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Tawil S, Khaddage-Soboh N. Cancer research in Lebanon: Scope of the most recent publications of an academic institution (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 28:350. [PMID: 38872861 PMCID: PMC11170263 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14484] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer may be considered one of the most interesting areas of study, and although oncology research has grown markedly over the last decade, there is as yet no known cure for cancer. The objective of the present review is to examine various approaches to cancer research from a single institution, summarize their key conclusions and offer recommendations for future evaluations. The review examined 72 cancer-associated studies that were published within six years from 2017 to 2022. Published works in the subject fields of 'cancer' or 'oncology' and 'research' that were indexed in Scopus and Web of Science were retrieved and sorted according to article title, author names, author count, citation count and key words. After screening, a total of 28 in vitro/animal studies and 46 patient-associated published studies were obtained. A large proportion of these studies comprised literature reviews (20/72), while 20 studies were observational in nature. The 72 publications included 23 in which various types of cancer were examined, while the remaining studies focused on specific types of cancer, including lung, breast, colon and brain cancer. These studies aimed to investigate the incidence, prevalence, treatment and prevention mechanisms associated with cancer. Despite the existence of extensive cancer research, scientists seldom contemplate an ultimate cure for cancer. However, it is crucial to continuously pursue research on cancer prevention and treatment in order to enhance the effectiveness and minimize potential side effects of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah Tawil
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Nada Khaddage-Soboh
- Adnan Kassar School of Business, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
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2
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Tan Z, Li H, Huang Y, Fu S, Wang H, Wang J. Multi-omics landscape analysis reveals the pan-cancer association of arginine biosynthesis genes with tumor immune evasion and therapy resistance. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26804. [PMID: 38468956 PMCID: PMC10925990 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26804] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The metabolism of arginine, a conditionally essential amino acid, plays a crucial role in cancer progression and prognosis. However, a more detailed understanding of the influence of arginine biosynthesis genes in cancer is currently unavailable. Methods We performed an integrative multi-omics analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases to determine the characteristics of these genes across multiple cancer types. To measure the overall activity of arginine biosynthesis genes in cancer, we calculated arginine biosynthesis scores based on gene expression. Results Our results indicated that the arginine biosynthesis score was negatively correlated with immune-related pathways, immune infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, and patient prognosis, and single-cell data further clarified that patients with high arginine biosynthesis scores showed a reduced proportion of T and B cells in an immune desert tumor microenvironment and were insensitive to immunotherapy. We also identified several potential drugs through the Cancer Therapeutic Response Portal (CTRP) and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) databases that could target arginine biosynthesis genes and potentially improve the response rate to immunotherapy in patients with a high arginine biosynthesis fraction. Conclusion Overall, our analyses emphasize that arginine biosynthesis genes are associated with immune evasion in several cancers. Targeting these genes may facilitate more effective immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Tan
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
- Urological disease clinical medical center of Yunnan province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
- Scientific and Technological Innovation Team of Basic and Clinical Research of Bladder Cancer in Yunnan Universities, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Haihao Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
- Urological disease clinical medical center of Yunnan province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
- Scientific and Technological Innovation Team of Basic and Clinical Research of Bladder Cancer in Yunnan Universities, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Yinglong Huang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
- Urological disease clinical medical center of Yunnan province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
- Scientific and Technological Innovation Team of Basic and Clinical Research of Bladder Cancer in Yunnan Universities, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Shi Fu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
- Urological disease clinical medical center of Yunnan province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
- Scientific and Technological Innovation Team of Basic and Clinical Research of Bladder Cancer in Yunnan Universities, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
- Urological disease clinical medical center of Yunnan province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
- Scientific and Technological Innovation Team of Basic and Clinical Research of Bladder Cancer in Yunnan Universities, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Jiansong Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
- Urological disease clinical medical center of Yunnan province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
- Scientific and Technological Innovation Team of Basic and Clinical Research of Bladder Cancer in Yunnan Universities, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 347, Dianmian Street, Wuhua District, Kunming 650101, Yunnan, China
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Kim B, Kim G, Kim H, Song YS, Jung J. Modulation of Cisplatin Sensitivity through TRPML1-Mediated Lysosomal Exocytosis in Ovarian Cancer Cells: A Comprehensive Metabolomic Approach. Cells 2024; 13:115. [PMID: 38247807 PMCID: PMC10814698 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020115] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lysosome has emerged as a promising target for overcoming chemoresistance, owing to its role in facilitating the lysosomal sequestration of drugs. The lysosomal calcium channel TRPML1 not only influences lysosomal biogenesis but also coordinates both endocytosis and exocytosis. This study explored the modulation of cisplatin sensitivity by regulating TRPML1-mediated lysosomal exocytosis and identified the metabolomic profile altered by TRPML1 inhibition. METHODS We used four types of ovarian cancer cells: two cancer cell lines (OVCAR8 and TOV21G) and two patient-derived ovarian cancer cells. Metabolomic analyses were conducted to identify altered metabolites by TRPML1 inhibition. RESULTS Lysosomal exocytosis in response to cisplatin was observed in resistant cancer cells, whereas the phenomenon was absent in sensitive cancer cells. Through the pharmacological intervention of TRPML1, lysosomal exocytosis was interrupted, leading to the sensitization of resistant cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. To assess the impact of lysosomal exocytosis on chemoresistance, we conducted an untargeted metabolomic analysis on cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells with TRPML1 inhibition. Among the 1446 differentially identified metabolites, we focused on 84 significant metabolites. Metabolite set analysis revealed their involvement in diverse pathways. CONCLUSIONS These findings collectively have the potential to enhance our understanding of the interplay between lysosomal exocytosis and chemoresistance, providing valuable insights for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyun Kim
- Department of SmartBio, College of Life and Health Science, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Republic of Korea; (B.K.); (G.K.)
| | - Gaeun Kim
- Department of SmartBio, College of Life and Health Science, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Republic of Korea; (B.K.); (G.K.)
| | - Heeyeon Kim
- WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (H.K.); (Y.S.S.)
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sang Song
- WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (H.K.); (Y.S.S.)
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jewon Jung
- Department of SmartBio, College of Life and Health Science, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Republic of Korea; (B.K.); (G.K.)
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You S, Han X, Xu Y, Yao Q. Research progress on the role of cationic amino acid transporter (CAT) family members in malignant tumors and immune microenvironment. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1213-1222. [PMID: 37572157 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03313-1] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids are essential for the survival of all living organisms and living cells. Amino acid transporters mediate the transport and absorption of amino acids, and the dysfunction of these proteins can induce human diseases. Cationic amino acid transporters (CAT family, SLC7A1-4, and SLC7A14) are considered to be a group of transmembrane transporters, of which SLC7A1-3 are essential for arginine transport in mammals. Numerous studies have shown that CAT family-mediated arginine transport is involved in signal crosstalk between malignant tumor cells and immune cells, especially T cells. The modulation of extracellular arginine concentration has entered a number of clinical trials and achieved certain therapeutic effects. Here, we review the role of CAT family on tumor cells and immune infiltrating cells in malignant tumors and explore the therapeutic strategies to interfere with extracellular arginine concentration, to elaborate its application prospects. CAT family members may be used as biomarkers for certain cancer entities and might be included in new ideas for immunotherapy of malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijing You
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Xiahui Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Yuance Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Qin Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China.
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Chu YD, Lai MW, Yeh CT. Unlocking the Potential of Arginine Deprivation Therapy: Recent Breakthroughs and Promising Future for Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10668. [PMID: 37445845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310668] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that supports protein synthesis to maintain cellular functions. Recent studies suggest that arginine also promotes wound healing, cell division, ammonia metabolism, immune system regulation, and hormone biosynthesis-all of which are critical for tumor growth. These discoveries, coupled with the understanding of cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, have led to renewed interest in arginine deprivation as a new anticancer therapy. Several arginine deprivation strategies have been developed and entered clinical trials. The main principle behind these therapies is that arginine auxotrophic tumors rely on external arginine sources for growth because they carry reduced key arginine-synthesizing enzymes such as argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) in the intracellular arginine cycle. To obtain anticancer effects, modified arginine-degrading enzymes, such as PEGylated recombinant human arginase 1 (rhArg1-PEG) and arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG 20), have been developed and shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. They have been tried as a monotherapy or in combination with other existing therapies. This review discusses recent advances in arginine deprivation therapy, including the molecular basis of extracellular arginine degradation leading to tumor cell death, and how this approach could be a valuable addition to the current anticancer arsenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-De Chu
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Lai
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Potential Therapies Targeting the Metabolic Reprogramming of Diabetes-Associated Breast Cancer. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13010157. [PMID: 36675817 PMCID: PMC9861470 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, diabetes-associated breast cancer has become a significant clinical challenge. Diabetes is not only a risk factor for breast cancer but also worsens its prognosis. Patients with diabetes usually show hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, which are accompanied by different glucose, protein, and lipid metabolism disorders. Metabolic abnormalities observed in diabetes can induce the occurrence and development of breast cancer. The changes in substrate availability and hormone environment not only create a favorable metabolic environment for tumorigenesis but also induce metabolic reprogramming events required for breast cancer cell transformation. Metabolic reprogramming is the basis for the development, swift proliferation, and survival of cancer cells. Metabolism must also be reprogrammed to support the energy requirements of the biosynthetic processes in cancer cells. In addition, metabolic reprogramming is essential to enable cancer cells to overcome apoptosis signals and promote invasion and metastasis. This review aims to describe the major metabolic changes in diabetes and outline how cancer cells can use cellular metabolic changes to drive abnormal growth and proliferation. We will specifically examine the mechanism of metabolic reprogramming by which diabetes may promote the development of breast cancer, focusing on the role of glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism in this process and potential therapeutic targets. Although diabetes-associated breast cancer has always been a common health problem, research focused on finding treatments suitable for the specific needs of patients with concurrent conditions is still limited. Most studies are still currently in the pre-clinical stage and mainly focus on reprogramming the glucose metabolism. More research targeting the amino acid and lipid metabolism is needed.
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Pokrovsky VS, Abo Qoura L, Morozova E, Bunik VI. Predictive markers for efficiency of the amino-acid deprivation therapies in cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1035356. [PMID: 36405587 PMCID: PMC9669297 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1035356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid deprivation therapy (AADT) is a promising strategy for developing novel anticancer treatments, based on variations in metabolism of healthy and malignant cells. L-asparaginase was the first amino acid-degrading enzyme that received FDA approval for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Arginase and arginine deiminase were effective in clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic melanomas and hepatocellular carcinomas. Essential dependence of certain cancer cells on methionine explains the anticancer efficacy of methionine-g-lyase. Along with significant progress in identification of metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells, new amino acid-cleaving enzymes appear as promising agents for cancer treatment: lysine oxidase, tyrosine phenol-lyase, cysteinase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. However, sensitivity of specific cancer cell types to these enzymes differs. Hence, search for prognostic and predictive markers for AADT and introduction of the markers into clinical practice are of great importance for translational medicine. As specific metabolic pathways in cancer cells are determined by the enzyme expression, some of these enzymes may define the sensitivity to AADT. This review considers the known predictors for efficiency of AADT, emphasizing the importance of knowledge on cancer-specific amino acid significance for such predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim S. Pokrovsky
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Combined Treatment, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- *Correspondence: Vadim S. Pokrovsky,
| | - Louay Abo Qoura
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Morozova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victoria I. Bunik
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physicochemical Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Diwan D, Cheng L, Usmani Z, Sharma M, Holden N, Willoughby N, Sangwan N, Baadhe RR, Liu C, Gupta VK. Microbial cancer therapeutics: A promising approach. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:931-950. [PMID: 33979677 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The success of conventional cancer therapeutics is hindered by associated dreadful side-effects of antibiotic resistance and the dearth of antitumor drugs' selectivity and specificity. Hence, the conceptual evolution of anti-cancerous therapeutic agents that selectively target cancer cells without impacting the healthy cells or tissues, has led to a new wave of scientific interest in microbial-derived bioactive molecules. Such strategic solutions may pave the way to surmount the shortcomings of conventional therapies and raise the potential and hope for the cure of wide range of cancer in a selective manner. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of anti-carcinogenic properties and underlying mechanisms of bioactive molecules of microbial origin, and discuss the current challenges and effective therapeutic application of combinatorial strategies to attain minimal systemic side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Diwan
- Washington University, School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 230032, China
| | - Zeba Usmani
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Minaxi Sharma
- Department of Food Technology, Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, 173101, India
| | - Nicola Holden
- Centre for Safe and Improved Food, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Nicholas Willoughby
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Neelam Sangwan
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, Haryana, 123031, India
| | - Rama Raju Baadhe
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Warangal, Telangana, 506004, India
| | - Chenchen Liu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Centre for Safe and Improved Food, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK; Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK.
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Shu Y, Li F, Han Y, Wang P, Gao F, Yan M, Liang M, Ma Q, Zhang Y, Ding X, Lei H. Design, synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of novel betulonic acid-diazine derivatives as potential antitumor agents. Front Chem 2022; 10:969770. [PMID: 36147251 PMCID: PMC9486541 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.969770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the purpose to improve antiproliferative activity, 26 new betulonic acid-diazine derivatives were designed and synthesized from betulinic acid. The anticancer activity of these semi-synthetic compounds was evaluated by MTT assay in both tumor cell lines and normal cell line. The results indicated that majority of new compounds exhibited improved antitumor activity compared with the parent compound betulonic acid. Compound BoA2C, in particular, had the most significant action with IC50 value of 3.39 μM against MCF-7 cells, while it showed lower cytotoxicity on MDCK cell line than cisplatin. Furthermore, we discovered that BoA2C strongly increased MCF-7 cell damage mostly by influencing arginine and fatty acid metabolism. In addition, the structure-activity relationships were briefly discussed. The results of this study suggested that the introduction of different diazines at C-28 could selectively inhibit different kinds of cancer cells and might be an effective way to synthesize potent anticancer lead compound from betulonic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisong Shu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Feifei Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yaotian Han
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Penglong Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mengmeng Yan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Liang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Ma, ; Yuzhong Zhang, ; Xia Ding, ; Haimin Lei ,
| | - Yuzhong Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Ma, ; Yuzhong Zhang, ; Xia Ding, ; Haimin Lei ,
| | - Xia Ding
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Ma, ; Yuzhong Zhang, ; Xia Ding, ; Haimin Lei ,
| | - Haimin Lei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Ma, ; Yuzhong Zhang, ; Xia Ding, ; Haimin Lei ,
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10
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Yu Z, Zhou X, Wang X. Metabolic Reprogramming in Hematologic Malignancies: Advances and Clinical Perspectives. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2955-2963. [PMID: 35771627 PMCID: PMC9437558 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-0917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer progression. Metabolic activity supports tumorigenesis and tumor progression, allowing cells to uptake essential nutrients from the environment and use the nutrients to maintain viability and support proliferation. The metabolic pathways of malignant cells are altered to accommodate increased demand for energy, reducing equivalents, and biosynthetic precursors. Activated oncogenes coordinate with altered metabolism to control cell-autonomous pathways, which can lead to tumorigenesis when abnormalities accumulate. Clinical and preclinical studies have shown that targeting metabolic features of hematologic malignancies is an appealing therapeutic approach. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming in hematologic malignancies and potential therapeutic strategies to target cancer metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoya Yu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangxiang Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Corresponding Authors: Xin Wang, Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No. 324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China. Phone: 8653-1687-76358; Fax: 8653-1870-61197; E-mail: ; Xiangxiang Zhou, Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No. 324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China. Phone: 8653-1687-76358; E-mail:
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Corresponding Authors: Xin Wang, Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No. 324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China. Phone: 8653-1687-76358; Fax: 8653-1870-61197; E-mail: ; Xiangxiang Zhou, Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No. 324, Jingwu Road, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China. Phone: 8653-1687-76358; E-mail:
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11
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Hou X, Chen S, Zhang P, Guo D, Wang B. Targeted Arginine Metabolism Therapy: A Dilemma in Glioma Treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:938847. [PMID: 35898872 PMCID: PMC9313538 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.938847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts in the treatment of glioma which is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system, have not shown satisfactory results despite a comprehensive treatment model that combines various treatment methods, including immunotherapy. Cellular metabolism is a determinant of the viability and function of cancer cells as well as immune cells, and the interplay of immune regulation and metabolic reprogramming in tumors has become an active area of research in recent years. From the perspective of metabolism and immunity in the glioma microenvironment, we elaborated on arginine metabolic reprogramming in glioma cells, which leads to a decrease in arginine levels in the tumor microenvironment. Reduced arginine availability significantly inhibits the proliferation, activation, and function of T cells, thereby promoting the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Therefore, replenishment of arginine levels to enhance the anti-tumor activity of T cells is a promising strategy for the treatment of glioma. However, due to the lack of expression of argininosuccinate synthase, gliomas are unable to synthesize arginine; thus, they are highly dependent on the availability of arginine in the extracellular environment. This metabolic weakness of glioma has been utilized by researchers to develop arginine deprivation therapy, which ‘starves’ tumor cells by consuming large amounts of arginine in circulation. Although it has shown good results, this treatment modality that targets arginine metabolism in glioma is controversial. Exploiting a suitable strategy that can not only enhance the antitumor immune response, but also “starve” tumor cells by regulating arginine metabolism to cure glioma will be promising.
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12
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Chung SF, Tam SY, Kim CF, Chong HC, Lee LMY, Leung YC. Mono-PEGylated thermostable Bacillus caldovelox arginase mutant (BCA-M-PEG20) induces apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest and growth inhibition in gastric cancer cells. Invest New Drugs 2022; 40:895-904. [PMID: 35857203 PMCID: PMC9395487 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-022-01265-z] [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: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant solid tumors in the world, especially in Asia with high mortality due to a lack of effective treatment. The potential usage of the newly constructed arginine-depleting enzyme-mono-PEGylated Bacillus caldovelox arginase mutant (BCA-M-PEG20), an effective drug against multiple cancer cell lines such as cervical and lung cancers, for the treatment of gastric cancer was demonstrated. Our results indicated that BCA-M-PEG20 significantly inhibited argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS)-positive gastric cancer cells, MKN-45 and BGC-823, while another arginine-depleting enzyme, arginine deiminase (ADI, currently under Phase III clinical trial), failed to suppress the growth of gastric cancer cells. In vitro studies demonstrated that BCA-M-PEG20 inhibited MKN-45 cells by inducing autophagy and cell cycle arrest at the S phase under 0.58 U/mL (IC<sub>50</sub> values). Significant caspase-dependent apoptosis was induced in MKN-45 after the treatment with 2.32 U/mL of BCA-M-PEG20. In vivo studies showed that administrations of BCA-M-PEG20 at 250 U/mouse twice per week significantly suppressed about 50% of tumor growth in the MKN-45 gastric cancer xenograft model. Taken together, BCA-M-PEG20 demonstrated a superior potential to be an anti-gastric cancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Fung Chung
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Lo Ka Chung Research Centre for Natural Anti-Cancer Drug Development and State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Suet-Ying Tam
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Lo Ka Chung Research Centre for Natural Anti-Cancer Drug Development and State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Fai Kim
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Lo Ka Chung Research Centre for Natural Anti-Cancer Drug Development and State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hiu-Chi Chong
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Lo Ka Chung Research Centre for Natural Anti-Cancer Drug Development and State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Leo Man-Yuen Lee
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Lo Ka Chung Research Centre for Natural Anti-Cancer Drug Development and State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yun-Chung Leung
- grid.16890.360000 0004 1764 6123Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Lo Ka Chung Research Centre for Natural Anti-Cancer Drug Development and State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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13
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Johnson RL, Cummings M, Thangavelu A, Theophilou G, de Jong D, Orsi NM. Barriers to Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: Metabolic, Genomic, and Immune Perturbations in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6231. [PMID: 34944851 PMCID: PMC8699358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A lack of explicit early clinical signs and effective screening measures mean that ovarian cancer (OC) often presents as advanced, incurable disease. While conventional treatment combines maximal cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, patients frequently develop chemoresistance and disease recurrence. The clinical application of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) aims to restore anti-cancer T-cell function in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Disappointingly, even though tumour infiltrating lymphocytes are associated with superior survival in OC, ICB has offered limited therapeutic benefits. Herein, we discuss specific TME features that prevent ICB from reaching its full potential, focussing in particular on the challenges created by immune, genomic and metabolic alterations. We explore both recent and current therapeutic strategies aiming to overcome these hurdles, including the synergistic effect of combination treatments with immune-based strategies and review the status quo of current clinical trials aiming to maximise the success of immunotherapy in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheal Louise Johnson
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Michele Cummings
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
| | - Amudha Thangavelu
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Georgios Theophilou
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Diederick de Jong
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Nicolas Michel Orsi
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
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14
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El-Mais N, Fakhoury I, Al Haddad M, Nohra S, Abi-Habib R, El-Sibai M. Human Recombinant Arginase I [HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000]-Induced Arginine Depletion Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion Through Autophagy. Pancreas 2021; 50:1187-1194. [PMID: 34714283 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000001891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive solid cancers and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in men and women. We previously showed that arginine depletion, using arginase I [HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000], selectively triggers cell death by autophagy in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. The mechanism of action of [HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000], however, has remained poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of arginine depletion on PANC-1 cell migration, adhesion, and invasion and determined the main molecular targets, which mediate PANC-1 cell response to treatment with HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000. METHODS This was done through examining 2-dimensional (2D) cell motility assays (wound healing and time lapse), cell adhesion, and cell invasion assays, as well as immunostaining for focal adhesions and invadopodia in cells without or with the treatment with arginase. RESULTS We demonstrate that arginine depletion decreases PANC-1 2D cell migration, adhesion, and 3D invasion. Moreover, our data suggest that these effects are mediated by autophagy and subsequent decrease in the activation of members of Ras homolog gene family (Rho) GTPase family. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these findings uncover the mechanism of action of [HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000] and highlight the promising and selective anticancer potential for arginine depletion in the treatment of pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour El-Mais
- From the Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Isabelle Fakhoury
- From the Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maria Al Haddad
- From the Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Nohra
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Technology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ralph Abi-Habib
- From the Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- From the Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
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15
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Giatromanolaki A, Harris AL, Koukourakis MI. The prognostic and therapeutic implications of distinct patterns of argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) and arginase-2 (ARG2) expression by cancer cells and tumor stroma in non-small-cell lung cancer. Cancer Metab 2021; 9:28. [PMID: 34344457 PMCID: PMC8336070 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-021-00264-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Arginine (Arg) is essential for cancer cell growth and also for the activation of T cells. Thus, therapies aiming to reduce Arg utilization by cancer may prove detrimental for the immune response. Methods We examined the expression of two major enzymes involved in arginine depletion and replenishment, namely arginase ARG2 and argininosuccinate synthase ASS1, respectively, in a series of 98 NSCLCs. Their association with immune infiltrates and the postoperative outcome were also studied. Results ARG2 was expressed mainly by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) (58/98 cases; 59.2%), while ASS1 by cancer cells (75/98 cases; 76.5%). ASS1 and ARG2 expression patterns were not related to hypoxia markers. Auxotrophy, implied by the lack of expression of ASS1 in cancer cells, was associated with high angiogenesis (p < 0.02). ASS1 expression by cancer cells was associated with a high density of iNOS-expressing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (iNOS+TILs). ARG2 expression by CAFs was inversely related to the TIL-density and linked with poorer prognosis (p = 0.02). Patients with ASS1 expression by cancer cells had a better prognosis especially when CAFs did not express ARG2 (p = 0.004). Conclusions ARG2 and ASS1 enzymes are extensively expressed in NSCLC stroma and cancer cells, respectively. Auxotrophic tumors have a poor prognosis, potentially by utilizing Arg, thus reducing Arg-dependent TIL anti-tumor activity. ASS1 expression in cancer cells would allow Arg fueling of iNOS+TILs and enhance anti-tumor immunity. However, upregulation of ARG2 in CAFs may divert Arg from TILs, allowing immune escape. Identification of these three distinct phenotypes may be useful in the individualization of Arg-targeting therapies and immunotherapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40170-021-00264-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, PO BOX 12, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece.,Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, PO BOX 12, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Adrian L Harris
- Cancer Research UK, Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael I Koukourakis
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, PO BOX 12, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece. .,Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, PO BOX 12, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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16
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Hoteit M, Oneissi Z, Reda R, Wakim F, Zaidan A, Farran M, Abi-Khalil E, El-Sibai M. Cancer immunotherapy: A comprehensive appraisal of its modes of application. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:655. [PMID: 34386077 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy have reached their therapeutic potential, leaving a gap for developing more effective cancer therapeutics. Cancer cells evade the immune system using various mechanisms of immune tolerance, underlying the potential impact of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. Immunotherapy includes several approaches such as activating the immune system in a cytokine-dependent manner, manipulating the feedback mechanisms involved in the immune response, enhancing the immune response via lymphocyte expansion and using cancer vaccines to elicit long-lasting, robust responses. These techniques can be used as monotherapies or combination therapies. The present review describes the immune-based mechanisms involved in tumor cell proliferation and maintenance and the rationale underlying various treatment methods. In addition, the present review provides insight into the potential of immunotherapy used alone or in combination with various types of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Hoteit
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Zeina Oneissi
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Ranim Reda
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Fadi Wakim
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Amar Zaidan
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Farran
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Elie Abi-Khalil
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
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17
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Bhingarkar A, Vangapandu HV, Rathod S, Hoshitsuki K, Fernandez CA. Amino Acid Metabolic Vulnerabilities in Acute and Chronic Myeloid Leukemias. Front Oncol 2021; 11:694526. [PMID: 34277440 PMCID: PMC8281237 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.694526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid (AA) metabolism plays an important role in many cellular processes including energy production, immune function, and purine and pyrimidine synthesis. Cancer cells therefore require increased AA uptake and undergo metabolic reprogramming to satisfy the energy demand associated with their rapid proliferation. Like many other cancers, myeloid leukemias are vulnerable to specific therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic dependencies. Herein, our review provides a comprehensive overview and TCGA data analysis of biosynthetic enzymes required for non-essential AA synthesis and their dysregulation in myeloid leukemias. Furthermore, we discuss the role of the general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) and-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways of AA sensing on metabolic vulnerability and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aboli Bhingarkar
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Hima V. Vangapandu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sanjay Rathod
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Keito Hoshitsuki
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Christian A. Fernandez
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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18
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Wang Z, Xie Q, Zhou H, Zhang M, Shen J, Ju D. Amino Acid Degrading Enzymes and Autophagy in Cancer Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:582587. [PMID: 33510635 PMCID: PMC7836011 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.582587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been renewed interest in metabolic therapy for cancer, particularly in amino acid deprivation by enzymes. L-asparaginase was approved for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Arginine deiminase and recombinant human arginase have been developed into clinical trials as potential cancer therapeutic agents for the treatment of arginine-auxotrophic tumors. Moreover, other novel amino acid degrading enzymes, such as glutaminase, methionase, lysine oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, have been developed for the treatment of malignant cancers. One of the greatest obstacles faced by anticancer drugs is the development of drug resistance, which is reported to be associated with autophagy. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process that is responsible for the degradation of dysfunctional proteins and organelles. There is a growing body of literature revealing that, in response to metabolism stress, autophagy could be induced by amino acid deprivation. The manipulation of autophagy in combination with amino acid degrading enzymes is actively being investigated as a potential therapeutic approach in preclinical studies. Importantly, shedding light on how autophagy fuels tumor metabolism during amino acid deprivation will enable more potential combinational therapeutic strategies. This study summarizes recent advances, discussing several potential anticancer enzymes, and highlighting the promising combined therapeutic strategy of amino acid degrading enzymes and autophagy modulators in tumors
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinghong Xie
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Haifeng Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dianwen Ju
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
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19
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El-Mais N, Fakhoury I, Abdellatef S, Abi-Habib R, El-Sibai M. Human recombinant arginase I [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine depletion inhibits ovarian cancer cell adhesion and migration through autophagy-mediated inhibition of RhoA. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:13. [PMID: 33423701 PMCID: PMC7798344 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00767-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian carcinoma is the second most common malignancy of the female reproductive system and the leading cause of death from female reproductive system malignancies. Cancer cells have increased proliferation rate and thus require high amounts of amino acids, including arginine. L-arginine is a non-essential amino acid synthesized from L-citrulline by the Arginosuccinate synthetase (ASS1) enzyme. We have previously shown that the ovarian cancer cells, SKOV3, are auxotrophic to arginine, and that arginine deprivation by treatment with the genetically engineered human arginase I (HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000) triggers the death of SKOV3 cells by autophagy. In this study we examine the effect of HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000 on ovarian cancer cell migration and we dissect the mechanism involved. Wound healing assays, 2D random cell migration assays and cell adhesion analysis indicate that arginine deprivation decreases SKOV3 cell migration and adhesion. This effect was mimicked when autophagy was induced through rapamycin and reversed with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine when autophagy was inhibited. This proved that arginine deprivation leads to the inhibition of cancer cell migration through autophagy, in addition to cell death. In addition, we were able to establish through pull-down assays and reversal experiments, that arginine deprivation-mediated autophagy inhibits cell migration through a direct inhibition of RhoA, member of the Rho family of GTPases. In conclusion, here we identify, for the first time, an autophagy-mediated inhibition of RhoA that plays an important role in regulating ovarian cancer cells motility and adhesion in response to arginine depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour El-Mais
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Isabelle Fakhoury
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Sandra Abdellatef
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Ralph Abi-Habib
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon.
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20
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Recombinant Bacillus caldovelox Arginase Mutant (BCA-M) Induces Apoptosis, Autophagy, Cell Cycle Arrest and Growth Inhibition in Human Cervical Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207445. [PMID: 33050217 PMCID: PMC7589785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
With our recent success in developing a recombinant human arginase drug against broad-spectrum cancer cell lines, we have explored the potential of a recombinant Bacillus caldovelox arginase mutant (BCA-M) for human cervical cancer treatment. Our studies demonstrated that BCA-M significantly inhibited the growth of human cervical cancer cells in vitro regardless of argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) expression. Drug susceptibilities correlate well with the expressions of major urea cycle genes and completeness of L-arginine regeneration pathways. With the expressions of ASS and ASL genes conferring resistance to L-arginine deiminase (ADI) which is undergoing Phase III clinical trial, BCA-M offers the advantage of a broader spectrum of susceptible cancer cells. Mechanistic studies showed that BCA-M inhibited the growth of human cervical cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at S and/or G2/M phases. Our results also displayed that autophagy served as a protective mechanism, while the growth inhibitory effects of BCA-M could be enhanced synergistically by its combination to the autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine (CQ), on human cervical cancer cells.
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21
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Swayden M, Bekdash A, Fakhoury I, El-Atat O, Borjac-Natour J, El-Sibai M, Abi-Habib RJ. Activation of autophagy following [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine deprivation mediates cell death in colon cancer cells. Hum Cell 2020; 34:152-164. [PMID: 32979152 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00437-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Deregulating cellular energetics by reprogramming metabolic pathways, including arginine metabolism, is critical for cancer cell onset and survival. Drugs that target the specific metabolic requirements of cancer cells have emerged as promising targeted cancer therapeutics. In this study, we investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting colon cancer cells using arginine deprivation induced by a pegylated cobalt-substituted recombinant human Arginase I [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]. Four colon cancer cell lines were tested for their sensitivity to [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000] as well as for their mechanism of cell death following arginine deprivation. All four cell lines were sensitive to arginine deprivation induced by [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]. All cells expressed ASS1 and were rescued from arginine deprivation-induced cytotoxicity by the addition of excess L-citrulline, indicating they are partially auxotrophic for arginine. Mechanistically, cells treated with [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000] were negative for AnnexinV and lacked caspase activation. Further investigation revealed that arginine deprivation leads to a marked and prolonged activation of autophagy in both Caco-2 and T84 cell lines. Finally, we show that [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000] causes cell death by sustained activation of autophagy as evidenced by the decrease in cell cytotoxicity upon treatment with chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor. Altogether, these data demonstrate that colon cancer cells are partially auxotrophic for arginine and sensitive to [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine deprivation. They also show that the activation of autophagy does not play protective roles but rather, induces cytotoxicity and leads to cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Swayden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amira Bekdash
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Isabelle Fakhoury
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Oula El-Atat
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Jamila Borjac-Natour
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Ralph J Abi-Habib
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon.
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22
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Al Haddad M, El-Rif R, Hanna S, Jaafar L, Dennaoui R, Abdellatef S, Miskolci V, Cox D, Hodgson L, El-Sibai M. Differential regulation of rho GTPases during lung adenocarcinoma migration and invasion reveals a novel role of the tumor suppressor StarD13 in invadopodia regulation. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:144. [PMID: 32900380 PMCID: PMC7487901 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00635-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lung cancer is the second most commonly occurring cancer. The ability to metastasize and spread to distant locations renders the tumor more aggressive. Members of the Rho subfamily of small GTP-binding proteins (GTPases) play a central role in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and in cancer cell migration and metastasis. In this study we investigated the role of the RhoA/Cdc42 GAP, StarD13, a previously described tumor suppressor, in malignancy, migration and invasion of the lung cancer cells A549. Methods We knocked down StarD13 expression in A549 lung cancer cells and tested the effect on cell migration and invadopodia formation using time lapse imaging and invasion assays. We also performed rescue experiments to determine the signaling pathways downstream of StarD13 and transfected the cells with FRET biosensors for RhoGTPases to identify the proteins involved in invadopodia formation. Results We observed a decrease in the level of expression of StarD13 in lung tumor tissues compared to normal lung tissues through immunohistochemistry. StarD13 also showed a lower expression in the lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 compared to normal lung cells, WI38. In addition, the depletion of StarD13 increased cell proliferation and viability in WI38 and A549 cells, suggesting that StarD13 might potentially be a tumor suppressor in lung cancer. The depletion of StarD13, however, inhibited cell motility, conversely demonstrating a positive regulatory role in cell migration. This was potentially due to the constitutive activation of RhoA detected by pull down and FRET assays. Surprisingly, StarD13 suppressed cell invasion by inhibiting Cdc42-mediated invadopodia formation. Indeed, TKS4 staining and invadopodia assay revealed that StarD13 depletion increased Cdc42 activation as well as invadopodia formation and matrix degradation. Normal lung cells depleted of StarD13 also produced invadopodia, otherwise a unique hallmark of invasive cancer cells. Cdc42 knock down mimicked the effects of StarD13, while overexpression of a constitutively active Cdc42 mimicked the effects of its depletion. Finally, immunostaining and FRET analysis revealed the absence of StarD13 in invadopodia as compared to Cdc42, which was activated in invadopodia at the sites of matrix degradation. Conclusion In conclusion, StarD13 plays distinct roles in lung cancer cell migration and invasion through its differential regulation of Rho GTPases. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Al Haddad
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053. Chouran, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Rayane El-Rif
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053. Chouran, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Samer Hanna
- Department of Pediatrics HemeOnc division, Weill Cornell Medicine, Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA
| | - Leila Jaafar
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053. Chouran, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Rayanne Dennaoui
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053. Chouran, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Sandra Abdellatef
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053. Chouran, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Veronika Miskolci
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Dianne Cox
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA.,Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Louis Hodgson
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA.,Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053. Chouran, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon.
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Al-Koussa H, El Mais N, Maalouf H, Abi-Habib R, El-Sibai M. Arginine deprivation: a potential therapeutic for cancer cell metastasis? A review. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:150. [PMID: 32390765 PMCID: PMC7201942 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01232-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine is a semi essential amino acid that is used in protein biosynthesis. It can be obtained from daily food intake or synthesized in the body through the urea cycle using l-citrulline as a substrate. Arginine has a versatile role in the body because it helps in cell division, wound healing, ammonia disposal, immune system, and hormone biosynthesis. It is noteworthy that l-arginine is the precursor for the biosynthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and polyamines. In the case of cancer cells, arginine de novo synthesis is not enough to compensate for their high nutritional needs, forcing them to rely on extracellular supply of arginine. In this review, we will go through the importance of arginine deprivation as a novel targeting therapy by discussing the different arginine deprivation agents and their mechanism of action. We will also focus on the factors that affect cell migration and on the influence of arginine on metastases through polyamine and NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houssam Al-Koussa
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, 1102 2801 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour El Mais
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, 1102 2801 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hiba Maalouf
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, 1102 2801 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ralph Abi-Habib
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, 1102 2801 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box: 13-5053, Chouran, 1102 2801 Beirut, Lebanon
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The Role of Rho GTPases in VEGF Signaling in Cancer Cells. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2020; 2020:2097214. [PMID: 32377503 PMCID: PMC7182966 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2097214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) consist of five molecules (VEGFA through D as well as placental growth factor) which are crucial for regulating key cellular and tissue functions. The role of VEGF and its intracellular signaling and downstream molecular pathways have been thoroughly studied. Activation of VEGF signal transduction can be initiated by the molecules' binding to two classes of transmembrane receptors: (1) the VEGF tyrosine kinase receptors (VEGF receptors 1 through 3) and (2) the neuropilins (NRP1 and 2). The involvement of Rho GTPases in modulating VEGFA signaling in both cancer cells and endothelial cells has also been well established. Additionally, different isoforms of Rho GTPases, namely, RhoA, RhoC, and RhoG, have been shown to regulate VEGF expression as well as blood vessel formation. This review article will explore how Rho GTPases modulate VEGF signaling and the consequences of such interaction on cancer progression.
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25
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Rho A and Rac1: Antagonists moving forward. Tissue Cell 2020; 65:101364. [PMID: 32746999 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cells detect external stimuli through cell-surface receptors. In cases where the stimulus is a cytokine or a growth factor, the cell responds by inducing modifications in the actin cytoskeleton. These changes are mediated through the Rho family of GTPases. Among these GTPases, RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 have been extensively studied. The activity of these proteins is closely monitored and tightly regulated through Guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) that turn the "switch" on and off respectively. Crosstalk between Rho GTPases has been long studied; yet many questions are raised regarding the spatiotemporal regulation of these GTPases, particularly RhoA and Rac1. This review sheds a light on the antagonistic relationship between both GTPases and puts emphasis on the importance of cycling of RhoA activation at the focal adhesions for optimal cell migration.
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Jaafar L, Chamseddine Z, El-Sibai M. StarD13: a potential star target for tumor therapeutics. Hum Cell 2020; 33:437-443. [PMID: 32274657 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00358-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
StarD13 is a tumor suppressor and a GTPase activating protein (GAP) for Rho GTPases. Thus, StarD13 regulates cell survival pathways and induces apoptosis in a p53-dependent and independent manners. In tumors, StarD13 is either downregulated or completely inhibited, depending on the tumor type. As such, and through the dysregulation of Rho GTPases, this affects adhesion dynamics, actin dynamics, and leads to an increase or a decrease in tumor metastasis depending on the tumor grade and type. Being a key regulatory protein, StarD13 is a potential promising candidate for therapeutic approaches. This paper reviews the key characteristics of this protein and its role in tumor malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Jaafar
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Chouran, P.O. Box 13-5053, 1102 2801, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zeinab Chamseddine
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Chouran, P.O. Box 13-5053, 1102 2801, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Chouran, P.O. Box 13-5053, 1102 2801, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Khalil N, Abi-Habib RJ. [HuArgI (co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine deprivation leads to autophagy dependent cell death in pancreatic cancer cells. Invest New Drugs 2019; 38:1236-1246. [PMID: 31823161 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-019-00883-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we examined the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine deprivation as well as the mechanisms underlying deprivation-induced cell death. [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine deprivation was cytotoxic to all cell lines tested with IC50 values in the pM range at 72 h post-treatment. Three of the five cell lines were rescued by the addition of excess L-citrulline and expressed ASS1, indicating partial arginine auxotrophy. The remaining two cell lines, on the other hand, were not rescued by the addition of L-citrulline and did not express ASS1, indicating complete auxotrophy to arginine. In addition, all cell lines exhibited G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, in the surviving cell fraction, at 72 h following arginine deprivation. Analysis of the type of cell death revealed negative staining for annexin V and a lack of caspase activation in all five cancer cell lines, following treatment, indicating that arginine deprivation leads to caspase-independent, non-apoptotic cell death. Finally, we demonstrated that arginine deprivation leads to a marked activation of autophagy and that inhibition of this autophagy greatly decreases cytotoxicity, indicating that arginine deprivation induces autophagic cell death in pancreatic cancer cells. We have shown that pancreatic cancer cells are auxotrophic for arginine and sensitive to [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-induced arginine deprivation, hence demonstrating that arginine deprivation is a potentially potent and selective treatment for pancreatic cancer. We have also demonstrated that autophagy is activated following arginine-deprivation and that its prolonged activation leads to autophagic cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Khalil
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Ralph J Abi-Habib
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102 2801, Lebanon.
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Human Recombinant Arginase I [HuArgI (Co)-PEG5000]-Induced Arginine Depletion Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20236018. [PMID: 31795337 PMCID: PMC6929075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20236018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide, and it represents over half of all gastrointestinal cancer deaths. Knowing that cancer cells have a high proliferation rate, they require high amounts of amino acids, including arginine. In addition, several tumor types have been shown to downregulate ASS-1 expression, becoming auxotrophic for arginine. Therefore, Arginine deprivation is one of the promising therapeutic approaches to target cancer cells. This can be achieved through the use of a recombinant human arginase, HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000, an arginine degrading enzyme. Methods: In this present study, the cytotoxic effect of HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000 on CRC cell lines (HT-29, Caco-2, Sw837) is examined though cytotoxicity assays. Wound healing assays, invasion assays, and adhesion assays were also performed to detect the effect on metastasis. Results: Wound healing and invasion assays revealed a decrease in cell migration and invasion after treatment with arginase. Cells that were treated with arginase also showed a decrease in adhesion, which coincided with a decrease in RhoA activation, demonstrated though the use of a FRET biosensor to detect RhoA activation in a single cell assay, and a decrease in MMP-9 expression. Treating cells with both arginase and L-citrulline, which significantly restores intracellular arginine levels, reversed the effect of HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000 on cell viability, migration, and invasion. Conclusion: We can, therefore, conclude that colorectal cancer is partially auxotrophic to arginine and that arginine depletion is a potential selective inhibitory approach for motility and invasion in colon cancer cells.
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