosterol synthase (LSS) was knocked down by transfecting LSS short hairpin RNA into HepG2 cells, and cell growth, apoptosis and migratory potential were then detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 cell proliferation assay, flow cytometric analysis and wound healing assay, respectively. In addition, proteins associated with the regulation of the aforementioned cell biological behaviors were analyzed by western blot analysis. The activity of the Src/MAPK signaling pathway was measured by western blotting to elucidate the possible signal transduction mechanisms. LSS knockdown in the HepG2 liver cancer cell line inhibited cell proliferation, with cell cycle arrest at the S phase; it also decreased cell migratory ability and increased apoptosis. The expression proteins involved in the regulation of cell cycle, cell apoptosis and migration was altered by LSS knockdown in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, a decreased Src/MAPK activity was observed in the HepG2 cells subjected to LSS knockdown. LSS loss of function decreased the malignant phenotypes of HepG2 cells by deactivating the Src/MAPK signaling pathway and regulating expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation, cell apoptosis and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, P.R. China
| | - Mingcong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
- Department of Pathology, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, P.R. China
| | - Li Liu
- Center for Scientific Research, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Weikang Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Hongmei Bai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Jiansheng Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Jun Xing
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Zhijun Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Aizhu Mo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Ziyi Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yajie Bai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Shengquan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Sumei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
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Xia W, Wang H, Zhou X, Wang Y, Xue L, Cao B, Song J. The role of cholesterol metabolism in tumor therapy, from bench to bed. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:928821. [PMID: 37089950 PMCID: PMC10117684 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.928821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol and its metabolites have important biological functions. Cholesterol is able to maintain the physical properties of cell membrane, play an important role in cellular signaling, and cellular cholesterol levels reflect the dynamic balance between biosynthesis, uptake, efflux and esterification. Cholesterol metabolism participates in bile acid production and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Increasing evidence suggests a strict link between cholesterol homeostasis and tumors. Cholesterol metabolism in tumor cells is reprogrammed to differ significantly from normal cells, and disturbances of cholesterol balance also induce tumorigenesis and progression. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that controlling cholesterol metabolism suppresses tumor growth, suggesting that targeting cholesterol metabolism may provide new possibilities for tumor therapy. In this review, we summarized the metabolic pathways of cholesterol in normal and tumor cells and reviewed the pre-clinical and clinical progression of novel tumor therapeutic strategy with the drugs targeting different stages of cholesterol metabolism from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Xia
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaozhu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Third Hospital Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Beijing, China
| | - Lixiang Xue
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Third Hospital Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lixiang Xue, ; Baoshan Cao, ; Jiagui Song,
| | - Baoshan Cao
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiation Sickness, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lixiang Xue, ; Baoshan Cao, ; Jiagui Song,
| | - Jiagui Song
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Third Hospital Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University as the Third Responsibility Unit of Song Jiagui, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lixiang Xue, ; Baoshan Cao, ; Jiagui Song,
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5
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SH S, SM H. Should oxidosqualene cyclase in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway be considered an anti-cancer target? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1081151. [PMID: 36582466 PMCID: PMC9792840 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1081151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Liang Y, Besch-Williford C, Hyder SM. The estrogen receptor beta agonist liquiritigenin enhances the inhibitory effects of the cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor RO 48-8071 on hormone-dependent breast-cancer growth. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2022; 192:53-63. [PMID: 35037188 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06487-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Most hormone-dependent human breast cancers develop resistance to anti-hormone therapy over time. Our goal was to identify novel treatment strategies to avoid this drug resistance and thereby control hormone-dependent breast cancer. METHODS Sulforhodamine B assays were used to measure viability of cultured human breast-cancer cells. BT-474 cell tumor xenografts in nude mice were used to evaluate tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess estrogen-receptor and angiogenesis-marker expression, as well as apoptosis, in tumor-xenograft tissues. RESULTS MCF-7 and BT-474 breast-cancer cells treated with either RO 48-8071 <[4'-[6-(Allylmethylamino)hexyloxy]-4-bromo-2'-fluorobenzophenone fumarate] [RO]; a small-molecule inhibitor of oxidosqualene cyclase, a key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis> or liquiritigenin [LQ; an estrogen receptor (ER) β agonist] exhibited significantly reduced viability in vitro. RO + LQ treatment further significantly reduced cell viability. Administration of RO, LQ, or RO + LQ significantly inhibited growth of BT-474 tumor xenografts in vivo. RO, LQ, or RO + LQ reduced ERα but induced ER β expression in tumor xenografts. Both compounds significantly reduced angiogenesis-marker expression and increased apoptosis in tumor xenografts; use of RO + LQ significantly enhanced the effects observed with a single agent. CONCLUSION The ERβ ligand LQ significantly enhanced the inhibition of breast-cancer cell viability and tumor-xenograft growth by RO. The anti-tumor properties of RO may in part be due to an off-target effect that reduces ERα and increases ERβ, the latter of which can then interact with LQ to promote anti-proliferative effects. The RO + LQ combination may have value when considering novel treatment strategies for hormone-dependent breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayun Liang
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, 134 Research Park Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | | | - Salman M Hyder
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, 134 Research Park Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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7
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Coradini D. De novo cholesterol biosynthesis: an additional therapeutic target for the treatment of postmenopausal breast cancer with excessive adipose tissue. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:841-852. [PMID: 36654818 PMCID: PMC9834634 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00116] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset and development of breast cancer in postmenopausal women are associated with closely related individual-dependent factors, including weight gain and high levels of circulating androgens. Adipose tissue is the most peripheral site of aromatase enzyme synthesis; therefore, the excessive accumulation of visceral fat results in increased androgens aromatization and estradiol production that provides the microenvironment favorable to tumorigenesis in mammary epithelial cells expressing estrogen receptors (ERs). Moreover, to meet the increased requirement of cholesterol for cell membrane assembly and the production of steroid hormones to sustain their proliferation, ER-positive cells activate de novo cholesterol biosynthesis and subsequent steroidogenesis. Several approaches have been followed to neutralize the de novo cholesterol synthesis, including specific enzyme inhibitors, statins, and, more recently, metformin. Cumulating evidence indicated that inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis by statins and metformin may be a promising therapeutic strategy to block breast cancer progression. Unlike antiestrogens and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) which compete for binding to ER and inhibit androgens aromatization, respectively, statins block the production of mevalonic acid by inhibiting the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, and metformin hampers the activation of the sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) transcription factor, thus inhibiting the synthesis of several enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. Noteworthy, statins and metformin not only improve the prognosis of overweight patients with ER-positive cancer but also improve the prognosis of patients with triple-negative breast cancer, the aggressive tumor subtype that lacks, at present, specific therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danila Coradini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Campus Cascina Rosa, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy,Correspondence: Danila Coradini, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Campus Cascina Rosa, University of Milan, Via Vanzetti 5, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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8
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Ding Z, Gu Y, Huang D, Zhou H, Zhu T, Luo X, Zhang S, Zhang S, Qian Y. Cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor RO 48‑8071 inhibits pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell viability by deactivating the JNK and ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:828. [PMID: 34590153 PMCID: PMC8503744 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12468] [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: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of pancreatic cancer have been continuously increasing, causing seven deaths per 100,000 individuals/year. At present, effective therapies are severely lacking, thus, highlighting the importance of developing novel therapeutic approaches. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory roles of the 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase inhibitor, RO 48-8071 (RO), on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. RO was used to treat the pancreatic cancer cell line (PANC-1) in vitro to examine the effects of RO on cell viability, as well as to determine its potential molecular mechanism. Moreover, experiments in a xenograft model of subcutaneous tumors generated by injecting PANC-1 cells hypodermically into nude mice were performed to observe the inhibition of RO on tumor growth. It was found that RO inhibited PANC-1 cell viability when treatment was given for 24, 48 and 72 h. The in vivo study demonstrated that RO markedly inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth in nude mice. Further studies revealed that RO could induce cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase by regulating p27, cyclin B1 and cyclin E expression to inhibit PANC-1 cell viability. Moreover, RO inactivated the JNK and ERK MAPK signaling pathway by decreasing the phosphorylation levels of JNK and ERK. Collectively, the present study demonstrated that RO served anti-pancreatic cancer roles in vitro and in vivo, which may provide new ideas and facilitate the development of novel treatment options for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Ding
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Dake Huang
- Comprehensive Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Sumei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Shengquan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yeben Qian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
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Hubler Z, Friedrich RM, Sax JL, Allimuthu D, Gao F, Rivera-León AM, Pleshinger MJ, Bederman I, Adams DJ. Modulation of lanosterol synthase drives 24,25-epoxysterol synthesis and oligodendrocyte formation. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:866-875.e5. [PMID: 33636107 PMCID: PMC8217109 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules that promote the formation of new myelinating oligodendrocytes from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are potential therapeutics for demyelinating diseases. We recently established inhibition of specific cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes and resulting accumulation of 8,9-unsaturated sterols as a unifying mechanism through which many such molecules act. To identify more potent sterol enhancers of oligodendrocyte formation, we synthesized a collection of 8,9-unsaturated sterol derivatives and found that 24,25-epoxylanosterol potently promoted oligodendrocyte formation. In OPCs, 24,25-epoxylanosterol was metabolized to 24,25-epoxycholesterol via the epoxycholesterol shunt pathway. Increasing flux through the epoxycholesterol shunt using genetic manipulation or small-molecule inhibition of lanosterol synthase (LSS) increased endogenous 24,25-epoxycholesterol levels and OPC differentiation. Notably, exogenously supplied 24,25-epoxycholesterol promoted oligodendrocyte formation despite lacking an 8,9-unsaturation. This work highlights epoxycholesterol shunt usage, controlled by inhibitors of LSS, as a target to promote oligodendrocyte formation. Additionally, sterols beyond the 8,9-unsaturated sterols, including 24,25-epoxycholesterol, drive oligodendrocyte formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zita Hubler
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ryan M Friedrich
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Joel L Sax
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Dharmaraja Allimuthu
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Farrah Gao
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Adrianna M Rivera-León
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Matthew J Pleshinger
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ilya Bederman
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Drew J Adams
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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10
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Giacomini I, Gianfanti F, Desbats MA, Orso G, Berretta M, Prayer-Galetti T, Ragazzi E, Cocetta V. Cholesterol Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer and Its Pharmacological Modulation as Therapeutic Strategy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:682911. [PMID: 34109128 PMCID: PMC8181394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.682911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is a ubiquitous sterol with many biological functions, which are crucial for proper cellular signaling and physiology. Indeed, cholesterol is essential in maintaining membrane physical properties, while its metabolism is involved in bile acid production and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Additionally, isoprenoids metabolites of the mevalonate pathway support protein-prenylation and dolichol, ubiquinone and the heme a biosynthesis. Cancer cells rely on cholesterol to satisfy their increased nutrient demands and to support their uncontrolled growth, thus promoting tumor development and progression. Indeed, transformed cells reprogram cholesterol metabolism either by increasing its uptake and de novo biosynthesis, or deregulating the efflux. Alternatively, tumor can efficiently accumulate cholesterol into lipid droplets and deeply modify the activity of key cholesterol homeostasis regulators. In light of these considerations, altered pathways of cholesterol metabolism might represent intriguing pharmacological targets for the development of exploitable strategies in the context of cancer therapy. Thus, this work aims to discuss the emerging evidence of in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials, on the role of cholesterol pathways in the treatment of cancer, starting from already available cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins or fibrates), and moving towards novel potential pharmacological inhibitors or selective target modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Giacomini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Gianfanti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, VIMM, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Genny Orso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Tommaso Prayer-Galetti
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology - Urology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Cocetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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11
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Madan B, Virshup DM, Nes WD, Leaver DJ. Unearthing the Janus-face cholesterogenesis pathways in cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 196:114611. [PMID: 34010597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol biosynthesis, primarily associated with eukaryotes, occurs as an essential component of human metabolism with biosynthetic deregulation a factor in cancer viability. The segment that partitions between squalene and the C27-end cholesterol yields the main cholesterogenesis branch subdivided into the Bloch and Kandutsch-Russell pathways. Their importance in cell viability, in normal growth and development originates primarily from the amphipathic property and shape of the cholesterol molecule which makes it suitable as a membrane insert. Cholesterol can also convert to variant oxygenated product metabolites of distinct function producing a complex interplay between cholesterol synthesis and overall steroidogenesis. In this review, we disassociate the two sides of cholesterogenesisis affecting the type and amounts of systemic sterols-one which is beneficial to human welfare while the other dysfunctional leading to misery and disease that could result in premature death. Our focus here is first to examine the cholesterol biosynthetic genes, enzymes, and order of biosynthetic intermediates in human cholesterogenesis pathways, then compare the effect of proximal and distal inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis against normal and cancer cell growth and metabolism. Collectively, the inhibitor studies of druggable enzymes and specific biosynthetic steps, suggest a potential role of disrupted cholesterol biosynthesis, in coordination with imported cholesterol, as a factor in cancer development and as discussed some of these inhibitors have chemotherapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babita Madan
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David M Virshup
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - W David Nes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
| | - David J Leaver
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Physical Sciences, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX, USA.
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12
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Jain P, Jain SK, Jain M. Harnessing Drug Repurposing for Exploration of New Diseases: An Insight to Strategies and Case Studies. Curr Mol Med 2021; 21:111-132. [PMID: 32560606 DOI: 10.2174/1566524020666200619125404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional drug discovery is time consuming, costly, and risky process. Owing to the large investment, excessive attrition, and declined output, drug repurposing has become a blooming approach for the identification and development of new therapeutics. The method has gained momentum in the past few years and has resulted in many excellent discoveries. Industries are resurrecting the failed and shelved drugs to save time and cost. The process accounts for approximately 30% of the new US Food and Drug Administration approved drugs and vaccines in recent years. METHODS A systematic literature search using appropriate keywords were made to identify articles discussing the different strategies being adopted for repurposing and various drugs that have been/are being repurposed. RESULTS This review aims to describe the comprehensive data about the various strategies (Blinded search, computational approaches, and experimental approaches) used for the repurposing along with success case studies (treatment for orphan diseases, neglected tropical disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and drugs for pediatric population). It also inculcates an elaborated list of more than 100 drugs that have been repositioned, approaches adopted, and their present clinical status. We have also attempted to incorporate the different databases used for computational repurposing. CONCLUSION The data presented is proof that drug repurposing is a prolific approach circumventing the issues poised by conventional drug discovery approaches. It is a highly promising approach and when combined with sophisticated computational tools, it also carries high precision. The review would help researches in prioritizing the drugrepositioning method much needed to flourish the drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priti Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Computational Chemistry, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, Dhule (425405) Maharashtra, India
| | - Shreyans K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Munendra Jain
- SVKM's Department of Sciences, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
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13
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Paradela LS, Wall RJ, Carvalho S, Chemi G, Corpas-Lopez V, Moynihan E, Bello D, Patterson S, Güther MLS, Fairlamb AH, Ferguson MAJ, Zuccotto F, Martin J, Gilbert IH, Wyllie S. Multiple unbiased approaches identify oxidosqualene cyclase as the molecular target of a promising anti-leishmanial. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:711-721.e8. [PMID: 33691122 PMCID: PMC8153249 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic screening identified a benzothiophene compound with activity against Leishmania donovani, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis. Using multiple orthogonal approaches, oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), a key enzyme of sterol biosynthesis, was identified as the target of this racemic compound and its enantiomers. Whole genome sequencing and screening of a genome-wide overexpression library confirmed that OSC gene amplification is associated with resistance to compound 1. Introduction of an ectopic copy of the OSC gene into wild-type cells reduced susceptibility to these compounds confirming the role of this enzyme in resistance. Biochemical analyses demonstrated the accumulation of the substrate of OSC and depletion of its product in compound (S)-1-treated-promastigotes and cell-free membrane preparations, respectively. Thermal proteome profiling confirmed that compound (S)-1 binds directly to OSC. Finally, modeling and docking studies identified key interactions between compound (S)-1 and the LdOSC active site. Strategies to improve the potency for this promising anti-leishmanial are proposed. Genetics and chemo-proteomics identify the target of a promising anti-leishmanial Biochemical assays confirm the direct inhibition of oxidosqualene cyclase in cells Docking and modeling studies identify key interactions between compound and target Strategies to improve the potency of this benzothiophene are proposed
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana S Paradela
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Richard J Wall
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Sandra Carvalho
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Giulia Chemi
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Victoriano Corpas-Lopez
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Eoin Moynihan
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Davide Bello
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Stephen Patterson
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Maria Lucia S Güther
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Alan H Fairlamb
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Michael A J Ferguson
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Fabio Zuccotto
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Julio Martin
- Global Health R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Tres Cantos 28760, Spain
| | - Ian H Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Susan Wyllie
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
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14
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Ehmsen S, Ditzel HJ. Signaling pathways essential for triple-negative breast cancer stem-like cells. Stem Cells 2020; 39:133-143. [PMID: 33211379 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), a significant effort has been made to identify and characterize these cells. It is a generally believe that CSCs play an important role in cancer initiation, therapy resistance, and progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive breast cancer subtype with poor prognosis. Thus, therapies targeting these cells would be a valuable addition to standard treatments that primarily target more differentiated, rapidly dividing TNBC cells. Although several cell surface and intracellular proteins have been described as biomarkers for CSCs, none of these are specific to this population of cells. Recent research is moving toward cellular signaling pathways as targets and biomarkers for CSCs. The WNT pathway, the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway have recently been identified to play a key role in proliferation, survival, and differentiation of CSCs, including those of breast cancer. In this review, we assess recent findings related to these three pathways in breast CSC, with particular focus on TNBC CSCs, and discuss how targeting these pathways, in combination with current standard of care, might prove effective and improve the prognosis of TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidse Ehmsen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik J Ditzel
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit of Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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15
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Wu J, Guo L, Qiu X, Ren Y, Li F, Cui W, Song S. Genkwadaphnin inhibits growth and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma by blocking DHCR24-mediated cholesterol biosynthesis and lipid rafts formation. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:1673-1685. [PMID: 32958824 PMCID: PMC7686505 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01085-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The liver is the central organ for cholesterol homoeostasis, and its dysfunction might cause liver pathological alterations including hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). 3β-hydroxysteroid-Δ24 reductase (DHCR24), a crucial enzyme of cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, is involved in lipid rafts formation. Genkwadaphnin (GD) is a daphnane diterpene isolated from the flower buds of Daphne genkwa Siebold et Zuccarini (Thymelaeaceae). METHODS We evaluated in vitro and in vivo effect of GD using HCC cells and BALB/c nude mice. Microarray assays were used to identify the differential genes by GD. DHCR24 expression and activity, cholesterol level, lipid rafts structure and the role of DHCR24 in human HCC specimens were tested by various molecular biology techniques. RESULTS High expression of DHCR24 in human HCC specimens was correlated with poor clinical outcome. Interfering DHCR24 altered growth and migration of HCC cells. GD inhibited growth and metastasis of HCC cells both in vivo and in vitro. GD suppressed DHCR24 expression and activity, as well as DHCR24-mediated cholesterol biosynthesis and lipid rafts formation, then further inhibited HCC cell invasion and migration. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that DHCR24-mediated cholesterol metabolism might be an effective therapeutic strategy in HCC, and natural product GD might be a promising agent for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wu
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Guo
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoran Qiu
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Ren
- Department of Pathology, Central Theater Command General Hospital PLA, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Feifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Cui
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shaojiang Song
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China.
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Yang J, Wang L, Jia R. Role of de novo cholesterol synthesis enzymes in cancer. J Cancer 2020; 11:1761-1767. [PMID: 32194787 PMCID: PMC7052851 DOI: 10.7150/jca.38598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research in the cancer field, cancer remains one of the most prevalent diseases. There is an urgent need to identify specific targets that are safe and effective for the treatment of cancer. In recent years, cancer metabolism has come into the spotlight in cancer research. Lipid metabolism, especially cholesterol metabolism, plays a critical role in membrane synthesis as well as lipid signaling in cancer. This review focuses on the contribution of the de novo cholesterol synthesis pathway to tumorigenesis, cancer progression and metastasis. In conclusion, cholesterol metabolism could be an effective target for novel anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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17
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Ferrante T, Adinolfi S, D'Arrigo G, Poirier D, Daga M, Lolli ML, Balliano G, Spyrakis F, Oliaro-Bosso S. Multiple catalytic activities of human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 7 respond differently to inhibitors. Biochimie 2019; 170:106-117. [PMID: 31887335 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol biosynthesis is a multistep process in mammals that includes the aerobic removal of three methyl groups from the intermediate lanosterol, one from position 14 and two from position 4. During the demethylations at position 4, a 3-ketosteroid reductase catalyses the conversion of both 4-methylzymosterone and zymosterone to 4-methylzymosterol and zymosterol, respectively, restoring the alcoholic function of lanosterol, which is also maintained in cholesterol. Unlike other eukaryotes, mammals also use the same enzyme as an estrone reductase that can transform estrone (E1) into estradiol (E2). This enzyme, named 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 7 (HSD17B7), is therefore a multifunctional protein in mammals, and one that belongs to both the HSD17B family, which is involved in steroid-hormone metabolism, and to the family of post-squalene cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes. In the present study, a series of known inhibitors of human HSD17B7's E1-reductase activity have been assayed for potential inhibition against 3-ketosteroid reductase activity. Surprisingly, the assayed compounds lost their inhibition activity when tested in HepG2 cells that were incubated with radiolabelled acetate and against the recombinant overexpressed human enzyme incubated with 4-methylzymosterone (both radiolabelled and not). Preliminary kinetic analyses suggest a mixed or non-competitive inhibition on the E1-reductase activity, which is in agreement with Molecular Dynamics simulations. These results raise questions about the mechanism(s) of action of these possible inhibitors, the enzyme dynamic regulation and the interplay between the two activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terenzio Ferrante
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Salvatore Adinolfi
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia D'Arrigo
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Donald Poirier
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, CHU de Québec - Research Centre and Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier T-4-50 Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Martina Daga
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Lucio Lolli
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianni Balliano
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Spyrakis
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Simonetta Oliaro-Bosso
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125, Turin, Italy.
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18
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Liang Y, Goyette S, Hyder SM. Cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor RO 48-8071 reduces progesterone receptor expression and inhibits progestin-dependent stem cell-like cell growth in hormone-dependent human breast cancer cells. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2017; 9:487-494. [PMID: 28744156 PMCID: PMC5511027 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s140265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Clinical trials and studies have shown that postmenopausal women undergoing combination hormone replacement therapy containing estrogen and progestin have an increased risk of breast cancer compared with women taking estrogen or placebo alone. Using animal models, we have previously shown that synthetic progestins, including medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), which is widely used clinically, accelerate breast cancer tumor growth and promote metastasis. Furthermore, we have found that MPA elevates CD44 protein expression and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, two markers of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and increases mammosphere formation, another hallmark of stem cells, in hormone-dependent T47-D human breast cancer cells. Herein, we show that RO 48-8071 (RO), an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, reduced MPA-induced CD44 protein expression in two hormone-dependent human breast cancer cell lines, T47-D and BT-474. Because we have previously shown that MPA induction of CD44 is progesterone receptor (PR) dependent, we examined RO’s effects on PR protein and mRNA expressions in T47-D cells. PR mRNA levels remained unchanged after RO treatment; however, RO significantly reduced the protein expression of both PR receptor isoforms, PR-A and PR-B. Using the proteasome inhibitor MG-132, we demonstrated that RO decreases PR protein expression in T47-D cells via the proteasomal degradation pathway. Importantly, treatment of T47-D cells with RO abolished MPA-induced mammosphere formation. Based on our observations, we contend that RO may represent a novel means of preventing MPA-induced CSC expansion. RO could be used clinically to both treat and prevent hormone-dependent breast cancers, which represent the majority of human breast cancers. RO may also have clinical utility in reducing resistance to antihormone therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayun Liang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Sandy Goyette
- Department of Biomedical Sciences.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Salman M Hyder
- Department of Biomedical Sciences.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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19
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Liang Y, Mafuvadze B, Aebi JD, Hyder SM. Cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor RO 48-8071 suppresses growth of hormone-dependent and castration-resistant prostate cancer cells. Onco Targets Ther 2016; 9:3223-32. [PMID: 27313468 PMCID: PMC4892832 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s105725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Standard treatment for primary prostate cancer includes systemic exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs that target androgen receptor or antihormone therapy (chemical castration); however, drug-resistant cancer cells generally emerge during treatment, limiting the continued use of systemic chemotherapy. Patients are then treated with more toxic standard therapies. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel and more effective treatments for prostate cancer. The cholesterol biosynthetic pathway is an attractive therapeutic target for treating endocrine-dependent cancers because cholesterol is an essential structural and functional component of cell membranes as well as the metabolic precursor of endogenous steroid hormones. In this study, we have examined the effects of RO 48-8071 (4′-[6-(allylmethylamino)hexyloxy]-4-bromo-2′-fluorobenzophenone fumarate; Roche Pharmaceuticals internal reference: RO0488071) (RO), which is an inhibitor of 2, 3-oxidosqualene cyclase (a key enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway), on prostate cancer cells. Exposure of both hormone-dependent and castration-resistant human prostate cancer cells to RO reduced prostate cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis in vitro. RO treatment reduced androgen receptor protein expression in hormone-dependent prostate cancer cells and increased estrogen receptor β (ERβ) protein expression in both hormone-dependent and castration-resistant prostate cancer cell lines. Combining RO with an ERβ agonist increased its ability to reduce castration-resistant prostate cancer cell viability. In addition, RO effectively suppressed the growth of aggressive castration-resistant human prostate cancer cell xenografts in vivo without any signs of toxicity to experimental animals. Importantly, RO did not reduce the viability of normal prostate cells in vitro. Our study is the first to demonstrate that the cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor RO effectively suppresses growth of human prostate cancer cells. Our findings suggest that cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors such as RO, when used in combination with commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs or ERβ specific ligands, could represent a novel therapeutic approach to prevent the growth of prostate cancer tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayun Liang
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Benford Mafuvadze
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Johannes D Aebi
- Medicinal Chemistry, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Salman M Hyder
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
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20
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Keller M, Wolfgardt A, Müller C, Wilcken R, Böckler FM, Oliaro-Bosso S, Ferrante T, Balliano G, Bracher F. Arylpiperidines as a new class of oxidosqualene cyclase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 109:13-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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21
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Gas-Pascual E, Simonovik B, Heintz D, Bergdoll M, Schaller H, Bach TJ. Inhibition of Cycloartenol Synthase (CAS) Function in Tobacco BY-2 Cell Suspensions: A Proteomic Analysis. Lipids 2015; 50:773-84. [PMID: 26123692 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-015-4041-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The effect of an inhibitor of cycloartenol synthase (CAS, EC 5.4.99.8) on the proteome of tobacco BY-2 cells has been examined. CAS catalyzes the first committed step in phytosterol synthesis in plants. BY-2 cells were treated with RO 48-8071, a potent inhibitor of oxidosqualene cyclization. Proteins were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and spots, that clearly looked differentially accumulated after visual inspection, were cut, in-gel trypsin digested, and peptides were analyzed by nano-HPLC-MS/MS. Distinct peptides were compared to sequences in the data banks and attributed to corresponding proteins and genes. Inhibition of CAS induced proteins that appear to mitigate the negative effects of the chemical exposure. However, as all enzymes that are directly involved in phytosterol biosynthesis are low-abundant proteins, significant changes in their levels could not be observed. Differences could be seen with enzymes involved in primary metabolism (glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway etc.), in proteins of the chaperonin family, and those, like actin, that participate in formation and strengthening of the cytoskeleton and have some impact on cell growth and division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Gas-Pascual
- Département Réseaux Métaboliques, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS UPR 2357, Université de Strasbourg, 28, rue Goethe, 67083, Strasbourg, France
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22
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The cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme oxidosqualene cyclase is a new target to impair tumour angiogenesis and metastasis dissemination. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9054. [PMID: 25761781 PMCID: PMC4357009 DOI: 10.1038/srep09054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant cholesterol homeostasis and biosynthesis has been observed in different tumour types. This paper investigates the role of the post-squalenic enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis, oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), in regulating tumour angiogenesis and metastasis dissemination in mouse models of cancer. We showed that Ro 48-8071, a selective inhibitor of OSC, reduced vascular density and increased pericyte coverage, with a consequent inhibition of tumour growth in a spontaneous mouse model of pancreatic tumour (RIP-Tag2) and two metastatic mouse models of human colon carcinoma (HCT116) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (HPAF-II). Remarkably, the inhibition of OSC hampered metastasis formation in HCT116 and HPAF-II models. Ro 48-8071 induced tumour vessel normalization and enhanced the anti-tumoral and anti-metastatic effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in HCT116 mice. Ro 48-8071 exerted a strong anti-angiogenic activity by impairing endothelial cell adhesion and migration, and by blocking vessel formation in angiogenesis assays. OSC inhibition specifically interfered with the PI3K pathway. According to in vitro results, Ro 48-8071 specifically inhibited Akt phosphorylation in both cancer cells and tumour vasculature in all treated models. Thus, our results unveil a crucial role of OSC in the regulation of cancer progression and tumour angiogenesis, and indicate Ro 48-8071 as a potential novel anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic drug.
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